katana600

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-mother-bald-eagle-fends-off-raccoon-attack-in-pennsylvania/ When I watched this, I was thinking she looks a lot like Gilbert when I try to fill her puzzle toy with pine nuts. And I look a lot like that fat raccoon backpedaling when I see she means business.

Good for you. Its always good to have a confirmation that all is well. And for the DNA? For a decade or more Gilbert was a boy and a vet visit and DNA changed that gender bender.

I can't weigh in on the question but I can be supportive of your quest Janet. If anyone can do it, you can. Is there any possibility that you can visit him and spend time with him to give you more opportunities to assess if he will respond favorably to you? We all know too many parrots who are described as unmanageable, or vicious and in the right environment they are able to redeem themselves.

Excellent link, thanks! There is no doubt that Gilbert is aware of sharing. She shares all of my stuff... but none of hers. What's mine is hers and she is charming about sharing but she stakes out her territory and has no intentions of being altruistic... yet. I have faith we will get there.

That just warms my heart. I am very partial to Java and she offers something different from Gilbert and equally wonderful. She is a cuddly and sweet little character and she also has a fierceness and sense of who she is in the world. When we first got her, I joked that when she looked in the mirror she saw a four hundred pound gorilla looking back. She is fearless. She does have a tendency to bluff and test every new person or creature in our home and inspires fear and awe. I love her red eyes and let newcomers know that when they see all red, it is a warning. I think Jabberwocky has the same potential. At the same time the red bellied parrot is a bit of a stand up comic. Eliciting laughter seems to be the greatest currency they can earn. On the other side of the coin, I think that tiny little package of parrot is capable of home protection on the order of a pack of dobermans combined with an arsenal of your choice. I am ever more grateful that I am her chosen one because otherwise she could scare the cotton right out of my socks. LOL. I so look forward to hearing how Jabberwocky comes to steal the heart of your husband after their initial encounters. The ear bite was definitely backing up his bluff.

Wasn't that fun? Inara is adorable with her take on life. She really notices everything, doesn't she?

I so enjoy reading about your life with Kizzy. Thanks for the update, I had missed the holiday photos while I was living in a world without internet. Santa Kizzy photos are priceless.

Oh be still my heart, this posting made me tear up just looking at his pictures. I just love his name too. Our little seven and half year old red bellied hen Java is really going to enjoy posts and I know she will be smitten with an older man. It was Java that led us to find our greys. You are really going to enjoy the personality and energy Jabberwocky brings to your family, man-screams notwithstanding. I have only heard heard my husband raise his voice twice in 35 years and both times it was a Java incident. To be fair, she has some parrot rules that he scoffed at and he is a lot more likely to conform now. Once he had her on his shoulder and reached right into her cage without telling her what he was doing and she bit his cheek. Her smaller size might give someone the idea her bite isn't going to be as bad as our greys, but that would be a one time mistake to make. The second one was right up his nostril and it pierced all the way through. However, they have made their peace and he is just as able to hold her and interact almost as much as I can. She will let me scratch under her neck and kiss her on top of the head, but no one else is given those privileges. It is a happy happy joyful day for me to read your post and meet your new man. Jabberwocky. I won't be able to stop saying it now.

I was reading the label on two brands of almond milk yesterday. One listed zinc at 8% of daily human dietary recommendation, the other listed none. This started me reading more and trying to understand the difference. We all are pretty much aware that the metal zinc is harmful to our parrots. One thing I didn't know about it was listed here http://www.birdclinic.net/avian1.htm I was very surprised to find monopoly pieces on the list. I am assuming it would be the metal car, shoe etc. rather than plastic. Next I recall reading on our forum in Dave's thread on sunflower seeds that the mineral zinc is beneficial to our parrot's diet. Until now, I had not specifically realized zinc is also a mineral that is healthy and necessary. http://www.naturalbird.com/mcwatters/zinc.htm Sure enough, when I read the label on our Harrison's pellet, zinc sulfate is listed. I guess I just wanted to post and say it struck me when I saw zinc on the almond milk label but before I banned it, I needed to know a little more. I would like to know if others have anything to add to the conversation. Thanks forum friends.

