Jayd

DON'T REPAINT YOUR CAGE!!! Sorry Val..I'm surprised you don't remember,-a year or more ago, we had a cage painting dilemma. (Please check the archives) I contacted first Rustoleum and their response and apologies were posted concerning the fact that the paint was unsafe until dried. I continued on and contacted Krylon, and posted their apologies and responses and the change in wording they used: that their "Child-safe' paint is unsafe until dried and then "It is only safe if not chewed or chipped by a child or animal". If any chemicals or anything softens the paint, a bird or child can ingest it at which time it will become a poison. Rustoleum passed me around from rep to rep with the right hand not knowing what the left hand was doing. Krylon actually sent it to the labs to be tested and found out if chipped or chewed could be hazardous. (Chemical tests, not live tests) Under NO circumstances should you paint ANY item that a bird or child can chew on. We have one member who lost their bird because of this issue which had prompted this inquiry. When you do research or inquiry such as this, you check more than just one seller of the type of product that you are most interested in. I researched over 12+ paint manufactures and only three passed the buck as Rustoleum did. In regards to "Re-powder coating" you have to make sure about the chemicals in the coating, some contain zinc etc....Jay

Sorry Val that I suggested a first toy under these circumstances that didn't agree with yours. My concerns were as I stated about a "pointed toy", nothing more....There's nothing wrong with straw toys...Or someone having a different opinion then yours...

Thank you Val, [birdhouse]I don't use straw on a new bird because they are a preening toy, which as you know is to help ruffle feathers, the have a tendency to poke, which can bother a toy novice bird. Thanks Jayd

Hi, and welcome, Judy's right on, with Janet and Timbersmom with affirmation. I'd advise looking up Dave007 posts on breeders, there's a lot to learn there. I'd like to point a couple of things, String, "No" string, it can tangle and cause blockage in the intestinal tract. All Greys are not active, especially breeders, older Greys and abused ones, active levels vary. You can use any toy that he's comfortable with, wood blocks [thin] tied with sisal are great.. The main point here is: Was he used as a breeder because he had a problem socializing with humans? Was he a pet and then turned into a breeder? Did some one claim he's a breeder because they had a problem with him? With age and how long was he a breeder? Birdhouse's reply will become more relevant as more is found out about you rescue. Please keep us informed...Thanks Jayd

Myth Busted: The last few days I've done extensive research on vinegar. I researched the net, talked to people, called Heinz, called OSHA...Vinegar used at regular strength, diluted and/or with peroxide could possibly act as a lung irritant to people who have asthma or other breathing problems. Heated vinegar cannot cause death in animals unless what it was heated in had a contaminant. In the case of the birds dying and one living, the cause of death was contributed to some other factor...there could have been Teflon present in the coffeemaker, etc. Normal use of vinegar in non-contaminated circumstances is 100% safe but as with anything, you have to be cautious. Example: what was it heated in or stored in a contaminated container? I have been on a medicinal regiment prescribed by four different doctors for over four years which is to heat 8 ounces of water with one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar to 180 degrees and add one tablespoon of honey and sip. When it gets to 110 degrees or less, all our fids love to drink up to four tablespoons each. I received the same response from everyone; "It can be an irritant to some people's eyes and to those with breathing problems". Thank you Jayd http://versatilevinegar.org/usesandtips.html This is just one of hundreds laying praise to vinegar for both birds and humans......

Your doing a wonderful job....

As a point in reference, Your time frame has been one year, with Joe, my time frame has been four years, in that time, maybe a kiss on the nose, maybe alight on the shoulder, no physical contact for almost four years. Than one day, the shoulder is found, a crawl down the arm [OMG] a head dip and a coo, then a full body pet for over five minutes, like your petting a dog, full body contact!!!!!!! It happens, it can happen, it will happen, no matter how long the wait.......................................................Time stands still.

Thank you Janet... All members, please read Janet's post... Don't heat vinegar, use only at room temperature........

Just glad your okay now......

