katana600

ha ha ha, it isn't every day we get to talk poop. LOL. When Kopi was sick, I was lying with him on the sofa, he was covered in a blanket and I fell asleep. When he came out from under the blanket before I could get him over to his cage for his inevitable "void", he pooped right in my ear! What I really wanted to do was jump up yelling but I couldn't scare him like that, I had to very slowly get up and get him into his "hospital" cage and then go take a shower, it was a big one... more than an earful. LOL. I would give anything to have a nice warm earful of poo, there are lot worse things that don't wash off as easily.

My heart is with you while you work on giving Chilly the loving care she needs. It is really hard to do all the right things and still feel like the bad guy. I am sorry for both of you going through this rough time. I hope you start seeing some improvements in her health. Good luck, and keep your chin up, she needs to see you smile for her too.

As I thought about it today, how funny it is that Java can fly by and snatch things ... ahem, share things with me, but when the dog tried to share from her, it has been two days now of retaliation. She stalked her on the floor, climbed on the couch while the dog was hiding under a blanket and finally today, I had to put her on lockdown to keep the peace. There is no sign of her letting up. She weighs just a quarter of a pound and she really does seem to think she is a 400 pound gorilla. To be fair, I did change her cage this week and she is still a little out of sorts. I finally took the big cage out of storage, after a year of being put away, two disinfecting cleans, pressure washing and steam cleaning, I decided that since she was in the same house with PDD, I think we have done all we can to try to prevent it from spreading and she may as well get the use of a huge cage. She looks tiny in there but has been exploring every inch of the place and we are all safe from her until she cools off some from the stuffing incident.

Oh the joy of finding a small serving of leftover stuffing tucked away in the fridge today. Java flew over and helped herself to a tidbit. And that was the beginning of mayhem. Bella, our Italian greyhound, ever the relentless chow hound did something unexpected and totally out of character. She jumped up on my computer desk and snatched (!) Java's snack right out of her sharp little beak. We have always kept the dogs and birds on different levels and this time Java went on the war path with great determination. She chased the dog round and round, landed on her back and was ready to do battle to get back the stuffing, but it was long gone. I had to put her back in her cage to keep everyone safe. No sooner than the cage was opened later, she was back after the dog, just hounding (no pun intended) her and trying to chase her and bite her. I put her back in the cage and hoped it would blow over. We have had both of them over four years and never this kind of confrontation. Then, I thought Java had forgotten her vendetta, she came out and sat on my shoulder. Then, quick as a wink, she went for MY ear. I held back the expletives for the most part, but did manage to call her a fart. Then, to my utmost shock and great delight, she made razzberries to me and then mock-fought my hear and hair and just was a right curmudgeon. All the while she was laughing a wicked chuckle. She still makes me laugh every day. I will be vigilant to watch her closely until she gets sorted with the dog.

Gary has come a long way with you in a short time. I like that you get him to step up for you and put him back while it is still a positive interaction. Shoulder time should be reserved for a totally trustworthy bird as a privilege. For a little while, until you get to trust him and for him to trust you, I would put up your arm and keep him from being able to land on your shoulder. As much as you are wanting to get close to him, it would be a real setback if he lands on someone and gives a hard bite from a miscommunication. In another month or so, after thwarting him and diverting him to your hand or forearm, he will understand that he can be on your shoulder by invitation only and that he has to step up when you ask him to remove him from your shoulder. It is a lot easier to give more privileges than it is to take one away if there is a mishap. You are doing a fine job getting him acclimated to your home and family. Congrats on your progress.

This is a classic, I must have missed it before. Thanks for the smiles.

I hadn't thought about this before, but Kopi would only step up to my right hand and he liked for me to curl my arm close to my chest to steady himself against my body. It may have been what he learned, but it may also have been since I am right handed, that was the "stronger" hand. Thanks for sharing, it helped me to recall pleasant memories.

Aww, Timmy is really blossoming under your care and you are learning so fast how to handle him. It is heartwarming to know how much you are willing to meet him on his terms, I think that is the best part of your journey with your new friend.

Bless her heart. Of course you would be worried for her, she is so new to you and this is a new experience too. The saving grace is that she must feel like your home is safe with an abundance of food or she wouldn't be trying to start a family there. I don't know the steps to take to keep her healthy because we haven't been through this. When we got our female bird, I did a lot of reading and they suggest twelve hours of darkness a day for females so they don't get the idea it is springtime. I have only had my girl for four years so I don't even know if she has gone through her puberty, but so far, no eggs. I would suspect that vitamin depletion etc comes from laying many eggs, so you have time to talk it over with your vet. Dave's suggestions are excellent and it will be interesting to know what she does with the egg.

Every time I see your avatar photo of Isaac, I just melt. Those are such precious moments. Happy birthday to Isaac, thanks to you and your enjoyable posts, we have gotten to know you both a little better. He could not be in a better home and you couldn't have a better friend and companion. The pictures you have posted are breathtaking. Isaac is a picture of health and has a twinkle of mischief in his eye. I appreciate your relationship with him more than you know. Thanks for keeping us up to date on your wonderful little feathered friend.