Great vet report. I am really glad for you to have gotten good news. Your vet does sound wonderful and I have to say I am impressed that you and Pat go together. I had a hard enough time getting my husband to take off work when I needed a ride home from recent tests. LOL. The way both of you are involved with your flock is inspirational. Since you like your vet so much, I am wondering if he is going to train an assistant vet to take over his practice? Chances are if he is only working a few days a week, he has not found someone. It might be a good question to ask him if he has plans or if he has a referring vet with similar methods. You might call his office some time and tell them how much you like his practice and are looking ahead to the time he might fully retire and want to plan your options now. Also, if he hasn't done so already he may formuate a partnership plan for his patients to be seen on his days off. I really admire how your family has immersed yourself in the care of your flock.

Congratulations to Timber the adventurer. Way to Go! You are making such great strides in your new home and habitat. There is nothing like the thrill of watching a little soul come out and peel off the layers of baggage to settle in and find new skills and reawaken the joy he has to share with you Karen. I love following you and Timber as you widen his horizons and soar into the wonderful life you have planned together.

Well what do you know? I am also an "aka" Dee, other than Miss Gilbert calling me LuLu, that is. It was stunning when we lost our CAG Juno, I was totally unprepared for the grip of grief. It was incredibly painful to stick with the forum at first so thank you for finding the strength to return as you can bear it. I promise that it does get better with time. It isn't so much that the hurt goes away, its been five years and it is still raw. What does happen is little by little, small things that were joyful in our relationship started to peek through and make me smile. We only lived with Juno for seven weeks, he was still our baby. His eyes never had a chance to turn. Breaking down is not a sign of weakness but a tribute to the depth of emotion our greys manage to share with us. So pleased that your little Aria Marie is healthy and along with Megan is bringing you happy moments as you cope.

Ingenious suggestions! We should have a contest "Top that cone!" Any time you come up with something fun as well as nutritious, we are all winners. Great ideas.

I missed this thread the first time while I was traveling. I am glad it came back up again so I could get caught up. All those pictures of your parrots being happily close to you are endearing. We are closer than ever to getting Gilbert to enjoy head scratches. One day she will be ready for human hands and when she can be relaxed, I can find time to post a photo. Until then, I looked at all of yours again and again.

Well done! Great idea, I may have to try this myself because Miss Gilbert is terrified and upset by any kind of watering device I have used and we have a bin full. I have a Misto for my cooking oils and will get a new one to try for her. Thanks for the tip.

Fascinating and fabulous is a good description. The two times Gilbert has bitten me hard, she is quick to say 'sorry'. She learned it before she came to us. She is generally in her own area, on or about her cage and her floor stand so she does seem to poo in any spot where she is standing. What is interesting is, if she poos into the cage from above, onto the papers under her floor stand or onto paper any time, she says nothing, just goes about her business. But sometimes when the door is wide open, she will go to the very edge and poop off the paper onto the hardwood and then she complains loudly that there is "sh$# on the floor". Yesterday when she was off her cage, she made a mess with oatmeal on a glass side table. Then she pooped on the rug as I carried her back to her cage. She watched me clean the glass and said nothing. The second, I started to clean the rug she was exclaiming "sh&$ on the floor". I ignore her completely but I do have to turn my back because no matter how many times she does it, it is always spot on for knowing what I am doing and cleaning up and the look on my face is still amazement that she knows exactly what she is doing.

Ray, I so love reading about your life with Cricket as well as other members and their Amazons. I happened in to discover a pet supply store yesterday that had a few parrots. The grey was in his cage watching with cool calm interest, sizing up the newcomer and sat so still he never moved a feather. He was eating when I came in and he froze in his spot, foot raised half way to his beak and he didn't move for five minutes or more. The Amazon was telling me "hi" in the sweetest little voice, feather fluffing, turning upside down and really making a festival of it. She was flinging water and very interested in a newcomer. I had the impression Amazon's were similar in size to our Congo African greys, but this one was huge. It looked as big as my daughter's cat. Of course it wasn't six pounds, and it was probably because it was all fluffed up. I got some of Java's favorite foods there so I am sure I will go back. I am definitely out of my league with Miss Gilbert and not thinking of getting another parrot but it sure was nice to look.

