Sherrie

HA HA--- The little devil knew exactly what he was doing!!! I actually envisioned this as I was reading and I let out a howl!! Thanks for the laugh!!!

Oh my gosh I bet that made you tear up all over again too didn't it? It is just an indescribable feeling isn't it? Im not gonna laugh at ya cause ya cry at all the ole sappy Hallmark movies cause I do the same thing! Just shows that we got a lot of love in our heart's and souls!!! (that's what I tell my hubby all the time anyway!) At what age did Bodhi start to purr? This is something that Greyson just started doing and he does it only when cuddling. I hope he doesnt grow out of this cuddling stage, I am really enjoying it !!! (I hope that didn't sound TOO selfish!) It is really an awesome thing to hear of the friendships ppl have with their greys- just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling all over ------------- Oh wait---------- nope--------.Whew...... thought I peed my pants:eek: but Im ok!!!!:p:p lol

Welcome to you and yogi and the rest of your gang!! I too love the avatar!! These guys have greyt almost magical personalities! I can tell just by the photo that Yogi is just a sweetie pie and love reading your story-- look forward to hearing more!

Hi and Welcome to you and your new little boy!!! I am sorry to hear of your loss of your Quaker and very happy that you still have your heart open to love another feather'd friend- I know what you are going through-- make sure you get lots of pics for us (we adore pics!) Have you picked out a name for him yet? I look forward to getting to know you and sharing your journey with your new little guy

Greyson at 5 months old!! He loves to play this game where I put something on his head, he tilts his head just enough for it to slide off-- I say "Uh-Oh" and then he waits for me to put something else on his head and we do it all over again!!! We got up to 3 items balanced so far!! the other pic is of him and his "hidey box" he loves to get in it and pull all his toys out, then one by one, he pulls them all back in while he is still inside!!! Here he finally figured out if he held onto the edge, he wouldn't slide all the way off anymore!!! Good Boy!

Hi Dave, I do not have a Plucker or an over Preener (yet anyway) nor have I ever had a problem with this with any bird I have ever had- but I do have a question.... Does there seem to be an average age at which a grey starts to pluck or over preen- Greyson is just now 5 mos old and was just wondering if there was an average age that this seems to begin.. Thanks in advance for any info-- Sherrie

Hey you know you're right Malikah, I didn't even realize it either-- time is just flying by, it doesnt seem like he is that old now.. He's still being sweet and tender, I dont know what's going on with him but I sure am enjoying the heck out of it and will take all I can get cause I know it could change just as quick as he brought it on!!!!!

Welcome back Terri and Bella--- I was going to name my new baby Bella if it was a girl!!!! But the results were all boy so Greyson he became!!! I look forward to getting to know you and Bella--ooops...excuse me Ms. Isabelll....... :-)

Thank you so much for all the sweet replies-- Greyson is being UNUSALLY sweet (No changes with him and the hub's tho)-- IDK-- I know I havn't been feeling very well lately could he be picking up on that? He's been very vocal today, really practicing his "words" I know soon it's gonna shock the pants right off of me when he is really starts to talk- cant figure where the "purring" is coming from-- we dont have cats.... don't celebrate Valentine's day (I show how much I love and appreciate those I love everyday so dont need a special day to tell ppple I love them) maybe my little boy is just growing up-- He is the most tender, soft hearted,fella Ive ever known.....You can really tell when something's been done to him to hurt his feelings!! Are you sure there's not a little person hiding in a birdie suit???? lol

Greyson and I always have our "couch" time every nite for about an hour and half-- most nites he plays rather hard and I play the "Im gonna git cha" game and my fingers run across the couch at his feet then I jerk my hand back real quick and this gets him really excited so the next time I say it, instead of me chasing him, he will chase my hand and "git me" and we go back and forth with this for just a few then he will go play by himself in his "hidey box" for awhile and then he's ready to cuddle.... Well tonite, when it was time for cuddles, he was a little unusual with the routine but I really didn't think to much of it.. But he wanted his head rubbed, and his feet, then his back, then his chest, then under his wing and then back to his feet it's really just an all over massage just really slooooooooow.... but that wasn''t out of the ordinary.....he snoozed a little with my hand completely cupped and his head laying sideways in my hand-- every once in a bit, he would crack an eye as to be just checking---- it was so adorable.. just the tenderness of this little guy is amazing------- but when he woke up he looked at me and just stared and did some little purring noises (Ive never heard) and a few weak whistles and then he climbed up to my shoulder (he never does that) gave me a kiss and left his beak on my lips and then (sorry, Im tearing up as I write this. so forgive me if Im babbling) but He took his foot and gently took it to my cheek and it was as if he were stroking my face ever so tenderly- ya know, like I do his-- gave me another kiss then he was ready to go to his cage for nite nite---- OMG>>> at that moment, I realized that I have been totally accepted as his trusted friend and that he truly LOVES me... It was like he was telling my "thank you" for all you've done for me Mommie kinda thing------I wish you guys could have seen it, it was something I have never experienced with any other feather'd friend in my lifetime-- I know I must seem like a sap but this was so heartwarming coming from this little guy that I have had since he was just a tiny baby--- Thanks for listening to my babbling......Everyday, I am just amazed at the level of intelligence of these guys by watching Greyson grow up and hearing all of your stories that I thoroughly enjoy reading

