rbpittman

Sneezing and discharge from the nares is something that should be seen by the vet - the sooner the better. On the handfeeds - only give them up when she's ready to ignore them - in other words - offer and if she doesn't want it then you can stop. Grey's have a tendancy to hand feed longer than other birds so 16 weeks is not unusual to be handfeeding. She will eat in her cage in her own time, just make sure there is always food and water available. The changes will come about the time she's ready to stop handfeding.

They will never seriously expect to drive your car. They won't ask you for the latest designer shoes and wear them only once. They don't expect a zillion gifts at christmas/birthdays and then play with only the wrapping paper. You already know you can just wrap treats up and they are happy with the paper AND the treat. You don't get disappointed by them not doing their chores. When you teach them something they know it and tell you about it all the time. They improve you ability to watch your language.

I take a bag of pepper coarse, high potency coarse and power treats and mix them thoroughly and store in an air-tight glass canister. I follow the recommended feeding amount 2-3 tbsp. per bird and make sure they have pellets all day. I do not see a distinction between the pepper or the high potency. I will find the power treats left more often than not.

I believe that is the same brand that Blue is on - made by Zupreme? Has the dried pepper and fruit bits in it? If so - Blue loves them, especially dunking them into his water.

I have four bird and only two of them will eat the same diet....go figure. Both of the greys will eat their Harrison's without fail. They eat it all day and according to the manufacturer it is a complete diet, however, all fids get fresh fruit and veggies daily. Sterling will only eat Zupreem Fruit - and only in the following order: purple, green, yellow if he wants more and red/orange if he's desperate. Every morning and evening I'm throwing out the same colors - red and orange. If they would make it all purple or purple and green I'd be happy. I've tried to convert him to Harrison's - that's a big NO WAY JOSE! Blue prefers Zupreem naturals with dried peppers and fruit. He won't eat anything else either - and I've tried. So, I go to the bird store, purchase for each, and have a lovely glass canister collection of bird pellets. They do keep us on our toes. PS - if you decide to feed your baby fresh beets be prepared for pink poo! Two of my four love them!

Jingles, Dixie leans to say where she wants to go - no lean, she's comfortable with me, lean this way - head to the swing, that way - over to her cage. This is their way of communicating with you and your observation of what they want can easily be narrowed down by giving in and seeing what Jasper sees and where he wants to go. It's great that he trusts you to take him where he wants to be and loves you enough to share the experience!

Jill - you're completely mad - oh wait - that's another thread...lol.

Rhonnie so glad to hear that Bill is feeling better, and sorry for having to re-home Lola. Know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you both.

Spock, maybe you should try some of your artwork on canvas and Maggie and Jay could sell it for you. Then you could also become famous! Great hearing from you and so sorry to hear about your tummy ache, but I'm sure it will get better soon. Maggie and Jay take such good care of you.

Dave, the babies are so beautiful! Now I'm interested in watching you retrieve them...lol. How cute is that handpuppet?

I believe it is a seasonal thing - when the weather is warmer and their hormones are blazing!

Dixie has started trusting me enough to lay on her back in my hand. This is something we are purposefully working on. While she has not "let go" of my fingers yet, she does like to lay there for a few seconds. Today she purposely hung upside down and I cradled her in my arm, still holding my fingers of course, but it was nice holding "my baby" so close. I suggest you keep your other hand close by so Rangi can grasp your fingers with his feet and right himself.

First - I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me while dealing with Beau's feather chewing behavior. You don't know what it means to me to have a support group of friends like I have from here. Not to mention the expert advice, while you may not consider yourselves experts, you are, you truly care and to me that means more than words can express. Second - an update. My anxiety was obviously being transferred to Beau. I would put him in his cage, full of fear that he would chew more feathers, and that's exactly what he did. I have over reacted in more ways than one. After reading and researching every possible thread on this forum regarding feather chewing/plucking, cage size, behavior and with great personal advice from several on this site I feel we have finally turned a corner. Unfortunately things did get worse before they got better, but things are definitely better. Dave has recommended aloe gel and aloe juice misting for the irritated skin and feathers on Beau's wing. I took this to heart and have been misting him twice a day for a week. Results from the gel seemed more instantaneous, but the misting itself has proved remarkable. I've noticed Beau's skin looks better than it did a week ago. A beautiful pink color! With the misting we have had an increase in actual preening and a dramatic decrease in feather picking. I've also changed Beau's cage. After reading Barron's The African Grey Parrot Handbook on behavior's and with advice from my AV we have changed everything that could possibly remind Beau of his time at the bird shop. Since his plucking and chewing started at the shop, he was put into his "home" cage at the shop, and only chewed while in the cage (this behavior would start the instant he was put into the cage and would stop after he had chewed a few feathers). As with many toys, we show our birds how to play with them, or with foods we eat some first and then they want them, I removed the grate and pan from the bottom of the cage and crawled inside and sat on the floor. Yes it's a large cage...lol. Beau was sitting on his swing just outside the cage, but could easily reach the cage. I guess curiosity got the better of him and he joined me. I spent twenty minutes sitting inside Beau's cage holding him, talking to him, and hoping he could see that it was a safe, happy environment. Two days into a new cage, continuing the twice daily misting, I'm experience a baby who is now eating inside his cage more frequently. Going into his cage without chewing more feathers (he went from his right wing to his tail of all things!) and a change in my own approach to caring for Beau. No longer do I put him into his cage full of fear. If he chews, he chews, if he doesn't even better, I love him just the same. This morning, we had a same routine, breakfast, playtime out of cage, flapping exercises, and aloe juice bath, and then back to cage for afternoon nap. This time is spread out from 8:30 to 11:30, and across 4 birds. To my surprise, Beau drank a little water, ate his treat and climbed up to his swing perch and is happily napping, no chewing! The moral of this saga, consistency, great attitude, great support group, great advice, and lots and lots of love. Dave's quote says it all - Happiness is a state of mind, not happy, change your mind. Thanks everyone.

