Xtreme575

I have been whining for some time that we are not able to get palm nuts in Canada. After reading Stephen's post about how much Isaac is enjoying his palm nuts I decided to put my free time (I took the week off) this week to good use. I contacted Canada Customs and spoke to a Senior Agent who asked me some very specific questions regarding my intent with the palm nuts. It seems that if I purchase them from a bird store and not a seed shop, and if the box is clearly marked, "Bird Feed - Palm Nuts", then she told me that I'd be able to bring them across. There was some concern about what would happen to the nut after all was said and done, I told her that the bird would eat it, and offered nothing further. I wasn't about to say anything about the bird only eating the husk. The next problem in my quest for palm is to make sure it gets through customs fast enough to make sure the nuts don't spoil. They will make no promises there, and my past experience has shown that it takes up to three weeks to get things through customs... So, I know a woman at work who gets things delivered in our neighbouring US city, and then she brings it across herself. I think there is a $5.00 charge to get things delivered there, but big deal! So, I'm going to give this a try. Wish me luck getting these across the border! I just find it funny that the law will allow them as feed, but not as a seed... Same thing, different name. Oh well, if feed gets it to me, who cares! I explained this to the avian vet I saw this week, she was pretty impressed by my diligence and the initial approval to bring these across. She wants me to keep her apprised, and she is hopeful that she may be able to do the same thing for her Grey as well. Apparently this was an issue with pomegrante fruit in the 70's in Canada. We do love our protectionist laws to save us from alien species here in the far north...

And you knew that this would get me good! LMAO! Yes, you and Noogie will always have such a special bond. Other than my parrot, I have Zebra finches, they hate me even going near their cage, so it makes it pretty easy to favour Paco who just wants to be with me all day long and is so interactive. The finches just want fresh food and water, and then to have me leave them alone so they can beep at one another.

I met someone with a 21 year old CAG who told me that he had never closed the door to his CAG's cage one in the birds life. I thought I'd give it a try, especially considering that mine is clipped, and I have no pets. It was ok until I came home to find an empty cage, I started to call out nearly losing my mind in the process until I heard a whistle from my kitchen. Paco was unhappily nested on an area rug in my kitchen. Upon closer examination I noticed that I had a pair of shoes shredded, my floors, including my cream coloured bedroom carpet were all covered in bird shit, it was a horrible mess. In hindsight, it was a stupid move on my part, and I don't leave Paco out for any short periods now either. I have learned my lesson and won't be repeating the freedom test again, I'm really lucky that I came home to a living bird. Their cage needs to be their safe place, and they must be secured in that place, especially when there is another pet or poisonous plant in the home.

Reggieroo, I keep a newspaper on the floor next to where my parrot and I hang out. As soon as I pick him up, I take him to that spot and ask him to go, if he doesn't, than I trust him to come play with me. I just have to make sure that I am paying attention, if he all of a sudden starts getting a bit nippy, or alternating his feet (like stomping) then he is letting me know it's time. I just hold him over the paper, and he will let go, I then tell him how good he is, and continue playing with him, while trying to be cognizant of the time. We got there more by me getting up and getting changed when he pooped on me. I'd return him to his cage, he didn't like that, so when I held him over the paper and he went and realized that it didn't result in return home, then he started doing it all the time. Now, the only accidents are my fault, he will let me know he has to go, but if I'm not paying enough attention, then I get what I deserve. Also, I have noticed that he is a nervous pooper, so if I have something that he isn't sure of, or am introducing him to something new, then I expect to get soiled as well. My bird is still clipped, so no, he can't fly back to his cage, and to be honest, I like the paper method next to where I'm sitting. Super easy to clean up, and really close for the urgent calls. Other than on me, he goes where he wants... I don't even try to control that, like you I worry that it may cause him to get weird about it, which could lead to bowel issues.

Jacarual, Dave007 breeds parrots, his knowledge and experience are a definate asset to the forum, plus, he has an amazing sense of humour that gives me a great gut-laugh more often than not! Dave, I am assuming that these are all the babies that you currently have? They are all so gorgeous, I didn't realize that you had such a variety of different birds. The macaws, are those scarlett or green-wing, I still struggle with trying to remember which is which, but I've fallen in love with them. I'm afraid my condo life probably wouldn't support the noise they can make though...

Mabdewn, you might want to search the forum regarding shoulder birds. There is a lot of information on the pros and cons of shouldering, as well as info about the appropriateness of it with your bird's personality. It will definately give you lots to consider. Good luck on ending those bites! Dan, I don't think Dayo has ever seen a "Hitler" method in his life! LOL!

