rbpittman

I have 6 of 7 parrots in my office/bird room. Lights out is at 8:00 to 8:30 pm year round, even though in the summer there is still some light coming through the windows. They are all up and moving at 6:30 am - best alarm clock in the world if you ask me. Nap time is from 3:00 to 4:00 daily. This routine allows my parrots to know they will have that quiet time to sleep/nap/rest if they need it. When they want to rest/nap they just find their place and get quiet. The 7th bird is in the living room and his bedtime is 9:00. Lights out, tv off, etc. Sterling has more quiet time during the afternoon than the others do, but is the first one out in the morning's and the last one down at night due to being in a more active part of the house. You may want to look at the consistency of the routine as opposed to the actual times and your Grey will learn when they can catch up on any missed sleep. The only grumpy ones in my household are my husband and daughter who could both sleep much more than they do. Robin

Isabella is soooooooo beautiful! I know you can't wait to cuddle and snuggle that darling. When I brought Beau into our home Dixie had been the only bird in my office, now the bird room. It was a one on one introduction and Dixie was not at all happy about having to share anyone. It took about six months for her to be "okay" with Beau being there. Of course Beau was only four months old when I got him. Today, she could care less about Beau, except she loves to go into his cage and forage in his food bowl for her favorites before Beau gets all of them (he eats his fresh food first, she prefers her dried fruits and veggies first). Of course, he's the only one allowed to play on her cage or go into her food bowl to get what she's left while out playing. When we brought Morgan (also four months old at the time) in he came straight from the vet into the house, cage in tow, and all set up with no notice. There have been a few efforts on Dixie's part to "visit" Morgan's cage, but he quickly exhibits the fact that's he's bigger and off she fly's - no lunges, no arguments - she got the point. A mutual respect society going on with those two. Having just brought Yoshi into our home I handled her arrival much differently than with the others. With Yoshi, she stayed in a separate room for almost a week while we awaited the vet appointment. This gave me an opportunity to talk to everyone about Yoshi, tell them she was here, they could hear her, she could hear them. It also gave me the opportunity to learn about Yoshi without the stress of the others around. What her distinct personality was - or what she was willing to show me in a week's time. I think this helped us with the introductions when the time came to actually move her. I had her in a smaller cage than her own, which was set up in the bird room. The other birds had a week's time to explore, climb over and determine that this new cage was old hat by the time Yoshi actually moved in. It also allowed me the ability to remove them from this cage and state that it was Yoshi's without fear of either of them being hurt or intimidated. When it came time for Yoshi to join everyone else, I brought Dixie into the room Yoshi had been staying in and made the introductions. This allowed Yoshi some stability of knowing the room already and Dixie the confidence that she was with me. After this introduction everyone moved to the bird room and it's been fun ever since. There have been difficulties, I won't say it's been perfect, but the issues have been more of Yoshi's wanting to be in places she's not supposed to be instead of the other's trying to get into her space. Dealing with the one is much easier than dealing with four at once. Mind you it took me 4 weeks to be comfortable with all of them out at the same time, that's why it took so long to get pictures, I couldn't sit down with Yoshi out, I was constantly moving her back to her cage, or putting her back on the play stand, etc. Yoshi will be 2 years old in April, so I considered the age differences in the difference of the introductions. In the end I always feed Dixie first as she was my first. The others get fed in the order they arrived in the house. Dixie is always let out first, she's always put up last, and she get's all of my husband's attention as he's her chosen one. That was established prior to any of the others, and he's not allowed to touch any of the others except Beau. She tolerates that, but she likes Beau. Even my children follow the pecking order of talking to the birds....Dixie first. Of course she eats it up. My only real piece of advice, follow the lead of your birds. You know their personalities more than anyone else, and can predict better their reaction based on previous reactions to different things. You'll do a great job no matter how you go about making the introductions. Robin

