Kevin

Thank you all for your non judgmental and sincere advice. I will take it all to heart and I will let you know what the veterinarian's take on this is. Your kind words and great advice has helped me tremendously. After reading about 11 kings poor little guy, this puts things into perspective for me. I am so grateful that he is home safely now. Looking at Dorian now, I wouldn't mind if he was completely featherless, as long as he was safe, happy and healthy and home where he belongs.

"CONGRATULATIONS".... I knew he'd come back to you. He was just so frightened, but all he wanted was to be back with his daddy. I am so elated and happy for you. You must be exhausted and will hopefully sleep well tonight. My thoughts are with you as you reunite with your loving companion. I know I will sleep a lot better knowing he is home safe where he belongs. Kevin

Say a prayer to St. Anthony.... He has never left me down when I have asked for his help..... My heart is aching for your pain. Please know that we are all praying and sending positive and loving thoughts your way.... I wish I lived out there to help you find him.... Post on Craigs list and put your ph. number in the ad. Keep us updated on your search and know that it is not your fault. Things happen that we can't control, but don't lose faith!!! Is he banded? Do you know the numbers? This may help prove to someone who finds him that you are his true owner. Call radio stations and ask them to convey the message to their listening audience. I know that wxxi will try to help. Contact your animal shelter and any other pet rescue agencies. Keep us all posted !!! Kevin Kevin

I am writing for some help and advice on how to stop Dorian from plucking his feathers. I first believed he was molting, which he was. He turned one in mid December and his molt started in late January. It is now July and he looks the worst I have ever seen him. He is a flighted guy and has not touched his wings, however, his chest and back have bare spots now. I know that spraying them with Aloe Vera Juice is suppose to reduce the urge to pluck, but when I spray him.... (something he hates) he continues to pull at his feathers when they are wet), so I stopped doing it. I also bought him a cage to place outside under a screened in gazebo for the summer. I did this last summer and he loved it, but he was clipped at the time and I did not have a cage for him. It seemed to me that his plucking got worse when he was outdoors, so I discontinued his outings. When I was inside the gazebo I always let Dorian be out of his cage with me. But, when I left to do yardwork, I caged him. I put plenty of toys and interesting items in his cage and he seemed to enjoy being there. He whistled, talked and carried on mimicking all the new sounds he heard. He appeared scared and frightened by the outdoor sounds of summer....ie..lawnmowers, leafblowers, chain saws. I never had him outside when I was not visible to him and when I heard these sounds I brought him inside. But, the plucking has not ceased and I am very concerned as to what steps I should be taking. It is important to understand that the plucking did not start when he went outdoors, as it had started back in the early spring. At that time I thought it was just part of his molting process. I am taking him to the Vet next week to have him looked at. Perhaps there is a defiency of some mineral or vitamin in his diet. What test or tests should be performed on him to detect if there is something lacking in his diet? Is there anything else I should be doing to help him stop plucking? I can't help but think that this is my fault and that I must be doing something wrong. He spends a lot of time out of his cage daily and is not clipped, because I read that greys that are unclipped seldom become pluckers. Also, because I believe that birds should fly. I know this is lengthy, and I thank you for reading it. I am embarassed to write this, but I know that I will get excellent advice and should have written sooner, but felt that I would look like a bad parrot owner in the eyes of those I admire. I have decided to take the risk, as Dorian's well being is much more important than my being concerned of what some of you may think of me. And, perhaps I am doing something wrong, but please be aware that I love my bird and want to help him.