Hi Alissia,, Im sad for what you and Linus are going through-- My prayers and hugs are being sent... Any update on his condition yet?

Kevin, I agree that your'e on the right track with everything. It could be several things going on with her like lack of sunshine, improper nutrition,lack of stimulation(boredom) lack of bathing/misting....etc I do not know if when they get in the habit of plucking their feathers if they will "grow"out of it Im sure some one else can answer that for you. I have no experience with that issue. One thing I would reccommend tho is maybe just a well check from a vet just to rule out any skin disorders ie..mites,ringworm..etc and to put your own mind at ease-- Good luck but I think you are doing really great for this little girl and she is going to be so much happier in just a short amount of time-- Going a little off topic here........ I wonder tho-- with a grey's (or any bird for that matter) intelligence, does anyone think that they can remember their past lives when they go to live with some one else-- the reason I asked this is when I rescued Robyn(my mccaw) like Kevins' Seuss, he had been in similar living conditions and shortly after getting Robyn (less than 6 mos) when the old owner came over to see Robyn, He immed stopped what he was doing, litteraly RAN over to his previous owner and commenced to pretty much running him out of the house.. I mean He HATED this guy and wanted nothing but blood from this guy.. I had never seen him do that with anyone else just him and this happened everytime the prev owner had come over! 1year later he did the same thing and the last time the prev owner came over Robyn had not seen him in prob 5 years but same exact thing- Robbie just stopped what he was doing, and immed went right towards him and wanted blood!!! just curious if they have the ability to retain those memories...I am sorry Kevin for getting off topic on your post but I get these little brain farts and have to write or I'll forget my train of thought sometimes!! please forgive me

WELCOME Kevin and Seuss!!!!! three words-----> GOD BLESS YOU!!!<------- I cant help but chuckle every time I read the "title" of your post-- "Possession" it's just the way it hit me I guess but I can't help but think how Possessed I am with Greyson!!!!! or more like how Im at his every command and wish!! but Possession is a greyt word in the world of GREYS!!!

Welcome Saddlebredgirl!!! Congrats on your new baby! I look forward to seeing many more pic's of your new baby and anxious to see his journey as he grows!!! it is an experience to none other being owned by a Grey.. I have been owned by lots of Feather'd friends but I dunno, Something about the Greys are just magical for lack of a better word! Good luck with your new baby.. oh and you really don't have to wait until your baby is weaned to have him sexed as he could be 12 wks or older before being fully weaned, once you find out, you can focus on a name and the quicker you call your baby by name the quicker he will learn it!! IMO

Hi Ruby!!!! YES.. they are magnificent creatures!!! and NO youre not crazy.. well at least no more than the rest of us !!!!!! Greyson actually said his 1st word at 9 1/2 weeks old! (no one believed me so I recorded it!!!) and would say it everytime I got close to him but has not sd it since he has learned that whistling is alot more fun!! When he first sd it. of course it was not a very plain human voice "HELLO" but you could def make out what he was saying! He will be 5 mos old on 2/11..... the more talking you do with Ruby the more she will be encouraged to talk with you.. His vocabulary now consists of .. the pretty whistle. whistling for the dogs, parts of Jingle bells, kisses,the dog's squeaky ball, a few other noises that I just call "Greyson noise" and "aht,aht,aht.(you know when you don't want them to do something and you make that noise for them to stop, that's the best way I know to spell it...lol!!!... He "practices" everyday with his "talking" daily.. once in the early afternoon and again around 8pm.. Im not sure but thought he said "Hi big boy" which is what I say to him everytime I pass him. Just keep talking with Ruby tho, I agree with the whistling thing tho (that you shouldn't encourage whistling until they are really talking) cause he finds this really entertaining for him but I know in time he will "talk" cause he listens so intently(sp)and just stares at me in amazement when I start talking to him,,it's like he's just processing it for a later time!! With Ruby talking at such a young age just shows you that she is really anxious to start communicating with you and she really loves you,,so keep up the good work!!!

Just too funny!!

