lovethatgrey

My blogpost for this weekend.. http://mabelserendipity.blogspot.com/2012/01/that-defining-moment-between-me-and.html

Karen, maybe eventually you'll try this too

Personally, I would stick to leather that was specifically intended for parrots to play with. This way you know the leather was treated and processed in a safe manner. Here's 2 places you can order leather from. For wood I would stick to natural UNTREATED pine. http://www.twinleather.com/birdtoys/index.html http://www.cabirdnerds.com/

Emma african grey is truly my dream african grey. She's my heart bird and I never imagined that my dream parrot would end up being like her. She's AMAZING. With that said, I would not add another african grey. The dust is a huge factor and I don't want any more. I used to think that I didn't like macaws, but I can tell you that I truly adore my severe macaw Mabel. She is incredibly expressive, VERY tactile, and so different than an african grey. Nobody is more suprised than I am to learn this about myself. I enjoy her SO much and have learned that after african greys, I am definitely a Macaw person. I really appreciate so much about them and there's truly nothing like being adored by a Severe Macaw. Here's my Mabellina!

I know a few parrot owners who definitely do offer watermelon on the occasion. Some even offer it dehydrated by using a dehydrator.

Keeps your parrot occupied, goal oriented and provides beak exercise. When Emma's occupied like this, she isn't perching around waiting for me to entertain her.

I personally don't offer nutriberries. I'm not crazy about the ingredients and don't feel comfortable with offering those EVEN though I used to a few years ago. Now I know better. Anyway, regarding NUTS and seeds, I purchase them individually at my local organic grocery food store. A bit for me, a bit for my flock. I also make my own sprouts for them too. VERY popular with my flock. Regarding Treats.. I purchase them from Avian Organics. She ships internationally and my flock ENJOYs the treats IMMENSELY and daily. Their favourites are Gourmet Truffles, Cupid Cookies, Mayan Crunch, Aztec Almonds, Bolivian Blast, Mango Medley and Mayan Gourmet Mash. In terms of treat and nut offering. Some things just take alot of time. This is normal and to be expected. Don't discourage. Be patient and keep offering. Try offering just a few at a time to avoid waste. Let him see you eating some as well so he knows those are ok to eat. Try to find creative ways to introduce him to new foods and those he doesn't seem too fond of but you know are healthy for him. Here's the link to AO http://www.avianorganics.com/

I think a balance of routine and occasional change is important for the well being of our parrots. Routine is good because it allows them to know what to expect and seek comfort in that. Much like children and many adults too. Change is good because it helps minimize phobic behaviour and resistance to new experiences and variety.

try Persnickety Parrot. They sell more than food and do ship internationally. http://www.persnicketyparrot.com/Treats_c_56.html

My blogpost for today.. http://mabelserendipity.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-good-are-you-at-purchasing-toys.html

I really would not allow my parrots to play with coins. Coins are so filthy. Do you realize how many hands have touched those coins? Sound like you are the best source of entertainment for your grey and she loves interaction and engagement. Alot like my Emma. )) I would recommend that you start teaching her how to forage or purchasing toys that stimulate and INTEREST her (puzzles, Fantastic Foraging Block which happens to be an (AWESOME TOY), etc) . You have to get to know her a bit better , learn about her and figure out what works and appeals to her. She is incredibly Smart. She is a Grey. Her brain needs to be occupied.

This was a great refresher for me. http://www.phoenixlanding.org/blog/2012/01/nourish-to-flourish-chop-chop-2/

This is a great article and truly applies to ALL parrots. Not just Cockatoos. http://featheredangels.wordpress.com/parrot-behavior-and-issues/behavior-issues/the-five-conditions-that-lead-to-increased-hormones-by-charles-king/

I have a feeling that he isn't swallowing anything at all even though it may seem like it. I used to worry about that too. They're very smart and tend to know what is edible and what isn't. My Emma loves shreddables. I'd rather see a destroyed toy than an untouched toy. Anything untouched is a waste of my hard earned dollars.

You're welcome. Yes, I purchased it at the same place. Tracie was very nice to do business with. I purchased 2 from her.

I Found this on The Parrot Enrichment site. Lots of videos to learn from and valuable advice. Do take the time to check it out. http://www.projectparrot.com

Emma gets very lovey and in a *sexy* mood when she knows it's time to go take a shower for some reason. I really don't know why.

Koekie, She's eating a clementine! Thanks Dave, I think I understand how this works now:) Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

I'd contact the vendor you purchased the pellets from or TOPS to see if perhaps they changed their recipe? Because it is organic and made with alot of natural ingredients perhaps there will be occasional changes depending on the season? I have no clue. I don't use this brand.

For the full story I elaborate more on my Blog.. http://mabelserendipity.blogspot.com/2012/01/emma-enjoying-her-juicy-fruit.html

As a follow up to my previous thread, here are videos of my parrots playing with their foraging toys that were designed, created and crafted by Kris and her husband. We are VERY pleased! If you've ever had trouble figuring out how to teach your parrots how to forage, I strongly recommend these greats items of avian enrichment. Kris is also in the midst of designing smaller ones for parrots like senegals, lovebirds, quakers, cockatiels, budgies.. etc. If you wish to purchase, here's the site... http://parrotenrichment.com/products.html

Here are two examples of toys that Emma really enjoys. One illustrates a shreddable toy. The other with Knots. [video=youtube;-VaOGWRovCA]

This is too creative not too share. My buddy Coco took some wonderful photographs of what she did with the foraging blocks.. http://cocosflock.wordpress.com/2012/01/05/truly-fantastic-foraging-blocks/#comments

Here is where I like to purchase my toys for Emma african grey.. http://www.greyforums.net/forums/showthread.php?194627-Places-where-I-shop-at-for-my-parrot! Her favourites are wonderful pine from Oliver's Garden, and any toy that is easy to shred. I will post a video later to show you an example. She also loves to undo leather knots. For wonderful toys of this kind I recommend TNT toys and specifically the Alex Toy. It is wonderful. Regarding offering baby toys, I would not offer any type of those to any of my parrots. Most of those toys are made in countries like China due to cheap labour costs. As you probably already know there is also very little or no regulation when it comes to the safety of these items. I would never consider risking it. I prefer to purchase from vendors who value providing safe and interesting products geared specifically towards parrots. Recently she LOVES the parrot enrichment block because she enjoys working for her treats.

Luvparrots, I was wondering how your idea about sticking the peanut butter in the foraging holes worked out? I am intrigued.