I got the purple swirly thing for the birds to sit on outside of their cages and play with, it gives them something for the outside to use and not as long as a regular perch. It is also twisted so it is good for their feet. Beau didn't care for his, then again he won't sit on the front of his door and play with toys, but Dixie and Morgan love theirs. Morgan has Beau's on the inside of his cage and sits/plays on it regularly. I've ordered one for Yoshi, it just hasn't come in yet. That used to be my "office" and is now an official bird room. You couldn't see Dixie's cage in there, but she's there also. Next to Yoshi's cage is a window with a swing in front of it and then Dixie's cage is on the other side of that. I guess I'll have to work on the "360" view of the room. Robin

I made Dixie's first playstand out of PVC (water grade) and then wrapped it with vet wrapped and then wrapped that with cotton rope. She can't get near the pvc, but she loves to play on it, climb, sit, sleep and run others off of. All joints are put together without glue and then vet wrapped, rope wrapped and thus not coming apart. I've seen plenty of other toys/stands made of water grade pvc, I believe it's the ingesting of pvc which would be dangerous. Robin

Here's my Captain! He's a Panama Amazon - hoping to get some video of him showering - one of his favorite acitivites. He also loves to sing when music is playing. Morgan is quick to talk, mostly shibberish, but he clearly says "hello morgan" Robin

And now the much anticipated video! Needless to say the above pictures were taken with all of the birds out at one time. Yoshi has worked very hard at learning her place, where she can and cannot go, what is for her to play on and what she can't. We've even mastered the 'fly to me' with no problems. I'm sorry I've made you all wait so long to see these, but I believe the wait was worth it. Robin

My condolences on the loss of your mother. I believe Greys have an excellent memory and they remember those who show their love to them. Gizmo will know and remember all the love and care you gave him while you were with your mom. Dixie has chosen my husband as hers and he travels, a lot. Last year he was gone for 6 months, and even though he was gone, the minute he got home to her, she went back to him as if he had never left. Enjoy Gizmo and all the love he is sharing with you and your family. Robin

Found some spare time - after baths this morning and even have a little video. Mind you this has taken four weeks to accomplish! Sorry for the blurry - she's faster than my phone. Morgan Morgan and Beau Wingtips of Yoshi Morgan, Beau & Yoshi Video is still uploading - will post asap. Robin

My nephew has called Aunt Bird for years (prior to being owned by parrots) because he couldn't say Robin when he was little. I just grew into the name, and relish it! 2 CAG's 1 TAG 2 Conures 1 Amazon 1 Cockatoo 4 Parakeets I resemble that remark about "CRAZY BIRD LADY" Robin

I have finally figured out how to get everyone out of their cages at the same time and in good spirits without any troubles! YEAH!!! Was I able to replicate the process YES! This morning I went out to let everyone out while fixed breakfast. This has been the norm for ages, except I had to leave Yoshi in her cage while everyone else got out for about an hour in the morning. I brought Yoshi with me to the kitchen this morning, the flying started again immediately, and by the time I was done she was back on my shoulder. We walked out to the office, I set down the tray, and set Yoshi onto her cage. Again she stayed until her food was put into her cage. As soon as their breakfast is served, they all go into their cages to investigate, eat their breakfast and cage doors are closed. I change out their cage papers, and we're off to get LP ready for school. Routine is very important. Will this work tomorrow morning? Wait and see. Yoshi is a flyer. She has been from the beginning I assume, having never been clipped. The rest of the flock were all clipped when they came home (not my choice, all flighted now). The minute I would let Yoshi out (of course after hugs and kisses) and set her down to play, she would take off. Flying around the room, exploring, and landing on every place she should not be (the tops of other cages). Well I got a bright idea yesterday morning and decided to let everyone out at the same time, except after all hugs and kisses were done I didn't set Yoshi back on her cage. I took her to the living room. All ceiling fans off. All windows with curtains down. Fly Yoshi. I swear she went through the entire house flying, navigating, stopping and calling. I returned her call, she flew back to me. Off she went again, making circles - through the living room, down the hall way, left turn down next hallway, into the kitchen, back to the living room. This went on for about 20 minutes and TA-DA she was done. She came back to me, climbed up on my shoulder, and stayed. So I went back to my office, set her on her cage and sat down in my chair. I didn't have to get up once to remove Yoshi from being in the "wrong" place. I needed to learn how to make Yoshi happy, everyone else happy, and satisfy her need to fly. I've been writing about this integration of a new bird into the flock for everyone else to follow, not that I have special insight into the process, but because I have a situation that many have been interested in. What I am learning about this process is different from the others. There are so many questions posted daily about the process, should/shouldn't we get a new bird, how do we do the introductions, etc. What I can say simply is that each and every bird is completely different. I have seven (7) parrots and each has a very different and distinct personality. They do not all get along with each other. There is one who cannot come into my office. They are not children, you can not tell them, play nice and don't bite your brother. A timeout in the corner isn't appropriate. They don't share toys well. Yoshi has been with us for almost four weeks now and it's been a totally different experience than any of the previous six. The reasons can range from she's an older grey (2 years old as opposed to being 4 months old when brought home) to being a different (slightly) species, to her being a female, to .... the list can go on. Primarily it's hit and miss. What works for me, won't work for you. Why? Who knows, ask your bird. Patience, persistence, and most of all paying attention to the small details of your bird(s) is extraordinarily important. Don't not try something because I didn't do it, don't try something just because I did. Examine all possibilities though and think them through. Robin

