Kevin

Sunshine is now stepping onto my arm and has ventured upstairs where he'll spend most of his time when I'm home outside of his cage. He is very sweet and hasn't even attempted to bite me. His personality is very docile and sweet. I think I really got very fortunate adopting this guy. He's eating well and is adjusting nicely. He has said cuddle bug and Hi so far. I'll be taking him to the vet very soon, now that I can handle him. Kevin

I have never heard of that, however, I have an owl finch that lost all of his front toes that was given to me. He gets around perfectly and even became a father two years ago. He is doing well and you'd never know if you didn't because he flies and moves just like the others. I'm sure someone here will know what the prognosis is for a dodge toe. I'm hoping that it's nothing that causes a problem for your little girl. I'll keep looking into it.... Kev

Yes, I have had him since last Sunday. He's been relatively quiet and allows me to give him walnuts and lets me pet his beak and head. He has squawked a little bit each day that I have heard when I 've been home, but not a lot. Today I've been home all morning and he's not made a sound. He is very inquisitive about me and comes to the side of the cage every time I go near him. I just wonder how long it will take before he let's me put him on my hand??? Anyway, I think I read in other birds...that you got a macaw as well. Congratulations to you. I watched the videos and can easily see why you fell head over heels for her. What a sweet bird. Keep me posted on your endeavor and I will do the same. Kevin....Seems like be both followed our hearts on this one.

I don't think he'll mind getting in the carrier or need to adjust to it. That's how I got him home and when I bought him he had no problem going into it. My problem is getting him onto my finger or hand to get him in. He went easily to his previous owner's finger without any problem and enjoyed riding around on his shoulder. It's just that he is unfamiliar with me and won't let me touch him yet. Just wondering how long it will take him to trust and relax with me so that I can get him into the carrier to get him to the vet.

Well, I was writing to a person who wanted to get a Macaw, but wasn't sure how to go about it as far as not hurting his relationship with his grey. I too, like him, have alway admired Macaws. At first I told him to seriously consider his thoughts, and not do something that he may regret. After giving it more thought, I told him that perhaps he should consider rehoming one and perhaps being an older bird it might be less likely to harm the relationship he shared with his grey. I told him that if it were clipped it may not mind sharing the same room with grey and he wouldn't have to worry about any damage being inflicted upon his grey. Anyway, I took my own advice and did exactly what I told him to consider. Now I really need your expert help and advice. The macaw is five years old and is in good condition. He is being quarantined for now until I can get him to the vet. I got him last sunday and he has been in his cage until tonight. I opened the door and let him come out. He lets me pet his head only and rub his beak. He hasn't stepped up and seems very timid about it. He was $800.00 and his large California cage was included. I thought this to be very reasonable. Agree??? I have read all that I can find on the internet, and have looked at other forums for macaws, but none are like this one. I have not joined any, just read some threads. I have actually learned more from the grey forum than any other forum about macaws. Fortunately for me, he went back in his cage by himself, as I had no idea how I was going to get him back in. Now, where do I go from here? How long do you think it will take until I can get him in his carrier to take to the vet? He is eating well, but has not eaten any fruit this whole week. His previous owner told me he loved strawberries, papya, apple and carrots. I gave him all those and he never touched it. He loves walnuts, peanuts and his seed, which comes from Walmart. He told me he won't eat any other seed. Today I mixed some of Abba Parrot diet with his Walmart food and it looks as if he is eating it. I would love to get him on a better diet. I am concerned about his lack of fruit and vegetable eating. Should I be??? I have put my hand in his mouth to show him that I am not intimidated by his beak, but truthfully, I AM! He takes his tongue and licks my fingers and has not tried to bite me hard. He doesn't want me to touch him anywhere but on his beak and head. Please help me do all the things I can to make this an easy transition for him. There is hardly anything on the internet on how to help a rehomed macaw adjust. It's mostly ads for rehoming. He was being rehomed because the family was moving to a rent to own and needed the money for a deposit. I am not sure if that was truly the case, as I think it may have been that the owner of the house they're moving to told them NO MACAW. Not sure, but it's kinda a gut feeling. I inquired about his being to a vet and I was assured that he had been, but they were unable to supply me with any records. The boys mother was out of town and they could not remember the vet's name. I know this was a red flag.... but being that the bird looked healthy and his environment was very clean and the relationship I saw between the macaw and boy was strong and loving and there was an abundant supply of nuts and food and clean water I felt that he had been well taken care of. I will have a full workup done on him when I am able to get him to the vet, but just am not sure when that will be. Any thoughts.??? Dorian is aware of his presence, as he has heard him squawk...Scared the crap out of me when I was in the room he's in and he let out one. OMG, I jumped a mile high. It's something that I wasn't expecting, but I was prepared for the loudness, as I know macaws are loud at times and that is not a problem for me. I love the sound, as it reminds me of being in a jungle. He doesn't squawk often and it's not a problem even if he does... Thank you in advance for your guidance and support. Any insights and advice is very welcomed. I feel that I have researched so much but just haven't found many good answers. I know I will here. Kevin P.S. Yes, I will post a picture of him and his name is Sunshine. He came with it and I'm not going to change it.

