Birdnut

My grey Moussa begins to be active as soon as the sun rises. He begins by talking quietly to himself for a while. Then after a while, he begins to call out to the birds in the other room, who answer him, and then it's over for any sleep! We do have 8 parrots of various types, and we do have several conures, which are rather noisy birds. I imagine the presence of the other birds affects how much noise Moussa makes. I would say that he's not a noisy bird, except when he starts imitating the conures. In general, in living with parrots, I find that unless you're a very heavy sleeper, you're not going to sleep much past sunrise. So I can sleep later in winter than in summer. This is another consideration to keep in mind in the question about parrots and babies. With a new baby, you're going to be up during the night. This getting up during the night can last anywhere from a month to many months. A parrot is not going to be considerate about this when that morning sun hits the window next to his cage!

I'm with Judy about consulting with a vet. Since you've recently moved, I would also be doing some sleuthing around the new home for anything that might be causing respiratory issues: mold, carpet treatments, etc. If it's a new, new house, could there be some fumes still around from construction material, glues, paints, etc.?

Love that red butt! Congratulations, Issac! My Moussa recently got his very first big boy tail feather.

Was Sully's cage covered at the time? I was thinking if not, maybe something about the position where your husband was standing, or what he was wearing, or some movement he made looked scary to Sully in the dim light, perhaps backlit with light from another room? I think a night light in the birds' area is a good idea.

This book is a very good reference and well worth having. But it's not worth prices like that ($160 --- whew!) It's not a big, thick book or anything. It's an 8" by 10" paperback with 135 pages. Much of it relates to breeding birds. But as I said, it has some really good information in it and is well worth having. Keep looking around for a copy at a reasonable price. The cover price is $23.95.

We just don't run ceiling fans, unless it's late in the evening and all the birds are put to bed. Better safe than sorry.

Looks like the beginning of a long and happy friendship. Congratulations!

I agree with Judy. I wouldn't worry about the fan, as long as it's not blowing directly on your bird. Same with the AC, as long as it doesn't get too chilly ... like no cooler than 68F or so. At night, you might want to loosely cover the cage to ensure no chilly drafts while your bird is sleeping. Most of my birds snuggle up in a tent to sleep. I like to cover the ones that don't.

Good story! LOL! Sounds like Murphy is staying one step ahead of you in the battle of wits. My husband and I often remark how our Moussa seems to intently watch and study what we're doing like he's thinking, "I better pay attention, 'cause I'm going to need to know this." You can just see the little wheels turning in that grey brain. Maybe we'd all better be careful what we let them see, and not give away too many of our secrets!

Aren't zons known for being good singers? I have seen video of some singing opera!

I have very limited experience with a hawkhead. I did meet one and was able to handle it briefly when one came into the local bird shop. It was a beautiful bird and seemed inclined to be gentle natured. I was sorely tempted by that bird.

Yes. Ditto on that. God bless.

We have a hybrid (umbrella/goffin) cockatoo, and she is a real sweetheart. She is 2 years old, and so far is very good-natured and gentle. She has a loud voice, but doesn't sound off very often. She loves attention and lots of petting and stroking. But she is pretty independent, partly because she spends most of her time free in a bird room with her bird friends. I have heard that the Goffins cockatoos are more independent-natured than the others. Cockatoos are definitely cuddly, snuggly birds, especially when they're young. They tend to be real show offs and very entertaining to have around. They do have their potential issues, just like greys have theirs. You're wise to do some research and read and talk to other bird owners about it.

This just illustrates the importance of patience and not rushing things or giving up when results don't come when we think they should. It also shows how these intelligent creatures can learn and change, even after many years. Way to go, Cricket!

I have also seen an occasional watery poop with no solid, as you described. Then poops returned to normal, and Moussa is fit and fine. Marcus is probably fine, although I know you'll monitor his well-being, as you always do.

Don't know about the glue. I make toys, but I just tie them together with sisal string or rope, leather cording, nylon cording or cotton rope. I get all of these from sites offering parrot toy making parts.

Okay, so the cockatoos are getting a lot of press here, but my hubby thought of this one and cracked me up: "I'm stuck on cockatoos, 'cause cockatoo's stuck on me."

"Reach out and touch someone." (AT&T) "It's everywhere you want to be." (Visa) Cockatoos "If I've only one life, let me live it with a grey." "Think small" (Volkswagon) Parrotlet

I don't have a zon, but can I try? How about, "Everybody's going green. Love a zon!" (I know, it's not actually from a commercial.) "Just do it! You know you want a zon!" (Nike commercial)

I enjoyed your pictures. I love to see happy, excited cockatoos. Your new baby is beautiful.

Don't worry, Tony. Your new baby may still be a little shy in his new home, and that may be why he hasn't said any of the words he may already know. Our grey did not really start talking until he was a year old. I think that is pretty typical.

Bean is beautiful. I love that cockatoo close-up (photo #2). Our Gwyneth, an umbrella/goffin hybrid, has that same sweet face.

Our CAG Moussa is a year old. He has begun to talk with words and sounds a lot like me. But he also speaks fluent pionus, sun conure, and blue crowned conure. The blue crowned conures are good talkers, and Moussa has learned from them all the things they say, which he faithfully reproduces in their voices. He also does the chicken imitation that I had taught the conures, even though I tell him that it's beneath his dignity. He also learned to speak lovebird as his first language, as he is housed in the same room as our lovebird, Izze. He started mimicking the other birds before he started picking up human speech, but he is picking up human speech just fine now. So I would not worry about Simon.

Judy, if you're tired of that rain, send it our way. We could use it. I love to wake up listening to Moussa muttering to himself. Lately, it's been a monologue about water. "Want some water?" is his new favorite thing to say.

Oh, I feel your pain. Been there.