Dixie does that on occasion as well. It's funny because she's moving her feet around as if she were trying to reach the bottom of where ever. I love it when she feels my fingers with her feet, latches on and lets go, with a look that says "I planned this so you would get up and come over here!" Robin

Wow, what beautiful pictures. Cocoa looks like she's really enjoying those peanuts and other foods while enjoying the nature around her. Thanks for sharing. Robin

OK Ray, you have the sympathies of a southerner. I love looking at the pictures of the snow, hate the power outages (been there, done that). I'll be thinking warm thoughts for you. Robin

This may sound silly but I had a hard time getting Dixie to eat her veggies daily, but she loves bananas and grapes. My solution - sliced veggies smeared with smashed bananas, smashed grapes in smashed sweet potatoes. I don't know if they can smell their fruits on their veggies, but they do end up eating them. Now zucchini is one of Dixie's favorites, without bananas spread on them and she's willing to try any and all veggies. BTW - she only really hates broccoli. Robin

Judy, you hit the nail on the head with Yoshi trying to find her place in the flock, and this is the biggest problem we are facing. I really feel for Yoshi in this matter as she's trying very hard to be herself, something I applaud, but is having to be removed from various places because they belong to someone else. She just wants to be friends and is very very curious about everyone else and their cages. She does not react negatively when being removed and put back on the playstand or her cage. I will say she's eating extremely well and the change to Harrison's went much smoother than I had expected. She absolutely loves her fresh vegetables and fruit and is quick to dive head first into her bowl at breakfast, lunch and dinner. She's learned to navigate her way from my office to my bedroom with no problems. I was taking a nap yesterday (trying hard not to give into this fever and chills) and was awakened by this little chirp from Yoshi who was sitting on the pillow next to me. Seconds later Sarah came in looking for her. She was letting everyone out for the afternoon since I wasn't feeling well and Yoshi apparently missed me. Sarah is going to take pictures this afternoon so I can post them later. Robin

Dixie doesn't do this - THANK GOODNESS! - but when the phone does ring, I get a full conversation in at least two voices while I'm trying to talk to the person on the other end. Do you know how hard it is to concentrate on the person on the other end and not listen to Dixie? Way to go Greyson in getting Mommy's attention! Now pick up the sound of the alarm clock so she never oversleeps!