If Dave says it, and Jay backs it, that's more than good enough for me! I'm awaiting some vet results right now, if they don't come back with results that will be helpful, then I will probably order this as well.

I think this has been my favourite post ever! I phoned my Mom to try to read it to her, (I inherited her sense of humour) but I couldn't actually read it to her without screaming with laughter to the point that she couldn't understand what I was saying, so she just laughed at the fact that I was laughing so hard. I think we laughed at each other on the phone for about 20 minutes before I actually got it out. The fact that this was so disturbing to you that it kept you up until 5 am, was the frosting on the cake that you say you like so much. That was good for another 20 minutes of hearty laughter by the two of us. I had to go clean the lenses of my glasses as I kept squirting tears on the lenses... You should see Mom and I if someone slips and falls... It's awful that we laugh, but reactions are so comical.

I love you Howardine! Thanks!

Great advice Dave, as usual. It's funny, my mom always had a few of these growing in the house while I was growing up. It didn't seem to matter what skin ailment we had, we got rubbed with the aloe vera plant. I'm surprised it grew at all considering she was always pinching a chunk off it. I remember it being especially soothing on sunburns! Who knew I'd be coveting the plant as a parrot owner as well. I have to say, I was surprised to see that the aloe vera juice is actually meant for human stomach ailments. I have non-bacterial stomach ulcers and thought I give it a shot. It's not horrible, but not something I could drink day in and day out.

Jacarual, brief history, I purchased Paco at 3 months, I was on the list for the clutch after Paco's, but the woman who was going to purchase him broke her hip, so it was an opportunity that I didn't want to let go by, I was all set up to adopt a grey already! In any event, I didn't have an opportunity to meet Paco prior to adopting him, the breeder had told me that he had some "feather damage" due to sticking his head between the cage bars in a cage that had to large of spacing, as well as from fighting with his brother. As inexperienced as I was, I took this at face value, and picked up Paco. It struck me immediately that the feather damage was in a straight line across the top of his chest only. I saw a vet who specializes in exotic pets (locally), twice. The first time without research, the second with research, and a specific request to have all the tests done, and a request to check for crop damage/infection. He assured me that it was psychological and not physical, but did not perform the tests I requested. I have finally been able to take some time off week to make the trip to see the "true" avian vet. So, no, he isn't exhibiting any signs of illness, just the feather chewing that leaves him with a shredded, downy look to his chest. Thanks for the votes of confidence all. I have to admit, they did shake my confidence a bit yesterday when they told me that I had a "very paranoid" little bird. I felt as though I was responsible for not being sympathetic enough to his needs, or not introducing him to enough events. But the more I think about it, I can't imagine him having more "outings" than he gets, and he always seems to enjoy them. Nor is he timid or shy around the house. I think he knew he was going to get non-fun things done to him!

I'm sorry, but it is kind of funny to think of sweet little Ana Grey coming out with a big loud "caw-caw". Last weekend I had Paco down at the bay on his harness, we were sitting on a log on the beach while I had a coffee, and Paco explored the big log. He was a few feet away from me when a great big raven landed on the other end of the log and started to caw at us, I think he wanted some of my bagel. Anyway, Paco sure high-tailed it back to me, running right between my legs before turning around and giving the raven the evil eye! He hasn't started cawing yet, but I know it will be coming.

Wow, I'm just waking up now and reading this, Brittany, Penny, you two are amazing! Penny, I remember that post as well, but I seem to think that it wasn't a member who was really active on the forum, which is why it is making it hard for me to remember.... Darn! I wish I could help...

I had just posted in the Health Room that I took Paco to the avian vet yesterday. Well, he could definately get the Oscar for most dramatic award winning performance, what a ham. What it came down to is that he acted so timid and paranoid that I ended up getting a good tongue wagging from the vet, not only on my own handling of Paco (I'm a type A, fairly aggressive personality, who is high-strung and a little on the hyper side), she described me as being "dynamic", but I got the point, anyway, she also really layed into me on his lack of socialization. Describing how he barbed his feathers at her and her staff before backing away from them when they tried to handle him. She insisted that he needed to meet more people and that they must hold him, but NOT on their shoulders. They also had concerns regarding his "paranoia" with hands... Long story short, he is leary of new people, but he certainly doesnt' act up like they described. Although I am in the same boat as you Stephen, I live alone, and don't have a lot of company. My friend Jason, who does often come over is scared of Paco's feet, so he is only willing to interact with Paco without holding him. What they suggested is that I have more people over who would hold Paco on one hand with a variety of small hand toys in the other, and to talk to him in a soft, soothing voice. I hate company. This could be rough. Anyway, what was really funny, is that I stopped at my old office that I transferred from on the way home. There are nearly 100 people in that office, and Paco was more than happy to "step-up" for about 20 different people without barbing his feathers once. He was grinding his beak, stretching and shaking himself out. Like I said, the Oscar goes to...

