rbpittman

My vet recommended twice daily mistings for Beau for his picking - and since I've done it consistently it has reduced dramatically. You might want to consider the dog. Especially since Rebel was used to having him/her around.

Well here's my two cents worth! First - you panicked, we all have, and it's expected. Sinbad is your baby and you reacted the same way you would have had he been a human child. That doesn't change your feelings one bit (his being human or avian). Sinbad is your baby. The only true difference is you can talk to a child and to a certain degree you can use your human words to explain why you were so upset and what caused the panic; pointing out the ants, the danger they represented and why you reacted as quickly and forcefully as you did. I would have done the same thing. While I wouldn't expect anyone other than a grey owner to consider this, since they don't understand the connection we have with our fids, I would in all honesty sit down and talk to Sinbad in the same tone you would a 2 or 3 year old child and explain, 1. I'm sorry I caused you to be afraid of me. 2. There was a danger, and I was afraid you were going to be hurt. 3. I rushed to you because I love you, and if you were hurt in any way, I too would be hurt. 4. While you may not like my telling you "no" at times, I will only do this when your safety and health are at stake, and while you may not like it, I have a reason. 5. Be consistent, keep the emotion out of your voice when saying no, and hug him and kiss him and love him all the more. Like with human children, they want the discipline, they need the discipline, and they will push their limits to make sure you still love them.

Like the others have said, time and patience is the key to winning your way to handling a grey. He will pick his favorite, and that can change tomorrow. Congrats on the new addition and what you see as a problem really isn't, you're learning about your grey's personality!

Jules, while everyone has told you what "fid" means, now you have a reason for joining us in S.P.E.W. No question is stupid, we laugh with you, and all questions are welcome. Check it out under "off-topic".<br><br>Post edited by: rbpittman, at: 2009/11/04 20:59

I thought mine were the only ones who would "drink" the condensation from the cans/glasses......glad to know I'm not alone. Jill - this is just another reason for F.A.R.T., T..T., AND T..T.II, and Harvey giving you a reason to pop the top again!

Red mark's on the wall for that one! Not just a word, but a sentence! I know you are thrilled beyond expression! WTG Chimay, you've made mommy's year!

While this may sound morbid, is it possible to remove the nest Joey was buildig and put it in a shoe box or other type of box for preservation? This would in my mind be theraputic in helping preserve the memory and love of Joey. It may also help you in moving forward. We understand that the dogs didn't do this maliciously, for them it was either instinct or just play. We love you and feel your pain and hope that with time you will find another grey that needs you as much as you will need him.

what a wonderful foot toy! thmks for posting shelia.

Sunlight provides the necessary vitamin D3 which is needed for the proper development of calcium in their bones. We as humans need vitamin D as well, which is why milk products are so important to us, hence strong bones. For our grey's sunlight is extremely important and the use of proper lighting - UVB - is a necessity along with the proper diet. Other than that, each grey is a disctint individual and I assume prone to some of the same issues each of us face daily, not enough sleep, not in such a great mood; weather crappy, outlook can be as well; things different for whatever reason, it is reflected in our moods. They react very much the same way, some more than others, however, attributing human characteristics is not always a good thing. We can assume they are happy because they play, talk, eat and have a "positive" attitude. We know when they are unhappy for the same reasons, but looking at them more closely may be required. Is this mood caused by a change in the household, your mood/anxiety level, or is there something else going on. At 5 1/2 months your baby is starting to group up a little and may be starting to exert some independence or personality of his own, or there may be something causing him discomfort, or an illness. Look again carefully at everything in his view point, make sure nothing has changed and then monitor the behavior for additional changes.

A former neighbor had a macaw that was kept only in it's cage. Seemed that only the mom could get near the bird and thus it was kept in it's cage, in the garage. I don't know the whole story of the bird, but it was not talked about nicely by the rest of the family. Fortunately, they had to move and could't take the bird with them. She was re-homed, and is allowed out of her cage, but does not interact well with her human counterparts at all still and this was 3 years ago.

What a great idea Jan. I've found that with Sterling he lets me know when he's got to poo, so I just lean backward and he does his business and hits the ground. Dixie, her wiggle is a definite sign and she steps up easily from my shoulder and does her thing. Beau, well he's still a baby, hasn't got much time between body movement and letting it go. Blue poos before he takes off flying fortunately.