I need to let you know that I took my own advice and now have a b/g macaw. He is a rehome and is five years old. Your post made me think long and hard about it and in doing so, I came up with what I believe will work for me. Thanks to this thread I have acquired a new challenge and one that I look forward to. My grey will always be my first love, but I know that I have enough love in me to share with two birds of high intelligence. I'm hoping that in time they will become friends or at the least be able to tolerate each other. Even if they don't, I will divide my time between the two of them. Enough about me... this is your thread and I just wanted to let you know what I did. I am going to post my own thread, as I need the expert advice that you can only find here. Best of luck to you.... Kevin

I think those videos sum it all up in a nutshell. And guess who's the nut??? Hmm...

My Dorian says "Hi" back. Just saw the remake of Dorian Gray this eve. Same premis as the original but many different twists. If you haven't seen it, get it. I thought it was well done. Some of the scenes are a bit raunchy... but most all movies have that today. Kevin

I don't think it's wrong... It's a personal decision and one that I hope will bring you joy and happiness. Determination and a positive attitude can make even the impossible become possible. So, I am happy for you and have really good feelings that you WILL make this work. I wish you all the best in this endeavor. Please let us all know how it's going...

Thank you all for your concern and kind thoughts. And yes, I will make a conscience effort to visit more often. I really enjoy this forum and all the wonderful people who frequent and run it. I have learned so many things here and find it a valuable resource when it comes to our Greys and other related concerns. Thanks to you all! Kevin

I have been giving this a lot of thought, as you really hit something in me. I really do feel what you're going through, and I, like you, came to this forum for advice. Dave is right when he states that their are many people here that have two or more parrots. I know they will respond and perhaps give you more of an insight into this matter. Here is a suggestion and take it for what it's worth. Have you considered a rescue macaw or one that needs to be rehomed? It would most likely be an older parrot and perhaps is settled down. If your Grey is not clipped and is free to fly, then perhaps getting a macaw that was previously clipped would allow you to have both birds out getting your attention. In time, you could let the macaw get it's wing feathers again, and by the time it did, both birds would have established their boundries and less chance that a fight would occur. I doubt if the grey would bother the macaw when it was perched in the same room, but even if it did, you could easily dissuade it from doing that without fear that the macaw would fly off and attack him. Is your grey clipped or free flighted? This is just a thought, but one perhaps worth thinking about. I'm sure there are many wonderful macaws that need a loving and wonderful home that you could adopt. I'm sure if you hang in there someone will have the answer you've been looking for and with perserverence you will make the best possible decision... whatever that is. I don't believe that it can't be done, but others will have good advice if you do choose to get a macaw and explain how they did it. Best of Luck to you, Kevin

I haven't posted in quite a while and want to update all you caring and helpful people here. Dorian was plucking his chest and back all summer and the vet had advised medicine to help him. I had very mixed feelings about this and went so far as to purchase the medicine...amitriptilene. But, I had one more thing to try before I was going to do it... That being, moving his cage back to the basement where he had been during the past winter while I was at work. I had brought it up for the summer months because the house was warm during the day and I was home, as I am a teacher. In the winter I turn the heat down in the house when I go to work...to 60. My basement is heated and is at 70 all the time. So, that is where he was and was use to being. I thought I was doing the right thing by giving him a window view and more things to see. However, I was wrong. The change in his cage placement is what stressed him out. Now that he is back in the basement during the day while I'm at work his feathers have come in and he is no longer plucking. He is quite happy and well adjusted again. Dorian spends time out of his cage for an hour in the morning before I go to work and eats his warm breakfast off a spoon and then he is out from the time I get home till around 8:00p.m. I will never move his cage again and I have learned just how sensitive and emotionally stressed greys can get from things that we humans don't feel is a big deal. He has full spectrum lighting over him during the time he is in the basement and has a separte sleeping cage that is also beside his large cage. I just wanted to update everyone, as I appreciated all the excellent advice and concern you showed to me. With the start of a new school year and working on different committees, I have been busy, but really wanted to update you on this news. His favorite thing to do is to knock off all his toys on the kitchen counter that I put there and then says...."Uh OH"! "Pick UP...Pick UP.... " He is too much!!! Kevin

