katana600

A new discovery is lending insight to some of Gilbert's "new" behavior. His tattered little tail feathers are showing regeneration. About a week ago, I noticed a brand new bright little tailfeather. Yesterday he came off his cage and I put him on the arm of my chair. While he was watching me, I noticed he has a "clump" of six to eight long pinfeathers in his tail. I took the opportunity to spray his little backside with aloe and for the first time while I was misting him, although he protested, he wasn't frantic about the process. I can't get close enough or hands on enough to stretch his wings to see if there is any new growth on his wings, but I am hopeful that he could be getting back some of the feathers he plucked out the day he was leaving his previous caretaker. It will be a very careful process in the coming days to keep him bathed thoroughly without breaking the trust we have built. I know he needs the aloe sprays now more than ever and I will have to give him something to think about and gently encourage play and exploration so the discomfort of those new pinfeathers doesn't lead to overpreening. Also, as Wingy mentioned, I believe it would give him some security to keep his cage closed for part of the day to see if he needs to withdraw somewhat to "find himself". It sounds conflicting and it is complex and conflicting. I think he has been with us long enough to find a balance that will give him the opportunity to sort through this surge of emotional and physical growth. It is also time for his vet check so we will have professional support and do whatever it takes to bring him to a new place in his life journey. Once more, I am getting goosebumps at the sliver of possibility that he could regrow his tattered feathers and regain his gift of flight. The way he flaps on the shepherd's hook and the strength of his attempts is definitely an improvement.

Oh gosh, this is so much fun. Yes, that picture is a male red-bellied parrot. They are so creative and outgoing. When I first got Java I described her as a four hundred pound gorilla trapped in a tiny little grey body. She is fearless and still very loving and affectionate. They love to hang upside down. From what I have read in the past, the acacia has a bell shaped flower or seed pod that would necessitate the upside down posture to get in there for their dinner. The acacia also has some wicked thorns. From what I can gather the red-bellied parrot has only been bred in the US for about twenty five years.

I am guessing that Baby and Lola were the passengers on your move to PA and you didn't sell them to the toll tender. They are endearing little parrots. I have read about them making nests that interfere with power lines and expected a much bigger bird, like the size of an amazon. Thanks for unlocking this thread so we can learn more about the reality instead of just the misperceptions. They must be intelligent and hardy to move to a new country and set up housekeeping and cause such a stir that laws were enacted.

Thanks for unlocking this thread. Like many others, I had a little blue parakeet when I was an adolescent. He was very sweet and loved to play. I would play solitaire back in the day when I actually used a real deck of cards and he would come flip the cards over. He also like to land on the newspaper I was reading and when I bent it just right he would slide down and fly back up to do it over and over again. It was the time I spent with Pete that made me respond to the pleas of family to bring Java home and the rest is history. I don't know what took me so long to remember how much I loved birds but I am so glad I did.

Great introduction. Thanks for the information. I have seen these entertaining parrots on videos and have seen one or two in passing. They are beautiful.

Thanks Ray. Other than Java, I don't have any experience with this species or genus, but in reading and trying to learn more after we brought her home, I have read that they are great starter parrots. I would have to agree because she was the one who gave me the introduction to parrots and brought me to this forum to read more about African parrots in general. She has all the intelligence and behaviors of the larger parrots but in six years she has had few drawbacks. Right in the beginning she was sassy and nippy to everyone but me. In time she has learned to stop being on the defensive and will fly around the room paying a visit to each family member and even lets them scratch her head and under her "chin". I have to say everything I learned to care for her and teach her to be a good flock member, I learned from this forum. Her behavior follows very closely that of the African grey. I do love that each of us finds tidbits to pass along and be the catalyst for the rest to expand and keep the discussions going.

