bran

How awesome, I have the SAME cage! I had a couple issues with putting it together (including the seed catcher at the bottom, and those pesky bolts that all dont seem to fit right, but we just used Zip ties to hold it together, and makes it easy for snapping them off and cleaning, and zipping them back on)! Dexter my TAG loves his cage, I did place a portable dish across the cage, so that he would get used to the lower area (before that he never went in that area), now that spot is his napping zone. Also I like the dimensions for excercise! I think you will really like that cage... and congrats on your new Timneh! Keep us posted!

Hi Eshana! I have to say that from my experience, since I have one of both, they are VERY different. Dexter my TAG is the more shy of the two, likes to make a goosey noise when you pick him up (almost sounds like his version of "I cant be bothered"). He is also the more daring of the two... and has a personality all his own. Dexter's vocal talents arent the clearest... but his whistles and impecable timing for the words he does know is ADORABLE! There there is Cooper, I truly believe he is my sensitive giant... he is more aware of the moods in the room, and has a tendency to be moody himself. He is definitely more vocal, and knows what we are thinking around over 200 words. I do want it knows I do not believe that a birds ability for mimicry is the indication of it's intellegence. I actually believe that it depends on the bird. With both of our fids, we just happen to get two very different individuals, that fit about 70-80 percent of the "text book" definintions of personalities. I am a firm believer that animals, especially parrots (because they ARE so smart) are alot like children. You can do all the research in the world... but in the end, who knows. I deliberated for a LONG time, but in the end, I rescued two amazing birds, who have enlightened my life... and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Now, this is what I think that I would do if I were you... spend some time with some greys, look into rescues (we all know there are not enough good homes for greys that have been homeless because owners didn't know about all the hard work), or if you are purchasing from a breeder/pet store... hang out before you put one on deposit. See what happens! I'm sure what bird is meant to be your new companion, will find it's way into your world!! Good Luck, and thank you for your post!

Hi there, we were considering getting the stackable large cages for our TAG and CAG. They are primarily in their cages in the bird room/office, when no one is home (VERY Rarely) and on their playstands in the living room with us when ever someone is home. I definitely DO NOT want to sacrifice space for them, and want them to be comfortable. Does anyone have their birds in Stackable cages? How well does this work?

After research, emails with the company, going back and forth in speculation, and basically stressing myself out... I have decided to bite the bullet and just buy a new set of Stainless Steel. I think they look great, and MOST important, I choose not to take the "what if" approach to my boys! Also I heard that stainless is better for humans... imagine that, getting something good for us. lol! Oh, and basically what I found out... ALL non-stick coating do emit a gas at a certain temp. Some at 300 degrees, some at 500, and some at 550, depending on what the company tells you. The coating of this specific brand and alot of Anodized Aluminum Cookware is amazing, however, the non-stick coating inside the pans is more times than not, going to be Teflon. Most brands are coated by the company DuPont, and they use nothing but good old fashion PTFE Teflon... So, thats what I found out. Thanks for all your responses, and suggestions!

looks fantastic! Similar to my recipe, and yes it freezes beautifully! Thanks for sharing!

Hi there fellow Bird peeps! My partner and I are officially combing households, and he is moving in with Anonodized Aluminum Cookware, which has a non-stick coating. Now this product in his cookware is called calphalon, and containes no PTFE, which is supposed to be "non-toxic" and nothing like teflon. I was curious if anyone has done the research on this, or has these pans, and what they think about them?? THANKS for your time!

Hi there, I am looking for some input on buying a new vacuum. My old beast took a digger, and it's time to purchase something that works. We have hardwood floors with area rugs here and there, so I would like something that can handle the feathers, remnants of pellets, but be able to vacuum carpet as well. What do you use? Suggestions? thanks!

THANKS so much for your advice and experience! I am definitely more aware of their personal spaces, and have seperated their cages a little further apart, so they won't be inclined to "visit" the other. It is very cute how they relate to one another, and seeing them study eachother. Also, thanks for the nod to my blog, I am definitely trying to make it entertaining and informative. Not sure where the focus is heading, but it's nice to know that someone has read it. lol!