Clipping or not clipping is a personal choice. Obviously, there are pros and cons to both, however, it has been my experience on this forum to receive insightful information and opinions without a condescending attitude attatched to them. I too, was unsure of which way to go regarding clipping. After careful and considerate thought, I decided against it. The information I received on this forum was extremely valuable and not once did I feel pressured to adhere to others thoughts and opinions on the matter. So, whatever you decide to do, I honestly believe you will not be made to feel as if you made the incorrect choice. This is a GREAT place with wonderful people who only want to help you to become the best parrot owner you can be. I have learned so much from this forum from kind, considerate, and knowledgeable individuals. I'm sure you will find the same. Kevin

I am glad that I asked the question here. I knew I could get some mixed results, however, from doing some research on the internet, reading my replies and having been burned once by a person named Wayne (I ordered a bottle brush tree to the tune of $362.00 sixteen months ago that never came) I will forgo this training video. Thank you all for your valuable input. I appreciate your taking the time to write down your opinions to me. Sincerely, Kevin

Dorian's favorite phrase as he's about to do something he shouldn't is "Dory NO!" then he proceeds to do it. His vocabulary is getting stronger daily, however, some of his words are unrecognizable.??? He's never said "daddy" once yet...It's always Dory, Dory, Dory. I guess it's all about HIM! lol.

I am just curious if this is a scam or legitimate. I googled him and got mixed reviews. I am curious if anyone has tried his techniques and/or if they were ripped off. I knew if anyone could answer the question it would be here. Thank you for your help....Kevin

Look on the bright side.... Atleast she eats the pod. Dorian just tosses the whole thing... And finally, I'm so glad to hear that Dorian isn't the only grey that won't eat his fresh fruit.... Does the exact same thing...all over the floor of his cage. The only time I've ever seen him eat any is when he is sitting on the dining room table where he'll take a bite out of a strawberry and toss it and on to the next. Here's a good one for you. Try cherries.... Dorian takes the pit out and plays with it and discards the cherry. Might use him as a cherry pitter. Ha Ha. Thanks for writing... you made my day!!!

Here are a few pics. you may find enjoyable. My way of saying Thanks. Kevin

Thank you all for your wonderful advice. Just to let Dave know... this happens when he is on my stomach when I'm sitting on the couch. When he is on my shoulder he is not-threatening and well behaved. It is only when I sit down that he crawls down and becomes a viracious maniac. I will continue to put him in his cage and try not to react to his painful grabs. I usually cannot get him off of me, as he clings ever so diligently and refuses to get off of me, so I carry him clinging to my stomach and tip him onto a perch in his cage. I will get a perch and do it that way and see if he'll get on it. I have never had to do this with him as he always steps up. However, when he is in this mood, my hand just becomes a target for agression. I question whether they are aware that hands are attached to the person they love??? It would appear not in this circumstance. It is comforting to know that this is not out of the ordinary behavior for Greys, but I'm almost afraid to ask about the terrible two's. What an ADVENTURE, but when he's a good guy there's no expressing the sweetness owning a Grey brings. Thanks again and I truly appreciate all your responses and suggestions. This is a GREAT place!!!

Dorian, who is now almost 15 months old is having a serious change in behavior. I have waited to write hoping that his biting and chewing will diminsish. Well, it hasn't. He is fine for the first 10 minutes he is out of his cage, but then he just wants to chew me to pieces. He has put holes in jeans, shirts, sweat shirts and has punctured my skin numerous times. I put him back in his cage when he gets into his attack mode. I don't know what is going on. It just started out of the blue. I feel bad putting him in his cage, but even when I release him after about 20 min. he does the same behaviors all over again. Is this normal for a bird his age or is he just becoming aggressive? He is going to the vet next week for a wellness check, but I feel confident that he is in good physical condition. Any suggestions or ideas are greatly appreciated. Kevin

It's funny that you should ask that question. I haven't been on in a few days and on Tuesday I took Dorian to see his vet just to be sure he didn't have any type of respiratory infection, even though, I fully believed he was fine. As it turned out he is perfectly healthy, but you're right. It just gives you the sense of relief knowing that all is well and that you can put your mind at ease once and for all. Kevin

Thank you all for your responses. I feel much better knowing that this is normal. He really only does it when he's playing. It reminds me of a steam iron when you put it up and the steam makes a hissing sound. It really is amazing the sounds these creatures can make. Glad it is they who learn our language and not the other way around. We'd be at a huge loss. LOL! Kevin

yes, it mostly happens when he's playing, but he can make a breathing noise like when we breathe out a big breath through our nose and you can almost feel the puff of air. He doesn't do it often, but more frequently during play. There doesn't appear to be anything wrong with him physically.

