katana600

Congrats to you, your full house and expanded flock. It will be busy for a while but it seems as if Gabby and Mayzie want to be friends. It may be a blessing in disguise to have your hands full but to have two delightful little ones at a time. It's so good for you to find Gabby and not carry that worry in your heart. Happy days ahead for you. Thanks for sharing your reunion and news.

Cricket taught us about patience, overcoming previous mistakes and about earning the devotion of a beloved companion. And yes Ray, I have seen young Amazons swinging, dancing, playing and just generally "monkeying" around. I have thought to myself, that would really keep a household gripped in the energetic world of loving an Amazon. What a way to remain, forever young.

I do remember you, it's so good to hear that not only is Wilbur thriving in your care, but you opened your home to Polly too. Your son is lucky to be a chosen one and its special that you encourage and delight in that as your enjoy Wilbur and Polly as well. I have never before seen a mustache parakeet, what a beautiful new friend you have found. Thanks for your update.

Lately I read posts about singing, about waiting for the right moment, about patience, faith, rehoming and trust building. Miss Gilbert has been in a bit of a grumpfest regarding my recent trip and the noise of finalizing our outdoor work. David is home two days in a row for the first time in a month. Miss Gilbert has been doing her usual of being out, soliciting his attention and making a mad scramble into her cage if I move or speak. At any given moment her behavior suddenly changes and she chooses her favorite perch for a head scratch and looks to me for close up attention. Last night she leaned tight against the bars and tucked her head until I could almost massage her little shoulders. I sang a song I used to sing to my babies about loving them forever and always. She closed her eyes, a rare surrender to peace. Then she was making the slightest "ticking" sound and she turned and pumped her head as a love offering. She did it again this morning. When she first came here she would "woo" me like this, but it seemed she was simply showing me gratitude. This may be another chink in the armor she is beginning to shed. Imagine the weight of fear, anger and distrust lifted from her fragile little fierce self. Reading the experience of others in this forum is surely the wind beneath our tattered hearts, souls and wings.

Thank you for seeking permission and blessings to post these pictures. It made me tear up with joy to see Regis given a comparable paradise. We never know when we will be called upon to fulfill a role in comforting and lifting a weary soul, be it feathered, furry or human. All I know is each day our hearts beat we have a chance to do something marvelous. Some days it is nurturing and caring for ourselves to be strong and prepared when called to action, big or small. Regis is fortunate to have crossed your path on the way to his reward.

There is no doubt in my mind that Isaac is cherished and kept in style, comfort and the luxury of care and love. The uncanny way they hide illness is no doubt an evolutionary instinct. If they hide their own illness, there is no doubt Isaac could have recognized signs of your impending appendix emergency before you did. What is important now is that he is creating a new pattern, he is growing his feathers back beautifully. I wish I could be your neighbor and hear the happy sounds of your flock family. It's always a joy to see the videos of Isaac and his cup. You have a great relationship.

Our vet recommended this when Miss Gilbert was barbering her feathers. I thought it was probably habit rather than anxiety because she really was a quiet, reserved grey. That is the same stuff. The 20 mL bottle lasted a really long time. I started out putting 2 drops a day in her water and switched it up to putting it in her warm bean mix because she ate it more directly. With the water it's hard to tell if she was even getting any. Our vet said to expect it to take at least six weeks. We committed to trying it for six months and I believe it was helpful to her. We stopped after six months and when she started barbering her feathers we started the drops again and continued them for another six months. That seemed to be what helped her through our second year together. Isaac is very happy and very well adjusted. If you don't observe him working over his feathers it could be that when you are away he may fret about your unexpected hospital stay when he didn't know where you went. The Rescue Remedy isn't too expensive considering you use only a couple drops a day. I think it was the key that helped Miss Gilbert to turn a corner here with us.

Your interactions with John Wayne do sound a lot like our time with Miss Gilbert. She had been rehomed an unknown number of times and was left to fate in need of another accommodation. She was described as a bird with big issues. She also spoke in a male voice and said sweet things that have convinced me she loved a man named Jim. At the 2 1/2 year status of her time with us, we had bloodwork for an illness and asked for DNA which surprised us with her female gender. She has said the kindest, sweetest things and she has also cussed and used abrasive language. I may never be her beloved favorite but ever so slowly she is not quite so withdrawn and afraid. I too have had moments of elation. Bless you and John Wayne for having the courage and patience to look for a way to move forward.

