Sherrie

Greyson's 1st photo shoot.. What a camera lover he is!!!

They are just little devils desguised as a sweet, loving, adorable, cuddly, adorable African Grey!!!! Ya just gotta love em!!!

That is so sweet! I bet Ms. Hannah is a riot to have around! My Robyn had my laugh and it was hysterical listening to him...he laughed at everything-- and then he would get so tickled by all the laughing at him laughing he would just go crazy with it and laugh harder-- I miss that about him--- I knew if I ever had a bad day, I could count on Robyn to snap me out of a bad mood in a heartbeat!!! I love how these guys know just the route to take to get to your hearts with the destination of true love!!!!..Greyson is starting to mumble "words" now and I can tell one of the things he is doing is laughing-- a laughing bird is a sign of a happy house in my opinion~~~~:-)

Thank you for the replies!!! I bet you have experienced this yourself huh? Greyson is such a riot, there's not many things he does that doesn't crack me up to some point-- He is such the entertainer and LOVES the attention that it gets him-- They are amazingly quick and clever to learn how to get what they want---when they want it, aren't they????? So far Judy, Greyson can imitate Cheyann's squeaky ball.(which drives Cheyann totally insane-) she doesn't "allow" anyone to play with her ball and she can not figure out who's got her ball!!! It is a riot... He can whistle 2 different tunes, whistle parts of Jingle bells blows kisses, he's starting to make another noise but cant really determine what it is at this point-- He's still trying to perfect it at this point!! lol -- But he's got a few other "noises" that he likes to do-- all of which I think is pretty good considering he's only 5 months old... I can imagine all the noises that will be entertaining this house in a year's time!!! At this point tho, he is really interested in imitating sounds rather than talking-- He has said "hello" when he was just a baby baby but since he has found out how to perfect noises this is more entertaining for him!!!! He absolutely LOVES watching the television... he is so intriqued by all the sounds-- the one thing that really seems to get his attention is gun's firing-- (my hubby loves all kinds of "shoot em up" movies so there is alot of gun noises-- I just know he's gonna start with those pretty soon---- Can you imagine someome walking in the house and all of a sudden you hear a machine gun going off???? that's gonna be something----!!!!!! You can see it in his face when I'm talking to him that he is just soaking it all in and I know that when he is ready to "talk" we won't be able to hush him up-- He's been such a vocal little guy ever since the beginning tho

My husband and I were sitting outside the yesterday and heard the phone ring. I got up to answer it but by the time I could get to it, it had stop ringing. So I went back outside and sat down. A few minutes later, the phone rang again. but by the time I got to it, it stopped ringing again. Well darn, I thought, so I got the phone, checked the caller ID and it appeared that the number had not registered. I do know that it has to ring at least 2 times for the caller ID will pick it up. So I decided that I would be smart and take the phone outside with me. Well I'm back outside, and the phone starts to ring again, but this time I could hear it ring in the house but the handset outside was not ringing, I thought something must be wrong with this handset, I just got it new at Christmas...hmmmmm what a puzzling thing this is...... Well I answered it and there was just a dial tone, nobody on the other end. This is beginning to get annoying I thought to myself..... A few minutes later, again, I heard that dad-blessed phone start to ring.......anybody who knows us and cant get us on the "house" phone knows to call the cell phones if they can't get us so Im thinking "this is really very strange" I picked up the phone and again....just a dial tone but this time when I "answered" the phone, It kept ringing.... So I went into the house, and followed the "ringing" and to my amazement and surprise, the "ringing" was coming from no other than Greyson's cage!!!!!!! He has learned that this "noise" will bring Mommie into the house and he really LOVED this game-- So now today, the "phone" has been ringing nonstop!!!!!!!!! I just started laughing so hard and thought "you little devil you":p:p:p:p:p:cool:........................

Quite the little pranksters they are aren't they! They always seem to keep us guessing and never cease to amaze me with their abilities... sounds like they certainly keep you busy. I only have the one FID so I can imagine how much laughter goes on in a multi FID home... Loved the story thanks for sharing!!!!

YIPPPPEEEEE HOOOORAYYYYY! I know you're excited at the progress-- He's such a goood boy!!! It looks like your on the road to having a wonderful little guy!!! just be patient and loving and he will reward it -- on his terms of course!!!! (later--->LOL)

Thank you so much for sharing this, I have actually made some taller perches similar to that myself- SOOOO much cheaper-- I havn't thought of this idea tho but could really use the portability that this provides---

What a wonderful story!!! I really don't mind if you get on here and gush all over your baby for a millionth time-- I prefer it!!!! I love reading about everyone's babies. I love the mental image I get when I am reading them and I look forward to my daily chuckles from all the stories,,, so please humor me!!!!! I love the interaction you have with Issac. sounds like you got each other pretty much figured out but of course Isacc wins...right?

absolutely wonderful!!!!

Greyson does this for only 2 reasons-- the 1st is if he has been scolded/reprimanded he will put his head down for a scratch/tickle/rub(what a suck up he is) --- the other is just cause he wants a scratch/tickle/rub!!!!!!!! lol----------> more than likely he is wanting a scratch/tickle/rub!!!!

