Barbara2

This is a description given of the TAG tail in the linked article: "The tail, can be almost red, through every shade of maroon to browns and even almost black." http://www.proaviculture.com/congoortimneh.htm

I can't answer the first two questions but I can handle the last one. It is an abbreviation for "feathered kid" so our feathered children are our "fids".

If Kingsnake shows up he might be able to help. He keeps snakes so he may have some knowledge of how to trap one.

This is my baby: 23 days old, 166 grams.

I had no intention of even thinking about getting another Grey until after I knew for sure what happened to Neo. I knew that I was going to want another Grey, not to replace Neo. That's not possible. I knew I wanted to fill in that hole. I worked with a local breeder when I was searching for an African Grey. Every clutch she had turned out to be all girls and I wanted a boy. This was almost 2 years ago. I ended up going with The Bird Farm rather than work with someone local. After the heartbreak of losing Neo I called up the local breeder thinking that I would get on a list and get a bird whenever it was ready, even if it took years, and got her voicemail. I hung up the phone without leaving a message because I thought, "This is crazy! I can't even think about getting another bird yet." She saw the caller id and called me back the next day. I told her my story and she said that she had a baby hatched on June 5th. She said she hadn't had a Timneh African Grey for a year and a half. She said that someone else was interested in this baby and I said it didn't matter. I just wanted to be on a list. She said she was going to contact the other person and see if he still wanted this baby. She wanted me to have it. She felt it was right. She called back the next day and said the other guy (who is a veterinarian) wanted me to have the bird. I went to her house (left Joe home with the 2 little ones-aged 3 and 1....they were napping) and held this tiny baby for an hour. He/she was just pulled from the nest the day before (June 28th). The breeder said it is so unusual for a baby to be this calm and accepting in such a short period. Usually they growl at everything for 3 days. It was the sweetest little thing and fell asleep in my hands. She thinks it's a girl but there is no way to tell until the DNA test is done. I think it's a boy but I don't care. I will just be happy to get a healthy bird that I get to bond with from the beginning.

I'm in Ohio so I can't help but I would like to know more. What is it that makes the situation unworkable? I could no more adopt out my birds than I can adopt out a child unless the situation was such that the child would absolutely be better off with someone else. Once the "child" is out of the house, it would be cruel to continue to "tease" them with your presence. If you are willing to let go, you need to let go and not look back. I'm concerned for you and for this loved bird. If you have to make a break, make it clean. If you can make it work, keep this bird who has been with you and no one else for so long. (I have 2 birds; 19 and 17 years old. A family member coming into this house would have to adapt to them, not the other way around, but that's just me and my situation. I'm not judging.)

I was riveted and couldn't stop reading. Such a tiny, fragile little thing! I also think it's a good story with lessons learned for anyone that wants to breed birds.

We have had members describe having to set up a camera that they can operate remotely in order to catch the magic. Usually these intelligent beings talk for a reason and it's not to entertain us! LOL! They are calling us and they use what gets a reaction. If you are there, they have no need to call you. Things might change with time. I have a little Sennie that has never uttered a sound around strangers but suddenly did recently, and he is 19 years old. Keep the communication going. You will be very surprised one day and again and again and again...

You can order the one seen in the picture from Amazon.com for $12.99. http://www.amazon.com/Emsco-1150-123-Racer-Saucer/dp/B001CERYAW

Congratulations! I'm looking forward to pictures and stories!

This is a pretty interesting story about a Meyers Parrot: http://nitasnest.homestead.com/moxie.html

There are members here who are experienced and should be able to help you out. I know the temperature of the formula is important. I know that things need to be kept very clean to keep from introducing bacteria into the bird. I'm sure with the help of some of our experts they can help you on your journey to have a happy and healthy bird! Please keep us up to date and show us pictures as your baby grows!

Great to hear and thanks for the update!

I was in another forum where someone inexperienced was handfeeding their baby grey. They came seeking advice because they got the formula too hot and the baby had crop burn. From the description it sounded very bad. Everyone said to get the baby to an avian vet immediately. We never did hear back from the poster so I fear it ended badly. I know that the other issue is that the baby can aspirate the formula and die as a result. Good luck to you and I hope it works out. (Also, if you are handfeeding you must have a scale and weigh the baby daily before feeding. Keep a diary of the weights to make sure it is growing properly!)

Welcome back!

She is beautiful!

Does anyone have any experience or opinions about aluminum cages? I was reading in another forum where some folks were complaining about A&E cages and some unexceptable levels of lead in the paint. I have two A&E cages and just noticed rust on the water dish holder for my little Senegal. That has me very, very concerned about the safety of these cages. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

Some people have had success sprinkling some spices on fruits and veggies like ginger (that's the only one I can think of right now). Maybe cinnamon. Or grind up something tasty that you know he likes and sprinkle that on.

While you are waiting this is a pretty cool site: http://nitasnest.homestead.com/Timnehs05_01.html It has a picture diary of TAG babies from a few days old until they are ready to go "home". You can pass the time seeing the progress through these pictures and know what you have to look forward to.

Find something you like and add modifications. I'm sure you could get a plastic picnic cloth or something like that, put in some "button holes" to tie cords and attach it to something this is "close enough". Lots of places sell parts like plastic chains or strips of rawhide so that you can make it perfect!

Mine keeps me logged in. I have 8 start pages and this is one of them. I made it a start page after I was at the forum page and I never have to log in unless I clear all temp internet files.

We always close the lid of the toilet before flushing because hubby read an article that talked about all the germs thrown around the room during the flushing action. (Think about THAT on your toothbrush!) So I don't even have to remind him. Lids always closed when not in use.

1 tip that I heard about getting them to drink from a water bottle is to put a tiny smear of peanut butter on the drinking bottle tip. They smell the peanut butter and it directs them to the bottle. I've not tried this myself. I just bought bottles to try and see if I can get them to use them. I haven't put them in the cages yet.

Whooooooo Hoooooo! I'm so glad that Val is home! Congratulations on getting your baby back, and so soon!

Here is the link for parrotalert: http://www.parrotalert.com/ Report her there. Also put up fliers. It is more likely that she will be found by a person than attacked by an animal. We have lots of success stories of people getting their birds back. I hope you also have success and cam come share your joy with us.