Congrats to Mort for finding a dad who is willing to do everything to make his life happy and healthy. About a year ago I was new to all this and the forum has been my guiding light and best source of information and support. There are no daft questions, you can't just know everything about grey's by reading. Every one is singularly spectacular and we look forward to knowing more through your experience too. This is such a happy wondrous time for you, thanks for coming in and sharing with us.

Thinking of you both every day. I can see Spock making his rounds, checking on Papa and all your flock bringing you smiles as you get back your balance and get rid of that vertigo. Hope you have plenty of smiles and get back to us soon. We miss your cheerful messages and insights.

It is hard to be the support person and not even get the affection from your little fellow. It will come though. My poor husband was the odd man out and the glasses I recommended were wine glasses after we put the lil' stinkers to bed.

Aww, that Rita is a right beauty. I hope you always have the awe and joy you feel with her arrival for many decades to come. Congrats!

Just think about it, you have the birthday and we get the gift... of you! I think we are the winners there too. Hope our happy thoughts to you on your celebratory day makes it special because you really are special to us Lyn.

I went searching for Averi's photo and when I voted that cute little baby face was in first place. Good luck!

I am tickled and pleased with your boy too. It just delights me when I read how happy you are to be in the company of a clever, entertaining little fellow.

What! You stopped him from ripping the buttons off the sofa, how could you? LOL I am just kidding of course. Maybe it is all a ruse to get Jason close enough to get a better vantage point for a chomp. Seriously, it is hard not to take it personally when they are going through the terrible independence stage, but I know you really love him and if you have to give him a little distance to work it through, it may change the close, baby relationship and a new mutual companionship will emerge that will be just as satisfying in a different capacity. Meanwhile, if Jason is being favored, you can take advantage of that and have him give Paco a stern talking to for chewing buttons and being a snot to his loving daddy.

I was wondering if he has a long time vet who may be able to give you advice on dealing with him. The vet also may be a resource to find a behavior consultant. Biting is generally a learned behavior that starts out as a last resort because subtle messages are not being understood or heeded. Once it starts, it becomes the quickest, easiest way for him to let you know he doesn't like something. Generally, the women I know will approach with hesitation (and with good reason, I might add, considering he has shown his biting potential). Perhaps there might be a change in your approach that may allow you to get closer without him coming after you, and gradually work up to being able to pick him up etc. If your vet could recommend someone to work with you, it would be well worthwhile. There are so many individual characteristics of each bird, that someone looking at him, seeing him near his cage etc. could distinguish whether it is cage aggression, true gender discrimination on his part or other external triggers that have nothing to do with you. I think the beauty part of all this is that a neutral person with experience with many birds would have your grandparent to fill them in on details as questions arise and it may not be a long process even though he may be set in his habits. How long has he been in your home? What is his name? Thanks so much for coming into the forum and sharing your experience. I really hope you can sort this out and find a way to get along with him since he has been such an integral part of your extended family.

You are in the right place, not only do we not roll our eyes and sigh when you tell us about Timmy, we love to hear how smitten you are with him and hope it just gets better and better for the two of you. It is safe to say we all know the joyous feelings you have when you marvel at your little brainiac/stand up comedian/charming entertainer and sometimes... nose biter. Thanks for sharing all your Timmy stories with us.

It is heartwarming to know that Sadie is in your home and feeling so safe and full of herself. Just knowing she is living with care and kindness brings tears to my eyes. I am so happy that you opened your home and heart to Sadie and she is bringing joy to you as well.

Oh thank you for the update. You have all been on my mind. I am hoping for no more bad stuff and a little improvement every day. I am sure all the flock is happy to see Papa home again. If our wishes can keep your spirits up, Jay would be soaring above us all right now. Just tell him not to take any advice from the birds and bomb us from up there. You are in our waking thoughts and daily prayers.

This must have been a wrenching decision for you to make and I know it wouldn't have happened without a lot of care and thought. I am happy that you were able to find a successful alternative for Jaffa. You have such a good relationship with your birds, so if you are happy with the new home, it must be first rate.

My heart breaks at the thought that anyone would even neglect one of these beautiful creatures, or be pushy and rude with a bird, much less striking him. These greys are very intelligent beings, I am guessing that even with baggage, in a relatively short time he will know he is in good hands with people who have hearts and souls, just like he does. I also agree with Barbara, to bring him home as soon as you are ready, not to wait for the perfect time. When he experiences a gentle, accepting home, a few days alone will be a blessing to him. As for the name, you can talk to him and get to know him and who knows, he may have a good name in mind and just be the one to tell you! LOL. Whatever you call him in the meantime, the time spent learning his body language and his tolerance levels will pay you back exponentially.

I was outside last night and thought I was hearing things... it must have been you, I am pretty sure I could hear your excitement from South Carolina to Georgia. Timmy is comfortable with you and it won't be long before he is repeating what he hears from you and believe it or not it will be as exciting and endearing every time he says something you hadn't heard before. I am so happy that you are enjoying Timmy so much. It sounds like you are perfect together.