katana600

Gilbert had a restful and relaxing vacation and he made the most of it. One of the cutest things he does is that he remembers when we went away for four months last year about this time. He heard a commercial on television with a little pig squealing. Now when we mention any of the people from "back home" or in this case when we returned to see some of those people, he has a particularly endearing and funny way of squealing "wee weee wheee". He has continued saying it now that we are home again. He is also every so appreciative of his cooked breakfast. Every time we make a change with him and he doesn't get frustrated, scared or resort to barbering or plucking it seems like we have reached another plateau. He has been not only permitting closeness from my husband and daughter, but he actively solicits their attention and draws them in. It is good to be back home in a quiet predictable environment. I think Gilbert does better with the excitement than I do.

Sometimes what we are doing with rehomed parrots is to reverse the things they were previously taught. It is still teaching but it does take a different mindset and different approach than taking a new baby home. Good post as usual Ray. It is slow and careful going for relating and bonding and building a trust with such an incredibly intelligent and wary grey who is resisting the changes his new home inevitably brings. Talking, explaining, repeating the good behavior, hoping for the best and having faith and vision for the potential of our new little charge is like a slow steady drip of water that eventually fills a reservoir that will continue to sustain us for the long term.

So, we drove from the Atlanta area to Jacksonville NC. We moved furniture from Wilmington to Jacksonville and then scrubbed down the old apartment and set up furniture in the new one. That was Monday driving 8 hours plus. Tuesday move, Wednesday clean. Thursday we picked up and RV, packed and set off about five pm. We stayed over in Richmond VA, then drove ten more hours to Pennsylvania the next day. We had some mechanical issues and spent the morning Saturday getting a new battery for the rental unit and then had a birthday dinner for David's mother turning 80. Sunday morning, we left at 6 am and drove back to Jacksonville and then eight more hours Monday to return home. Gilbert and Java were MUCH better travelers than I was and I not-so-gently admonished my husband and kids to not use the word vacation for what we did in such a short time. Gilbert was a real trouper. He was so funny the first night on the road. We stopped to let the dogs out at a rest area (when the RV broke down for the first time). The lights went out and he told us night night. Then when we got the thing started again, he was NOT happy about turning the lights back on. He kept saying "Night night Gilbert" until I covered him. Every day he was lovey and let Rachel and David scratch his head. He likes mom's home cooked meals and was not happy about his camper food. He would look at the food in his dish and ask me over and over for a cracker. LOL. He is so happy to be back home too. I love how both parrots adjust to a long trip.

Kenzie is a cutie. I like the pic where she is napping too, it looks like she is smiling and content. As far as the pellets, I mix two or three kinds. I learned the hard way with our first parrot. She liked the one we started her on and two years in, they discontinued the brand. It was a fight to get her to change right when we ran out of pellets and didn't have a choice. Ours like the Harrison's better than the Roudybush which is what the breeder started ours on. Our vet carries both brands and recommends the high potency for our grey because of the calcium.

I have three of the same cages as Judy showed you. Last year, Gilbert was in his for four months off and on while we were staying with a sick friend. He was fine, but since he can't fly, I put some of the rope perches with wire in them in different configurations so he could climb outside the cage and have more space to move around. We just went on a week long trip and he and Java stayed in these cages. Two fit well in the car, I keep the third one folded up just in case we were to have any issue with the cages and have a spare to switch out. We got ours at a bird fair and they were only twenty dollars each so it was convenient to get an extra. One thing that I had an issue with is the springs on the hooks that keep the end pieces in place when we assemble the cage. Gilbert was taking the springs out and I was concerned that he might be able to get the latch open and it could drop down and trap him. So, that is why I took the third cage along. Plus, I took small zip ties and once the cage is up, I securely fasten the zip ties along the top edge of the cage as an extra precaution. Both our parrots love to travel and I feel like this is a roomy travel cage and they are secure with supervision and precautions. They are lightweight and I can carry both of them at the same time.

