Greywings

I get to work with and observe a lot of Macaws on the weekend and have a god friend that rehabs Macaws in New Mexico and we have both observed that some birds deliberately gulp air into their crops. It may have stated as boredom when he was kind of neglected at his prior residence if this is what he is doing.

Sweet boy busy boy he has made himself quite at home in your hearts already. Stewart will start telling on him soon I think.

Good work patience long term is the key!

In the wild they forage for leaves, inner bark of some trees,fruits, nuts, seeds, tubers & roots, insects and eggs. I don't believe that eating a dry pellet can encompass all of that variety or satisfy that food search need. Greys are flexible and do well on most balanced diets, as with anything you can have a bird that has food sensitivities you may need to avoid. Pellets have found to be the cause of over vitaminization issues such a Kidney damage and neurological symptoms like toe tapping so in my opinion moderation in all things and a great variety of foods is closer to their natural diet in the wild. Fortunately we have much more knowledge easily available to us now with the internet and sites like this sharing what we experience than anyone with parrots has ever had before. So do as much research as you like then feed what works best for your flock and your food stuff availability and keep that mind open to new information as it becomes available. No dog chow is not a substitute for pelleted bird food, the balance of nutrition is all wrong and some ingredients are suspect.

As long as a dog is not able to reach him before you can as he cannot gain altitude to get away. I know someone whose bird tragically died when a small dog(Chihuahua) came up behind it and grabbed suddenly killing the bird. Caution caution caution... Very pleased to hear how well he is doing now. Try holding him on his back on your lap to sneak those nose drops in.

You have to do what is right for you and your bird, no birds on shoulders at my house as we have an Umbie Too and an Elanora among the Greys . A large cockatoo can inflick too much damge too quickly to avoid. The highest bird in the flock is usually looking out for danger, guard duty as it were not being the king.

Love the name and glad you joined in.

this thread is all twisty but cohesive, perhaps the challenge of using written language leaves out the body language and facial expressions the would perhaps make thing seem less threatening and more concerned. When all you have to choose from are wild caught it does not leave much room for obtaining your bird. that said it seems you are doing your best to make friends and build trust with a wild bird-so good on you and you can make a difference even just converting one other persons mindset where you live. The best to you and Mikko.

Greyt photo! I love it >:>

Some Macaws do enjoy just gently beaking your hand or fingers it is more a sign of affection and acceptance, kind of a way to build more trust at the same time. Good work murfchck!

It sounds like he had a little fright at some point you may not even have been involved. A scary sound or something outside the window and it upped his caution levels for a while. You were smart and behaved as if nothing were different not adding pressure to step up allowed him to become reassured in the trust between you. Good Grey person!

Yes but I use it in the making of my birdy bread, soaking the dry ingredients with it prior to adding the eggs and fresh fruit & veggies. They all love it!

Like Danmcq mentioned it could be not enough protein, there could be too much disturbance, the chicks could have been not quite right, it could be they are just not meant to be breeder birds.

With Macaws it often help you interact if you mirror their movements, head tips side glances little huffing sounds. Try and see if you get a more positive reaction from Oliver-like when you are in a foreign country and at least attempt to speak the language you get some credit for trying.

At least. >:>

Love that baby face!

I would play what ever music he prefers and show no anxiety yourself, act normal and chat about the wonderful rain the pretty lightning ect.

So far so good, wise to bring him back inside as he was not comfortable.

Yay another good report, it does feel great when you see that appetite and good activity levels.

We would love to hear about your Myna they are very messy birds but very clever as well. You will think this bird is trying to paint your walls with fruit. Big hug for you.

Greys have temporarily decimated my feelings on occasion but they are not even close to the destructive capabilities of my Too's on the woodwork in our home.

Chippy is very young to be egg fascinated like this but it certainly looks like he/she is. Research the food values of the ingredients you are feeding , make adjustments & add even more dark colored veggies and perhaps more bath time as well.

It looks like Chippy may be feeling those nurturing feelings, our daylight length is triggering some hormonal response. I would ignore the obsession & add more foot toys, reduce the protein in her/his diet and see what can be done about light times being lengthened artificially.

Oliver must be improving if he is feeling good enough to show his objections! lol Wonderful to hear he is eating better such a journey you are having with him and sharing with us. Those good days are what keeps us going when we have a health challenge weather ours or theirs. Best wishes & keep up the good.

I use Georges Aloe Vera juice it is heavily filter looks like water and will not make your bird sticky or gummy.