Hi all! Recently I came into my living room, and I saw the most interesting thing.... Dexter my TAG was crawling aroung inside Coopers CAG cage, and Cooper was sitting on the ground looking rather sullen. Now when we talk about the size of these two.... Dexter is rather small for a TAG, and Cooper, well to be honest he is one of the largest CAG I have ever seen. Kind of brings the image of Jessica Lange and King Kong reference to mind. Now when this happened, I did not panic, I quietly scurried over to the cage, told Dexter "NO" and put him in his own cage (2 feet away from Cooper's cage) I then looked down, picked up Cooper and praised him for being a good boy, and in the back of my head I am saying "thank you for not decapitating your brother"... I have seen Cooper destroy wooden perches into saw dust, and I would not like walking into bloodbath. So I have been supervising their out of cage time... and actually moved them a bit further apart. Safer than Sorry right...? Last night I walked in the other room to grab my phone, Dexter was on top of his cage, and Cooper was on top of his... came back in, there was Dexter sitting on top of Cooper's cage, like some Houdini move. Poof there he was! I stood back to see their body language, there appeared to be no tension, and no agression.... There was also no sound, they just sat there, looking at one another.... and then I put Dexter back on his cage. Now my questions are: 1. Is this normal "befriending" behavior? 2. Is it safe to let them "mingle" so closely? 3. Has anyone experienced this "hello" ritual before?

Hi There!! I discovered at the grocery store the little cat toys with bells in them are great usually two dollars for a pack of six, and "lots of links" plastic teething rings 44 for $3 (target), and got some cotton rope from the local hardware store to make some hanging toys (using recycled toys that have been destroyed) and there are kits you can buy online for "build it yourself" toys too! I never thought I would enjoy arts and crafts after several years at camp as a kid.... but hey, maybe it was training for having parrots! lol! Judygram is right, there are also a ton of ideas for toy ideas in the archives! Have Fun!!

Such a great ongoing story! Thanks for sharing!! Please keep us posted!

Awesome job... I love the tile floor, and all the painting!! You're birds are very lucky to have such a caring owner!! Cheers!

Hi rE, When I decided to make the solid commitment to step foot into the world of parronthood, I made myself a promise. That I was not going to allow this to be something that I didn't do to the fullest of my abilities, and no matter how hard, or tedious I was going to do the research and give it 200%. So that being said, I think that I read so many things online, and articles in Bird Talk magazine that my eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Talk about over saturation, there are SO many various opinions on raising your parrot, and what to feed, what not to feed, how much etc. There are a ton of WISE and Experienced people on here, and they know what they are talking about. So this is definitely a huge resource.... also there is something I stumbled upon awhile back. A woman who is an inspiration in so many ways to the parrot world, and the animal world in general. Her blog parrot nation, shows so many avenues and options for recipes, and it comes with Videos!! I myself would love if everything came with a dvd, but hey, even with all the technological breakthroughs, we aren't quite there yet, so I will deal with some nice youtube options. She, with the help of several subscribers to her blog, came up with an amazing recipe for "chop"... and birds LOVE it! I have made almost all of her recipes for my boys, and even for my coworkers tiels, and they can't get enough! The coolest thing is, it is saturated with super foods! so click on this link, and give her blog a shot, and see what you think. I hope that you will find the information in her site, as informative and insightful as I have! http://parrotnation.com/2010/08/08/chop-shot-by-shot/ Please let me know what you think! and p.s. she is a writer for Bird Talk Magazine and the author of the regular feature "A memo to Parker and Pepper"

Just got back from seeing a matinee of Rio in 3D! It is by far my favorite PIXAR flick, and I give it five stars, two thumbs up, and a MUST SEE rating!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCdrn0wdSyQ

I used to be a air freshener person until I got my birds, and then I asked a friend the very same question. I have done the apple and cinammon on the stove and made my own essential oil. That worked great. Now I am in LOVE with my air purifier, it has taken all of the aroma's out of the air, and I have gotten soooo many compliments on how fresh our house is. I figure clean air is better to breathe than scented. Just an idea... might help you have a meeting in the middle if you will.

