Barbara2

I am so, so sorry that you had to go through this. Betsy was blessed to have you in her short life. I have no words and know how much it hurts. Thanks for taking the time to post all of the info to hopefully help some other grey down the line.

I can't believe it's been a year already! Happy Anniversary!!

That is weird that he only seems to be afraid of you. I wish I had some helpful advice. How old is Quinn?

That is perfect! At least your daughter picks good names. Our daughter asked our granddaughter what her unborn baby sister's name will be and she said, "Zuko". I doubt that's going on the birth certificate but that's probably what she will be called by the 3 year old.

I had chosen Keiko if I had a girl. It means "blessing" or "blessed one". It's pronounce "KAY-koh"

Be careful if you are getting the bird as a bond for yourself. We rehomed a Senegal and the female owner warned us that "he" (turns out it's a "she") did not like men. This woman had raised this bird from a young chick and hand fed "her". She then got engaged and the Sennie did not like this intruder. Once in our house our "Rocky" definitely preferred the men in the house. My daughter and I were chopped liver. Just a thought.

It is very nice to meet you but I don't have any recommendations for you unfortunately. I have one hand tamed TAG and no experience at all with breeders. Hopefully someone will come along with a useful post.

So good to see you (and your flock) again! You have been missed!

What a fantastic day! I'm glad s/he has you and I'm glad we have you back too!!!

Wouldn't it be weird if through some glitch the people that owned this grey ended up with Murphy because they didn't connect back up with this bird through the proper channels. I don't know why that thought popped in my head. I guess it's that they are about the same age and both with purple bands.

I'm holding my breath right along with you! (Fingers crossed!)

Having him out of the cage is good. When you say that he tries to fly but can't, does he crash to the ground or flutter to the ground? Would it be possible to get a playstand and have it on carpet so the landing is softer? I know my TAG wants to be out of his cage but is happy on the playstand (which I don't get because his cage has a lot more fun stuff in it!) Can you put some sort of towels or padding around his cage? When he tries to fly is it because he is trying to get to you? Maybe a place for him to hang out near where you hang out would be good.

This is the one that I use: http://www.target.com/p/EuroPro-SV75-Shark-Cordless-Hand-Vacuum-As-Seen-On-TV/-/A-13291822 The detachable, washable filter keeps the pellets from getting to the motor so there is no damage.

You are welcome in my book! I look forward to hearing about Kikki and seeing pictures! You will also be in my thoughts as you continue your forward progress.

I will be happily following this thread! i hope this works out AND I hope Murphy comes home too!

It sounds like Tumba passed quickly and did not suffer. It doesn't fill the hole in your heart but at least you know that he is now at peace. God bless you and your family.

I was one of those hated "social smokers". I didn't smoke in my house and only rarely at work. I didn't really like the idea of stinking up my clothes and furnishings in my house. I saw yellow stains on my fingers once and that pretty much turned me off to the habit (not addiction) that I had. If it stained my fingers, I didn't want to think what it was doing to my teeth and my lungs. I will never regret quitting like I do regret starting in the first place.

I have been working with Egan to learn a couple of useful tricks. His breeder recommended using the syringe and some formula for training sessions. It has been working GREAT! A quick squirt and it's on to the next test. I have been teaching him "give me five" where he has to put his foot in my hand (getting him to be comfortable with having his feet touched) and "wave!" where he has to lift his wing. Right now I have to lift his wing but I'm hoping he will get to the place where he will lift it himself. After 10 days away, tonights session was fantastic! This formula training works great for us.

I have to say that this was a tough one for me because even as I responded to the post originally, I had been gone from home since September 28th. We just got home today so I was a bit apprehensive. Egan is only 4 months old so he isn't as established in my house as Issac is in yours but I was still very nervous about his reaction to my being gone for over a week. He was VERY happy to see me and the first thing he wanted to do was get a bath/shower. Phew! I'm hoping the next time that I have to be gone so long I can take him with me.

She is a beautiful little girl. Very, very happy for you both!

Is there any way that you can try an extended period before you have to leave him? Say go out for a long time during the day and see what happens.

I wish! I'm in Colorado right now (and not regretting that one bit!). I've been away from my baby for 7 days and have 2 more to go so I'll be staying home for a good long time!

We have the "Netflix watch it now" and when the grandlings are over, it's on a lot. They love the "Land Before Time" series and there is a lot of music in them. Egan perks up even when he's in the other room. He just has to hear it.

This was the last update that I received and it was on September 7th: http://www.greyforums.net/forums/showthread.php?193582-Parrot-Breeder-turned-Hoarder!-90-birds!&p=236775&viewfull=1#post236775

I think his current cage is plenty big enough, especially since he doesn't live in there all the time. (One person's opinion.)