These tiny little cockatiels sure have big spirits. We had one for only five months as a foster family but he was like Piper at first with the hissing and was very wary and upset over the smallest things. Of course, he was attacked by a dog in his first home before he came to us, and they had five kids and a wild household, so I didn't take it personally. And it is interesting about the fox. When we were in Pennsylvania this weekend, we saw a fox in two separate areas and they looked strange. They were not red fox, and not quite looking like grey fox, but mangy and did not try to run away in the middle of the day. I wonder what is up with that?

I am glad you asked this question. I have seen Gilbert do it, but the same as you, only when he eats from a spoon. I thought it was because when I feed him from a spoon it is something warm and mushy like oatmeal or cooked pasta. I can almost hear him making yummy noises when he does it but he really seems to enjoy that kind of a feeding from time to time. We have had babies and had the need to feed them formula when they were sick so I have seen the pumping motion. Gilbert's motion is similar but not quite, it is more like he is gulping down something really fast and I was also afraid he might choke. Glad to know it is a normal thing even for an older parrot. Thanks for asking the question and thanks Dave for the reassurance.

We just got back from a family trip and Gilbert was talking and entertaining but they were still not impressed by his wonderfulness. They couldn't get past the fact that he will bite anyone who comes near him and they wonder how anyone could like a companion who might as likely take a bite and never want to cuddle, ever. This forum is a lifeline and constant support who help us get through the tough stuff when it seems everyone else I know asks "why would you ever get another one?" after losing two babies. They are never going to get it. I am so glad everyone here not only gets it, but they fully endorse the same love and effort we put into our own parrots as each person here does for her own.

I had never heard of blood tears until now. That would be so distressing. Thank goodness that our concrete perches have worked for keeping toenails dulled off. Java would let me snip the sharp tips off her nails, but Gilbert is still not there yet. I can not even get my dog to let me clip his nails and have to have two groomers to hold him down while a third cuts his nails. He is only eleven pounds but you would think you were wrestling a sixteen foot alligator and he screams like a banshee the entire time. I wish I could get him to perch on a concrete grooming perch.

I just got the chance to get online and found this thread first. Darwin is adorable. I am so happy that you have him in your life. He is just so sweet. It was uplifting to see him fly to you in the video. He is a lucky boy to come to heal your heart and I am glad you are back to share his life with us.

Our entire family and pets are going on a quick vacation. We have been preparing and packing and Gilbert seems excited to see the travel cages being set up. I undertook a huge project to make two quilts in one week and spent twelve hours today getting them finished. Wooo hoo. However, I exhausted myself and for the first time in a really long time, I took a rest on my bed late this afternoon. Gilbert's cage is in sight when my door is open and he was really vocal and carrying on. He knows something is up and was calling to get me to get up. For the first time, he gave me a "name". He said "Mom". I wasn't sure but soon he said "Mom, mom, hey mom". My kids each call me something different. Generally Rachel calls me "momma", and Kelsey calls me "mumsie" so I don't think he picked it up here. It really surprised me and even though I just wanted to cover my aching head, I had to get up to go see him and reassure him everything is okay. He loves to travel and we are going to rent an RV so it will be like home away from home. I've gotten him some new toys and lots of things to keep him busy.

Timing is everything. When I rehomed Gilbert, I knew I wasn't ready right after losing Kopi. But, it was brought up again a few months later and I considered it and drove nine hours one way to get him and have never regretted it for a minute. I know you are wanting to keep Pepper close to home in Dallas, but if the right opportunity came up and someone was a little more distant, I would be willing to help with transporting Pepper. It may be possible to have your vet speak to a prospective adoptive home vet to help with the process to ensure he is placed in a kind, loving home. If there is anything we can do to help you in your care of Pepper, please send a private message. Good luck Paul.

