Birdnut

I just keep repeating, "I like cheese. Do you like cheese?" Or just lay the phone down and walk away and continue on with my business. I figure if I keep them tied up for a little while, that's fever people they can pester that day.

That's really touching. Thanks for sharing.

Hmmm. Maybe I'm just lazy, but I use the Harrison's birdie bread mix and then maybe add a few extras. The resulting product is not all that crumbly; I think they are able to hold a piece with their foot. It's kind of expensive, but I make up the whole batch and then freeze them and serve it now and then as a treat. Most of the birds like it pretty well.

Born and bred in Central Texas. I was born in Austin and grew up there. I currently live in Georgetown, which is about 20 miles north of Austin. I also like to see where people are from. I find it fascinating that there are people here from so many places in the world. I guess I'm interested in the people too, as well as the parrots. I think it's cool how there are so many people of different ages, backgrounds, and from so many different places, all brought together by their enthusiasm for their birds.

Birdhouse is right. My birds become very, very interested in anything they see me eating. If they see you eat some of the food (or pretend to), they will be more inclined to try it. If you have other birds, they will often learn to eat new foods by observing the others eating it. If you do not have other birds, you're it! You're the flock, and they learn what is good to eat by observing the flock.

There are a couple of windows near Moussa's cage, and it does sound like closing the blinds when there's no one home would be a good idea. Speaking of which, my conures just went into alarm mode this morning when I let them out of their cage. A little investigation revealed that it was probably due to the plastic jack-o-lantern hanging on the front porch.

I also like windycityparrot.com.

It seems something about the sight of that crane triggered a primal terror response. Maybe the sight was more than just "new." Maybe it matched some pre-programmed threat pattern, like "snake" or "hawk." ????? Sure glad Dayo was not hurt in the panic.

I've wondered about the dizzy thing, too. I've noticed that my conures, when they make a boing spin around, or when I spin around with one of them on my arm, will hold their gaze on one point, then quickly move to another point, and so on. When they're spinning, this looks like a jerky movement of the head. This is the same technique that is taught to people to help them avoid getting dizzy or motion sick. I've also seen on-board video of raptors flying and diving, and it looks like they do the same jerky movement with their head. I've wondered if it's an instinctive thing with the birds to help them keep from getting dizzy or disoriented when they're flying.

Yeah, the birds are just like little kids at bedtime ... "I'm not sleepy ... (beak grind) ... I'm not sleepy .... (eyes droop) ... I'm not sleepy .... (one foot tucked up) ... I'm not sle-e-e-e-e....

Sorry, momofsophie, the link doesn't work for me.

That was hysterical! I truly did LOL! I have boings and other hanging toys around the house, and Moussa does love to play on them, but I have not seen any performances that spectacular. I think that is one of the advantages of a flighted bird: that they can have the confidence and agility to safely play that way. Isaac is a beautiful fellow and full of life. This was a joy to watch.

Your TAG might enjoy having her cage in an active area, as long as it's not TOO active, like thrown toys hitting the cage or something. Some greys can be bothered by the noise and fast movements of small children. You'll just have to monitor your new baby's reactions. Wherever you put the cage, be sure at least one side is against a wall or some other solid barrier. This gives a bird a sense of security. Our CAG has his cage in the dining room in a corner, so it is nice and cozy. He can't see people approaching from one side of the open-ended dining room, but he doesn't seem to mind, as long as they don't startle him by rushing right up to his cage or something. You will have to teach your smaller children that Rita's cage is her "safe place" and that she is to be left alone when she is in her cage. No poking things into the cage, etc. I'm sure I don't need to say that, really, since you have had a parrot before. Can't wait to hear about Rita's happy homecoming!

Welcome back, Jill!

...toucan...

Thanks for the good news about Dorian. It's a good reminder for us all to make such changes carefully and be very observant of any effects on the bird.

..swing....

Wow! That's a cool story. What is that saying? Something about when giving, not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing?

Beautiful bird! (and your home's not too shabby, either) Thanks for sharing the pics and vids. I just love the way they do that little waddle of a walk.

...nip....

Yes, Moussa has a bell like that and he loves it.

Greetings, munch! Welcome to the forum. Took is such a cute name; sort of Tolkienesque. I think what judygram meant was to be sure Took gets fresh water and food before you leave for work, as these items, especially the water, need to be changed and freshened frequently.

This is such sad news, and I feel so heartbroken for you. Kopi had such a fighting spirit, and you did everything humanly possible to give him the best care he could get. But ultimately, these things are out of our hands.

Great story, I had not read. Thanks for sharing.

Yes, Akram, please do keep us updated on how your grey is doing. Judygram has given you some good advice. You will have to be very patient and give him time to get used to you. A grey parrot is a very intelligent animal. All he knows is that he has suddenly been taken from his home and now finds himself in a strange place with strange people. Imagine how frightened a small child would be if that happened! That is how your grey feels.