His cage time did make him much more active although I think he was trying to get my attention because his day wasn't progressing as predictably as he would have preferred. If I have to be out of the house for a while, and while we were having company, I did keep his cage closed and he was happy with that arrangement. I am watching him blossom before my eyes and have waited a long time to see him get more active. This morning he is climbing and actually running across perches, around and around the outside of his cage top. He seems to have awakened his spirit and is approaching his day with gusto and a new sense of adventure. I am going to combine his freedom with just a little more closed door time in his cage and see how that goes. Since his playfulness is still quite new, I will give him time and when he really gets comfortable, I am looking forward to moving one or two of the accepted toys from the cage top inside. He is such a complex little fellow but I am so encouraged by watching him work up the courage to seek out new adventure. He came down from his cage last night and sat next to me on the arm of my chair for a little while and he seemed relaxed. When he started leaning and looking toward his cage I asked him if he wanted to go back and he stepped right up and was eager to return to his cage. Once he got there, I gave him his bedtime almond and he threw it and flung pellets and had another little fuss. I am trying to understand what he wants and I'm not too sure what this is about. It could be that he likes the pine nuts so much he is ticked when I give him the almond but that has been our night time routine for fifteen months. Two minutes later, when I am turning off the lights and telling both parrots good night, he runs quickly to his favorite "touching" perch and grabs the bars with his foot, tucks his head and lets me scratch his head for a long time. It could just be that he is grumpy about going to bed. I am going to watch and see what he wants. Night time is the only time he has been having these little meltdowns. It has only happened a couple of times and I am sure he is trying to tell me something. What I find encouraging is that he is expressing his temper just a little and to me that means he is getting more comfortable and that he feels safe to vent. It is fleeting and he isn't showing any other signs of stress all day and is just his funny little self saying all sorts of things. It just seems to me a turning point and he is conflicted. He isn't showing any signs of the plucking and barbering he would resort to when I first met him. It is just a fleeting sort of quick outburst followed immediately by a request for me to come closer.

I can't say what is normal development but I can tell you about Juno. He was never clipped and was right about the sixteen week mark when he fledged. His breeder waited for all three clutchmates to wean and fledge and then clipped the wings of his brothers. While still at the breeder, Juno flew into a wall and injured his wing. He was treated at his vet for pain and checked for damage and there was no lasting damage. He stayed with his breeder until he was about 20 weeks and then came home with us after his wing was healed. He learned to fly in our home and got really good at it in just a couple of weeks. With that said, Juno had PDD and passed away just seven weeks into our life together. The joy he brought to our home in those weeks prior to succumbing to his illness is immeasurable. Your situation is totally different from ours but I don't think it is unusual that he is not attempting to fly. His medical history combined with his personality might just mean he is being more cautious and hasn't had a reason to take flight just yet.

The Red-bellied parrot is a one of nine subspecies of the Poicephalus genus from the African continent. Others include: Brown-headed parrot; Cape parrot; Meyer’s parrot; Niam-niam parrot; Red-fronted parrot; Rüppell’s parrot; Senegal; and Yellow-fronted parrots. The word poicephalus comes from Latin to mean “many colored head”. The only color you won’t find associated with a poicephalus is blue. The red bellied parrot is slightly larger than the Senegal and Meyers parrot. The adult males are often confused with Senegals because of the similarity in color. The way to differentiate is the color of the eyes, the adult Red-Bellied parrot will have red irises while the Senegal’s are yellow. The general area associated with Red Bellied parrots are the hot savannahs of eastern African, from Tanzania to Ethiopia. They primarily feed on acacia seed pods and will travel great distances when figs are in season. The red bellied parrot is considered stocky and compact. They get to be about 8 ½ inches long and the average weight is 125 grams. They are a sexually dimorphic parrot which means you can tell an adult male from a female by their color differences. The adult hen is mostly gray with a green iridescent wash over the wings. Her lower body and legs are a bright florescent green. Her chest may have a peachy overtone and an blush of color on the tips of the feathers of her chest. The adult male is similar in color on his head, legs and back as the female, but his lower chest is bright reddish orange. Juveniles are said to look more like the male and after they molt you can differentiate the gender more clearly. This little parrot has a great big personality in a small package. Although the speaking voice is not as clear or human sounding as the African grey or others, they can learn to talk quite clearly. Some people think their talking sounds like a cartoon character. Red bellied parrots love to cuddle and have hands on contact. They are a relatively quiet parrot and have been often recommended for apartment dwelling. They do attach to one favorite person but can be trained to get along with everyone in the family. They are often considered the clowns of the Poicephalus family. They love to work an audience and thrive on the laughter of their companion humans.

You did it again Ray, I had to go read some more. The site I was reading said these little bantam (hybrids?) are generally under 500 grams, that is smaller than the average Congo grey. It also said that in Malaysia they are often under 250 grams. That's just about a half pound. They are distinctive little characters with that bolt upright posture.

That had to have been such an exciting and poignant experience all at the same time. I am glad you just stayed in the moment and enjoyed his interaction. You will get lots of opportunities for photos now that you are in his inner circle of trust. Congratulations, what a milestone moment.

Kim, you are really doing your homework and I admire your outlook. Your breeder is also to be commended. Our breeder was much the same way. After Juno passed away and his brother had surgery his breeder was going to keep him knowing what he had been through and realizing he needed special care. It was months before I knew I was ready to bring him home, give him a name, Kopi, and give him the best care. It took a lot for her to part with him but she was totally getting out of the breeding business after this clutch had serious health issues and I wanted to give him a chance. I don't regret for a moment the time I spent with these two special greys and it was a necessary part of my evolving to become ready to take Gilbert in and work to give him the best life he can attain. You are a pretty special person and my fingers are crossed for you and Xandir too!

