Birdnut

luvparrots: Where do you get all those dried veggies? That looks like a really good idea to have around for snacking.

LOL!! Thanks for the description of how you worked with the contact calls. I have been answering what I take to be Moussa's contact calls by calling "Yoo hoo." I can't really whistle, so I've just been saying it in a high-pitched voice. I hope that can work as well. I'll start trying to initiate the contact call sometimes.

Thanks, Tim. Very interesting. I remember soy-based foods being touted as cancer preventative, particularly for women, and as an antidote for menopausal symptoms. I tried to eat them, but had to give up, as they caused severe gastric distress, exactly as this article mentions. Also makes a very good case for sprouting ...

Would you tell us more about how you went about doing this? Sounds like this is what saved the day, and I know I could definitely learn from your experience.

We have had good experience with the Aviator harness on our cockatoo. We haven't tripk v55555e (excuse me, Moussa decided to add his thoughts here). We haven't tried it for flying, but use it when we take her for outings. She tolerates it very well, but after a period of time, it does seem to chafe a bit and she starts fussing at it. I am anxious to make a thorough read of Shanlung's information on his harness design when I have more time later today. I haven't gotten the harness on Moussa yet. Still "playing" with it with him.

Always love these stories. It's just spooky how smart they are sometimes. A friend calls it "scary smart." So ... if they're saying all these intelligent things, how much more are they actually thinking? And then on top of that, they're psychic! (hums theme to Twilight Zone)

This was beautiful. But I shouldn't have played it so late ... got the lovebird all stirred up!

I use newspaper, but will have to check out the U-Haul paper. That sounds like a really good idea.

I think mirrors are more of an issue with some birds than others. I don't have any in the birds' cages, but they have seen them in the environment. Most of the birds don't pay much attention to them. The main issue seems to be with the lovebird. I have seen her displaying before a mirror and was told we shouldn't have a mirror in her cage. We have also had egg laying problems with her. My main concern with the other birds is that mirrors not be present that they might fly into and injure themselves.

Thanks for taking the time to write your story. I bawled when Isaac escaped. I bawled when you got him back. I bawled reading your story. Whew! Just so happy for you - for getting Isaac back and for the special relationship you have with him.

Our 8 birds are flighted, so it can be a real circus trying to get them all stowed away in their cages for the night! None of them go out of their way to be cooperative. There's as much extracting of birds from cages where they do not belong, as trying to get birds into cages where they do belong! I also use the "seed and nut mix in the cage at bedtime" trick. Everyone knows they'll find a favorite treat once they get in their cage. I also find that routine is your friend in this endeavor. In order for things to go smoothly, I must put each bird away in a particular order. Then all "good" birdies, that is, birdies who are in their cages, get a special treat of cashew nut. I usually have to wait in front of the pionus's cage for a bit, showing her the treat and reminding her that she'd better get her butt over here if she wants a cashew, before she comes flying to her cage, takes her nut and scuttles in. The pair of blue crown conures is the biggest challenge, since I must get two birds in the cage successfully, without letting one out and starting all over again. It's a real ballet to get them to step up together for me on one hand and swoop them into the cage to the waiting goodies. These guys I got to cooperate (sort of) by training by successive approximation with the cashew treat. (Started by rewarding for just stepping up, even though they knew I wanted to put them in the cage; then for stepping up and staying on my hand a bit; then for letting me carry them over to the cage, etc.) So what has worked for me is patience, following a routine, and out-and-out bribery!