I will say this, my Congo Cooper loves to shred and attempt to destory everything he can get his hands on... he can put a hole in a tshirt faster than you can blink. Dexter my Timneh loves to shred on rope, and that's about it. I will offer this little tip, I bought some "alleged" indestructible teething rings from target a pack of 44 http://www.google.com/products/catalog?rlz=1T4TSNA_en___US360&q=bright+starts+lots+of+links&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=14231563463041025910&sa=X&ei=yz2WTa-WLPLbiAKKm-D1CA&ved=0CDgQ8gIwAg# They work great because the bird can get a nice grip on an individual, or you can link them together in different patterns in the cage (hanging down, or a chain like design). When one of them decides to go for a lamp shade or a piece of furniture, I give them one of these as a positive alternative... thus sparing any hard feelings :-) give them a go... I think I paid 44 for $4

I have actually tried around five different variations of birdie bread... including some of the recipes from this site, and even a premixed bag from my local parrot efficianato's. However Dexter hates them (he had no idea how I worked and toiled over a hot oven lol). I don't think he was exposed to many foods when he was younger, so he is a pellet guy. Guess I will keep trying... if I come up with something, I will definitely post something on here.

hi there! I am having a little problem getting my TAG Dexter to eat some veggies etc. He likes all things that are sweet, like grapes and bananas, but we all know that the things that taste amazing, usually aren't the best things. I have made a couple recipes such as the beanie mix and chop recipe from Parrot Nation, and my CAG Cooper LOVES them and yet Dexter picks through and will nibble, but mostly tosses the undesired ingredients aside. Are there maybe some little tips that I can try to get Dexter to eat veggies? I have tried steaming a veggie blend, and still no dice. I want this little guy to be as healthy as possible.:confused:

Last night while sitting with Cooper on my lap while i was watching tv... he nuzzled up next to my hand, and wanted me to scratch his head. I worked with him a little and scratched his beak, then was able to get to his back... I was incredibly pleased! My Timneh Dexter doesnt like too much physical affection, and it inspired me to start working with Dexter, even if I can get him to allow a scratch on the top of the head... We had both of the boys on the couch, and keeping them a safe distance... I mean no one wants their living room turned into Thunderdome. They were very aware of one another, but just seemed dismissive. I spoke to a breeder, and she said that when Timnehs and Congos are babies they seem to interact, but when they get older, they seem to "know" they are cousins and not from the same side of the tracks....lol! That was a perfect description. My Greys are like night and day, now I know what my mother felt like raising my brother and myself. Just thought I would share!

do you have your birds sleep in their day cages? what are the major benefits for sleep cages?

I just ordered an air purifier online, and I was curious if anyone else has used them in their houses, and how well they work. Since we got Cooper, I noticed there is definitely more dust in the air, and I know how greys produce alot of dander. Also, I have thought about using the boys travel cages as sleep cages in our spare room. Just curious if anyone else uses sleep cages, and how this works for you...

thanks... sigh of relief! They are "tolerating: one another, actually its interesting that they groom at the same time, eat at the same time... and yet they act like the other doesnt really exist. I have been really good about acknowledging Dexter as the main bird, and Cooper as secondary. Cooper is really coming along, loves my bean mix for breakfast, and doesnt strike me when I step him up and out of his cage. Cant wait to start more through training with him... but I won't rush him. thanks again!

well... i guess i need to get a new vet. Cooper came with a clean bill of health, and my vet said he would be fine to quarantine for a few days for behavioral, and then introduce the two for a couple days from across the room (in my house that's the living room and dining)... then place the cages near one another so they can get used to eachother. I take it this is bad advice, since I heard it from a vet, I figured it was the correct thing to do. Both boys seem to be fine, and healthy... guess it's too late for the quaratine now. :-(

Shasta our nine year old congo, has offically been renamed Cooper. Well, okay let's say for the next few weeks his name will be ShastaCooper, and eventually we are going to drop the Shasta. He seems to respond to Cooper just fine, but as anything else in Greys, you need to take things slow. Also... his "travel cage" arrived today... (just a doggie icrate I turn into a portable parrot palace) and he really likes it! All the comforts of home... lol! Btw, if any of you have never traveled with your birds, I HIGHLY think you should give it a shot! It's a little time consuming on the planning aspect, but it's so very worth it.

Since you like country (i do too) try some upbeat Reba, or some Shania, they both have the air beats, and synthetic bass. Also try some Carrie Underwood... she has some pumping tunes.