Do you heat any foods of his in the microwave? could he have burned his tounge on some hot food? Is there anything hot within his reach? maybe a live wire he might have bit into?...just a thinking out loud...... I hope he has a speedy recovery.. keep us posted

REALLY<<<? That is so cool. Sounds like we were really blessed with 2 very special little babies!!!! We can have a Birthday celebration for the two of them together!!!!!! I actually got him as an early birthday present from my loving wonderful hubby! I was so grief stricken by losing Robyn that my husband really couldn't bear to see me that sad anymore- It was so difficult to be in the livingroom and it was so deathly quiet, even with the tv blaring-- I just couldn't bear it---- but he did the only thing that he knew to do, He knew I had always wanted a Grey, in fact we were looking at baby greys when I came across Robyn's demise and I had to rescue him------I had told him to please do not go and get me another bird (whenever any of my pets have passed, he would go right out an get another) But I knew I was just not willing to open up and didn't think I'd ever have another friend like my Robbie..... But he did it anyway and the rest is history, I can't imagine life without Greyson now... (Robbie has been gone 6 mos yesterday) There is only 1 reputable breeder that I trust in this big ole city of ours and it's called Birds by Veta (I hope Im allowed to say that) about 30 miles from my home! I have accquired birds from her before and trust her with every breath taken-- She was really wonderful, she knew of my health history and with careful screening of myself (even tho she knew me somewhat) she let me take Greyson home at 6 wks old so I could start the bonding processs with him. She has even come to my house to visit with Greyson (to check up on him,,,lol) and was pleased with how well he was doing- She sd she usually will not let a baby go home until completely weaned and if there is ANYTHING "off" about the person wanting a bird, she will not sell them a bird...PERIOD!!!! but she felt really confident in my abilities---I would reccommend her hands down from anyone else in the Columbia area!! She does have a website- Im not sure if I can give it to you on here but if you PM me I will be happy to give it to you! Can I ask you how much Bodhi weighs? Greyson just topped 417gms yesterday! but the vet sd he was really small for his age but weight appropriate for his size--

Im with Judy on that one Morana, I really don't see how you would put a sturdy enough perch in that carrier. There is nothing really to connect it too.. I think just a towel and/or some newspaper would be sufficient really..... as far as getting Zak used to it, I think you're doing pretty much it.. I really don't have a prob with Greyson being freaked out about anything-- When he had his vet appt. I couldn't find a carrier until the nite before his visit, as soon as I got it washed up he was all in it making it his-- I really wish I could find one thing that he is fearful of '''LOL (just kidding") I truly feel blessed!!! But I dont have any experience with the fearfulness that most greys seem to posess-- Im sure someone else can chime in to better answer that for ya tho! Good luck!

Greyson eats.........Chicken bones(he gets the marrow from the middle) hot dogs. chicken, ham chunks, cube steak.. pretty much whatever meats I eat.. My vet said that it is really important that they get the protein from meat-- but every FID Ive ever had ate some form of meat--- as far as the "SUSHI" I would be really afraid to give Greyson raw seafood... Im just not sure their systems can process it very well not to say the bacteria that they could get-- Just my opinion tho--- (IDK I don't like sushi or any raw meats/seafood for that matter anyway)

I applaud you for taking on this commitment-- Just quit second guessing yourself... you're gonna do just great!!! (plus You got us covering your back!!! lol) Where you place his cage is up to you- more of a personal choice and what is convienient for you but once you place it there,Maybe you could put the cage in a place where he can still see you if you go to another room... Greys really don't take to changes too well so make it somewhere where you both will be happy-- Of course you dont want him near drafty windows/air vents.. dont place him right next to the TV or electrical wires etc..... I strongly reccommend a visit to an avian vet- just to be on the safe side that all is well with him For the 1st day, try to interact with him as much as possible by just talking to him. he will need to get used to all the new noises and movement in his new home. It will be really scary for him.. (try to think of how you would feel if you were him) I really wouldn't try to handle him too much right at first (unless he desires it) just don't push him. give him time to adjust, offer foods/treats but don't be alarmed if he doesn't eat the 1st day-- (by the 2nd day he should be eating tho)and make sure he's got fresh water available at all times...and just take it one day, or hour at a time-but My Greyson has been in every room in the house but I started him out when he was just a babe- but for you I would reccommend letting him settle down for awhile then maybe once a week introduce him to a new room until he has taken the full tour. in order for him to become stable and confident in his new environment you are going to have to portray the stable and confident Parront!!! soooo quit second guessing ok? lots of hugs--- and as always keep us posted, get lots of pics and if ever in need all ya gotta do is holler!!! Good luck and lastly, please dont ever feel like your "dragging" things out.. Trust me, I usually post short novels on here and no one has scolded me yet!!!! :D:p