I can understand your dilemma. I too, have always admired and been fond of Macaws and seriously considered getting one. After much thought, I decided against it because of my African Grey. I believe that once the bird has totally bonded with you and you bring in another bird, (which, you know will totally consume you for awhile) your Grey will suffer from the lack of attention he/she is getting. So, in all fairness to your Grey, serious thought and time has to go into your decision. I'm sure it can be done, but at what cost to your Grey? This is what stopped me from pursuing it. I will always love Macaws, but my African Grey has to come first. Dave has valid points in his message and it appears that you are taking them seriously... Think long and hard before you do something that you may regret. Kevin

I feel your pain and concern. I, too now have Dorian who has not yet stopped his plucking. Have you tried anti anxiety medication. I have researched this on the web and there are many drugs that when used have lessened and even stopped chronic pluckers. My vet, recommended amitriptyline for Dorian. It's a small daily dose (1mg) and comes in a variety of flavors. As far as putting Charlie in with other birds here's my advice. I have been raising canaries and Lady Gouldian Finches for over twenty years now. My breeding pairs all cohabitate in a large aviary. When I introduce a new bird that is physically fit all is well, however, when I have had to remove a bird for an illness or injury and then re-introduce the bird once it is well somehow the birds seem to remember the weakened condition of the bird and many times pluck and pick on the bird. I have had some gouldians which were pluckers and the other gouldians would help it pluck out more feathers. Of course, as soon as I recognize what is going on I remove the bird, but I have been to other breeders aviaries and have seen first hand bald headed gouldians with little or no breast feathers. I know that Dorian plucks when he is stressed and upset....He has many toys in his cage to stimulate him, however, this is when he self mutilates his feathers. Greys do not handle stress well and placing him in with other birds would only appear to be a stressful situation for Charlie. I know you are giving this serious thought, but I felt that I should offer some advice from what I have learned over the years. I have to agree with Dave that doing this may cause further and more serious damage. In the end, you must do what you believe to be right and best for Charlie and I know this forum will give you and help you make the best decision for you and Charlie. Best of luck to you...Kevin

It's interesting that you wrote this today. I was just at a gathering of friends and a new couple was there. I was talking about my parrot, Dorian, and all the joy he brings into my life. This couples eyes lit up and they expressed to me how badly they want a grey. They have contacted the rescue site here in Rochester, New York and they are number 77 on the list. They asked me to keep my eyes open for any Greys that need rescued. If you are at all interested in this endeavor, please get back to me. I can pass on the information and put you in touch with them. They are a very nice couple and I know they would give your Baka Grey a wonderful home. Thank you, Kevin

I really enjoyed reading that. You really know your birds.... Thanks, Kevin

Dorian Grey...aka. Dory said his first word at about 8 months.... He did a lot of sound imitation...ie...microwave, door alarm, whistles, but his first word was Dory... Obviously he had heard that over and over again, so I think in the beginning it has a lot to do with hearing things that are related to something. He is now 20 months old and his favorite saying is still Dory, Dory, Dory.... He has picked up other phrases, but some of those he just picked up while others were taught. I have taught him to do a monkey call by repitition and also a rooster call. I think it's a combination of the two strategies... repitition and hearing a normal conversation. Dorian often hears the phrase...."Dory NO!" He now says that just before he does something he's not suppose to, like pull the leaves off of a silk tree or bite the couch. It's funny how they know what they're doing and saying. sometimes you just have to laugh.... Since Tui is imitation sounds, I bet it won't be much longer before you hear him say his first word. I'm so glad you have him back..... Enjoy every moment.... Kevin

Should have kept reading further.... I'm so glad that Tui is going to be fine.... Aren't the people on here amazing. You can always count on Dave, Jade, and so many others to step up to the plate and help when things are looking bad. My hat goes off to all of them. And this includes you....Thank you. Kevin

I am so sorry to see that Tui got hurt. Since you mentioned a blood drop, it is probably a wise choice to see the vet. I wouldn't think that waiting until Monday would make a huge difference... Try giving him some oat meal and see if he can eat some of that. It's full of vitamins and you can try different cosistencies to see which he'll eat. Good luck and keep us posted. As Rosanna Rosanna Danna always said, "It's always something" Isn't that the truth???

