CLB

Thanks Birdhouse...I have done just that. I will also ask a friend of mine that breeds to see if she knows of anything concrete or has experience with the foraging. Inquiring minds want to know! I will be sure to post if I come up with anything. It is sad that there isn't more info on the greys in the wild.

Thank you MarcusCag....28 views and no response, I was getting worried. I wondered about the same thing. I know Greys are one of the few parrots that actually forage and feed on the ground. I wondered if perhaps there was a favorite nesting material on the ground or maybe part of a mating ritual? It is so funny to see her wandering around after all these months of perching. This morning she was after the fluff on my house slippers...and they were on my feet!

I always put a treat into Shadow's bowl if I need her to go into her cage. Never have a problem and she is always happy to comply. Don't think of it as bribery...it's nothing more than positive reinforcement for doing the right thing!

Living with Shadow has been incredibly rewarding. I find I learn something new each day. She has taught me to be patient and understanding and she makes me laugh when I might not feel like laughing. Well, it looks like I will be learning something else......hormones. This is definitely new territory. About 2 weeks ago, Shadow became very "busy" she destroyed her play box and became very focused, almost driven in her desires. She also became defiant and yet more loving all at the same time. The I sat back and evaluated the situation. Her box had been carved into a perfect "tree hole" and she was not actually trying to eat my antique hoosier cabinet, but was trying to gather the fluff off the dog bed under the cabinet. This is a girl on a mission! I am assuming she has entered a season of mating? I have since removed all things that could be used for nesting and followed the suggestions from a recent post (thank you for the cockatoo link). What I am wondering, is it a natural behavior for Greys in the wild, to spend so much time on the ground during mating season? Shadow rarely sits on her perch...any perch. She is instead wandering around on the floor like a ground bird. I am very intrigued by this behavior.

Ashley, My rehomed grey definitely loves my hubby most, but I adore her and my patience has definitely paid off. I now relish in any and all signs of affection she shares with me, be they big or small!

My friend Carmen who owns Brightwood Aviary here in Ga raises Ringnecks, Derbyan, Alexandrine and Regent parrots! She has some info on her website about each. I have seen them and all I can say the the Derbyan can fly like a stealth bomber even in the house! Very impressive for a bigger bird.

Welcome Ashley! My very first bird experience was with my adult grey. Shadow has been such a joy. I always enjoying hearing how others came to share their lives with these amazing creatures.

I've had Shadow for 4 months now and I hadn't noticed much mess. I know folks talk about sweeping up and such but I was fairly please with her low maintenance status....UNTIL I had to relocate her cage into my family room while I did a mini makeover on my kitchen. OMG.....there was mess everywhere! Apparently my little chihuahuas do more cleaning than I knew, without their help in the family room there was a ton of mess. lol Luckily the poo always goes down! All said and done...I got a new dyson slim vac and I wouldn't trade Shadow or her mess for all the tea in China!

I am so happy for you both! Such a relief to know that you are over the hill and good time lie ahead!!

Great job! Obviously, you are a talented birdie mom!

You are going to love it! I spent about 8 years in the rescue world with cats and dogs...fostered over 500! I left that world for family reasons and now I am thinking it's time to go back. This time with birds!!

Happy Shopping!!

I have to say, the more I think about it, the more I agree. I am certain that Shadow did not need rescuing, I was simply in the right place at the right time to provide her a new home. Simple as that. I think we can all learn from each others experiences regardless of which room we call home! I know I will continue to be a part of both, watching and learning from everyone.

You should not take this behavior personally! Grey behavior is complicated. I am still learning and building my relationship with my bird. My husband did not ask for our bird or do anything special and she ADORES him. She will bite me. Some things we can not control. I am sure some others here will have more advice.

Luvparrots, I would agree. So.....do we belong in the rescue room if we live with "rehomed" birds?

So, I suppose I will be calling this my home.....for now. Although I don't exactly consider Shadow a rescue as she was well loved and well socialized in her previous home. Actually, as it turns out, she is perfectly well adjusted. Maybe I am the one who was rescued....from a life without a parrot! Had Shadow not found me, I would not likely be blessed to share my life with a Grey!

That's funny....Shadow laughs just like me! Actually she has picked up quite a few things that sound just like me. :rolleyes:

I do not mean to offend, but keeping a parrot is much different than keeping fish.

Never to late to celebrate! Happy happy day!

Happy Hatch Day Louie!!

So adorable! Such a dear sweet bird.

She is a beauty. I am intrigued by their calm demeanor.

Here in Georgia there is a rescue that houses over 600 birds with free flight as their goal for all who are able. It takes a lot of time, money and dedication to maintain a place like that. Volunteers are always welcome, many just to feed and love the birds! Maybe there is some place like that near you. Feathered Friends is about 1.5 hours from me. My time with Shadow has encouraged me to want to help other birds feel the love that Shadow is able to have from me. And I have to say, the video made me want to help even more!

Talon...I am sure your kitchen looks much nicer with chewed up boxes on the cabinets than chewed up cabinets! I make all types of toys from recycled cardboard..mainly food grade or unprinted, no glue. Shadow loves corrugated cardboard the best! We cut squares and string them on leather strips or fold strips accordion style. She stays very busy making cardboard confetti.

Well, I can't believe I am saying this so soon, but the gifts keep coming!! Although Shadow will bathe in her water bowl, she does enjoy an occasional shower with my hubby. However, today, I was showering early in the day and thought it a good time for a shower so that it wouldn't be too chilly. So, I had my hubby deliver Shadow to the shower after I was in and ready.....she actually does enjoy this showering and kept looking up at me ( she has a little stool she stands on in the shower) so I offered her a step-up and she quickly obliged. Enjoying the water and splashing, she promptly walked up my arm and lowered her beak........of course I worried about her intentions......but I looked over and she began to gently pick up water droplets off my shoulder! So Sweet! I quietly praised her and continued talking and whistling. My hubby left us alone to prepare a warm drying spot near Shadow's cage ( I was still worried about a chill). While he was gone....and I was defenseless, Shadow proceeded to climb up onto my shoulder. I was of course hesitant but managed to keep my composure and act perfectly normal. I cleared off the little mirror so I could see her and she promptly leaned in toward my diamond earings! Yikes....I had visions of losing more than just the earing, but I simply told her "no earrings Shadow" and she backed off and began gently preening the water droplets off my hair instead! Each time she reached toward my earring I calmly repeated " no, no earrings" and she went back to preening. We enjoyed what seemed like a forever long shower and certainly one I will not soon forget!!