JeffNOK

Absolutely adorable. Hopefully Ana Grey will concur.

I'm planning on building a playgym with PVC. I hope it turns out a tenth as good.

Great crew of critters. I've noticed a lot of Grey people also have horses.

Love the pics. Keep posting!

crunching an ice cube

Welcome! I think you are in the right place. I've learned soooo much here!

I'm a "bird vigin" too. For that reason I am going to get a baby rather than a rescue because I'm not sure I'm ready to deal with potential baggage. I also had a hard time finding a breeder in my area, so I called an avian vet in my town and asked if he had a recommendation. He gave me the name of a breeder (who also happens to be a vet). There are eggs about to hatch, and I will get my deposit in once they hatch. You might consider a similar course of action. It really helped me out.

I pray for Murphy every time I join the forum.

Both birds are gorgeous! Love the "in flight" shots--breathtaking!

What a joyful little guy! Gave my heart a lift watching that video.

I think the rival/model method works best with a person. As many of you mentioned--the Grey won't be fooled by a polyester substitute. I'm a teacher of English to adults from different countries. I'm hoping to use my students as rivals.

Barbara2- Thanks for the link (and the "snip"!)

Ok. Well I've been doing some research and based on the things I've read, I'm less inclined to get a bird that is handfed from day-one. As far as the info shared about rescue groups breeding...well I guess it's food for thought. My main concern at this point is to get a happy healthy baby grey from a reputable breeder. If I was more experienced with mature birds I would consider adoption--but other than a budgie as a teen--I'm new to the avian world. I will continue to help out at the rescue. I don't know if they way they do things will make everyone here happy or not, but I'm learning a lot in the process.

I have been volunteering with a parrot rescue in my local area. The woman who runs the rescue also breeds a few types of birds. She recently came into possession of a breeding pair of CAGs who ironically were the parents of one of her pet greys. I am considering obtaining a baby CAG from this pair. In the past very few of these parents' offspring survived, and there is speculation that the mother may have killed them. The female is currently on eggs and with any luck some babies will hatch in 2 or 3 more weeks. The plan is to remove the birds from the nestbox on day one and immediately begin handfeeding to prevent the possibility of the mother injuring or killing a baby. My question is two-fold. First, how does pulling a baby on day one impact its development? Most babies are pulled after three weeks. I have heard that babies pulled too early may suffer more neurotic or phobic behavior. Secondly, should I be concerned that my baby grey shares half its DNA with a possibly murderous mother? As I mentioned earlier, the lady who runs the rescue has a pet grey female from this pair and seems just fine--sweet, happy, fully feathered, and a great talker. I want a happy heathy grey baby. Should I be concerned?

How amazing! I can't stop smiling.

I recently read "Conversations With Cosmo" written by a professor detailing her relationship with her African Grey. Her advice was to just refer to yourself by your name and not mess with pronouns. She would say "Betty Jean is going to work" --"Cosmo wanna come with Betty Jean"? This seemed to facilitate understanding and the bird would respond using names meaningfully. I know it isn't natural English in an adult human sense, but it has a certain logic to it. I teach English to international students, and multiple pronouns with numerous referents can be confusing for them as well. Of course with them I teach the proper rules, but with a bird I think simple is best even if it isnt the most authentic.

Hi--any updates? Please let us know if things are improving.

How old is Took? Have you taken vacations away from her before? Sounds like she did well. I like the captions reading idea while watching TV!

Adorable!! With a capital "A"!

Hey, I don't have my grey yet. I may not for several months still--but I feel as much a part if this forum as anyone else. It's a great place to come and learn. Stick around so I can be in good company as an "eager future parront".

Great post! So much that is written about Zons and Greys seem to focus on Grey phobias and Zon aggression. I plan to get a grey soon, but I was very hesitant when I first started doing research. I thank goodness that I have had a chance to meet and handle greys, talk with bird owners, and participate in this forum. Like you said--the "REALITY" of the situation can be elusive, and we need to be open to discover it.

I guess the bottom line really has to do with the lack of respect shown for you (humans) by the uncle. He may or may not have empathy or understanding concerning Luna, but if he has respect for you he would also adhere to boundaries of proper behavior. His antagonism toward Luna is really antagonism towards you. I would discuss it with him in those terms. He may repeatedly say that Luna is stupid and has no real attachments--but he must admit that you humans certainly do have real feelings that he is blatantly not respecting. I would keep Luna away from the uncle completely. I would also enforce rules concerning his standing outside the door. This is classic passive-aggressive behavior with a poor avian creature as the focus. It's not fair. Frankly, if at all possible I would consider finding other living arrangements as soon as possible ( I know that may not be realistic, however)

The Queen would never be an audience member at a live taping of the Jerry Springer show.

Beautiful Zons! Amazons have always appealed to me. I'm glad you both took these re-homed birds into your lives. Sounds like its working out great.

I'm really glad the bonding process with Suess is going so well. Welcome!