Hi rEsage-- 1st and foremost, DONT EVER GIVE UP ON YOUR BIRD! 1st-->as far as age, Im not an expert but to me he does seem a tad bit older than 3-4 mos old...2nd--> at this point I would not allow him on your shoulders- I personally never allow any bird on my shoulder but that is just a personal choice for me. The Step up command needs to be administered immed and followed through with forever!!! When he does it--Reward/praise him enthusiastically every time....one thing you could do is have a piece of his favorite food/treat in your other hand while your offering your "step up" hand to him-- as he is reaching for it. slowly pull it up and away from him and this will force him to step up to get it-- when he does it-- give him the food/treat and praise him!! My Greyson not only does the "step up" but he also knows "step down" for when I need for him to get back on his perch.--if you repeatedly(like a broken record) do this it will sink in..in no time at all... Would you Please explain what do you do immed after you have gotten bit? What is your reaction? what do you say to him? It seems as though he has not been taught the boundries with you yet...Only you can set them-- It's not something that he is going to figure out on his own. He is still a young bird and he will take the boundries as far as you will let him- so start reinforcing good behavior NOW!!!! If/when he attempts to bite-- Firmly/sternly tell him "NO,NO BITE!!!!! "BAD BIRD" etc..but say it firmly and mean it!!!!!! 3wks is not nearly enough time to earn your babies' trust. By him wanting to be up on top of his cage..puts him at a higher level than yourself and he may be feeling a bit empowered by that.. find a way to keep him no higher than eye level..whether it be on your arm or on a play tower (does he have one?) The worst thing you could ever do is hit your bird or Yell loudly or sling him off of you--(no matter how bad it hurts)if you have had any of these reactions, you will need to start all over to gain his trust back. Talon and Acappella have great advice as well Greyson is a cuddler (Thank goodness!!) but there are times as well that he doesn't want to be "messed" with and he lets me know that. There are alot of Greys out there that just don't like to be handled so much-- Make sure you're not overcrowding him, just like you, they need their "me" time as well.. When Greyson doesn't want me to get him, he will put his head down for a scratch/rub but that's it, it's leave me alone- I still talk to him and interact with him throughout the day but I do give him space as well. He lets me know when he's ready to be "socialble"....... Pay attention to his body language-- It is so very important that you learn and watch his body language- You can prevent alot of those bites by just watching what he does right before the bite-- He also (probably by now) has learned your body language as well and can sense that you are frustrated with him or stressed with him-- They are clever clever little devils--- but with determination,persistence and positive reinforcement I have no doubt with time you will be the best of friends-- takes time........... and the trust must be EARNED not demanded from a grey---- I hope some of this helps---Good luck but please DONT GIVE UP!!!

Welcome to you and your new CAG-- gotta tell us his/her name tho!!! Bless you for re-homing your bird-- The one thing that I CAN advise you on Grey's owning you is TRUST is something that WILL BE EARNED!!!!!!! Period, no if's and's or but's!!! I have been around birds all my life. big ones, little ones and ones in between but Greyson is my 1st grey. I gotta tell ya, the whole journey with Greyson has been beyond a doubt one of the finer pleasures Iv'e ever endured Everything you have learned about birds, Greys will seem to debate those teachings..... You'll find out what Im talking about soon enough!!!!!!!! :-).... Just take things one day at a time, don't rush your new guy into anything and always make them "THINK" they are in charge---- Im wondering how many will challenge this theory of mine?????? !!!!! Good luck on your new adventure

I see we would get along really great! Eccentric is my middle name!!!!! that's how I got Greyson to be such a character, when he was just a baby, I would make sure he got used to being touched all over his body and held in unusual positions, now at 5 mos old, I can pretty much do anything with him without the drama!!! I bet Bodhi and Greyson would get along real good too!!!!

What a good boy eating his veggies! Great pictures, Quite the poser he is! Thanks for sharing

Beautiful little girl!!! I agree with Judy tho on the hair dryer-- It also prevents the natural oils they need from forming

YEAAAAAA-- I finally got the pets page photo loaded on here and was able to get some pics downloaded of the whole gang - more pics to come-- I have added the pets page to my signature so you can have a peek!

Absolutely gorgeous pics!!!!!Thank you for sharing them

Greyson is in the living room with us. I have to walk right past his cage to move from room to room- I cover him up at abt 9pm every nite, He has imposed his own bedtime hour..Everynite abt 8:30 he starts acting like he's ready to go to his cage for the nite!! I cover the back and sides and leave the side where he is perched uncovered so he can watch what's going on in the house if he wakes and the light gets turned off in his area...then when we go to bed around 12'ish I cover him completely-- If he is not ready to go to "bed" and I cover completely he gets really upset with that so this is what works best for him! when we wake in the morn, the first thing I do is uncover him and put him on his tower to pooh-(he will not pooh in his cage, and don't want him to hold it too much longer ) then he goes back to his cage for his breakfast and I go do my thing (coffee, smoke, get dressed etc...then he gets to come back out and on his tower.... when he gets sleepy he will sleep on his tower- nothing seems to interrup his sleep--Tv,phone,dogs etc-- he never flinches to any loud noises-- then routine starts all over again at 9pm!!! He does not have a sleep cage nor do I feel a need for one--- maybe you should ask the pple that are taking care of him right now what his routine is for now and ask if he likes his cage covered etc...

Bravo,,,,bravo,,,bravo!!!!!!!!!!