I was able to view the video without having a Facebook account. Miss Gilbert was very interested. She got her feathers all fluffed up and did her cobra sway, eyes pinning. It's such a beautiful sound. I'm thinking the iPad was the object of her displeasure and she latched on through the bars to bite it. She has watched other videos of Biscotti or others talking and it didn't elicit this response. I will give her a couple of days and try again. She is a little jangled and cross about the noise levels around here.

Rasa and Megan sittin' in a tree k.i.s.s.i.n.g. That was adorable with the cooing and purring. I was mesmerized. How wonderful that they are friendly.

She's young. How long have you had her? It's not a usual issue because greys are generally not screechers. Something is bothering her. With patience and helping us understand when it started, we all might put our heads together and salvage your relationship. It could be as simple as where her cage is placed, a toy that has her scared or a change in your schedule. No one wants to hear constant screeching, but together we may be able to help get all of you some relief.

I love your GracieMae too! You give me yet another good idea to draw Miss Gilbert out a little. She has decided she likes David better than me for the time being. She is a little off her game and quiet right now after the noisy machines outside and contractors coming to the door. Today is the last day of it, so once she is happy again we'll see how she reacts to a mock "argument". GracieMae is a peacemaker. Who could resist her charms?

These videos are so funny. I love that they are so eager to please and eager to learn. Miss Gilbert is just getting to the stage where she isn't angry, scared or anxious any more. She isn't motivated to repeat things or give and take yet. She talks, whistles and makes noises all day "directing" me or the dogs. She learned in previous homes some really sweet things and some abrasive bossy language. She picks up household sounds and uses them to predict what is going to happen next. She is a funny funny girl even when she is growling at me to "shut up" or "get outta here". She sees me head toward the door to talk to someone outside and shouts "get outta here", the look on their faces as she laughs big at her joke is priceless. They probably think I have an abusive husband.

Good for you that Dorian came right to you for cuddles as you rescued him. Miss Gilbert is due for her annual checkup and I have dreaded it since she and Java both got wicked bites in on the vet last year. You are so right that its harder on us to have these visits and they seem to take it in stride. It does seem to get easier each time.

Thanks for posting this. We have a rehomed parrot with damaged wings. She reportedly "can't" fly according to the previous caretaker of 2 1/2 years, word from the one before that, my vet's assessment and what we have seen. I've often been tempted to leave her out of the cage while we come and go with the dogs but keep all these surprise, startle flights in mind. We take the extra step to close her cage door before opening my front door or we come a d go through the garage. It would be too much to contemplate her being outdoors and defenseless where I couldn't get to her or keep her safe. Your experience reminds me to be vigilant and never say she "can't" fly.

Thank you for coming back when your world has been darkened by the profound grieving for your friend to lift us up with the story of the live your family had for Zoe. Her life was short but she knew your love, tender kindness and gentleness for her entire lifetime. If all of us could be so blessed. I only had Juno in my home for seven weeks, his brother Kopi for ten months and something totally unanticipated was the loss I still feel five years later. We are lucky to have had this glimpse into the life of Zoe. Thank you and may your hearts find comfort in knowing the wonders of living with this exquisite little soul. Some things can't be explained. You have experienced knowing something wonderful.

That was too funny. I may be the caffeine spider. Loved the humor with that serious documentary voice. My spider story was in Oklahoma where the tarantulas would swarm to the warmth of the roadway near dusk. My mother in law was visiting so I hopped out, scooped one up and took it home. I had my kids go get her and was letting it climb up my bare arm and the reaction was priceless. Then, it served me right when that tarantula went right up my sleeve and crawled under my sift and I had to calmly wait for it to exit. I took it back to the same spot where I found it and released it.

Love the names for a comical couple of greys. Enjoy all that baby time.

This was thought provoking and worth a try. I got an error on the teddy bear song. Then played the butterfly song and Miss Gilbert ran towards it and watched intently. She looked at the top and bottom of the iPad and was trying to find my finger for nefarious purposes. When I played the Dj Snake-Bird Machine, she was terrified and shaking. When I sang Joe Scruggs songs I remembered from when my kids were little, she bowed her head and cooed for head rubs. You all are on to something. Acappella, I remember with great gratitude being soothed by your singing "just breathe" and singing may be just what Miss Gilbert needs.

