JeffNOK

Nancy, you always speak frankly, but in a respectful and helpful way. I continually learn from you and am eager to get your input. No need for apologies.

Nancy, you are right. I have no idea what lies ahead. All I can say is that we currently have a great relationship. Her terrible twos lasted two weeks, and now she is sweet as can be. Will she change her behavior and become a challenge in the future? Maybe--probably! Greys are anything but predictable. They are complex. I don't think I am complacent--I wouldn't want that. You were right to warn against complacency. But, Gracie is my number one priority and as she evolves--so will I. I don't assume all will be smooth sailing--but at this point she is simply a joy. There are no current issues. As challenges arise I will depend on you and the rest of the forum to offer the help you have always generously given. As far as my next step? I seek to connect to her more--expose her to new experiences and people--and love her as much as I can. I don't want to give the impression that I am the perfect parront or that Gracie is the perfect fid. Any complex relationship has ups and downs and detours. But right now I can honestly say there is nothing I would change. But. when the day comes that I am at my wits end and don't know what to do, I will surely rely on you and others to help me through. The fact the Sophie is happy and well adjusted gives me hope that Gracie will follow the same path.

I'm sure your grey will be fine for this short period of time, but you might consider developing a network of people who can at least stop by for company, feeding, and water changing while you are away in the future. I went to funeral in April and most of my CAG's most trusted people also attended the funeral. I asked two friends to stop by and keep Gracie company for a few hours at a time. Neither had bird experience or confidence, but they just came to my condo and changed Gracie's water and food and kept her company while I was gone. I don't know if your city has a bird club, or you have some friends who might be willing to do this, but it gave me peace of mind while I was gone.

Talon, you have a tender heart. I have no idea what I would do if I got such a call. I will pray that you find the right match for these birds. I'm 46 now and Gracie is just 2. I am confident that I can care for her for the majority of her life, but if she lives to be 50---I would be 94 years old. It is something I don't have to think about now, but this is a serious issue all of us need to make plans for.

Yes! Please post some pics of you and your birds. You bring so much to this forum, and I would love to see what you and your flock look like.

I am very lucky indeed. When I first brought Gracie home I was worried we wouldn't bond because she didn't like physical contact. She is two and a half now, and I couldn't be happier. She shows her love in many other ways, and I lack nothing in my relationship with her. I wouldn't change a thing, although sometimes I say, "Gracie, I want to pet and cuddle you." She just looks at me like..."I don't think so", But then she says, "Gracie loves Daddy soooooo much." How can I complain?

Beautiful pictures. I would love to share similar pics of me and Gracie my CAG, but she is not a "cuddle bird". Her biggest expression of physical affection is to rub her beak on my hand or shoulder for a brief second or two.. I can't pet or scritch her. It may not seem like much, but when she reaches out her beak and says, "Gracie wants touch" and gently rubs her beak against me--it means the world. I am happy you are having good bonding time with your grey. They are really wonderful creatures.

Lots of very famous and iconic images presented there. I wasn't sure if I understood the last few seconds--did that represent the ultimate destruction and end of the world?

I am an English teacher, and I have a part time online job scoring tests for international students. My job is to listen to student responses and assign scores. Well, one day my scoring leader called me to discuss a score I gave and Gracie was chatting in the background. Gracie was pretty vocal, and the scoring leader said, "You know, it is against policy to watch TV or listen to the radio while scoring." I assured her that I was using my earbuds/headphones and was not watching TV, but that it was my parrot. She paused and said..."It doesn't sound like a parrot." To convince her, I went to Gracie's cage and engaged Gracie in conversation. After a minute or two it was clear that it was indeed my parrot and not the TV. My scoring leader then apologized and said, "What kind of parrot is that?" We had a lively discussion about African Greys and the conversation ended with her admitting she had forgotten why she called and to "keep up the good work."

I have the African Grey size with stainless steel mesh. Gracie doesn't like it, so I use a larger travel cage to transport her. Since I'm not using my Pak-O-Bird, I could send it to you. No cost to you. I just want it to be used for the benefit of a grey. Send me a private message if you would like it. It is in mint condition--only used twice.

This is my third Thanksgiving as a member of greyforums and I always look forward to this post. It has become a tradition of sorts that gives me a smile.

Glad you joined us. I'm also glad to hear that "Parrot Cacophony" is music to your ears. With a Sun Conure and a B&G I'm sure your walls literally reverberate with sound. I have a quiet little CAG, but I love the sounds of happy parrots--both the loud and soft voices. Welcome!

Very funny and appropriate this time of year.

I'm such a sucker for these "bittersweet" stories. Thought I would share it with all you other bird loving "softies"

Time and trust makes the difference. My CAG would only step up on my hand for the first several months. Now she steps up on three other people who she knows and considers friends.

Brat Birds--I love your meme about "Real Ladies Only Need One Shade of Grey"...Priceless and very true.

Thanks Dave, after watching the PBS film I started feeling very guilty and had several conversations with friends and family about whether I was contributing to something awful in the life of parrots. I appreciate the balance you provided.

My belief is that you will feel a peace about getting the bird if it is "meant to be". Since you say you are trying to resist--and asked for an intervention--perhaps that peace isn't there. Trust your gut.

Janet, I know Toos are probably the most challenging parrot for many people, but if anyone could make it work, I think you could. You have the time to devote to it and have an understanding of parrots in general. Is this Too a baby? a rescue? age? any details there? There may be a reason this Too has stuck in your mind.

I wish I could help, but I don't have any expertise. I do urge you to see an avian vet as soon as you can. Where do you live? Are there many avian vets in the area? Your grey looks beautiful and otherwise healthy. Please update us on what you find out.

I wonder if wild greys every approach towns and homes like Toos seem to. I have several students from Africa (Angola and Congo) who often saw wild greys, but they said they never came close or became pests. Always seen from a distance.

I love Scarlett's melodious whistles. Gracie watched with me and was impressed. This is Gracie's Youtube video. I hope to make more. She is 2.

My sincere sympathies are with you. So heartbreaking. Mistakes can and do happen. I took my CAG Gracie to my parents' house a few weeks ago and started to brown meat in a TEFLON skillet. I caught myself after a couple of minutes--and no harm was done...but Yikes! Thank you for this warning.

It's not unusual that Dolly is rejecting certain things. My CAG was that way as well. I recommend you just keep introducing things in small amounts and take your time.

Ray, I'm glad you got to spend some quality one on one time with Cricket. Good for the soul I am sure!