After a pretty good day yesterday, Miss Gilbert is showing signs of wanting more direct attention. It helps tremendously to give her some warm, soupy oatmeal in the morning before I get my share. She makes yummy noises, eats her fill and it has been the best time of the day for her. About three am, something made me stir and I heard her outside my bedroom door say "hey" very softly. After a few minutes she made a soft "whooo". I couldn't resist. Whenever there is a window of opportunity, I have to try again. She doesn't exactly choose when she is vulnerable, when she needs just a little affirmation. I turned on a small lamp so it was just barely light near her cage and she was making happy little whistle sounds and closing her eyes completely surrendered and relaxed to have a half hour head rub. She has done this before when she is trying to make a turn back to being more pleasant and engaging. Her periods of withdrawal are conflicting to her, she seems to want to come forward but is jumpy and easily spooked. It seems like such a wonderful and warm time with her that I don't mind coming out in the wee hours to give her a little comfort. How I wish she would sit on my warm lap and just relax for such a head scratch instead of having to contort myself to get in just the right spot to touch her through the bars of her cage. Someday I believe we will get there.

The tide turns, the ice melts and the grey time ticks and moves us forward. This morning for the first time in weeks, Miss Gilbert postured and elicted a scratch when I came out of my room first thing in the morning. She was nervous about it and only could stand still for a few gentle touches but didn't attempt to bite me. This may have been a slight conciliatory gesture after she caught me off guard last night when I leaned over to pick up something near her cage and she came like a cobra strike to pull my hair. This morning we have a fresh new outlook. The dogs startled her off her cage and for the first time, she flapped hard and made landing on the third step of the carpeted stairs. Generally when she comes down, I watch her make her way back to her cage and climb the ladder to get back to her comfort zone with dignity. Sometimes she is really upset and rattled and then I will offer a step up and carry her back. This time is different. I am guessing it is because she has a good grip on the surface and she is elevated so she doesn't feel vulnerable on the floor. It could be because I put things on the stairsteps on the way to be carried up on my next trip. LOL. Regardless, after a few minutes she was not in any hurry to go back and she was attempting to pull the carpet up. When I approached to offer a step up, she politely declined. Since I am trying to encourage her to broaden her horizons, I had an idea to put a puzzle foraging toy over there. It's too big, to bulky, too bright and too intimidating for her to tolerate it in her cage. But, on the carpet she had an advantage and enjoyed playing. Next she started making some gestures that signaled she was approachable and she stepped up willingly. She is now sitting on the arm of David's chair, sharing some oatmeal and punching holes in junk mail. What a turnabout in one morning! When she goes through a downturn, I try to remain consistent and give her opportunities to emerge when she is ready. Today she is ready.

Thanks for joining us. It's always a pleasure to hear all the confirmations of the way I feel about these exquisite and complex creatures that have tugged at my heartstrings. No two homes and no two greys are the same. It is a wonderful experience to have a forum family to share their thoughts and advice.

I hear many southern friends say "you never hear anyone say they are moving north for retirement". But.... that is my dream. With the exception of the bitter cold spells that happen occasionally, I like those snow days of stoking the wood stove, making hot chocolate and staying inside while it passes. Of course, by the time we reach that goal, I am hoping someone else likes to chop that wood. LOL. This is a good thread because even if we live in a mild climate where the loss of electricity is more of an inconvenience than a life threatening battle of the elements, it is still a good idea to have an emergency plan. There are so many other emergencies such as a chemical spill. Planning ahead for a medical emergency when we may need to make arrangements for our parrots is always going to be fraught with high anxiety. Having a back up plan and sorting through those issues when you are clear headed and can plan methodically is so much better than having that on your shoulders in the worst of times.