Auntphibian, congrats on the new addition. I too have a rescued U2 - Sterling - and the joy he has brought to our lives is unmeasurable. Especially for my son, LP. I would never have thought a bond could be made so quickly, but they are great together. I'm sure you and Red will enjoy Gabby's interactions more and more every day and Red's progress will help Gabby acclimate to his new home. Karma to you for taking in such a beautiful baby!

Jack, you should always keep food and water in her cage, you never know when she'll be hungry. As far as the bottom of the cage - I do that because Beau has balance issues at the moment and he eats better down there, but I also have food and water in the "normal" food stations near his perches.

She loves you - and wants you! Sounds as if you have a hormonal female and has chosen you, and you are her special one. Best thing to do - don't pet her on her back, under her wings or near her vent area. Best thing to do with this type of behavior is to discourage it - simply walking away if you have to, or distracting her. My Dixie loves me the same way......what fun!

I echo Dave's and Sheila's sentiments. Jamal is a joke and by no means and expert at anything regarding Grey's. Dave is the true expert and has given you excellent advice. Sheila has pointed out all of the obvious considerations. Bringing in a "roommate" of sorts could definitely undermine the progress Ganesha has made.

Actually it was Dan's comment about a "white" stand that made me think she was describing herself. The human hair part kinda grossed me out on first reading...lol...but you never know, could have been a scarecrow type stand to make the parrot feel like he was close to mom! Join the club Fendana - I've given up wearing makeup and hairspray due to my fids desire to fix my hair for me and curl my eyelashes (the sun conure loves my eyelashes). I've given up any type of stylish clothing - I have shirts specifically designed to be worn in "the bird room" which once was my domain and private space (office). I usually find out there's bird poo on my shirt after I get out of the car when I reach my destination (it's on the seat!) Oh how our lives change when we have fids! So enjoy the love and cuddles that come along with poo and messy hair.

Beau still wants to eat outside of his cage in the morning - but that's because I'm right there, which is normal, I'm mommy. He's down to one hand feeding now (night only) and then he eats his pellets - a few outside his cage and then I put the bowl on the floor of his cage and him inside immediately after them and he continues eating - but that's our routine. Darla sounds like she's doing great - don't panic, she'll come around, I promise.

Jill, we thought you would have learned this the first time around...lol. Your shirt is designed specifically for Harvey to do what Harvey does - eat, wipe, poo, the whole nine yards - he loves you so much he has to share! Way to go Harvey!

I will be at State marching band competition, whether I want to be or not! Have already bought the candy to hand out to the band students though....load them up with sugar for the bus ride home, and I'm not a chaperone!

Thanks for the update - and know you are stressing out about the length of time it's taking to get things fixed. It's all good on our end!

First - congrats on the new baby - what's her name?? Would love to see some pictures. I'm glad you have found a new baby to wrap your heart around. Second - I'm in the same boat with you on the feedings, Beau is/was doing the same thing. In fact, just in the last three days I've found him eating in his cage, which was a struggle. The fear of him not eating or drinking all day while I was away (even if only for a few hours) stressed me out terribly. Of course, through the advice and patience of our friends here, I've realized I was transmitting my anxiety onto my baby. I weigh him every morning and as long as he's maintaining weight and not losing, I feed him his forumula as scheduled and make sure he has plenty of pellets, fresh veggies, and water. He eats just fine out of the cage, so I know he's eating. I've also discovered him eating at night when I put him to bed. This takes patience, persistence, and time. Being in a new atmosphere, your baby is taking the hand feedings fine, and will accept the new surroundings gradually. Just as Beau did - he's only been home for 2 weeks. This morning Beau was eating when I brought out his forumla to feed him, so I let him eat. I didn't offer the forumla. So far this afternoon, he's eaten again - inside his cage, and I've caught him drinking water. Patience is the key. Monitor her weight and all should be fine.

danmcq wrote: Go stand in the sun some, the pink will appear, stand there too long and you will have a red one. I'll take one if it can also do laundry and cook.

Loads and loads of prayers and love for you and Bill. Hope all goes well with the Dr.'s visit. We're here if you need us, in any way. Robin