JeffNOK

Pics will be posted soon. It is a great time of year to bring her home. I'm a teacher, so I'll be off work on Christmas vacation for several weeks. We can settle in together.

Well after waiting four and a half months, I finally brought Gracie home. She has adjusted well. She is eating like a little piglet and spends her time playing with her new toys, climbing all over the inside and outside of her cage like a monkey, and has been chirping and singing and squawking at volumes that surprised me (thankfully not too long at a time). I live in a small condo, but she is enjoying flying from her cage-top to her playstand and back when she needs to exercise the wings. I'm so glad I visited her so much before bringing her home because she doesn't seem stressed at all. What is more surprising is how little stress I am feeling. It all seems so natural and right, and I have to thank everyone here at the forum for preparing me for this day.

SKW--Both greys and amazons are both such amazing birds. I would have considered an amazon if i didn't live in a condo with neighbors adjacent due to the amazon vocalizations. They are both very intelligent. I know greys get a reputation for being sensitive and difficult, but I wouldn't let that deter you if that is the reason you are deciding against a grey. I had the same concerns and joined the forum and began my reseach a year before getting my grey and feel much more confident now. If you are looking for a gentle amazon the lilac crowned amazons are known for their sweet dispositions as well from what I have read. Good luck with your decision. I know both would make a great companion.

I'll be praying Tia is doing just fine.

I had a budgie as a child and he was very cuddly and active outside the cage. Sadly when he was about 4 our Golden Retriever broke his wing. Then when he was 9, he got out of the cage and the cat got him. ;( . I was a very uneducated bird owner at the time and blame myself for both of those incidents. I suppose if they generally only live 8 years he did make it pretty far despite the hardships. Congrats on your new fid. I think budgies are really cool!

As for plucking--this is an issue that does affect some greys. The main thing is to make sure she is healthy and has a rich diet with lots of fruits and veggies as well as sufficient calcium. Bathing her regularly (with some aloe vera mixed in the water) will help her skin and prevent irritation that can lead to plucking. Also, it may be good to get a humidifier in your home if the weather becomes too dry. This can also cause skin issues and possible irritation. Most importantly, greys often pluck because they are bored or lonely. Spend lots of time with her, give her a good assortment of toys, and make her feel safe secure and loved at all times. Is Coco clipped? Some people say that flighted greys are less likely to pluck--but this is not a proven fact. Even with every precaution, some greys still pluck. If that ever happens, make sure you take her to an avian vet for a health check. Also, there are some products that you can buy that are supposed to help greys stop plucking, but I don't know how effective they are. From what I understand, plucking is usually not an issue until the grey is a few years old, so you have lots of time to do whatever you can to prevent it now. Also, if she does start to pull feathers out, try not to react or show your concern. This often makes the habit worse. All this being said, a plucked grey is still a wonderful creature and you will love Coco no matter what.

I will just address a few of your questions. First of all, Coco is still young and whatever damage you think you may have done it isn't too late. Bathing is very important for your grey, so I recommend do a spray bottle misting bath at least two times a week. Greys typically don't like baths, so don't worry if she seems to dislike it. With regular bathing she will get used to it in time and at least tolerate it. As far as cuddles, strokes, and general handling--please be patient and don't try to rush or force things. My grey (Female CAG Gracie) is still at the breeders and will be home in a few weeks. I visit her almost daily and she doesn't really like to be touched very much either. Some of the other grey babies with her are just the opposite. They love handing and cuddles. In many ways it is just a difference in personality. I don't force the issue with Gracie. I interact with her by having her step up and sit on me. We play with toys together, and I give her treats and things to chew on. If I'm lucky she will let me rub my chin or cheek against her feathers, but if I try to pet her, she moves away or flies off. Let Coco do things at her pace and on her terms. Greys need to be able to make decisions. In time she may be a cuddly bird, but there are no guarantees. Your relationship will develop naturally and in a way that suits her personality. I'm glad you are resolved to spend more quality time with Coco. That is what both of you need to solidify your bond. With regards to talking, avoid just repeating words or phrases to her that you want her to learn. Instead, most grey parronts recommend just speaking meaningfully to your grey like you would a young child. You might want to "Broadcast" what you are doing as you go about your day: "I'm going to get a toy for Coco", "I'm going to make dinner", "I'm going to take a shower" etc--just give words to your actions as you do them and she will pick up the meaning over time. Good luck and welcome!

Welcome to the forum!

Thank you for sharing you rescue adventure with us. I will be sure to check all the hooks and chains etc when I get Gracie home. Hopefully Gracie will live up to her name and be graceful--fingers crossed

Eagan seems like a smart happy boy. Keep the updates coming.

It kind of looks more like body paint than a tattoo. Either way, it is ...hmm..interesting.

I had two great visits with Gracie today. She stayed on me the whole time as I played with her while holding some toys she likes. She also discovered she likes the buttons on my shirt! I will have to distract her from those. She even let me kiss her on the beak and the head. I also gently rubbed the sides of her beak a bit. She doesn't seem to mind that. I also introduced her to a bit of apple. She mouthed it and chewed it a bit, but then dropped it. I'll keep looking for that perfect treat.

I was thinking of getting some of the DVDs by Barbara Heidenreich. I've heard some good things about those from people in this forum.

That's wonderful to hear how you are boding with your grey. She is making strides.

I'm happy to hear you getting along well with your bird. Hope all keeps going well with you.

I just checked the weather report and we are getting severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes tomorrow--ugh.

I want Gracie to be who she is meant to be. I don't have any preconceived notions about what that should look like. Having said that, I want us to be close. How "close" is defined is yet to be seen. I watch LuvParrots videos of her Amazon Louie, who won't let her even touch him, and yet I see a very close relationship and a fid who really loves his mom.

Awww...Louie is such a precious boy. I love your videos of him.

As my screen name indicates, I'm in Oklahoma and that earthquake was indeed a bit unsettling. I am sure your baby will return to normal soon. Earthquakes were never on my radar before as a potential scary thing for my grey. Now I'm starting to think about tornado season, and how I will prepare Gracie for the thunder, lighting, winds, and sirens-let alone getting her into a carrier to go to a tornado safe location.

This is a key time. Do what you can to get the word out. There are many here who have lost and recovered their greys. Don't lose hope and use this window of time to recover your Oliver. You sound very down and like you are giving up. DONT! He is out there. Make use of whatever resources you have.

Lol--are grey parronts mainly liberal Democrats? I must admit I have concerns about both parties, and I consider myself an independent. I'm going to try to raise my Gracie to be apolitical. With my luck she'll want to debate, though! Do they let birds join the Tea Party? I'm sort of hoping she'll have Libertarian leanings. I think live and let live works best in a human-grey environment. It would be interesting to poll Congress and see which party has the most fids. It might be interesting.

Golden Chicken I remember hippies!

Love the pic! Hopefully that won't be her favorite perch or you may need to invest in a rain cap.

I was just wondering what treats your greys especially like. So far I have given Gracie sunflower seeds, shaved almond, and cheese when I visit her. Any other suggestions? I don't overdo it with treats. I usually give her a treat when I greet her. One while we are visiting, and one when I say goodbye.

Great vid of the fid! He's a cutie and seems to be a joy. Thanks for posting.