I am trying something new. I thought it would be a step backward, but sometimes we just do a two-step dance until we get the rhythm. We have had an open cage policy since he moved in. He plays on the cage top but in general it is his habit to find one spot and act like a sentinel or a stone statue just watching and taking everything in. Yesterday, we were acclimating a cat the day after spaying surgery and I didn't want to chance Gilbert diving off the cage top, so I didn't open his door in the morning as usual after his breakfast. Well, he had more energy and more activity in two hours than might usually see in a week. He went from spot to spot in his cage, played just a little with the original toys he brought with him to our house and he was chattier and more solicitous for attention. In the afternoon when I was planning to stay in the room with him, I opened his cage and he came running right out. Then he proceeded to the cage top and roughed up a few of his toys there too. He didn't act at all upset, just more engaged than I have seen him. At the end of the evening when he went topside to the very highest point he could get on the "shepherd's hook" for toys to hang, he flapped his wings so hard I thought the cage might take to the air. I am not going to lock him up just to experiment, but it was very interesting and counterintuitive. I know he is getting ready for bigger things and to expand his horizons, but little would I have considered that closing the door for a couple of hours would be a catalyst for so much curiousity and activity.

What a cute little galah, I have never seen one. I chuckled at the determination to stop at two. LOL. I stopped at two but the more I look, the more I wonder why not, I have the room and each one offers something just a little different. Keep me strong, two is enough, right? I am interested in watching the way your two interact and how your family does with your new addition. Thanks for thinking it through with us.

When I opened my eyes to a new day, you were the first thing I was thinking about. It really has to be your own decision based on your ability to care for Xandir if he has life long implications and vet expenses. You are the only one who can make that decision and commitment. My thought was for you to talk to the vet directly, especially if he or she is the one who will be your partner in caring for Xandir. A frank discussion of what to expect from the vet's perspective will allow you to have all the facts to consider. It is probably going to be one of those "wait and see" kind of things. You might ask to be directed to reading material about the implications of this exposure to the formula. There must be other people out there who may not have the exact same experience, but it might give you some insight into health care going forward.

I saw what you meant by the nostril being bigger and am glad it is getting back to normal. I also loved the video and the cute little sound effects. What a great little guy you have there. I love how he was busy but gentle with your fingers near his beak.

Since Sasha showed an interest in the empty box, you are only one discovery away from the next ultimate toy for her. I have a guy that has been sitting like a sentinel for fifteen months and he is just opening up to try new things. It may not be "the box" that Sasha is finding a fun challenge, she may be getting comfortable enough to seek out a plaything. I do like the idea of a cereal box or other food safe product that will give her a similar delight. You are so good to be finding a way to interact and make life fun for her.

Thank you Janet, you are inspiring me to gather information and write about the red bellied parrot. I learned from your informative post and will be looking for more specifics on your little songbird friend in this new room. I love how this forum is evolving and creating a place to get to know all our parrots just a little better.

Grazy looks so relaxed in your photos. It is a wonderful testament to your successful transfer. I like the picture of her on top of her cage eating her corn on the cob. Pure bliss. Congratulations, you are in for a lot of laughs from your companion. It is a journey of a lifetime. Thanks for joining us.

What is taking Friday so long to get here? Sweet anticipation. Congratulations on your little Smoky Bandit... he is sure to steal your heart away. Can't wait to hear all about him.

Kim, I feel for your dilemma. It is beyond belief how this little grey bundle of feathers gets into the deepest recess of our hearts. I lost our first baby after waiting months and months for him to be healthy and come home. It was incredibly painful, but I have to say it was also one of the most rewarding life experiences. It was so profound that with much thought and consideration, we brought his ten month old clutchmate and brother home knowing he was sick. Looking back, I know it was the most important time in my life preparing me for bigger things. My greatest hope for you is that Xandir's test results come back with the best news for you and you don't have to anguish over your decision.

