JeffNOK

Actually before I sang to her, I whistled "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean". She liked the whistling too. But she seemed more interested in the singing. I guess I will mix it up.

So what happened? How is your baby? I 'm bringing home my baby soon and would love to hear from your experience.

$950 here in Oklahoma.

Keep us posted on your journey. I'm which ever one you choose will become a lifelong friend. I chose to get a baby grey because I am new to parrots and thought I'd do better with a young bird. If you have a lot of experience with birds, I'm sure either will be great!

How adorable. Spoiled--yes--but also adorable.

Jess, like the others have said, you seem to be doing the rights things. Baby steps today will hopefully lead to steady progress. As for the plucking, this habit may be long entrenched. Sometimes it is a medical problem which can be checked. Hopefully if he is stimulated and his life becomes more enriched, he may naturally stop plucking. In the mean time just love the little guy and keep letting him know he is special. Good for you!

Well I have been visiting my baby Gracie at the breeders almost every day. Now that she is flighted, she doesn't like me to handle her too much. She steps up nicely, but once I have her out of her cage, she usually flies off to a perch rather than stay on me. Today when I went to visit, I was standing there just talking to her when I decided to sing her a little song. I sang "You Are My Sunshine". She seemed positively transfixed. When I talk to her, she sometimes seems to pay attention, but nothing like when I sang! She just stopped preening and looked at me with the sweetest little black eyes. When I stopped, she walked closer to me and made some little vocalizations like she wanted more. I spent the next 30 minutes going through my karaoke repertoire from John Denver to Peter Paul and Mary and Elton John--(NO I'm not 107 yrs old, but I didn't think Lady Gaga or Maroon 5 was as soothing). Anyway, I really enjoyed it! Do your birds also enjoy your singing?

I'm glad you posted that. I am visiting my CAG at the breeders while she is being handfed. She is 10 or 11 weeks old. When I reach into her cage to have her step up, she often opens her mouth and takes hold lightly of my finger. She doesn't nip at all, but I thought she might be telling me she doesn't want to be handled. In a few seconds though she does step up willingly and I take her out of her cage. Perhaps this finger grab is the same thing you are describing.

I'm so glad you are here. I joined the forum last January and will be getting my grey in two months. I have learned so much here. I would have been lost if it hadn't been for all the great info you find on this forum. It's a wonderful sign that your new grey will sit on your lap and accept pets. Sounds like you are bonding well. I wish you all the best!

Congratulations on your new fid. I'm sure that Dorie is just feeling out sorts in her new environment. Since she knows you, I'm sure she will come around soon. Best of luck and share pics and updates.

I know this isn't the ideal situation. But I know with the right support you will find your way. Best of luck.

Welcome. This is a great forum. I'm sure you will gain a wealth of knowledge.

Hi! Welcome to you and Tucker. Glad you have joined us here.

I am happy! You'd never know she'd just pooped on my hand as those pics were taken! I guess it's all part of getting acquainted!

I can certainly relate to the sentiments in your post. I tend to over-think, and since I'm brand new to birds (not to mention African Greys), its been daunting. It didn't help that in researching greys before deciding to get one, every article had these ominous warnings: "Not for the novice!", "Phobic, high-strung, and easily freaked out!", "Why not get a budgie?" I was filled with self-doubt. "If I get a grey, will I be like some unlicensed pilot sitting in the cockpit of a 747 jet aircraft where any false step will result in a plunge to earth?? flames??, wreckage??, dismembered body parts ?!?" Then I just relaxed--trusted my heart and made the decision to just go for it. I don't have my grey (Gracie) yet, but I know that I have a wonderful resource here to help when needed as well as local bird folk in my area.

Welcome to the gang!

Great pics. Thanks for sharing. Looks like a happy fid.

I love the variety of shots. You can sure see your grey(s) have an active life!

Oops--It's my first time using photobucket. I didn't know I have made it private. I changed it to pubic!

Here are some pictures of me and Gracie. I sure look like a proud daddy--lol!http://s1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee371/JeffNOK/

Hi everyone. Well at very long last I got to meet my new baby Gracie yesterday. I took my camera to capture the moment, but my camera was dead, so I am going again today and will post some pics a bit later today. Gracie is 9 weeks old. She was a bit nervous at first. She was shaking like she had a chill. The breeder stroked her while I spoke gently to her. I told who I was and that her name was Gracie. She looked right at me and seemed to be listening to the rythyms and tone of my voice even if she didn't know what I meant. After a few minutes she stepped on to my hand and gripped my fingers tightly with her little talon/feet. My heart just melted. I feel kind of silly, but for those few minutes of contact I was really in heaven. I still have to wait another 8 or 9 weeks to bring her home. I am counting the days. Anyway, when I get back in a few hours I will post Gracie pics!

I love reading about you and Isaac. I also enjoyed the Parrots of Telegraph Hill--especially the ending--although there are some sad bits.

Cartoons seem to be a big hit with the fids. I better start investing in some Disney DVDs now as my new grey will home in December.

I'm ready to get my tickets.

If you look in the nursery forum there are some great sticky threads that should answer those questions.