Dorian just started about 2 days ago making a snorting sound and then goes into a tiger purring sound. It seems like it comes out of his nostrils with a burst of air. He does it when he's playing and I don't know if this is a normal sound for a grey or if he has a respiratory infection. He seems healthy and is full of energy, but this new sound has me concerned. If anyone has any insights about this I would really appreciate your input. I'm hoping that this is just a normal sound that African Greys make. He growls sometimes, but this is a different noise. Thanks for your help. Kevin

I couldn't agree more. I have done the reading about clipped birds getting lost. I researched the aviator harness, which seems to be what most people believe to be is the best. I have ordered one and fully plan on using it. He is molting out now and getting his new flight feathers. I am debating whether to let him become flighted or continue to clip him. I read on this forum that flighted greys rarely pluck and that it is better emotionally for them. Since he will be harnessed, I may let him keep those feathers. I guess it depends upon how successful the harness is. Thanks for the advice. Kevin

I think you're all correct. I should just resign myself to slave and accept my fate....lol.... Thanks for sharing and I'll let you know if he ever stacks them. Kevin

Thanks again for the information and input. African Greys are certainly one of the most interesting and fascinating creatures. I bought him a stacking toy that is really for children. I thought it would take me a long time to teach him to remove the round doughnuts. I showed him once and now he removes them all the time. I've showed him how to put them back on, but as to date, he hasn't attempted that task yet. I bought it because I read that it helps to connect brain synapses and will help with him to conncect words together. He is talking but has yet to say a complete phrase. Mostly it's Hi Dory or Dory good boy. I can't express how much I enjoy him. They are so fun to watch and interact with. Kevin

Thank you for you advice and input. He is much better now and is back to his old self. I will spray him down more frequently with the aloe vera juice. I had been doing it just once a week, but will now increase his sprayings. Thanks again, Kevin

How do you end or stop a thread. Does it just die out or does the starter have to stop it somehow? Dorian has been a docile, sweet non-biting bird until last night. He is going through his first molt and has been acting normal. Last night he just started biting my hands and even going after my face. His routine is to sit on my stomach in the eve. and preen and play. Last night he was extremely agitated and just was in a foul mood. Is this normal when they molt? He is 13 months old now and I've not seen this behavior in him ever. Is there something I should be doing or will this pass. I put him on his tree when he started biting and told him no. He would not remain there and kept finding his way back to me and would be good for a few minutes and then it started all over again. I continued to put him back several times on his tree and then finally just put him to bed. Thanks for any help or advice on this. Kevin

When you're a teacher and the kids all know the white stuff on your shoulder is bird poop and they act like it's no big deal and you hear them say "oh, it's there every day on every shirt."

I know and understand how you feel, however, all is not so bad. I am a teacher and spend most of my time with my cag from early morn. to nite time. I was concerned when summer ended and school started up again. I had no choice to cage him and hope for the best. Believe me, they are very adaptable and he adjusted just fine. I am gone from 8 until 4 or 5 and he is just fine. Just be sure to give him/her plenty of toys and food and water. You will be amazed how well he'll adjust. Please, don't re home him. That would be so much more traumatic on him. When you get home, just spend as much time as you possibly can and also in the a.m. before you head to work. He will be just FINE!!! Kevin

Dorian's first birthday and his swimming adventure. Cake is a pinapple, pear, grapes, raisins and red leaf lettuce. Dorian is very social and outgoing. I worked on socializing him since he was a baby and it has paid off. He likes everyone. That may change as he matures, but I'm hoping that he'll continue to be outgoing. Time will tell. Enjoy the pics and I'm so happy to be able to share them. Kevin

Dorian and his homemade willow tree.