I love Happy stories! As your passing through South Carolina Sherrie and Greyson are sending Lots of waves and birdie hugs your way. Please be safe and keep us posted!

The other day, I was making Greyson's "Birdie Bread" for some reason he got really excited about it, which he normally doesn't. He kept fluttering his wings and making little noises at me and I was talking to him telling him all about what I was doing. He suddenly flew down to the floor into the kitchen. Well normally when he goes to the floor, I immed get him and put him back in his room (cage) or on his tower but this time I didn't, I was curious to see what he would do. So Im talking to him and he's looking at me like "why aren't you running over here to get me?" :confused: After about a min or so, he mosy'd up to me and commenced to climbing up my pants leg, (he'd never done that before) made it all the way up to my shirt and to my shoulder (he has never been on my shoulder and normally I don't allow it) but I let him stay there and I finished putting the bread mix together. I thought oh Wow, my little boy is growing up..Yeaaaa me!! I put jars of baby food in my bread and thought that he would like a taste of them and decided to put a little smidget of each into his little treat bowl... OMG he loved it and ate every bit of it........but when it was all gone, he immed began his "baby" noises that he did when he was being hand fed and he continued this until late into the nite. If he was in his cage, he made his big boy sounds but when he went back to his tower, (which is where he ate the baby food) he would revert back to making baby noises and scrunch his little body up and flap his wings like when he was just a baby at feeding time.. He is not doing this as much today but everytime I rub his beak now, he reverts back to being a baby (Like my fingers are a mommie beak and he is being fed) ( I hope I'm making sense) The only thing I can think of is that the texture of the baby food is the same texture as his handfeeding formula and this reminded him of it. So here I am feeling really bad that in 15 seconds Greyson went from being a strong extremely confident young boy to reverting back to being just a little baby!!! OH MY what have I done???:eek: Is this pretty typical for a 5 month old to revert back like that? (he will be 5 mos. old on 2/11) I have to admit that it is really cute but I do not want to encourage the behaviour although it is really hard not to laugh cause it is just so darn cute!!! :p:o;) Please forgive me for the length of my stories, I get carried away sometimes and it's really hard to post one liners for me:D

Hey Aly, think youre gonna have to set up Video camera and catch Rebel in the act!!!--- and your right "ya cant cook em!"!!!! Love hearing about all the pranks Rebel pulls-

That is right Judy! I would def be able to "birdsit" when needed. I always sd if I won the lottery, I would start a Pet vacation resort or pet daycare kinda thing.. I think there is one here in my town but it's really small and not very friendly at all... Im talking about making something that no one else has and made especially for the pets! I would so love to do that!!!

HI Tommy, I prefer to give Greyson pellets (Kaytee or Zupreem) as I can not get the harrison's where I am. But he also get's his fresh fruits and veggies and his birdie bread! If you look in the section of Birdie recipes you can find alot of good recipes to make for your baby. Make sure you give him fresh fruits (too many fruits can cause runny poohs) and protien like hot dogs, or ham. ( I give Greyson 2 slices off the hot dog and 2 cubes of ham daily) My vet also told me the other day that it's good to give cheese in moderation as well. Hope this helps- as far as what healthy pooh looks like it should look like little green "worms" which are really firm coated with white and clear liquid......sometimes what you feed your baby can change the color of it but in essence it should not "stink" if it is real loose like one big blob, that would be cause for concern. Hope this helps

Yep I Like Picasso lots better too.. and you're right about if a girl, Cassie would be adorable-- So welcome to an Ace of a Grey Picaso/Cassie ;):cool: lol Please remember that although your baby's wings are clipped they can still "fly" If outside, a good wind comes along they can still get flight and be carried off. Once clipped, in my opinion it's best to keep them clipped.. I have the Aviator Harness for Greyson. I am not real fond of it but it does the trick.... When I had my Mccaw, I had a leash and collar for birds that the leash would either hook on the front or back, This allowed for your bird to walk (hook on top) or to perch (hook on bottom) it was really great but I lost the collar part and can not find another one like it again, the place I bought that one from is no longer there so Im SOL for now-- :confused: It was a heck of alot easier to put on than the Aviator Harness ....even for a large Mccaw. I encourage you to get a leash or harness as soon as possible and start getting him accustomed to it. Until you get one, try to constantly get him used to your hand being on his head. I would cover Greyson's head completely with both my hands and play peekaboo. I am constantly putting his little foot toys on top of his head to balance (cute as heck too) he has a little "blankie" that I will put over him completely and play games and I also put his little rope toys on the back of his neck and just let them sit there till he takes it off-- all of this may seem really silly but trust me when I say it will help get him used to having your hands all about his head-They don't really like that so take it real slow and be patient with it, but if you do that, by the time your harness gets in, he will be accustomed to having things placed around his head and wont get freaked out once you try to put it on him. Also take your hands and rub under his wings as much as possible, just place your hand under his wing and let it stay there till he pushes you away, you will have to do this daily and several times daily to get him used to manipulating his wings- I have a pic somewhere with my Mccaw Robyn (RIP) with his leash on I will try to find it and post it so maybe if someone else sees one like it they can let me know where to get one- the funny thing about it was that when Robyn wanted to go "take a walk on the wild side" (he would truly say that!!!) I would put his leash and collar on and outside we would go BUT....he would only walk backwards when I had the leash hooked to the back! It was halarious to watch-- but I think the weight of it bothered him and he felt the need to walk backwards but he always went to where he wanted to go!!! ha ha aha

