Xtreme575

Agreed with everyone above. I generally allow Paco onto my shoulder with some exceptions; never when he is on his harness, he'd take my arm off then, so I keep him perched on my hand; nor do I allow him on my shoulder while I'm cooking, I'm afraid he may hop somewhere he shouldn't... Also, I pay attention to dinner time, he eats at 8:30 on the dot, if I have him on my shoulder past then, I'm likely to face some aggression, he's hungy, I get crabby too!

Thanks everyone! Jayd, no worries, the aloe and bathing is a big part of our life already. So, another flight should be coming out in a few days, opposite wing?

So this morning Paco and I were working on his "Step Up" command when he noticed a dish on my coffee table that he loves to hate. Anyway, he started to flap his wings and out came a clipped grey primary flight feather. I don't know who was more shocked, him or I!?! At 10 months, he is weighing in at an average of 460 kg (weighed after morning dump). Could he have a bit of a premature hormone surge causing things to happen a bit early. As I posted a few days ago, I found him playing with a red feather which I was able to distract him causing him to drop it and come play with me. Could we be flying before my estimated October? Or is he secretly pulling when I'm not looking? Hmmmmm. I'd appreciate thoughts. I don't know whether to celebrate or be depressed on increased plucking! He has been really happy lately with my extra time, not in school.

What a strange title, but I didn't know what else to call it. This morning Paco was sitting on my lap enjoying "scratches" while we just chilled together. In the midst of it, he pulled his head away from my hand, looked at me, and said, "Hello" as clear as a bell. This "Hello" is not new, however, speaking while crawling around on me is. He then started to do the "funky chicken" with his head before bringing up breakfast from his crop. I think we have really enjoyed our free time while I've been on my semester break from school.

Welcome to the forum! It is unfortunate that Bear had the experience at the pet shop, thank you for rescuing him. I have to try to turn my mind away from the others that are still at the pet shop, it sickens me to think about members of our noble friend's family existing like that. You have just joined what I would argue as the best African Grey resource in the world. Have a look around, search topics as they pop into your mind, ask questions and be prepared to get honest feedback that can sometimes be contrary to what you would have thought. There are some very experienced owners and breeders on this forum who are willing to offer their expertise, us novices are very lucky to have them. Everyone is helpful, and will offer advice when you need it. I'm so pleased to hear that Bear has settled into your home well. I'm thrilled to hear that he is showing signs of being happy and loving, and that you sound to be doing a great job parronting so far. I saw your other post regarding weaning, I was lucky, I got my bird fully weaned directly from the breeder, but the advice I've read on this forum says to let the bird let you know when it is done weaning. You will notice a term used on here, "Parrot Time". This is an expression that explains the agonizing time that it takes for our feathered friends to do what we want. Don't get me wrong, you can train them to do tricks in seconds using the correct methods, but as far as growing back flight feathers, getting over phobias, weaning, etc., they do that on their time. Your role is support them as a flock member, an equal. I think you are going to really enjoy this journey. Again, and sincerely, welcome!

Whoo-hoo! Congrats! Harvey is sure a good looking bird!

Could it be part of his first molt? Heavier than expected?

Thanks guys. I will keep an eye on him. I'm trying to be optimistic as my normal reaction is a major freak-out, internally. What do the quills look like on a normal molt? Are they as though the feather has just fallen out? Is there anything I should watch for? I know it's a pretty significant molt, started at Xmas with one pin feather, now he is covered in them, and even a headscratch will result in one or two little grey feathers falling out. God, if he starts on anything beyond his chest, I'll have a nervous breakdown!

Jill, you say that they won't have Harvey out, but let's face it. He'll be hanging off his cage bars looking at your mom with those gorgeous round eyes with his beak turned into his crop just enough to hide the point and she will melt. The door will be flung open, and Harvey will be up to his antics right away. Your mother will be sick with worry, the house will be hermatically sealed in order to not allow Harvey any opportunity to escape, (I hope your Dad doesn't mind having to spend a few more hours at the pub) mom will sit and wait (for a long, long time) until Harvey decides he is hungry and returns to the cage for a bite, where your mom will lunge at the door slamming it closed in defeat. This process will repeat itself everyday until you return. Harvey will be fit, happy and healthy, your mom will have lost the few pounds that she has been complaining about, and your dad will need to be given an opportunity to dry out from having to spend most of his time at the pub for two weeks. It sounds like wonderful fun! Why are you worried? In all seriousness, I was amazed at how Paco allowed my Dad to handle him when I was not around at Christmas. All was good, both were happy, and Paco has taken to biting everyone but me as well.

Tonight after work I was taking a little rest on the couch while Paco played between his cage and the hanging play-gym that is adjacent to his cage. I was watching TV, but as usual, Paco's antics caught my attention. I watched as he played around on the bottom of his cage before turning my attention back to the TV. A moment later I noticed Paco standing on the bottom frame of his cage door and that he was playing with something. At closer look I noticed that it was one of his large, red, tail feathers! I'm not sure if the feather was already on the cage floor and I didn't notice it, or if he got it out in the moment that I looked away, but I was sure surprised to see him standing there holding it. When I stood up from the couch he dropped it in anticipation of being picked up, so I grabbed the feather to save it. I'm quite certain this is part of his first molt (he turned 10 months on the 10th of April), he has pin feathers all over his head, and I'm seeing more and larger grey feathers than I have ever seen before. He is still chewing the feathers on his breast right under his crop, but he never pulls them out, instead just overpreens to give them a shredded look. I'm still hopeful that he might grow out of this as he gets a little older. I'm continuing with the aloe sprays and trying to make him as comfortable as possible, but this is giving me hope that I might see new flight feathers soon?!?!?!?!?!?

