JeffNOK

Can you describe Marco's body language when she did this? Did it look like she was sort of moving her neck back and forth is a twisty way making eye contact with you? When I have seen Gracie regurgitate--it seems very intentional with a very specific kind of undulating movement in the throat, neck and head. It doesn't seem like vomiting.

I had a cough last winter--and now this is one of Gracie's contact calls.

Six months is not unusual for a TAG to start talking, so mumbling and practicing at 4 months sounds like your little one is right on track.

I don't think I qualify as a nerd in the truest sense. I wouldn't fit in that well on "The Big Bang Theory". I have no technology skills and don't follow sci-fi films. But I like history and literature, so I guess I am a bit nerdy that way.

I know Corky has her moments-but I bet you wouldn't change a thing. Happy teen-day!

Wow you guys have such groovy hipster birds. I like to dance some, but Gracie looks at me like I am being undignified. I think she worries about my mental health. I'd love her to "get her groove on", but alas Gracie is the African Grey version of high school librarian. I think I need to show her some YouTube videos of Soul Train.

Great video. Misty is a handsome grey! Gracie wants to meet him! It is funny how many questions they ask--it reflects how many questions we ask our poor fids. Gracie always asks: "How're you doing?" "What you doing?" What do you want?" "Where are you?" " Where is...(Daddy, mommy, Bill, Pam, Marie, the birdies), etc...?" There seem to be far more questions than answers--just like life.

I have only been away once--for 3 days. Gracie wasn't mad--but she acted indifferent when I returned. I wanted the kind of reception I would get from a dog after an absence--happy barks, licks. wagging tail, and exuberant joy. She just looked at me like, "I think I know you...." and went back to preening. I was crushed. I don't think I have ever seen her "mad", though.

My CAG Gracie seems oblivious to weather. I was so worried when "Tornado Season" arrived in Oklahoma. We have so many violent storms blow through from March to June that I was sure she would be a nervous wreck. Nope--she slept through everything. Now--earthquakes are another story. Oklahoma is not known for tremors, but we have had a few in the last 2 years and Gracie flew off her perch and crashed at the slightest movement. I don't understand it. Maybe it is just her.

MK you are fine. Any useful information is helpful. We all can use reminders from time to time,

I don't know if Gracie dreams or not, but part of her bedtime ritual is to say, "Night Night Time. Time for sleepies. Sweet dreams. Back in cage."

I have the first cage for my CAG and it has worked great for 2 years and is used very often.

Gracie gets spooked and falls off her perch from time to time. I does happen and everything has always been fine. Let us know how your grey is doing.

Any update on how things went? Hoping all went smoothly!

I was very blessed to accidentally "stumble" onto this forum. I am so glad I did. I had read so much conflicting information online that I really wasn't sure what to do with my grey once I brought her home. Thankfully, I was able to read and ask questions for months (almost a year) before I got my CAG, and it certainly helped me a lot. As I continue to be part of the forum, I continue to learn. With very few exceptions, dialogue here is respectful and informative. I hope we can keep this up and grow in the future. Much thanks is owed to longtime members who have stuck with the forum and maintained its vision and mission. There are some truly committed administrators and moderators here who serve as great role-models for us all.(Dan, Dave, Judygram, Luvparrots, Ray, Talon, and many more!).

Gracie's main issue is trying to land on lamps and chandeliers or wall hangings etc and try to chew them. At first I just removed her from those places, but she didn't like that--sometimes nipped--and then returned when I wasn't looking. Now I strategically place things she doesn't like on or around the "tempting items" to prevent her from going there. For example I have an empty coke bottle hanging on the chandelier. I have some aluminum foil projecting from the pictures. I put pillows over the lamps. As she flies to these areas--she gets deterred and goes to a safe zone. I'm not sure if you can do something similar--but that has worked for me.

How is it that your CAG is quiet? I agree with you, happy bird sounds are wonderful. I think CAGs tend to rise to level of volume that is around them. Since I live alone without other birds, Gracie is quiet. That is not to say she isn't vocal. She talks and chatters and sings a lot, but it isn't loud.

Lol! It might be the hat. My CAG abhors anyone wearing a hat and will take flight if they are anywhere near her.

I don't think that looks unusual. I am not a vet, but my CAG's poop often looks like that. Especially in the morning. I know eclectus diets are different, so I can't compare. Hopefully others will offer their thoughts.

Welcome! Beaker is a cute little bird. I know this is an exciting time. You are in for a wonderful adventure. Glad you have joined us.

Grumpy, that cat is beautiful. Gracie is not a fan of cats, but she likes dogs. We have a student at my school from Belgrade. I haven't made it to Serbia yet. I have been to Croatia (Pula) and taught for a year in Romania. Maybe one of these days I can make it to Serbia, but my traveling days are limited now that I have Gracie. Since I got her, the longest I have been away was three days and she stayed with my parents. She loves my parents, so I think I could manage a week away if they cared for her. I miss traveling.

I think my profession has been helpful. I try to be very consistent in the words I use and try to associate those words with objects and contexts and allow her to touch and see while I'm talking.

Amazons are such performers. They tend to sound like a combination of Opera Singers and Drunk Sailors. Loved the video. Thanks for sharing.

Nancy, and Jeff, I appreciated reading your exchange. One of the things that I enjoy so much about this forum and its members is the level of maturity and respect shown to one another, and the nonjudgmental input and feedback given even when opinions differ. One thing I love about this forum is that we love our birds, and we also love the people here who devote their lives to the care of such wonderful animals. I was a complete bird novice when I joined the forum. All the websites said "African Greys are not for beginners.' Yet, I wanted a grey and needed help. If it wasn't for the advice and help from so many committed members here, I don't think Gracie and I would be as happy as we are. I am proud of this forum. I believe as a community we do much good.

Nancy, they have stopped teaching cursive/script writing to children. It will soon be a lost art. I teach English to international students--people from other nations who want to communicate in English. Every day I spend my hours with Arabs, Koreans, Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian, Angolan, Venezuelan, Columbian, Congolese etc...It is the best job ever. It doesn't feel like work. It is fun! I learn as much as they do. Sometimes I invite them to my home. Gracie enjoys those visits. When she doesn't know individuals by name, she just calls them "people". When strangers come over, Gracie says, "Gracie likes people! Gracie wanna see people! People like Gracie." She isn't afraid. She loves to have company. Oh..Nancy...don't worry. I won't be grading you. When I am home, I am "off the clock". Besides, you have flawless English.