I'm sorry, I think you might want to read this, this is for a human, add all figures by 100. One of the deadly ingredients is the Alkyl alcohol ethoxylates. To all members, there are many really safe products to clean your birds mess with. Remember you still have to use soap with Pine sol to clean, Pine sol doesn't clean by itself.....Thank you Jayd The Clorox Company 1221 Broadway Oakland, CA 94612 Tel. (510) 271-7000 Material Safety Data Sheet I Product: ORIGINAL PINE-SOL  BRAND CLEANER 1 Description: CLEAR, AMBER, THIN LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC PINE ODOR Other Designations Distributor Emergency Telephone Nos. EPA Reg. No. 5813-83 Clorox Sales Company 1221 Broadway Oakland, CA 94612 For Medical Emergencies, call 1-800-446-1014. For Transportation Emergencies, call 1-800-424-9300 (Chemtrec). II Health Hazard Data III Hazardous Ingredients Causes substantial but temporary eye injury. No medical conditions are known to be aggravated by exposure to this product. FIRST AID: EYE CONTACT: Hold eye open and rinse with water for 15-20 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, after first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing eye. If irritation persists, call a doctor. SKIN CONTACT: Take off contaminated clot hing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. If irritation develops, call a doctor. INGESTION: Call a poison control cent er or doctor immediately for treatment advice. Have person sip a glassf ul of water if able to swallow. Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so by a poison control center or doctor. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. INHALATION : Remove to fresh air. If breathing is affected, call a doctor. Ingredient Concentration Worker Exposure Limit Pine oil 8 - 10% Not established. CAS # 8002-09-3 Alkyl alcohol ethoxylates 3 - 7% Not established. CAS # 127036-24-2 Isopropyl alcohol 1 - 5% 200 ppm - TLV-TWA a CAS #67-63-0 400 ppm - PEL b 400 ppm - TLV-STEL c Sodium petroleum sulfonate 1 - 5% Not established. CAS # 68608-26-4 a TLV-TWA = ACGIH Threshold Limit Value - Time Weighted Average b PEL = OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit - Time Weighted Average c TLV-STEL = ACGIH Threshold Limit Va lue - Short Term Exposure Limit None of the materials in this product are on the IARC, OSHA, or NTP carcinogen lists. IV Special Protection and Precautions V Transportation and Regulatory Data Hygienic Practices : Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, or using tobacco. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse. Engineering Controls : Use general ventilation or local exhaust to minimize exposure to vapor or mist. Personal Protective Equipment : Wear safety glasses. Wear rubber or neoprene gloves if there is the potential for repeated or prolonged skin contact. In situations where exposure limits may be exceeded, a NIOSH- approved respirator is advised. DOT : Not restricted per 49 CFR 173.120(a)(3) and Appendix H. IMDG : Not restricted per IMDG Code Page 0016 Paragraph 5.1.3.1.1. IATA : Not restricted per IATA D.G.R. Sections 3.3.1.2 and 3.3.5. EPA - SARA Title III/CERCLA : This product is regulated under Sections 311/312. This product contains no chemicals which are regulated under Section 313 and contains benzoic acid (CAS #65-85-0, <1%) which is regulated under Section 304/CERCLA. VI Spill Procedures/Waste Disposal VII Reactivity Data Spill Procedures : Absorb and containerize. Wash residual down to sanitary sewer. Contact the sanitary treatment facility in advance to assure ability to process washed-down material. Waste Disposal : Dispose of in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Stable under normal use and storage conditions. VIII Fire and Explosion Data IX Physical Data Flash Point : 121 ° F (Tag closed cup). Fire Extinguishing Agents : Dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), foam, or water spray. pH......................................................................................................... 3.0 - 4.0 Specific gravity ............................................................................................~1.0 Solubility in water ............................................................................Appreciab

Welcome back, was a little worried about you, I had no way to send a PM......Jayd