Hi Tommy ! What a beautiful baby ya got there!!! He is so adorable!!!. I applaud you for doing your research and asking lots of questions.. I have a few opinions of my own but keep in mind they are just opinions and my own personal preferences I in no way am saying anything you are doing is right or wrong!!!..You will learn what to do that works best for Ace! Greys are as individual as you and I and what works or worked for one may not work for the other and they will teach you real quick what their desires are!!!! . The 1st thing is about the sandpaper perch.. I think they are fine but for me personally I use the cement perches they are a bit more gentle on the feet than the rough grit but please make sure that there are no blisters appearing on the bottom's of his feet. His feet are extremely tender right now. You said he would not stand on the wooden one (in the pic behind the green one) It does look like it might be a tad too small for him. Greys feet are different than most birds and you need to make sure his front and rear talons dont meet when standing. If they do, then it's too small, try getting him a wider one and see if Ace will stand on it. .. #2 the grate-- I kept the grate out of Greyson's cage until he was standing and climbing really well because he would fall thru the cracks, but he was alot younger when I brought him home than you did Ace. But if he is still a little clumsy you can try to take it out until he gets a little more steady. Is he sleeping on the perches at night or is he still sleeping on the bottom of the cage? Greyson would not pooh anywhere near where he slept and I never had a prob with him stepping in it. Today he hardly ever poohs in his cage now at all- He waits until I get him to his play tower in the morns and poohs his little brains out!!!! I noticed in the pic Ace had pooh on his foot...make sure you wipe that off as soon as you can, his feet are like our hands, everything they put in thier mouths gets there by thier feet!!!!! #3 Make sure your kids get a chance to hold Ace and interact with him as often as possible, My 2 yr old Grandaughter can hold Greyson with no problems(adorable) It will benefit both the kids and Ace in the long run , Teach the children how to properly use the step up command and teach them about birdy body language. I look forward to watching Ace grow up and hearing your stories!

Hi rEsage, please define "just picked up" do you mean same day, couple of days?.. He is probably trying to get used to being in a new place. Image you being somewhere for 12weeks and then all of a sudden this strange person takes you to a different place, with different sounds and people. I would be scared too and it would take me awhile to learn that this new environment wasn't going to hurt me. Give him/her LOTS OF LOVE, TIME AND ESPECIALLY PATIENCE!! Like Morana sd is your bird properly and completely weaned out? I would call the place where you aquired your baby and ask about his feeding schedule. You really want to stay close to his sched as much as possible. As far as the propane heater, I would suggest getting a co2 detector for you and your birds sake.. I would make sure the room is well ventilated as well. you want to make sure there is plenty of humidity in the air as well. As with any gas heater Im sure it cant be good for thier respirtory system, but Im not a vet and wouldn't know, You could try calling a vet or breeder and see what they say. My vet was telling me just yesterday that thier resp. system is so very sensitive and have to be very careful. If your baby has not eaten or drank anything within 24 hrs of bringing him home, YES I would seek a vet visit.. The fluffing up is probably stress from being in a new place, Make sure you talk to your baby and interact with him as much as possible but dont rush him into loving you right off the bat.. You will have to earn his trust.. Did you get to visit with your baby much before you got him home> It would help if you gave more details about him/her and how it came to be that you have him!! Is this your 1st grey? What is the baby's name?-- I hope I have helped some. Look forward to hearing more about you and your baby, Please post some pics!

As I am reading this I am laughing hysterically because I am such a visual person!!! My hubby is looking at me with such a wierd and puzzled look upon his face----- I pictured all of this going on and it just seems like it's just another day in the life of Greys!!! I had to laugh because they do seem to like when they have achieved victory over us stupid humans and the hissy fit described when he was defeated just goes to show thier level of intelligence-- He was prob feeling a little left out and all the attention was not on him and that was his way- He just didn't count on the whole family ganging up on him-- Poor Dayo!!!!(heee heee heee) Love the stories..keep em coming!