I will sit here in Canada and be jealous! I don't think we will ever get them, but my understanding is that there is a fear that someone might plant one?!?!?!?! The funny thing is, living on the west coast, there are palm trees transplanted everywhere, but I can't find anyone with a tree that produces the nuts yet. So, I will rely on the oil that Harrison's produces that I am able to get from my vet for $25.00 per few ounces... I've never been so poor in my life as I have since adopting Paco, but I wouldn't trade him for the world.

I totally thought that some of the chatter at the beginning was between you and Emma! That is amazing! I can't believe how much she says at once, wow. She is so sweet, and a cute voice too, I loved it. Thanks for posting.

Jess, I think you have been offered excellent advice by many experienced parrot owners. I understand your reasoning for saying "No" to Yoshi, but I can't help but think that Yoshi isn't going to understand it, and will instead focus on the attention/reaction of the "No" more than the time-out. Besides, as her vocal skills expand, I'm sure you won't want to hear a harsh "No" coming from her all the time. I've been reading your posts for some time now, and it is clear that you are very dedicated, and a loving parrot owner, I think that if you started hearing the "No" you'd regret it. My biggest problem with Paco is his nipping. I've noticed over the past couple of months that it has been increasing a bit. What I've been doing is simply asking him to step up from my lap and simply putting him on his cage. I'm giving no reaction at all, nor am I rushing back to get him even if he starts being cute. I just carry on with what I'm doing. I've noticed two changes, the first being that the nips have decreased a bit, the other, he runs to me from his play-top to "step-up" when I get back to him. Good luck, and I feel for you. The screaming grates me. I was napping last week on the couch and he was happily playing when he went into attack mode and let out the jungle screech that nearly brings down the roof! I jumped off the couch from a sound sleep thinking the world was coming to an end... He was happily attacking a ball on a chain while hanging upside down, I was nearly in cardiac arrest.

I can't help but wonder how much attention Rudy gets during the course of the entire day? Remember, they need a minimum of 45 minutes of dedicated time from us each day. I'm currently working full-time and going to university (nearly) full-time. I find that when I get caught up with the business of my day, Paco is more "needy" and attentive. So, at the very least, I give him my last hour of the day where he cuddles into my neck for scratches. Paco will be a year in June, so he is just behind Rudy, but I wouldn't say she's spoiled, just that you are lucky! LOL! I

Chin up Jill, I think we have all been struggling with this a bit now with spring here. I have been able to get it on Paco twice now, but nearly lost my arm in the process. The struggle is getting the ring over his head, wings are a breeze, but tightening it. Holy cow! By the time I actually get it done up I'm soaked in sweat, breathing hard and covered in bird poop with an angry bird on my hand. When the harness is on, I won't let him near my shoulder, it's the only time I don't trust him. I have really kept him out for long periods of time, not because either of us are enjoying it, but because I know I have to go through the whole process in reverse, possibly losing my other arm in the process... I will continue, with prayers for my life and limb.

So am I! Is there any new updates?

I can take Paco into the shower with me, but it occured to me that he doesn't seem to like the chlorinated water. I've now been misting him with distiller water from a mister. It seems to be working out for him. I think the smaller cage in the tub should work for you.

Haha! Thanks for being here Jill! I love your posts, your sense of humour and outspoken ways! Thanks for your mentorship, my you continue to refuse to take it seriously! Ryan

Peyperj, I'm in the same boat, I have a 10 month old CAG that had a brutal clip before I got him. I'm just waiting it out. I'm hoping for some new feathers by Sept/Oct, it sounds like you are a couple of months ahead of me. Sit back and be patient I guess. We must accept "parrot time" which doesn't seem to move very fast!

Aww, Jill, that is really harsh! Harvey is really being a little bugger eh? I've been battling Paco to reintroduce him to the Harness as well, and I think it's only by luck that I haven't had a bit like you just got. I got it on him yesterday, but it left me soaked in sweat, and him holding his feathers flat against his head until we got outside. He was seriously choked at me until he got into a tree, then he was a happy camper. I don't know if going back to the video and starting from scratch would help, but I don't blame you for not wanting to try again. If only Harvey knew what he'd be missing out on.

Relax! You will do great. We all feel nervous at first, but then the nuturing thing happens, you have family here to rely on, it will be great, and your baby will fall in love with you and its new home. I was shocked there wasn't parronting school somewhere that would help me by practicing. Then I realized, it is online, the website is www.greyforums.net

Hahahahahahaha! I love Harvey stories. There is something about the relationship that you have with him Jill that really does crack me up! Judy, I love that Jill refuses to learn with Harvey, it makes it more fun around here.

Well, telepathic for exceptional hearing... Either way, I swear Paco hears/knows the moment I open my eyes in the morning. I'm not even out of bed when he starts to holler at me!

Ooops! I had a Jill moment and got impatient! :woohoo:<br><br>Post edited by: Xtreme575, at: 2010/04/09 06:17

Hi Bonnie, i've never been able to forget your story. I'm so pleased to hear that you are adopting Akima's brother! What a great age to get as well! So much fun!