snakeopus

Reading this thread wrenched my heart so much! My deepest condolences.... The books about Alex - I read the one "Alex and Me." Just reading the first 10 pages just about brought me to tears - and then the end did bring me to tears...Such an engaging narrative about Pepperberg's 30 years of research with Alex - but more so of the 30 year relationship with him. She went into great detail about how Alex passing devastated her - I can't imagine what you've been going through. Hang in there!!!

Here's Bismark and I (Adam)....Just a couple of goofs <br><br>Post edited by: snakeopus, at: 2009/10/22 04:30

Thank you for your reply. Essentially we're both babies in this eh? lol<br><br>Post edited by: snakeopus, at: 2009/10/20 08:03

thank you for sharing! *sigh*

the pix are smaller than I thought....so here's a link to the complete album (still in the works) with normal sized pictures http://s615.photobucket.com/albums/tt238/aoconno1/

Hey everyone! It has been well over a month since I have posted on here - but do not think that I have not been secretly sifting through the vault of knowledge and experience this forum contains on a daily basis! The question I am presenting is about owner/parrot bonding; especially in regards to my(our) living situation. Quick re-introduction: Just under two months ago Bismark, a now 6ish month old CAG, entered my life. He was a surprise gift, and I mean surprise in the sense that I woke up one Friday morning wondering if I had two socks that matched to going to bed with an African Grey perched next to me on an upside down ladder (the cage wouldn't fit in my Miata ha). My mother is amazing!! (I've always thought that, not just since Bismark! ) Living situation: I am 24, single, and work full time while attending evening classes at GMU (almost done!!!!!!!!) I have a rather busy and chaotic lifestyle, and the first two weeks with Bismark were rather stressful (I honestly think more so for me than him - he is a very hardy individual). His cage is in my bedroom, so things are quite intimate (and now I have to vacuum daily!). I live in a townhouse with one other guy, so it's quiet 95% of the time. Bismark does gets frequent visits from my friends. However, 99% of the time it's myself and him. We made a connection early on, and the bond only seems to strengthen with the passing of time. One Saturday morning a couple weeks ago I was sleeping in until I was awakened by a flurry of feathers. Bismark had flown off his cage onto my chest to let me know I used up my lazy-points and it was time to awaken. (I discovered I forgot to close this mini-door to his cage when I put him to bed the night before). I will finally get to the point: This has been going on for about 2 - 3 weeks; but sometimes when I'm interacting with Bismark when he's on the play area on the roof of his cage, he'll scurry to the corner closest to me and crouch down. I'll ever-so-gently place my palm over his back and nuzzle his head with my other hand. And then he'll go to sleep!! I have read a lot about not confusing your Grey into considering you a mate, and not to allow them to act sexually towards you. Is this something I should stop? I don't necessarily encourage it (because I end up standing next to his cage like an idiot for 30 minutes because I'm such a sucker and he knows it ha); but I do not discourage it. What does this behavior mean? Should I stop? I will finally conclude ha. Bismark and I get along so well....I lived in the dorms at GMU for 3 years and living with Bizzy is very reminiscent to having a roommate! Like I mentioned above, it's been surreal and stressful for me. I'm always in awe, but at the same time I get anxious that I will overlook something or do something that will hurt him. I do not want to nourish an unhealthy relationship with my Grey, and that is why I posted tonight. Thank you all for your input! I apologize I have not posted in a long time - Bizzy and I are still adjusting to each other. Side note: I took him to the vet last week and he's in perfect health (weighs 360 grams). The vet took a blood sample to test for chlamydophila and something else that escapes me at the moment. Part of the blood work includes confirming if Bismark is a male or female. The bill was just about $400!!! Because I'd like the forum to get to know us better, and I simply can't help it, I included some recent pictures of Bizzy - ....And a pic of me, just to a put a face with a username - I saw the thread "Grey Owner, What Do You Look Like?" To the forum: thank you for having me and reading my drawn out post! - Adam PS: Judygram - I could only hope to someday be 1/2 as knowledgeable and approachable as you! Carolz7 - I could only dream (and Bizzy could only wish I was as as good) to be someday to be 1/2 as creative and "Grey-intuitive" as you! Bismark: (thoroughly cleaned first!)