So where do I begin??? Life in what once was my office is definitely interesting, exciting, scary and fulfilling. Yoshi has been fitting in very well with the rest of the flock. She's expanding her vocabulary as well as the vocabulary of Dixie, Beau, and Morgan. The peek-a-boo game is always going on, but with four players you never know who is going to "see you." I'm not sure who is learning more Beau or Yoshi. Beau has been my slow to talk CAG but since Yoshi showed up he's expressing himself more and more every day. Thank you very much Yoshi. Yoshi is probably having more adjustment problems than the others are in that she came from being the only bird in her home to the new kid on the block in a house full of birds. She's testing the waters with great vigor however, and learning exactly what the limitations are for her. I am trying to do all of the proper things in this long term introduction, it's not something that will happen overnight and I'm aware of the potential pit falls. Having been through this with Beau and Morgan does make the process easier however. Persistence and patience is the key to tackling and dealing with everything that comes along in this introduction with the new "roommate." The biggest issue at the moment is Yoshi's desire to be on the other birds cages. This is where we have to be diligent in our supervision and not taking anything for granted. Of course Dixie pushes this still, but she knows when Mommy say's "go back home," I mean it. With her now all I have to do is stand up or if already standing take one step toward her and she flies back to her cage. Yoshi on the other hand is in the learning process of this command. Her favorite at this moment is Morgan, who does not like anyone on his cage whatsoever, and rather than take a chance on a hurt toe, I'm having to constantly take Yoshi off of Morgan's cage. Yoshi being fully flighted makes this process a little more difficult, but I'm very pleased that Yoshi is now coming to me on command as opposed to just sitting there ignoring me. The only other issues we've seen with Yoshi is her willingness to bite without warning. While I know to watch her body language, she loves to test how much we are paying attention to her. She's not biting hard enough to break the skin, but she is pushing her ability to be in control. Again, patience and gentle words with consistent follow through is required. This behavior is much less apparent today than it was two weeks ago. Balancing the time with each bird has not been as much an issue as I had thought it might be. Dixie of course has her favorite person, my husband. She's out of cage for the majority of the day, and when he gets home from work is permanently attached to him, or in his line of sight. Beau has actually been more independent than before. I'm assuming that this is coincidence since he's getting older and more confident in his own abilities, but he also knows that he's able to get to me when he needs/wants to. Yoshi loves to sit on my left shoulder and Beau on my right, so they have managed to work out their "perfect spots" without any problem. It makes studying fun when you have both of them wanting head scratches at the same time but you need to turn the page in the book, or type the paper that is due! Morgan, being an Amazon, is happy to give loads of kisses and without having to be on me. He has his favorite spots in the office and loves to climb all over the rope door. Yoshi seems to have fallen for LP (my son) and flies to him the moment she sees him, so he's thrilled that she's willing to be with him. What I can say about this introduction that is different than before is that I'm bringing in an older bird to the flock who has a distinct personality and habits that need to be learned and understood as opposed to the babies that were brought in previously (Beau and Morgan were each 4 months old when introduced; Yoshi is almost 2 yrs. old). The diligence and level of attention is much higher to the actions of each bird, and the reward is as equally heightened. Still working on the pictures - I know, everyone wants them! Robin

Well the introductions all went well, but I can't say that everything else has gone as smoothly. Of course the main players are still Yoshi and Dixie as they are both females (I say that just because, not specific reason regarding the breed). Yoshi didn't take long to unpack her bags and make herself at home, which literally thrills me to death. That's what I really wanted to happen as opposed to Yoshi not coming out of her shell. She's very sure of herself and that's a great thing. Dixie on the other hand is Queen of the Flock and Princess Yoshi hasn't quite realized the implications of this. Both birds are fully flighted, so we add that to the mix and you put me in the picture constantly jumping up and moving Yoshi back to her place and Dixie back to hers. We've only had one squabble in this time, Dixie was on her boing and Yoshi decided she wanted to fly there as well. Yoshi saw Dixie, hovered for a few seconds and quickly went back to her cage. The biggest problem at this writing is Yoshi learning to stay in her own area, away from the others. She's only wanting to be friends with them, but they aren't quite ready to do that....of course it's only been a few days, she will rub off on them in time, she's not going anywhere. On the bright side - the "peek-a-boo" "I see you" game is the majority of the conversation between Dixie and Yoshi, it's wonderful listening to. Beau has loosened up his tongue quite a bit in the last few days vying for attention, now saying "hey Boo-Boo" (a nickname for LP) and Morgan has gotten into the "night night" chant. Yoshi's letting me hear more of her vocabulary, which is wonderful. All in all, I figure the last few days incidents and introductions have gone very well. No lunges from anyone, just one very inquisitive TAG in a room filled with CAG's, Conures, and an Amazon! Robin