I'm here, I'm here! Unfortunately no partying for me tonight - last home football game and I get to drive the golf cart all night! Party time tomorrow though!

Oh what fun! Hope you have a great time and don't worry - you have a sitter for everyone and they will be fine - take loads of pictures.

Encore Encore

JillyBeanz wrote: Jill, we'll teach you how to use the potty if you want to learn...lol. While I haven't been able to get Dixie to master going only in one spot, I have been working on it with her. It's just like working with them to wear their harness - consistency, patience, and time. You don't force the harness I assume, so taking the time to learn to toilet in one area should be an accomplishment you will succeed at.

The aloe gel and juice misting are significant helps with this - apply the gel liberally. It has made a difference in Beau's skin, and I believe has helped stopped some of the feather chewing itself. Dave gives excellent advice and that is what he advised me to do. Thanks again Dr. Dave.

I didn't know there was a distinction between the lifetime and high potency. Thanks for the information.

Dixie occassionally wants to drink my coffee as well and I promise you it's not the unleaded stuff! To make her feel like she's drinking my coffee I give her a teaspoon of warm water in an espresso cup that is brown. She thinks she's drinking coffee with me...lol.

I'm sure we all have a great story about how we picked our fids, but why a Grey as opposed to a Macaw or Parrotlet, or anything in between. I'll start: I wanted an Umbrella Cockatoo. You know like Fred in Baretta. Well making sure I was doing the right thing, I made sure to research cockatoos. That research convinced me not to get one. So I looked at smaller and went with a suggestion from a friend, a sun conure. I did my research, made the appropriate plans, and had my heart set on a sun, until I saw Dixie. Three weeks of research and changing plans resulted in my getting a grey. I can't explain it - she didn't even speak to me in words so I can't say it was her ability to talk. There were three other greys in the shop - I had no interest in them. By the way - there were at least 5 sun's in the shop that day!

Paul and I have been married for 14 years, together for 15 and dealing with all of life's ups and downs together for the entire time. Needless to say he's my Prince Charming, always able to ride in on a white horse and rescue me without my having to ask him to. I play a great damsel in distress. To say there is a mutual admiration society going on between us is redundant. However, today, he surprised me like he has never done before (even when he popped the question and presented a diamond that made my mouth drop open). The mail arrived as usual, excep this time along with the water bill was a box. Addressed to Paul, but with him gone to Maine (since 9/14 and not due home until 11/25) I figured he been shopping. He does this occassionally, but usually stuff for our son, or something he's found from his favorite university (Ole Miss) or one of the things he's heard about on Rush. So without really being excited I opened the box. Inside were books - not a big deal, we both like to read - until I look at the titles. Now I know this won't sound really exciting to all of y'all, but they thrilled me to the pint of tears! My dear sweetie had sent me "The Heritage Guide to the Constitution", "The Federalist Papers" and "Common Sense, The Rights of Man and other essential writings of Thomas Paine". Oh, and in case you didn't know - I'm a pre-law student at the local community college, graduating in 2010 with hopes of completing my bachelors after that and going on to law school.

Hubby said if I have another day with a windows system I can go get a Mac. I told him I was waiting for your new system, assuming you'll be using your own OS. He further commented on my desire to stay on the bleeding edge of technology and his paycheck supporting almost all of silicon valley. What can I say, I like to be in the lead....heheheh.

Bernie, you always have major boat work to do. Now I'm assuming you're talking about your "toy" as opposed to yourself?

Beau was doing the exact same thing - you should see his right wing - no flights at all - even before the first vet visit - he had chewed them completely down. Left wing is gorgeous. We are trying to stop a behavior before it becomes a habit. Dave gave me the best advice I've received from anyone - bathing in aloe juice twice a day and the gel. It has worked the best so far. While Beau does have a pnuemonia, the antibiotics were only started yesterday and wouldn't have been involved in the improvements we've seen.

If it's possible for you to visit the breeder and spend some time with your baby before you bring her home it would be great. You can start the bonding process and learn some of your baby's likes and dislikes. The easiest way to handle her is by example of the breeder.

Let's see - Dixie (CAG) 19 months Beau (CAG) 4 months Blue (Sun) 4 months Sterling (U2) 9 years