Thank you for the advice. I think I will have to pass on the idea of a Macaw. I am aware of the noise element and the size and possible aggression issues, which I think I could handle, however, I just can't justify the time it would take away from Dorian. He is so dependent upon me and cherishes his time out of his cage. I know I would feel extremely guilty and feel that I had betrayed him. So, no Macaw for me. Dorian enjoys being out and playing and to cut that off from him would be devastating. So, I will heed your good advice. Thanks again.... Kevin

Dorian's blood work came back normal, so there is no medical reason for his plucking. I have been spraying him with the aloe vera daily and he seems to be doing better, however, he has not completely stopped the plucking around his neck. I started his regimine of oatmeal with palm oil added into it. He had been refusing it, so I stopped for about a month. He now is accepting it and enjoying it. It is the one way he will eat the palm oil and I am glad that he wants it again. I've tried it in other foods, but he doesn't like it. Hopefully, this may help him stop the plucking. The vet suggested anti anxiety medication, but I am hesitant on doing that, as I don't want his personality to change. If nothing else works, then I will have to re visit that suggestion. Thanks again for all your help and concern in this matter. I appreciate the time and effort that you put into this and for helping me. Kevin

As I scan through so many threads on this forum it dawns on me that most of you have another large bird in combination with your Grey. Some of you have several. I would love to have a Macaw, but just don't know how to do it... My Grey takes so much of my time and attention that I keep putting that thought on the back burner. But, then I read these threads and think... there must be a way. How the heck do you do it??? My hat goes off to you and I really want to know the secret. I love my Grey....Dorian.... but also have a fondness for Macaws. I'm just trying to pick some brains out there and to find out if this could be a possible reality for me. Thanks. Kevin

I think what I wrote may have been confusing.... I do not keep Dorian at 62. In the winter when I turn the heat down in the house when I leave for work I put Dorian in the basement which has a separate furnace that I keep at 70 degrees, however, the actual temp. is 73 in the basement. In April when it's warm out and the house stays at 72 or above is when I bring Dorian upstairs and keep him there. He always sleeps in his sleeping cage in the basement at night. In the winter he has his large cage placed in the basement where he spends the day until I get home from work. Hopefully, this makes better sense now. When I get home from work I set the upstairs thermostate at 72. You may wonder why I have two furnaces... the reason is I raise Red Factor Canaries, Spanish Timbrado canaries and Gouldian Finches. I raise them in my basement and have to keep them at a warm temperature for their well being. Hence, I needed to have a separate furnace for them. Today I used the Aloe Vera juice and watched him closely. He preened, and DID NOT pull out any feathers. I am going to continue with the Aloe Vera juice and scrap the Listerine idea. How often should I spray him? I was doing him once a week, but am thinking that is not frequent enough. Perhaps I should be doing it on a daily basis. I noticed when he dried that he had a lot of fluffy down on his back and big black quills emerging. On his chest were also some large black quills.. By the end of the day they had turned into (grey) feathers. There were about 4 new ones. Hopefully, they will stay on him and more will come. Thanks again for all your advice and I hope the confusion over the temperature has been clarified. I will keep you posted on his progress.

I will have to look into it. I have not done it yet and I will look into it. I will spray him today with the aloe vera liquid. It just seems to stimulate him to start pulling at feathers. I'm going to watch him closely and see if he is just preening or actually pulling them out. Thank you for all your thoughts and interest. Hopefully, he will start to let his new feathers grow. He has some coming in on his chest and has not as of yet, plucked them.

The vet checked him all over for mites and any type of insect infestation. He came out clean.... He asked if there had been any changes in his environment, which made me realize that in April I had moved his cage upstairs during the daytime while I'm at work, as it had gotten warmer outside. The basement has a separate furnace that I keep at 70. I turn the heat down to 62 upstairs when I leave for work. He felt that this may have been what started the plucking. He recommended spraying him with water mixed with Listerine. He felt that the bitter taste of the mouth wash would deter him from plucking and also since it is an antiseptic it would heal any inflamed skin irritations. He is checking him for other deficiencies via blood work, but felt that it is most likely caused by stress, and that the listerine spray should do the trick. He felt that once they start plucking it becomes more of habit than caused by a disorder in most cases, however, he wants to rule out any other possibilities. If there is no disorder caused by a deficiency of some sort, he suggested trying him on an anti anxiety medication if the spray of listerine has no effect on his plucking. So, we shall see.... He checked out well in all other areas... weight, lungs, and heart rate. I will keep you posted on his progress and if anyone has ever tried the listerine mixed with water, I'd be interested in learning about your findings. Thanks to all!!! Kevin