Mine literally tell me it's "night night" time and kick me out of my own office! Dixie and flock have always had light's out at 8:30 sharp (an arbitrary time I picked) and it's been that way since I got her. We go through a routine of night time kisses, starting with Dixie and ending with Dixie again, but even Morgan has picked up on the theme, when he's tired he start's the night night, Dixie definitely finishes it with "night night MOM!" I don't cover cages as the birds are in my office. Sterling (U2) lives in the living room where my son spends the majority of his time. Sterling has a specific time he think's LP should be in bed - 9:00 pm - of course this is after I've put the majority of the flock to bed, made the coffee for the next day in the kitchen, finished whatever dishes may still be in the sink and then head to my own room. Friday and Saturday nights are the worst since LP doesn't have school the next day he's relegated to watching tv in Mom's room until his 10 pm bedtime. Sterling has a very loud call of bedtime so it's one that is not ignored. The parakeets are in Sarah's room and don't get covered although I'm sure with her night owl tendencies they wish they did. Robin

Timmy is asking you to respect his property and his body language is telling you all of that. Forcing your grey to come out on your terms is counter productive to the trust you are building. Dixie loves to hang upside down in her cage, and is just as precise with her beak as Timmy is - only took me one time to figure out - "I'm happy hanging upside down here, I'll come out when I'm ready." So I open the cage door, she's usually out in a heartbeat and I don't suffer any bites (not a member of the parrot bit me club still!) and gladly steps up with no problems. It's a form of respect in my opinion. Robin

I use a two-one ration (two parts water - one part vinegar). You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (stronger smell). I prefer white, and I can clean the cage with the bird inside if necessary - although they are usually out watching me. Dixie likes to sit on my back and "help" Robin

I'm so sorry to make you all wait until today for the update - the time spent with the introduction to the flock was much more important and extraordinarily gratifying. First - vet visit went wonderfully. It was colder than I suspect Yoshi was used to so I covered the travel cage with a small quilt to go outside. Yoshi didn't particularly like this, but I had already warmed up the car so she didn't have to stay under wraps for any real length of time. Dr. J was so funny when he met Yoshi, he was talking to her in a baby voice and she said "beeped" her disappointment. He quickly changed his tone to normal and again Yoshi responded, this time with a better "beep." Yoshi is fully flighted and Dr. J expressed some concern about this with the introduction to the flock. Would she respond well to me, what had we been working on prior to the integration process, how was she handling the change in environment. All those same concerns I'm sure you are all having. Health wise, she's "the picture of health." She's quickly adapted to the Harrison's pellets, eating them with gusto and leaving her Roudybush. This could be a temporary thing since they are "new" so we are including the "old" with the "new" for safety's sake and continuity, and Dr. J. reiterated that sentiment. He was very pleased with her socialization. Yoshi was not very happy with having to be examined but she quickly went back to her happy self once back in the safety of her travel cage. When we got home I decided that since we had already had an adventure it would be best to let Yoshi settle down a bit and get comfortable again before making the move to the flock. I set her up with lunch of pomegranate and green beans and spent a couple of hours with the rest of the flock. I took each of the birds out and explained to them that Yoshi would be joining them in the afternoon and they were to make her feel welcome and giver her some space to adjust. After everyone had been informed, I took Dixie (Your Royal Highness to the rest of the flock) to meet Yoshi in the spare room where Yoshi has been camping. I had set up a chair and a Yoshi's playstand and let Dixie explore it. She didn't seem at all impressed with "the bird in the cage." I sat there with Dixie on the playstand, Yoshi in her cage and just talked to them, making the formal introductions, explaining how things were going to happen and when they were going to happen. Dixie remained unimpressed and Yoshi started to make a few noises. Suddenly Yoshi said "peek-a-boo" and Dixie responded immediately with "I see you." I cried. Acceptance. I took Dixie back out to her room and went and got Yoshi. Knowing the rest of the flock would follow Dixie's lead I let everyone out of their cages and set Yoshi on top of hers. She was so happy to be back in her "home" and explored it quickly - making sure all her "stuff" was back in it's original place. The remainder of the afternoon and evening was spent just watching everyone. Morgan could have cared less that Yoshi was there. Beau wanted to go make friends immediately. Blue & Bean - well their other names are "fear and chaos" so they had no opinion. Dixie did very well - the closest she got to Yoshi's cage yesterday was her swing (it's between their cages). She was intrigued, but behaved herself very well. Now why did this go so well for the very first time - I have to credit reading this forum and the experience of those who have gone before me. Understanding and treating the birds with respect, acknowledging the first of the flock and their position in the flock. Yes I have integrated other birds into the flock, I didn't start with "10" but each addition has been the same, quarantined until vet checked, talking to the flock and letting them know what is going on. Respecting the flock leader (the first bird) and knowing the personalities of each bird. That takes a lot of time and energy. I'm thankful I've been given the opportunity to do so. What I've been rewarded with was Dixie's acceptance of Yoshi, her willingness to be accepting and Dixie responding to Yoshi's "peek-a-boo." We've been hearing it all morning! Pictures to come soon. Robin

