Greywings

I have Rescue experience and there are families who when they surrender their birds request that they remain together. Now to think from the birds viewpoint-they have lost the family they were a part of, they have lost the home they felt safe in, their diets, caging, surroundings, sounds and schedules are all different and require getting used to. To loose a valued flock mate on top of all the other other changes would only add to the stress load they are all ready carrying. Remember these birds are a food source for predators in the wild so they have that instinct to look out for each other and the need to avoid scary new things. People do adopt more than one bird at a time, not common but it is done. You may not have that understanding of the Grey psyche - they are sensitive to change, they can read body language better than we can (it is a survival skill) and can be very slow to adapt to a new location even in the same house. Each bird is unique and has their own fears and joys just like us. The right bird will come along and you have time to be really ready for your Grey companion.

We juice here as well but use a Kitchen Ninja so there are plenty of veggie & fruit particles suspended in the juice-kind of a high fiber juice. If you could slowly cut back on the unhealthy juice and slowly add some veggies to the mix it would be beneficial.

Desperately needing rain here in Texas as well. At the Sanctuary we wrap the aviaries to keep the wind and precipitation out. The old infirm birds or naked birds are brought inside for Winter. On the Gulf Coast Winter is not usually very long lasting or severe, I have had Roses and Iris blooming at Christmas time.

Welcome! Do be careful when using string that could be long enough for Petri to wrap around her/his neck, wing or leg. It would be heartbreaking to loose your wonderful baby to an accident. Look forward to seeing pictures and hearing more stories of your confidant clever Petri.

The males can remain cuddly, I know one named Kermit who just loves to cuddle up. Shamrock or Shamus are both great names.

Adding my wishes for a happy outcome.

So many reasons for plucking, injury, stress, skin issues weather related to diet or infection. We live with a feather barbering U2, a self mutilating E2, a nervous neck plucking CAG and fostered a naked TAG with only head feathers and a currently fostering a Senegal who had that monks tonsure look. The U2 looks so much better than when he arrived 8 years ago now only chews some feather margins when bored. E2 must always wear a jacket to prevent injury to his chest he had recieved two surgeries to close the openings he dug into his chest prior to his arrival with us. Cag has also improved but still a bit of a neck plucker and toenail chewer but has more feathers now than when we adopted her. The Senegal has regrown most of his head feathers but still has a bald spot on top he also has a split lower mandible we have to trim to keep it from harming his face. So you are not alone in fact the Sanctuary I volunteer at has several birds who are very plucked from Conures to Macaws. We take them to the Vet to determine any health issues supply good foods, lots of toys and things to do, room to exercise, real Sunshine and lots of mistings or baths to make the most of what they can still grow but most importantly don't feel badly for them they are often quite happily nudists. Our job is to love and support not to carry a burden of guilt or past history for them.

She has that extra boost of personality and she does look relaxed and happy in the photo. Real Sunshine and keeping her showered and wet with Aloe Juice or water will help her a great deal. Maybe a little extra protein would not be out of line either.

As the old saying goes "Anything worthwhile is not easy" all of our flock of larger birds and most of the small ones are "recycled" from previous homes and each one is special and beautiful in my eyes.

Welcome weather you have a bird or not, you are going about Parront hood in just the right way. I see you are in New Mexico and one of my best bird friends runs Macaw & cockatoo Rescue of New Mexico it is a small world.

Lucky bird and I think good for you too.

So sorry for your loss, it could have been the bite it could have been the meds we just do not know. my birds live with both cats & dogs so you are not the only one who choses that path, your tender heart saved the stray and that is something I have always done as well. I do know that he will always live in your heart.

Those ear protectors they use at the gun range should help. You really can get some relief if you consistently ignore him however difficult that may be it will work. If he is chasing your feet on the floor then put one of those cheap plastic laundry baskets over him for a while. He can still get around but unable to successfully chew toes. Here is an example from a friend who had a very wound up Too who found a way to have fun in time out. http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f8...t=101_0058.flv

Walk away, go outside and ignore him. Or try taking him for a little ride in the car-oddly sometimes that can help and remember for every two steps forward thy often take one backwards too. Be consistent in not responding to his sound barrage. Gus is very much a Too.

Ok now Jake is feeling much better so you can relax a bit and take a nice long bubble bath. Lets now worry yet as you are not really certain what to worry about. These birds can really age us quickly.

A clean feather duster hung upside down at the end of a perch can be helpful as well.

How very cool that Sophie and he have such a great inter species communication going. I think maybe they both read bosy language better than the rest of us "normal" types.

All is well if he is eating and drinking again. Good news.

Poor Dali that is painful, Rescue Remedy would not harm him if you want to put a drop in his warm soft food. Help him recover from the shock of injury. Let us know what your Vet says, I think they may remove the loose bit to make him more comfortable. Hope to hear all is well soon.

I can speak from front line experience volunteering at the Sanctuary and answering the phone calls. Most who contact us wanting to surrender their birds into our care do so due to unforeseen circumstances. The economic downturn the USA has been working through has disrupted peoples lives, no job finding themselves homeless with no where for their birds to go. People who became very ill or sustained life changing injuries leaving them unable to care for their birds. Family members who have no interest or are in fear of their deceased families flock or taking long term jobs overseas all these things have landed birds in rescue or Sanctuary situations. Very rarely do we get calls indication that living with the mess or the noise has become too much.

Well at least you neck is healing, always look for the bright side first.

In other words read and learn then decide what works for your birds, it seem they are not all in agreement. I think the manufacturers and each of us still have much to learn.

The more we learn the better we can care for our Grey overlords.

Posh digs, good job that should be a big hit.

Harry too loves a foot and leg massage, his feet are not soft though.