lovethatgrey

I think pellets and fruits should be offered by the time they are 8 weeks old. Not because you expect them to eat it...... but more to arouse curiosity, experimentation and to allow them to become familiar with the sight of different foods, textures, shapes and variety. In the begining they will play around, hop around, poop and toss the pellets and food all over the place but then one day they will decide to taste it. If they like the taste they will taste it some more. This will lead to "Hmmm... if this tastes good, let's see how that over there tastes. As they eat less and less formula over the next few months you increase the amount of pellets and fresh food. That is my opinion as well as my experience.<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/03/13 01:27

I personally don't use any type of cement perch for Emma but I've been filing her nails since she was about 3 months old. Her baby nails were SO sharp. I knew that I had to come up with an action plan or else I'd be spending alot of money on parrot pedicures. Today I file her nails about once a month and it's a very comfortable process for both of us. Grooming is important if it is hindering your parrot from perching properly as well as for your own comfort too. It's not fun to have your parrot perch on you if it is painful that's for sure. I think if I wasn't able to file Emma's nails.. I'd only bring her to someone after watching them file another parrot's nails. I'd have to feel comfortable with their approach and techique.

Hi there! Welcome aboard. B)

Today I did some grocery shopping. By the time I got home I realized that 7 out of the 9 items in my bag were for my parrots. I don't think that I had intended for that to happen but there you go.:laugh: Do you ever notice that when you're in the produce section you wonder whether your parrots would enjoy a certain fruit or vegetable? Or when you're going through the aisle you're checking all of the labels..not for yourself but to see whether the food item is parrot friendly.:side: I find myself purchasing certain foods that I had never purchase before. For instance, frozen vegetables YUCK:sick: I never liked them but since having parrots I must purchase this in the winter. Well today I purchased 3 bags of frozen vegetables. Corn, peas, and another assortment called Yin Yang. I can't remember what the mixture is but it looked colorful and the ingredients were fine. I must admit I would have never imagined that I would end up like this but I guess it's pretty neat.:whistle:

Emma used to seem like she was a silverish grey. Now she seems to be more of a charcoal grey. I agree that since I've been feeding her Harrison's powertreats for the last 3 months her tail feathers are growing in a GORGEOUS and Vibrant looking red. Yes diet plays a big factor doesn't it. At the petshop they were feeding her Hagen's Tropican. Now she eats Roudybush, Lafeber and Harrisons.

It looks very nice. Who knows? Maybe the perch on top or the view on top seems the best to her. I would just be grateful that she isn't afraid to perch at all. What a brave little girl she is.

Here's a picture of her this afternoon.

Do you guys notice that as your grey gets older they seem noticeably darker? I took a picture of Emma about 2 hours after her weekly shower and I was very surprised by how dark she looks. Do you think that the dander on their feathers make them look lighter than they are or am I just imagining.:pinch: Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/03/12 19:45<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/03/12 19:48

I'm truly sorry for your loss.

Oh yes.. I forgot to mention that I've been asked how long have I've had my pigeon.:blink: The first time someone asked me this I felt so insulted for Emma.<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/03/12 17:27

Hi Lainee and Roxie! She looks gorgeous and definitely inquisitive:)

Good luck in your decision making. Only you can really answer that question.

He/she is so BEAUTIFUL! Makes me want to melt.

Welcome aboard!!

I bring my parrots out in their adventure pack. People are usually very surprised at seeing a parrot travel about. People are pretty intrigued. A common question is " Does it talk?" " Is your bird expensive?". Last year Emma was pretty young so she did not speak english. This year I have to be very careful about where I bring her because I don't want her picking up any inappropriate language. I don't let strangers handle my parrot. I wouldn't want her to bite them out of fear and I have no clue where their hands have been. In terms of how I respond to people. It's a case by case situation. If they are respectful then I have no problems conversing with them but if they are obnoxious and make me feel uncomfortable I cut it short and leave. My first priority when I am out with my parrot is to her. In the end I'm the one who has to live with her so I won't tolerate anything that doesn't seem right.<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/03/12 00:02

I use youtube. I find it the easiest to use and apparently you can upload up to 10 minutes of footage. First you have to sign up as a member and then afterwards it's pretty easy.

Maybe he was just scared or nervous after all you are a complete stranger to him and african greys can be very nervous with newness. I know Emma trembles when she is extremely scared. In terms of biting, all parrots will bite at some point, tame or not tame. It is just their way of communicating to you. How else can they let you know if they aren't comfortable with something.If you decide to become a parrot owner you'll need to learn how to read their body language in order to prevent and understand why they bite. You did the right thing posting on here. Please continue to do your research and ask ALOT of questions to make sure that you are completely ready for this commitment. This website seems to have a wealth of information. It is a great place to start. Good luck on your research. Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/03/11 21:42 Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/03/11 21:46 Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/03/11 21:48<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/03/11 21:51

Here is Emma having some afternoon fruit. Her favourites are Mango and Apple.

I have 2 parrots. An african grey and a pionus parrot. As much as I love parrots, I do NOT intend to add any more. The quality of attention that I give to my existing 2 would not be the same. After all there are only 24 hours in a day and I have other responsibilities and interests. My family and friends sometimes joke around and say that when they die they hope to come back as a parrot in my home.:blink: I admit that occasionally I find it to be quite a balancing act and sometimes feel like I need a vacation away from my parrots and their needs. There are days that I wake up not feeling well... and the last thing I wish to do is clean the cages, but I do. More parrots would mean MORE house cleaning and less time and money for the ones I already have. In order to do it exactly the Way I want to do it.. I must limit myself to just Emma and Sachi and that's ok with me.<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/03/11 18:48

Padding and cushioning!

Two thumbs up for Obi!

Ooh!! I'm expecting to have to purchase some padlocks for Emma's side doors one of these days too.:whistle:<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/03/11 17:48

That's wonderful. Thanks for Sharing.

When they are that young tegular weighing is a must have. In fact a scale is something that all parrot owners should own. It's very difficult to tell if they've lost weight by sheer appearance. By the time you can tell by appearance, the situation is pretty drastic. Prevention is the key. Here's a like of the one that I purchased. It does the job very well. http://www.birdsafestore.com/Products/Sterling-Hobbyist-Avian-Scale__SCALE2.aspx

Ignoring is the BEST idea in my humble opinion. But your ignoring has to be consistent and steadfast. Our parrots love reactions of any sort. I think Earplugs for you could come in handy.