Today is the day we see the vet! Our appointment is at 11:00 and I'm so excited. Once this visit is done we should start the integration process. I'm nervous, excited, jumpy, can't sit still, want this done so I have all my fids in one place. For the past couple of weeks I've been making sure I talk to Dixie, Beau, Morgan, Blue & Bean about their new sibling YOSHI. I know they know she's already in the house, they can hear her and she can hear them. Yoshi has had free reign of the three bedrooms of the house and figured out how to get into the kitchen when I'm fixing breakfast. Not having her in the same room has helped with the bonding process without the competition of the others for my attention, but dividing myself across the house has presented more of a challenge than I had anticipated, not because of time or distance, but due to the fact that I don't want to be away from any of them. It's been so difficult to not just take Yoshi out to the office and put her in her cage. All of the other babies have had plenty of time to explore Yoshi's cage - all the excitement of something new, without the worry of intimidating Yoshi. Of course we've told them every time one of them have ventured over that "this is Yoshi's cage, you can look, but you can't claim" and give them a minute to "look" and then remove them to their own cage. Fortunately for me, Dixie is the only one who's territorial about their cage (she does let Beau visit though). Yoshi has been happily bonding with everyone in the house. Yes this is the honeymoon and I'm sure she'll choose a favorite, but we'll worry about that at a later date. How's a girl to choose with four people in the house who already love her. My only real concern is that she decides to love my husband who is already taken by Dixie. (Dixie doesn't share her man!) Of course Sarah and LP are both praying that they are her chosen one, I just want her to be happy, those things will come in time. Yoshi has been chattering up a storm here, quick to play "peek-a-boo" and let us hear her vocabulary. I can definitely hear Jessica's and Mike's voices, something she will always have with her. My husband was very impressed with her willingness to shower - he was surprised when I left the door opened just enough for Yoshi to fly in and join him yesterday morning. Well enough about the last few days - I will leave you all in anticipation of the events to come this afternoon. Robin

My mother watches my fids when I go away for a week and she's not at all comfortable letting the birds out, even though they all love her. I prepare their daily "dry" foods into zip lock bags and label, their fresh veggies I prepare the same way and refrigerate. Mine love mixed veggies with rice or noodles. I would never expect Mom to "cook" for the birds in the same manner that we do, but she doesn't mind warming them up in the microwave. Preportioned with exact warming times (do the homework) can prevent the risk of injury, however, all foods must be stirred and checked for hotspots. Mine all hate the idea of being in a cage only while I'm away, but Mom sits with them and reads to them or just talks to them and they have come to understand that this is a temporary situation and when "mommy" gets home life will get back to normal. Mom understands they are part of my family and she has "grandfids." Robin

I've not used the steam cleaner on the cage, although I do use one on the floors. I've found the best cleaning solution is plain old vinegar and water. I spray the cage bars down, wipe down and done. Mind you for those tough stuck on messes I do have to use more elbow grease. Part of the process of being owned by a bird. Robin