It sure is. Being on the outside for a while also gives me a well needed distance for objectivity. We had the opportunity with Jeff stopping by to see Gil interact pleasantly with a male stranger and then my friend Lydia came. She usually only comes down to my sewing room from the basement entrance so Gilbert doesn't see her. When she talked to Gilbert and offered a pine nut, Gil was nasty. She lunged at the bars and showed her ire by dumping her water dish and then flung pellets. Java stunned me by offering Lydia a step up and cooing and that set Gilbert off again. During this pouting session, she has gone back and forth. Sometimes it looks as if she is over it and back to normal, then she has a bad moment. My measure is always the feathers on her chest. They are currently full and healthy, so regardless of the mood Gil is not nervously chewing away. David has been kidding Gil and telling her to be nice to me. He asks her when was the last time she saw him cook her beans or spend time in the kitchen stirring up good food for her. When she walks to him and when she offers him step ups he tries not to show how much pleasure it gives him to be "chosen". Then last night, she showed him a minute of the other side of the coin when she refused my overtures for a night night almond and head rub. She tucked her head and was so sweet to him, then in a flash she grabbed his finger. That is another measure of success, her nips have gotten to be poison pen messages instead of fierce onslaughts. Soon, we will be progressing to the ole drive by email. Every day is a new day with our girl and progress is certain albeit at a grey pace.

They will be in good hands. Tell your boys you trust them and they are going to rise to the occasion and be good to your flock. They might not do things the same as if mom were doing them but your birds will be safe and fed. Make a pact that you will let them contact you daily and promise to let you know if there is anything to be worried about. Then... go in peace. Try to resist the urge to check on them, keep telling yourself it is just fine and the flock will learn to be strong and will appreciate your ways much more when you return. I am going to need to travel in June and August and already it is making a knot in my stomach. But, I have reached a progress with Gilbert that I know she is going to be fine. We all need this balance and our flock needs it as much as we do. I had a recent health concern and it made me think hard about the alternatives. Having your flock weather your absence and be reunited is going to be uncomfortable but it is also like starting an exercise program, it might ache a little at first but the long term benefit is worth it.

We have an older TAG from multiple rehomes. She was a stress plucker when she came home to us. She was frozen in fear. After the initial period to get her settled in, our avian vet recommended a natural pet rescue remedy from Bach Flower remedies. I was very skeptical because she didn't seem to have nervous energy, but she was closed down and anxious from fear. The time in the pet store as a chick may have your girl stressed out. The rescue remedy in her warm bean mix did seem to help after a period of time. Now we give it to her when we travel or anticipate changes in her life that will cause her anxiety. She quit chewing and barbering her feathers in about six weeks initially. Now she may start chewing nervously and I will start the rescue remedy again and she doesn't progress to near the extent she did in the beginning. It didn't have any side effects and I can't be positive if it really changed anything, but it sure didn't hurt anything to try it. There are two types of the rescue remedy, one is for pets because it contains no alcohol. As with any kind of supplement or natural remedy, I believe its best combined with your vet's oversight. I just wanted you to know it helped us.

This little trunk is the next best thing to a thrift store find, so I think I will let her redecorate it. Although I bought it when our little dog had a back injury to give him a shorter distance to maneuver getting on and off the sofa, I have used it for less considerate tasks. He is a ball playing maniac and he will drive me crazy when my husband is out of town. So, I hide his five orange "chuck-it" balls in the trunk to get peace. Once hubby permitted Mick to see him retrieve the ball from it, now he goes and barks at it when I refuse to play ball. He knows it is in there. Come to think of it, Miss Gilbert may be chewing on it to get the dang ball out of there to make him be quiet. Hahahaha. A week or so ago, I realized how putting the bottom grate from her cage against the side as a ladder has given her more confidence to climb off and back onto her cage, so I left it there. Yesterday she was hanging out on it and I started hearing a soft clanging sound. I slowly walked around from the dining room side so I could see what she was doing without disrupting her progress. Her cage and Java's are identical, sitting about eighteen inches apart with a UV lamp between them. Gil was holding the grate, leaning way over toward Java's cage and rocking that grate until it slowly tipped and was held by the lamp giving her the opportunity to pull herself up and climb onto Java's cage. I chased her back to her own territory and fixed the grate. Within the hour, she was back down there pulling, pushing and by golly she got it loose again and used it as a tool to get to Java's cage. I had to move it to the other side and anchor it with zip ties. I think the first time was coincidental, but the second time she knew just what she wanted. Little by little, she is gaining courage. Just a few short months ago she was completely frozen in fear by Java and now she is seeking out a confrontation. Of course, thwarting her plans has done nothing to get on her good side. We were just getting back to our nightly head scratch session and last night she gave me the cold shoulder. LOL. This too shall pass.