JDS5607

@Doug- I've used the McCormick food coloring, and the colors just aren't bright. This stuff is concentrated, so the cost is way less, and the colors are way more vivid than the McCormick.

DecoPac

It takes awhile for them to get interested. Sometimes, you have to show them how to play, like rolling a ball around on the floor and such. Usually, they don't begin to show a lot of interest in playing with toys until they're as old as 6 months or more, I've read. Just keep offering, eventually, you'll find the perfect one! lol

haha, I could watch videos of Grey's all day!

Karen (and sam ) We got Sully as a baby, and there was a time where he talked all day and made the SAME noises over and over... but it seems like he goes through them in phases. He would call our cat, saying "Gizmo? Giz? PSS psspsssss" for hours.. now he only says it once a day.. Then he used to make a noise like a bomb dropping and do the ever-so-funny fart noise at the end. He did that for about three weeks, and I haven't heard it in months. Then there are the words he says once, and that's IT! I think it's all about their mood. Sam may be settling in and watching his new surroundings, or he may be observing you and your home to see what he can pick up next. Sully has a scream he does, and the high pitched beep too, and you're doing the right thing by not encouraging that... it can get repeatative, can't it? Right now, it seems to be the only noises Sully's making, unless we're not in the room, which is when he starts to whistle and say "hello?"... kind of annoying when you're trying to show off that new word he can say to family, and he won't make a peep! lol I think this is all probably normal. If you are super concerned, you could take him to the vet, just to make sure his nose & ears & eyes are clear and check his weight to make sure he's where he should be. Is he still active and playing as normal? If he seems fine otherwise, I would just say he's in a quiet mood as of late

AH! So adorable!!!! So happy he's growing so well! They both seem very healthy and robust! Can't wait to see more!

Birdnut, Sully is 16 months old. So, they're right about the same age! Sully is chewing at his flights & his tail is in ROUGH shape. He seems so itchy. I've placed more wood chewie toys in his cage, and he's been tearing them apart. It's getting a little on the messy side (have already gotten a splinter in my hand) but, if it keeps him from chewing, it's well worth it. Ya know, now that you mentioned it, his flying abilities have been declining as well. He did so well for awhile, and he seems so eager, but this molt is taking it's good old time! I'm hoping it ends soon... he's looking kind of rough all over. Little feathers out of place here and there. All I keep thinking is how much he's itching It must feel like when your skin begins to peel after a sunburn, only prickly!

Hopefully it will just be a bunch of noise and water. If you can, get to a friends house with your fids that is closer to the ground (if you live up high). If you live in a regular house, chances are, you'll be okay. The winds are usually what tears houses up, and by the time it gets to NYC, the winds won't be as bad as they are in NC right now. Just keep their carriers handy. Smaller spaces are best for nervous birds

Those seem to be the only ones he is chewing on (of course his tail isn't clipped, but he is getting almost all new tail feathers in)... Hopefully that's the case. Guess he's ready to fly again!

Good idea!!! Never even thought of that!

I think fostering is an EXCELLENT idea! That way, you can visit often

I was inspired by KimKim to write a list of important things to have ready to go, in case of an emergency... these are just things I could think of that our fids may need, so please feel free to add whatever you feel! Carrying or Travel Cages 2 bottles of water per bird 3-4 days worth of food per bird millet spray Can of veggies (it's better than nothing) Blankets to cover the cage with Vet information INCLUDING any identifying information for your bird (Band No., Markings, pictures) List of bird-friendly hotels in the area

We keep a bag of food separated from the big bag, for on-the-go emergencies. We also keep their carrying cages under their cages, and bottles of water in the trunk of the car. In addition, we keep blankets in their carrying cages for covering them. With the hurricane coming up tomorrow, I'm putting together a quick toy bag, just to keep them occupied in the car if we have to evacuate Hope everyone stays safe throughout all this crazy weather!

Sorry to hear about your situation. As horrible as it seems, it DOES happen. Many times, the landlord will be willing to work with you if you pay an extra amount of money per month or a pet deposit. If your landlord is just set on NO pets, the only thing you can do is find him the best possible home. Ask for vet references, sign a contract, and don't allow someone without large bird experience. If it were me, I would only accept someone who currently has a grey (or amazon or larger), that would allow you to visit the home, and sign a contract stating that the bird would be returned to you in the event that it didn't work out. Perhaps you can post in the classifieds section of this forum for your grey? Many of us are looking for another grey or know someone who may be Good luck. I know it's heartbreaking, but take your time picking out the best possible people for your grey

That's what I'm hoping, Judy. I am super paranoid about it. I'll keep an eye on them and see. These are his flight feathers that haven't grown out from being clipped yet, so maybe he's preparing for them to fall out? Yikes.. I dont know. Hopefully more baths will help!

He's not plucking, but I'm pretty certain he's chewing on his flight feathers and tail.... He's molting too... (sorry about the quality of pictures...He was NOT happy about them.)

Morning everyone Sully is going through his first major molt. He's itchy and he's got quills EVERYWHERE. He's been slightly aggitated (who wouldn't with things poking you all over) and he's been preening a LOT. My concern, however, is he seems to be eating less, and I'm wondering if that's normal when molting? He's molted a little here and there before, but nothing like this. I've offered him lots of goodies, warm foods & such, but doesn't seem interested... He's been this way since, mmm... probably late Tuesday. He is eating, just not his normal amount. What do y'all think?

I would look for a commercial grade suction cup... maybe at Lowe's...

May be a little late in this, but He's probably just fine. I handfed our grey, and he did the same thing. Just offer him the formula as you normally would. We had Sully on three feedings a day until he was 14 weeks, then 2 for a week or so, then 1... but that's all he wanted. Try organic babyfood, such as sweet potatoes or carrots if you're concerned he's losing TOO much weight. He's growing, and he may be ready for big boy food!

Sully gets these often. He usually gets them on his back, and it does look very painful. It will fall out or she will find a way to get it off if it's hurting her. I would leave it be. If it seems infected at the skin (red, oozing, inflamed), take her to the vet, otherwise, I believe she will be fine

Most of you have shared your grey's love for popsicles, freeziepops, etc... I made Popsicles with healthy junk in them! Lol I took a pack of sugar-free jello, and made it according to the directions. I put it in icecube trays, and refrigerated it for about an hour, til it was tacky. I put soft, steamed carrots & seeds in them, and stuck them in the freezer. Popped one out for sully, and he LOVED crunching through to get the the goodies! Of course now he's super sticky... lol I'll post pictures as soon as I can get my camera to load!

:sigh: I've been having the hardest time with my site lately... Thanks for the heads up! All fixed now!

eBay, in my opinion, is a fantastic place to get cages. We got all of our fids' cages of eBay. Just make sure you're choosing a reputable seller, and of course, I would suggest making sure the cage is new. Also, you can usually research the cage through Google, to see what materials it's made of, or you can always ask

Morana, I buy them from a wholesaler to sell on my website (which is taking me longer to list on there than expected). The place is called Wisconsin woodshop but they only sell to retailers. If you want... Message me with what you're looking for and I can try to help you find it

Trust me, Judy- All that stuff is UP off the floor & will stay there! I'm thinking of changing to Baking soda... I'm just not sure if it will clean my bathroom well.. A little bit of a germaphobe when it comes to bathrooms!