ZivaDiva

I have an AeroGarden which I haven't used but am wanting to use it to grow lettuce for my rabbits. I am concerned about possible Teflon and emailed the company asking if it contained any PTFE. A very nice representative told me the AeroGarden does not have any in the plastic or unit itself and that they have many customers who use it to grow greens for their birds. I then asked about the lights, etc. and was told they researched it and could not find any mention of PTFE's. Has anyone used one in their house or know anything about them?

That's a nice cage and a nice price. I've never been to a bird show and hadn't planned on attending. I've been told by many people that they just aren't safe if you have birds as you can bring home diseases to them. Several vets and the bird stores I go to say it's just not worth it. I've heard you can get great deals on everything there but I haven't been willing to risk it. I'll have to do more research.

I see you're going thru what I am. There are so many options and I don't like that I am not seeing the cage in person. I keep changing my mind.

That picture is hysterical! I love how he tries to pretend he's wearing a halo. When Z does something like that and I ask him who did it, he'll say, "Ollie! Put that cat outside and close the door!" I find it really funny as Ollie is an indoor cat. Always has been, always will be.

I like the price of this one! http://cgi.ebay.com/Large-Bird-Parrot-Cage-Macaw-Playtop-New-32-Lx21-Wx60-H-/260614384021?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cadd3e995 I'm going to step away from the computer before my eyes fall out and try not to think about it for a few hours. It won't happen, but I'll try.

Thanks for the reply. Z, my CAG, sleeps on the bottom back perch in his cage. He's a little different. My new baby is missing 50% of his talons and has kind of stubby toes (for lack of a better term). I'm concerned about a tall cage since I don't know how well he'll do and I'm concerned about his falling inside from such a height. (I'm not sure that made any sense) I did see some different cages online and the prices do vary. I've always purchased my cages from a store but getting them home is drama since I have a small car. The fact that there are so many options is making me nuts. I also want to get Z a new cage but he likes sitting on top of his - no playtop - and is frightened of any changes. I tried for 2 yrs to get him to go on a playgym and he won't have it. He's not stick or hand trained either but is friendly on or in his cage. He's a work in progress. I think he might like the playtop, if and when he got used to a new cage, since that's where he spends his time. I actually roll his cage from my bedroom into the living room so he can join us to watch tv. He sits on top of his cage and has a great time. Time to search the internet again.

I need to buy a cage for my new baby CAG who will be coming home in about 6 weeks. I've been looking at this site because the guy is local and I can't make up my mind. Obviously, not all are appropriate as it's a listing of all his cages. I'm kind of tempted to get one of the HQ cages with the shelf that opens above the door. But, I'd also like a playtop. The store I'm getting my bird from does not sell cages with playtops as they don't believe in them and told me that a bird should have a place away from the cage to play. I am also going to have playstands but do like the idea of a playtop as an additional space. Any suggestions? I know there are cages out there where the entire front opens up for cleaning and am tempted to check those out. He doesn't seem to have any of his site. https://picasaweb.google.com/110162620070349853888/ROCKABIRDIECAGES?feat=directlink#

I've not seen that movie but will have to check it out. Z loves watching movies with me and always responds appropriately. In heavy action scenes, he will yell or say, "Watch out!" If it's a sad scene, he'll say "Awww" or "Oh, my!" One of my favorite responses he has is when someone survives some sort of attack and he says very relieved, "Whew!" It always makes me giggle. The most difficult is watching comedies with canned laughter as he joins in with his old crazy lady high pitched laughter. My daughter loves watching DVD's of the show Friends and Z laughs and laughs.

Thanks for the replies. I feel a tad more at ease. If the bird is a she, she won't have a mate but I do have a male CAG and they will both be in my bedroom. I hope that's not enough to get her going. Hopefully, the DNA sexing will be done in the next 2 weeks or so. A woman I know who owns a bird store lost her CAG to egg binding and she said she'd never have a female again. That must be an unusual case. I've had an Amazon and a B&G macaw who were very hormonal and now the lovebirds and cockatiels who are. I'd prefer to not deal with emergency surgeries because of being egg bound again if possible.

Z tells me when he's ready for bed. He goes back in his cage and sits on his bottom perch and says, "Are you sleepy? Are you gonna go beddie bye? It's time for beddie bye!" He'll repeat it over and over again. If I don't listen he'll yell, "I GOTTA GO!" He says good morning in the morning but at night it's "Good moo" for some reason.

Does anyone have a preference? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the baby I am adopting is male since egg binding really, really scares me. Not just in greys, but in all parrots. Is there any behavior difference between them? My female cockatiel and lovebird become untouchable/psycho and I have to provide nesting boxes for both of them or they lay continuously. I'm wondering if greys are the same way?