Lori, when you think through the safety factors of any given trip, AC/heat, whether her being with you creates a hardship for your vacation time, you will take her sometimes and leave her home others. What she loves on this trip may stress her out a year from now. I have traveled extensively with Miss Gilbert for three years because she was a multiply rehomed older bird with trust issues. First she needed to be with me and would stress and pluck if she was left behind. After 3 years, now she is more trusting that I leave and return. She doesn't seem distressed to be cage bound at home with our dogs, other parrot and a neighbor spending time with them. I have the same cage as Sterling and I do use quick links to lock the spring clips. One thought on camping/RV is that in close quarters, candles, Teflon fumes etc will quickly concentrate to lethal levels so check any heat appliances / pans, oven etc for extra measure. Go and have fun!

It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings and I'm humming and warming up. Hahahaha. Gilbert will tell you that her idea of Zen is LuLu in the kitchen and no energetic cat looking to capture her off the top of her cage. There is a young couple already inquiring to make a home for Pete. Interestly enough this adventure could be completing the circle. In Dubai a little cat about the same size and markings scaled the wall and came to my window after being battered in the crusher. I tried to take him to animal control but it was too horrible to comprehend what I learned. We made a trade to keep a dog for the summer in exchange for the family to adopt Hank. They were relocating to Oman. Getting Pete from Dallas to Atlanta will be a luxury vacation compared to relocating Hank from Dubai to Oman. Hank went on to live in Jakarta and ended up... In Dallas. Since we cared for him and know he was neutered, this couldn't be his offspring, but somewhere in the Karma and Cosmic world, Hank had a paw in it. It's not over yet, the humming is getting louder, or is that purring I hear?

Nicely done Muse. I hope Regis continues to bless your lives by thriving in his new home. Someone so dedicated to the flock will come back in due time with updates on his progress and pictures and videos to warm your heart and encourage you as you lend support for others involved in the rescues to come.

On the Facebook comments, it shows the mental illness on her part to suggest releasing Mealy to sure distress and death over her own inadequacy. Even if it were to irritate, intimidate and cause distress to her perceived detractors, who does that? It's horrible. To perform any good deed in the name of a creature in need imprints on your heart. It's always with the goal of lifting them to a better quality of living. There are going to be all personalities involved. Creating a sanctuary or an adoptive process will change over time based on the needs of the individual parrot brought into your life. Some will thrive in the haven you create. Some will be so human bonded as to need a one on one. I think you have good instincts and will know what to do as you meet the souls who seek you out. Don't give this selfish, defective woman the power over your personal choices. The stories of successful rescue and rehoming are quietly in the background. It's the dysfunctional ones that create drama and seek confrontation and dialog. Miss Gilbert has the language for her, I will try to refrain from repeating after Gil's comments.

Aw, isn't that tea sharing with Jack adorable. You came to understand each other with time, courage and patience. I've had a few surprise bites from Miss Gilbert that haven't stopped me from the occasions she tolerates me near, always when she is behind the safety of her bars. It's wrenching to see her tremble and run from me. Slowly, moment by moment, day by day we get a glimpse that fear is subsiding. When she permitted David a touch on her face and beak to remove a strand of cobweb, my hopes are ignited by the reluctant offer of trust. It will come and it will be in grey time.

She is a character all right. This may actually be a turning point for her. Rather than being relieved to find me at home and perturbed that I was off schedule and she had no morning oatmeal... I am the third wheel here now. She flew to get close to David. When I came in the room to prepare drop cloths under her, she quickly tried to hide under a chair. She got into a cobweb to illustrate my uselessness as a suitable mate to him. She let him rub her beak but got frustrated with a bit that they couldn't release. I used your chopstick mention as an inspiration and she had no fear of them and let me pluck off the sticky thread. She is actively plotting an overthrow of the woman of the house. My brief absence forced hubby home early from the office every day to her great delight. She probably interprets that I am the one blocking him from being with her, since my absence equals his presence. To watch her open herself to trust and affection is worth the name calling and rebuffs of me personally.