Hi autte. Welcome. Here are my thoughts on your questions. It's good that you're having these doubts and asking these questions now. A parrot, even the most well-trained and well-behaved parrot, is a very demanding companion. To care for them properly takes a lot of time and attention. They are messy, can be noisy, and will look to you to meet not only their physical needs, but their psychological and emotional needs as well. But with a parrot you can also experience one of the most intense bonds with a non-human companion that there is. The kind of person who can joyfully enter into this bond will happily clean up the messes, enjoy researching and preparing special foods, toys, and other enrichments for their bird, and will view the noise as the life of their home. You just have to ask yourself it you're this kind of person. No judgment implied there; just that parrots aren't for everyone. You must realize that your grey would become a b-i-g presence in your home. It can become a treasured family member, or it can be disruptive to the harmony of the home ... that really depends on you and your family, your attitudes, and the dynamics of your household. A calm, happy, well-adjusted household will tend to produce a calm, happy, and well-adjusted parrot. Parrots, especially greys, are very sensitive to their environment and to the emotions of the people around them. Bringing this new bird home will be a bit like bringing home a new baby. There will be a period of adjustment while everyone works out new habits and routines to accommodate the presence of this new family member, and your baby parrot becomes adjusted to its new surroundings. Be prepared to experience a bit of stress during this adjustment and be ready with a sense of humor. I would like to address some of the specific "horror stories" you mention. In general, it is my impression, from what you write, that the conure did not so much cause problems in this household, but became a catalyst that amplified existing problems. Some of these horror stories sound a bit exaggerated, or they reflect a really chaotic household that is not a good home for a parrot. Backseat hubby. A parrot will sometimes become possessive of the person they have chosen as their "favorite person." This can rarely become so extreme that the parrot will not allow other people near that person in their presence. They may consider their favorite person to be their mate, to be defended from any rival suitors. Your bird is not likely to be this extreme, but it's good to be aware of the potential issues. Being aware of this, you can take measures to control the situation and avoid most of the problems. Some people can take this "favored" status to be a real ego trip. If this woman allows her husband to "take a back seat" to the bird, this was not a healthy relationship before the bird came along. (Just my sense of it.) It's important that all members of the family are on board when it comes to keeping a parrot. If the spouse is against it or resentful of it, you shouldn't acquire a parrot. Sold the camper. It's true that you will have to consider the bird in making any travel plans. It's best that you not plan to be away for any extended period of time for the first year or so with your new grey. After that, what kind of arrangements you make will depend on how long you plan to be gone. Most birds will not "pluck all their feathers out" when left, if appropriate preparation and arrangements are made. But if your family is one that enjoys lots of travel for extended periods of time, then a parrot is not for you. (Although there are a lot of people who would have just taken that conure with them in that camper!) Six stitches. Any hookbill can bite. Conures can be particularly nippy. Your grey will be capable of inflicting a pretty serious bite. But most parrots that are properly hand-raised and then handled regularly, with gentleness and respect, will seldom bite that hard. But there is a learning curve where it comes to handling parrots; for this reason, many people do not consider a grey as a good candidate for a first bird. We have not had our grey long, so other people can probably advise better on this. As to the toilet flush at 4 a.m. I have a conure who will pipe up when she hears any movement around the house in the morning. My grey and lovebird will also start chirping and ringing their bells when they hear me get up in the morning. But parrots are generally pretty dormant during the dark hours of the night and will seldom do more than stir a little bit. Even my little conure alarm would not go off at 4 a.m. And she would not do it because she wants to be fed, since the birds have some food available to them at all times. But do realize that if you like to sleep in 'til noon, then any kind of bird may not be the best choice for you. As to throwing food. Hey, parrots fling food around, whether they like the food or not. It's just one of the little joys of parrot keeping! If you require a spotless home, then a parrot is not for you. Too loud for company. In general, conures are some of the noisiest parrots around. They become more noisy as their environment becomes more noisy. But we have 8 parrots, including 3 conures, and have no problem having company. Greys do not tend to be very noisy birds. They are good talkers, however, and some can put forth a constant stream of chatter at times. Some people find this a delight; some find it annoying. If you prefer a silent home, then a parrot is not for you. To sum up: parrots are messy, noisy at times, demanding, challenging, and require you to adapt to their needs; but they will also make you laugh at their antics, amaze you with their intelligence, and look right into your soul like no other creature. How this equation works out for you depends on you. Sorry to be so wordy. Just wanted to share my thoughts. It's important to have reasonable and realistic expectations when it comes to getting a grey. Best of luck in your new venture.

Oh, thank god!!!!!

Yep! They're empathic. He would have given you a hug, if he could have.

Stephen. Just saw this. My heart is breaking for you. You are getting lots of good advice and help here. Can't add anything. All I can do is pray that you and Isaac be reunited.

Sorry, Lambert. No one was taking offense. I think Shanlung and I were both speaking in a spirit of "lightness." Apologies if it didn't come across that way. So how about this one: You know you're a dedicated bird owner when you tell the real estate agent that you will only consider a house with concrete floors, or otherwise will require an allowance to replace the carpet with concrete floors. (Yep. We really did this)

Kevin, I don't have the expertise to be of much real help to you with this difficult and frustrating problem. But I felt the pain in your "voice" and wanted to respond. Don't fear being judged here. These problems can happen to the most loving of parrot owners. We have been charged with the care of such complex and sometimes mysterious creatures! It is clear from your post that you love Dorian and try to do what's best for him. That's what matters most to the people here. I'm sure you will get some good advice and support from those here whom I have come to view as mentors. Know that everyone here is acting from a spirit of good will; if they come across a little harsh at times, it's only because they are so passionate about the birds and their welfare. Never be afraid to ask a question or seek help. Here's a hug: <<< >>>

Well put! I don't really feel like an owner, either. More like a caretaker. Maybe we should say, "You know you're dedicated to your bird when..."

Oh, dear. What a bummer! I think it's true that the sooner you address the problem, the better the chance of success. Sounds like you're doing everything you can. And I really doubt that you've done anything "wrong." Do let us know what the bird specialist has to offer on Monday.

I, too, worry about going away for any length of time. Fortunately, I kind of got the traveling bug out of my system. I made several long cross-country trips, to the east coast and to the west coast, in my van, camping and sleeping in the van. Now I'm pretty happy to be a homebody. My husband also got traveling out of his system when he was working for a music software company that sent him all around the U.S. and Europe. I mainly worry about stuff like obligatory family things, like funerals and such. How do you explain that you will not be there because you need to stay home and take care of your birds? . I'm with you, Lambert. Feed birds, not politicians! LOL! You know, when you pay those taxes, it only encourages them to come up with more. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the laugh. I do so much prefer the title "dedicated bird owner," rather than just "nuts"!!

I just take our birds to the vet for a tech appointment and let them file the nails down with the dremel when needed. Then they get to be the bad guy and I get to be the good guy that rescues them afterward.

I imagine it was pretty "fragrant" as well ... lol! If you ever see the "Austin City Limits" program on PBS, this was the nest from which it was hatched.

Oh how sweet! Don't they just make you tear up sometimes? I feel the touching must be a form of communication, a genuine expression of affection. We know darn well these birds are emotional creatures. Is it possible Spock is imitating an affectionate interaction between you and Jay, or between one of you and another pet? What does Jay feel when Spock does this? I'm sure these little guys are telepathic. One of my conures will occasionally peck me gently on the cheek and make a kissee sound. I did teach her the kissee sound, but I never did teach her the little peck on the cheek to go with it; she came up with that on her own.

No kidding! Small world. What part of Georgetown does your sister live in? We live on the East side of the highway, in the area across from the University.