lets try this... Post edited by: snakeopus, at: 2009/09/25 05:20 <br><br>Post edited by: snakeopus, at: 2009/09/25 05:25

Here is Bismark's (or Bizzy) castle. Simplistic design, but he loves being on top of it. Have some ideas on how to improve his play area on top. <br><br>Post edited by: snakeopus, at: 2009/09/25 05:26

...btw in my profile picture you can see a GMU flag in the background; don't worry since the picture was taken Bismark has removed the thumbtacks and it ended up under his cage....

I've only been a CAG owner for two weeks now - but I have to say that it's been quite an experience. It's something I've read about for years, and something I've craved. First off - having an African Grey is everything anyone has written about and so much more. What a unique companion! A Grey is truly an exotic pet - interaction with a Grey is very engaging and throws some people off. My Grey's name is Bismark, he was an unexpected gift two weeks ago. He's 5 months old, spunky, curious, and almost fearless. He's very vocal when it is just myself and him - making sounds ranging whistles and chuckles to almost coherent English sentences. His first sentence, I am 99% sure, was "I need to clean my room." - which is something I'm sure I say a lot considering he is also a very messy pet. However, he when he starts babbling and waving his head around, he has uttered many things that closely resemble our language. Being a Grey owner, I have to say coming home from work is something I have grown to extremely look forward to. Bismark can be a moody individual, but 100% of the time when I get home from work he is in a fantastic mood - cuddling and uttering sweet nothings ;-) On the other end of the spectrum, Bismark can get into nasty moods. Usually they occur later in the evening when he gets tired - but sometimes he can be nippy and grouchy. As I've read, Greys are moody parrots - but I never realized how "humanly" their tendencies can be!!!! Having a Grey can be similar to having a girlfriend! Anywho, I will wrap this up. Bismark is an amazing parrot - his eyes are starting to change color - he and I have bonded very well! When I first 'got' Bismark I was nervous about the prospect of having him for pretty much the remainder of my life (I'm 24) - but now I truly excited at the idea of himself and I becoming lifelong buddies.

Thank all of you for the kind welcome! The most surprising part about my mom surprising me with Bismark (and the beautiful cage/toys) was that my birthday is November - nothing special is going on - it was a pure surprise! I need to get a digital camera, or even a camera phone so I can take more pictures. One thing that comes to mind immediately - what sorts of toys to greys enjoy? I work 9 - 5, and spend the evenings at home mostly, but realize that greys need intellectual stimulation while alone. Bismark gets so excited when I come! He starts babbling and eying the door to the cage. I can't wait till we can find games to play and things of that nature. Again, thank you guys for the warm welcome!

Hi all! Just thought I'd introduce myself - and my new CAG (congo african grey right?). My name's Adam and my new buddy is Bismark. Three days ago I went to visit my mother, and surprise surprise: waiting for me was a beautiful 4 month old CAG. I have wanted one of these birds since I was 12 - and have read about them over the years. However, never in a million years would I have guessed that I would own one anytime in the foreseeable future. I'm still in shock - and cannot take my eyes off Bismark. In the few days that I have had him, I have to say he's quite spunky, and growing more fond me daily. He's been extraordinarily affectionate this afternoon, demanding to have the top of his head rubbed. He even went so far as to flutter off his cage onto the floor, run to me, and climb up my pants to get his head rubbed. He's starting to babble more and more as well - perhaps he will be quite the talker? Anywho, I will wrap this up. Words cannot describe the joy it brings me to be able to s ay I own one of these fantastic birds - and I look forward to sharing with and learning from this community! Cheers! Adam + Bismark <br><br>Post edited by: snakeopus, at: 2009/08/25 01:43