Main Site Index Avian DiseasesHazards Page 2 Hazards Page 5Hazards Page 3 Hazards Page 4DANGEROUS/DEADLY HOUSEHOLD POISONS:Ingested toxins:Nanday ConuresAmmoniaAntifreeze - tastes sweet, will kill anythingBathroom cleaners - like that foamy stuffBleachBoric acidCharcoal fluidCleanersCrayonsDentureDeodorantsDetergents - someDisinfectants - mostParakeetsDrain cleanersEpoxy glue - safe when completely dryFabric softenerFireworksFloor & furniture waxFloor polishFurniture polishGarden spraysGasolineGun cleanerGun powderHair DyesHerbicidesIndelible markersInsecticidesIodineKeroseneLighter fluidLinoleumMatchesMineral oilModel glueMoth ballsNail polishNail polish removerNicotine on the handsOven cleanerPaintPaint removerPaint thinnerPencilsPerfumePesticidesPine oil - such as Pine SolPlants - see list of toxic plantsPolyurethanePotpourriPrescription & non-prescription drugsRodent poisonsRubbing alcoholShaving creamShoe polishSilver polishDANGEROUS/DEADLY HOUSEHOLD POISONS:Inhaled AND Ingested toxins:Amazon ParrotAmmoniaCharcoal fluidDeodorantsDetergents - someDisinfectants - mostDrain cleanersFloor & furniture waxFloor polishFurniture polishGarden spraysGasolineGun cleanerGun powderHerbicidesSun ConuresInsecticidesKeroseneLighter fluidModel glueNicotine on the handsOven cleanerPaintPaint removerPaint thinnerPerfumePesticidesPine oil - such as Pine SolPolyurethanePotpourriSpot removerSpray starchSulfuric acidSuntan lotionToilet bowl cleanerTongue oilTurpentineVarnishWeed killerWindow cleanerWood preservativeGreenwing MacawIngested toxins: ContinuedSnail baitSpot removerSpray starchSulfuric acidSuntan lotionSuper glueToilet bowl cleanerTongue oilTurpentineVarnishWeed killerWindow cleanerWood preservativePrevious Please feel free to use Pine sol or what ever you wish. There are so many safe products a person could use, I don't understand why anyone would want to even take a small risk. Have you ever held a parrot as it's dying because someone decided to take a chance and use something that he was warned might be harmful? I have, too many times, as well as a couple of our members. So please use or feed what ever you feel works for you..Jay

Sir, the statement I made to" a Wise old man", was you. I know I always address my diet threads to all parrots and age, Thanks Dave Jayd

To re-home is a life long endeavor, there's no guaranties how long things will take. Sometimes success is measured in inch, sometimes it's no more than the knowledge that the parrot is safe and happy and loved. The saddest cry is when someone gives up, we don't lose, we move on, another parrot, but the one we gave up on suffers immensely, forever...

Thank you Dan, I agree completely with you, that's why I stated and always state to keep some pellets 24/7 available at all times. As Dan pointed out, Harrison's is probably one of the best pellets available. My biggest complaint is the bold statement some company's and people make that a parrots can prosper and recive everything their parrots need to survive on pellets alone! In all fairness, if a parront chooses to have pellets as the main entree in their parrots diet, please also learn why seeds, veggies, beans legumes etc need to also be supplied to their companions diet...Thanks so much. Jayd

To start with, Rowdybush is one of the better pellets.. Here's the ingredients in Rowdybush: Ingredients: Ground Corn, Ground Wheat, Peanut Meal, Soy Oil,Soy Meal, Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate, Yucca schidigen Extract,Salt, Calcium Carbonate, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Lecithin, Silicon Dioxide (carrier for liquid antioxidants), Sodium Selenite (on Calcium Carbonate), Niacin, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Biotin, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Zinc Oxide, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vit. A Acetate, Thiamine, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vit K), Cyanocobalamin (VitB12), Vit D3 Sup. Folic Acid, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Propionic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Acetic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Tartaric Acid, and natural apple flavoring. You will note the 1st ingredient which Rowdybush has the most of is Corn, You will also notice that it has Soy and peanut which is high in sat fat, it has many different chemical salts and sugars, it is also heat processed. I stated that "No" [Spinner stated]"pellet is "100% of the nutritional needs of our greys. Period." The link suggested is Rowdybushs own link and research! It is also made up of man made chemical ingredients. None of these chemicals exist in the wild. I and many others on this forum do not applaud you for switching to pellets but we applaud you for questioning. You can go to almost all pellet manufactures and find out what there made of and how their made. As a wise man on this forum once mentioned, "Parrots have been eating seeds and fresh natural foods far longer than pellets have been available" [These are not his exact words but close] Thank you for questioning.....Jayd