Ok, so I woke up this morning, after making a nice parrot breakfast I couldn't wait to sit down and read this post over again! Yup, still gut laughing over it, and again, it's not the poop, but just the fact that you went to all the trouble to set yourself up for a nice "treat" before bed, and some quality "me" time only to have it destroyed. I do have a bit of a twisted sense of humour, but seriously, again, thank you. I'm so thankful that I'm not the only finding this funny. I was worried that I would come across as unsympathetic, but nope!

I just looked them up, it doesn't appear that we have these creatures in North America. Interesting though, I keep wondering if Paco is going to start talking to the ravens that we have here, he sure has been watching them from the window!

I love all these noises, including the horse hooves, but my favourite noise is the panting that Paco makes when he is excited to see me and is anticipating a "step-up" request that he has been waiting for!

I keep rereading this, Jacarual, I'm sorry! Hahahahahahahhahahahahahahaha! I just imagine your expressions and the thoughts that must have gone through your head. You single handedly made my day with this post. Thank you for trusting us to be sypathetic and empathetic to your trauma! I have to go read it again! I can't even breathe I'm laughing so hard!

OMG! I'm sorry to laugh at your expense, but I actually have tears rolling down my face! LMAO! Again, I'm so sorry, but your description makes it even funnier, I'm totally out of control in laughter. However, to confess, last night I got home late so I just picked up a pizza on my way home. Anyway, Paco loves to gingerly steal the odd bite of cheese off of the side while I'm eating, but usually just drops it down my shirt. I got up to get another piece and when I got back to the couch (I was really being bad last night!), I noticed that there were little bits of cheese all over the cushion. I picked them up and put them on the side of the plate. It wasn't until I settled in again that I realized that one of the pieces of cheese was actually poop! Although I didn't eat it, it still grossed me out to have it on the plate with my food, so I couldn't eat anymore. I keep telling myself that his poop can't be that nasty considering that I could only dream about eating as healthy as him, but still its the idea of poop that grossed me out. Maybe he can help me lose some weight!!! My story still isn't as good as yours though... I can't stop laughing, I'm sorry!

Nice! I like it. Thanks for sharing!

Today I took Paco to the vet again. This time I was able to take him to British Columbia's foremost avian authority. As I expected, she did all of the regular tests, blood, bile, CDI, etc., and interestingly enough, he did have some fluid on his crop which she has sent away for analysis. If this fluid ends up being anything, I gotta say, I'm going to be chocked. I asked the previous vet that I saw to do all the same tests I got today, and to do some tests on his crop as I was worried that he may have an infection or some other damage from before I got him. Hopefully we are a step closer to figuring out the chewing of his feathers under his crop. Also, I found it interesting that the vet also requested that I stop allowing him on my shoulder. She explained that Greys will often use our heads as a shield to the world to protect themselves by hiding behind our noggins rather than being forced to face the world. I thought this was an interesting theory, and one that could make sense. After seeing how well Paco was interacting with a technician when I picked him up, I couldn't really argue. Rather than just being on my shoulder, he was really interactive with her, and was fully engaged. I'm going to try... Well, after facing the bill today, I need to either get another job, or follow Jill's suggestion and sell a kidney. Oh well, he's worth it, I'll just have to tighten my belt somewhere else, like food for me! Ha ha! I'd eat pellets, but they are to expensive! Anyway, I should find out in two weeks what the results are, but I really am hoping that we can solve this feather chewing!!! Also, any suggestions on how to get going on towel training? Apparently he really gave the vet and her techs a run for their money... Ooops! I'll need to work on that.

Haha! I made the mistake of asking for a kiss once after a peppered snack! Holy! My lips burned for hours afterwards! I won't be making that mistake again. Harvey looks like he is having the time of his life up there, the pepper matches his tail, good thinking!

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. How old was your grey? Are you considering a necropsy? It may help by giving you peace of mind as to what caused your baby to pass on. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Haha! Dave, I hear you on the cashews, they don't last long with me around either. I keep offering seeds/nuts that I have in a parrot mix, he won't touch any of it. I'm actually going to try again right now. Let's see what happens, but so far, not interested.

Jay, that is a fantastic story, I didn't know that about Joey! Carrie, welcome to the forum, there is lots of great advice, fun stories, and good friends to be found here. My first suggestion would be to check out the dos and don'ts when it comes to feeding. There are great lists of good and bad, as well as advice on preparation, we all learn from one another here, and the learning never seems to stop.