Oh that we could put Gilbert and Timber together and let them discuss the benefits of cooperation. It makes me so happy to know that Timber is making relatively quick progress with you. You are a natural with him. You are so patient and understanding and have good coping strategies for him. We found the night time ritual to be very effective. When our parrots can predict faithfully what comes next, it seems to be comforting to them when they are first rehomed. Now that he has been with you long enough to figure you out, he is changing up the game plans. LOL. The contact he is initiating is heartwarming. Keep up the good work. I am cheering for both of you.

I have been eagerly reading about the amazons and their loyalty. I have to say if I were inclined to look for another companion, I would give it a lot of thought. I have only seen one in person and the activity level was as close to unbridled joy and enthusiasm as I have ever seen. I am devoted to Gilbert and sometimes wish for him to relax and sit next to me but I do fear that even though he doesn't want closeness it might set him back if he saw me giving that attention to an "intruder". I will continue to be enthralled by all of you with your zon stories though.

It is beautiful, well done! The base is nice, looks easy to clean up too.

Imagine Nilah in there in her nightgown while you invite someone into her private space. And then you talk after she tells you to shush. LOL. That is funny, she will be finding a way to provoke you after that. Its coming.

I have heard that from her before when Rocky was pink. That is hilarious. Now I want a recording so I can play it to telemarketers. I got one this week saying I won a sweepstakes that I entered for a new car. I know that pitch... well, you didn't win the car, but you are a winner of one of the top four prizes. So, I asked "ooh what model BMW did I win? The M5?" She tries to continue her marketing pitch but I told her I know darn well I would not sign up for anything free except for the M5, what color is it?" I so wish Nilah were here to start her "Oh my gawd!" Maybe I will practice and try to learn that myself. Either that or record Gilbert's response to the dog tinkling on HIS drop cloth. I love Nilah!

This is so enjoyable. I would love to be a mouse in the corner as Gracie asserts herself. The next time you tell her to stop, she will say "No. You stop." Hahaha. She is one smart little cookie. Please daddy can we stay up a little longer? Can I have a drink? Not from the bathroom, from the kitchen. Can I have ice in it? Hahahaa, you are well on your way to being trained by the best.

Hi Dave, welcome back. You have been missed. I am so sorry things have been rough for you and happy that you are turning things around for yourself. I dream about your babies all the time. Thanks for coming back when you can.

He is a beautiful boy Paul. I know you will find the perfect home for him. We have a rehomed TAG and have worked hard to get him settled. Georgia is a long way from Dallas, but we do drive through there on occasion. I am hoping you find someone closer but he certainly has potential for being a wonderful companion. Good luck with your search, follow your heart.

I like the center one also because it looks like a big heart. I love you THIS much. Alfie is still a baby and so content with you. Thanks for sharing those lovely pictures.

She is such a lovely baby and you have her well protected. Good job mama. She is a lucky little girl.

And Java knows what she doesn't like too Ray. She makes the sound of a buzzer when I don't get the tune right when she plays the game of whistling notes. She is telling me I am off key and sound terrible. Hahaha. Every time I play this video, even though she can't see the video, she makes the sound of a cockatiel. We were fostering one, Milo, more than four years ago and he was the only one she had seen. She picked up a little of this little tune too. Probably so she can slip it into our game and give me the buzzer. I am always looking for ideas for Gilbert too. He isn't very playful but some day I think he will just take off with new things when it suits his fancy.

I couldn't resist coming back to tell you that while I was trying to quickly read new posts, I could hear Java whistling snippets of the Adam's Family theme. I stopped what I was doing, whistled my best, snapped my fingers and she gave me the gong, raspberries and all. Hahahaha, she was heartless, sent me home from the show. LOL. She is grumbling and making all sorts of comments about my lack of whistling ability.

Not just normal, but delightfully familiar. It doesn't necessarily go away with time. Our rehomed guy Gilbert is still rattled by thunder and lightning, so I sleep on the couch with a nightlight so he can see me when it storms if he is anxious. And to this day no matter how tired I am, when I hear him in the morning asking for breakfast, I can't scramble out of my bed fast enough to see his little face.