We feed a good quality seed mix less sunflower seeds and NO peanuts in the shell. We buy a mix without sunflower seeds or pick them out and give about 3tbs of the sunflowers a day. The only shell in peanut is a human grade roasted or low sodium roasted in the can. The reason for no peanuts in the shell is a parrot can possibility get Aspergillosis which can be deadly..http://www.greyforums.net/forums/showthread.php?115338-Aspergillosis We keep seeds and pellets 24/7 in the cages.Our reason for not feeding pellets is the way there made and the fact there not 100% you don't have to feed anything else parrot food. A lot of pellets are mostly chemicals, and filler ie:corn. Another main reason is there are know pellet trees in our parrots natural habitat. A diet of seeds and natural foods, veggies and some pellets have all the needed requirements for a healthy and long life. The more sugar, salt and chemicals we pump into our parrots can only do harm.....Advertising is the main ingredient in pellets. A vet will recommend a pellet because they get compensation or free samples, it's just like Nike or any one else, it's advertising...Red meats aren't really needed,Greys are prone to cholesterol, which can kill them. A little chicken, fish on occasion is more then fine, especially a chicken leg bone. Dave007 is right! Thanks Jayd

Another give away on a Grey under a year old is the red tail has a dirty black color to it.........

That's great, If I may, you should keep a little seed mix [less sunflower seeds and peanuts in the shell] and a little pellets and water 24/7...Thanks Jayd

Hi, this is a beautiful baby, the advice you've been given is correct, no way to age as Aerial said, and aw64 is correct about gloves. This baby is over 16 mo's old, the color of the eyes give it away. After the age of 6 months, their eyes steadily lighten, becoming light gray around the age of 1 year. By 18 months to 2 years, the eye color becomes a very pale yellow brown, and by the age of 3 to 4, African Greys have light yellow eyes. Once the eyes have turned yellow, it's harder to identify the bird's age. If I may, no offense meant, I feel the cage should be a little wider, unless it's used as a sleeper cage only. I like to see them to be able to spread there wings. The IRN and your Cag are fine, they may never become closer than that...Thanks Jayd

Thank you....Almonds are superior with walnuts a close second. Grapes, once or twice a week, very little fruit for our Greys, peanuts as you know should always be only human grade roasted, no sodium....Raw pasta, swells to twice it's size when wet. A good comparison for the amount of treats is the equivalent to the size of a Greys head. Walnuts approx 1/3 a day...Thanks Jay

What exactly is "Fun Food"? What foods are they referring to? [ free to feed him whatever he will eat]

Not right now don't worry..Your baby probably slept on the floor at the breeders, put a perch where it touches the floor of the cage, Pearl only has to step to get on it. Congrats Jay

Nighttime occurs gracefully, first long shadows then dusk then dark, whether we had 5 or 50 parrots in the house at any given time, the light would go out slowly.

Thank you, my input is backed by scientific research. In some cases it's considered abusive. The basic fact of letting the parrot [or human or any other animal] in a dark condition, for any length of time only to wake them up out of sleep or just resting can create a false stimulus, which can lead to, mental and psychological problems which lead to irreparable harm.....Even after the short time you've been doing this, problems could already exist. There are many post and threads on this forum and others on how to handle a problem like yours without resorting to such drastic measures. It has taken us up to 4+ years to try and resolve issues with re-homed and rescued parrots. Please reconsider what you are doing and seek out an alternative method which will not cause harm to this wonderful creature, toweling is less harmful and accepted to handle this condition....Jayd