Thanks, it is an uncertain time for Gilbert. It takes village, that's for sure. Every rehomed grey has a history and that shapes his outlook. We don't have enough years to have serial relationships with a being that has a life expectancy close to our own. This whole rehoming business is trial and error, his trials and my errors. LOL. The general counsel and wisdom from this forum is all I've got and I believe that giving him gentle consistent care and waiting is not only best for him, but it is the hardest thing for our family. We really love his interactions and want more. His speaking ability and the ways he says the funniest and most poignant things accentuate his great intelligence and the depth of his despair for losing his first love Jim. I don't believe he was treated badly in his interim homes, I think he is still holding a grudge because we are not Jim. Every day I have ideas of thing to try with him and to find things for him to do but he rejects about ninety nine percent of those overtures. I don't take it personally, he is finding his way, it is slow going, but I believe in the one percent! Our life together is meant to be and I haven't spent a moment looking back and wishing he was a new sweet little black eyed chick. Instead I watch all the babies and celebrate their progress and know this is where he started and he has just as much potential as a newly hatched fledgling. On the bright side, when I have seen him at his worst, it can only get better from there! And believe me, it is getting better every day in the things that really count.

I am glad to read that the move is working well for you. I have been considering moving our bird cages about fifteen feet from an open living room to the dining room so they can be in front of a window. They can still see me if I am in the kitchen and I would put my chair and computer in there with them. It was not for their benefit I was thinking about moving cages, it is because of the influx of furniture we are holding while our daughter makes a change in her life. But, I have noticed when I am spending time in another room, Gilbert is especially chatty and active. A little change might be good for us all. I am learning a lot from your posts. Taking on two at a time makes it a little more complex but a lot more interesting. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about how grateful I am that both these guys came to your home. You are a natural.

After his brief time playing during the day, hours later he was back inside accepting his almond and going to bed as he usually would. When I was ready to go to bed, he tucked his head to ask for a scratch but as soon as I got close he turned and instead of taking a swipe at my finger as he has in the past, he just went full blown toward my face and was biting the bars and then throwing things. Once I told him good night, turned off the lights and then returned, he went back to being his sweet self. He seldom has those moments of aggression and I have never seen that sort of fury from him. It is really hard to know when he is keyed up, he is so subtle. He would be one heck of a poker player. Once he released that pent up emotion, he has moved forward again. Yesterday he played with a chain for a really long time, he was working to unscrew a quick link. Success is measured in great lengths of time, and as Dan says, in millimeters of progress building trust, and as ever so true, in grey time. Also, Gilbert has sprouted two new red tail feathers. I know I may be dreaming and wishing it true, but when he came off the cage top yesterday, I am sure he was airborn for a longer distance. When he makes that decision, it seems he is always coming toward me and then he is just as friendly as can be when he steps up. I usually take advantage of his cooperation and put him on the arm of my chair for a few minutes to let him watch whatever I am doing. If he is off his cage and I ask for a step up, he is quite wiling but he is also looking back to his cage and gets really happy for me to head in that direction. Pine nuts have been somewhat magical in eliciting a gentle effusive response. Usually I hold them and hand them to him one at a time. Yesterday he became interested in the ones I was holding in my other hand and it was a small wonder that while he was outside on the cage top, he gently took them one by one from my cupped hand. Those quiet gentle moments are getting a little more frequent. I have to admit though, when I am that vulnerable, I am probably nearly as scared as he is. He is just so unpredictable. I bet he is thinking the same thing about me.

When I have the opportunity to hold him on my hand, I hold him up close to my chest and he leans in to hold my shirt while we are moving. He is still too scared to look around much. He did seem to enjoy going into the bathroom yesterday. I ran some water, showed him himself in the mirror and he was at least looking around instead of trying to get back to his safety zone. With every positive move forward, he seems to have a little meltdown. After playing with toys, he was much edgier and grumpier yesterday. He actually threw himself at the bars trying to bite my face when I was talking to him and giving him his night time almond last night. Then he had an absolute meltdown fit and threw food, bit the bars, flung the dishes right out of the holders and attacked his wooden toy. This was after I walked away. About a half hour after I went to bed, I came out to see if he was settled and he came right to the bars, sorry and contrite and he wanted me to scratch his head for a long time. I think he just had too much tension from taking a giant leap forward to play with his toys. This morning he is as sweet as can be, asking for scratches. I think that no matter how well he seemed to have handled the company and the change in our household with a new dog, new cat and my daughter moving in, it was very stressful to him. Luckily I am seeing no adverse impact on his stress plucking or feather chewing. I think he is learning to act out on his environment instead of himself. The fury he unleased unexpectedly last night was the first I have seen of that magnitude. I have read and heard about others with rehomed parrots that they seem to have to get through an angry stage in order to release their tension and accept the new home. I don't try to soothe him or mess with him when he gets in a grumpy mood, I just walk away quietly and give him time to calm himself, then come back and offer a truce. That seems to be working. It just takes so long for them to adjust to a new home sometimes. I do notice that the time it takes for him to get centered and calm gradually has diminished and he can be back to his happy place in just a couple of minutes now instead of brooding and holding a grudge for a day at a time.