I had that insurance on Z for the first year after I adopted him. I changed banks and forgot to update them and don't have it now. I do want to go back to it. If I remember correctly, they cover a certain percentage of non-routine services along with the $181 for routine services if you carry the extra rider. I did like getting reimbursed for a lot of Z's regular check up and the grooming. I want it again just in case there's some kind of emergency so I will be able to get some money back. I just wish we didn't have to pay up front and let the vet collect from the insurance company. But, it's better than nothing.

I'm super sensitive to chemicals so there are no air fresheners, perfumes, well, anything scented in my house, except for some natural essential oils. It makes it easy for me as I don't have to remember what I can and can't use around the birds. I also don't use toxic cleaners. It's all vinegar, baking soda, etc. I don't get sick and the birds don't die. A friend gave me a crock pot and I've not used it. So, they're not safe either? All my teflon pans are long gone and I contacted the company that made the dehydrator I have and it's ok, but I hadn't contacted the company about the crock pot.

She's beautiful!

Thanks! I think there's something different about the special birds. What's great about it is that we, as humans, have the problem and they don't. They're fine with it. I have taken pictures of him but am still clueless how to post them on here. I never figured it out when I used to frequent the boards before. I'll have to look into it again and see if I can do it. I'm not all that talented when it comes to computers.

I visited my new baby grey yesterday. S/he is about 6 1/2 weeks old and hasn't been sexed yet. I'm so in love. He (I'm saying he until I find out) is missing several talons and the few he has are little nubs. Not sure what he'll end up with but whatever happens is fine with me. He was originally going to be returned to the breeder and I can't imagine what would have happened to him since he's considered a reject. It upsets me to think that people think a "special" bird is not worthy of having a home, etc. :mad: I have several "special" birds including a 1 legged bird, 1 missing several toes and 2 pluckers. So, he'll fit right in. They are just as awesome and lovable as any bird. I'll be visiting him again this weekend. I spent 3 hrs with him last weekend and an hour last night. I can't wait for him to come home but am also anxious about it. I have to wait and see what kind of modifications, if any, he'll need in his cage. I've only brought home one baby bird before and that is a conure with the missing toes. All my other birds were at least 2 yrs old. I'm hoping I don't mess up.

My local bird store in Los Angeles sells them for $1,200 - 1,300. That includes DNA sexing and initial lab work. They are handfed and socialized. I got Z for $400 including cage, food and a shopping cart full (yes, a shopping cart) of toys. The owner is elderly and was no longer able to care for him. Here in Los Angeles there are always several on Cragislist being sold by people that can no longer keep them. I was told about Z from a bird store.

Hi there, I've been off the forums for quite a long time but came back and saw the topic and just had to click on in. I have a 9 yr old CAG and will be adopting a baby CAG in about 2 months. The new one was recently pulled from the nest and is being handfed and we're hoping s/he's weaned early June. The new baby is missing most of his nails. I have several other birds that are "special" so I figured I'd take another one. My CAG, Z, (formerly Diva, formerly Ziva) doesn't have a problem with my 8 other birds but they are all smaller. I have cockatiels, lovebirds and conures. I'm going to go for it and hope for the best. Z is a really easy bird and doesn't have behavior problems. I hope he stays that way.

Thanks for this. I've been looking for some kind of mash recipe to make for Z and the rest of my birds. Is there anything different I should be adding for a grey?

Thanks for the replies. I'd not heard of pampered chef. And, yes, I meant not very socially responsible by buying multiple aluminum sheets.

I donated all of my non-stick stuff and would really like to bake some cookies. I've looked in stores and can't find anything that isn't non-stick. So far, I've purchased the disposable aluminum cookie sheets and used them a few times but that's not very green. What should I buy and where do I find it? Thanks!!

Actually it's for my other birds that don't include my grey. Why is it not a good idea? I'm not sure of the temp but it's low 50's, high 40's and feels really cold. Everyone is covered up well at night but I have 2 lovebirds that are pluckers and I'm concerned about them. I use a space heater in my bedroom with my grey, Z, and have not had any problems. That was before I knew about the teflon issues. If I don't have it on, he says, "It's too cold in here." I turn it on and he's happy.

I need to buy a space heater for the living room for my birds. How can I be sure it's safe? I know I can call the manufacturer but how do I know the person on the phone knows what I'm talking about? Do I just ask about "Teflon" or is it called something else? I'm vegan and often call companies to see if their food contains animal products and I've been given incorrect information before. The wrong info could be deadly to my birds so I want to make sure.

Thanks again for the replies. I'm starting to realize there's no correct answer. I'm just nervous and want to do what's best for him. Having him stay at home will at least be cheaper! (but I'm still not sure) I am thinking he might be less traumatized staying at home than being moved but I reserve the right to change my mind.

Thanks for the replies. I love the new phrase! How funny. My bunnies go to bunny camp and enjoy it but Z doesn't seem to be the same. He's not really a fan of other birds. At home, he tries to attack them so he is in a different room. I was hoping that being boarded with other birds would provide him with some entertainment since he can't get out of the cage to kill them! I don't have anyone that can come over and let him out for a little bit. I wish I could take him to DisneyWorld!