Life is Greyt

HA HA HA...too funny!!

Welcome!! Look forward to more stories and pics!

WOW!! That is so impressive. You work so well with them which means they must trust you so much. That's awesome!!

LOVE your pictures! My favorite is the one where you make the red tail the only pop of color-it's beautiful.

Too cute! Makes total sense to him.

Thsis thread is too funny...I guess this is what I have to look forward to when my little one hits that special age too...lol.

YAY Angel!!! Such a beautiful little baby!! Congratulations!!

They are such sweet little babies!!

Oohhh fun!!!

Have to agree to disagree on this one. I think clicker training has been proven to work on any animal, domestic or wild. I didn't say it would work for sure, only that I didn't see why it wouldn't be ok to try. It's not telepathy, it's a clear reward for the attempt at, and over time a specific, a desired behavior. It doesn't always have to be treats-a "treat" could be verbal praise or pets-it's whatever motivates the animal the most. Also, I don't think that age or rehome status limits a bird's ability to learn new things. If he likes it, great. If he doesn't, then it's not a big deal either. Again, not trying to be difficult-JMHO.

All of our animals have VPI pet insurance. They cover exotics, cost just depends on the level of coverage. I highly recommend it because it saves me TONS of money when my clumsy dog, Buddy, ends up needing stitches 1-2 times a year. It's nice to have when an emergency happens. The deductible on most is $100 and, just like human insurance, after you meet that for the year they cover any treatment beyond that (within their determined coverage, of course).

Hattie is an adorable name!

Welcome Bianca and birdies! It sounds like your birds are very lucky to have you as a parront. We're glad you joined the forum and look forward to getting to know you and your babies more.

They are quite a pair! So handsome!!

Such a beautiful girl!!

Archimedes is a cutie!!

All my other babies besides Chickie are rescues. Kirby came off a greyhound track when she was 5. She was adopted by a family and then, sadly, they returned her when she was 9. Not sure how anyone could do that, but I am glad they did because it brought her into my life. My Buddy was abandoned on a farm in Nebraska along with his 6 brothers and sisters, mom, and dad. He came to me when he was 7 mos old. Jackson came from a local no-kill shelter last year when he was 1. And last, but not least, our newest addition is Audrey and she also came from a rescue group. She was bought from a breeder at 8 weeks old. The people then had her for 2 weeks and gave her up-who knows why cause she is a sweet little girl-but, again, I'm glad they did cause it brought her to us. I considered doing a rehomed grey before I put down a deposit on a baby, but I was pretty intimidated by the idea that a rehome might need more experience than I could offer. My boyfriend and I discussed it and decided that a baby was the way to go for us-and thank God we did cause now I have my Chickie baby!!

Cute pics!!

Welcome!!

Jeffnok, I suspect that things are going better than you think, but you are taking things too hard. It comes from a good place though, as you only want to do right for Gracie. My Chickie is a very independent little one too, but she does little things, like Gracie does, that lets me know that even though she's independent she notices when I walk out of the room, etc. It's so unnerving when you are trying so hard to get it right and they throw us a curveball, especially for us new grey owners. I call my breeder all the time and ask her things-the last time I called and questioned if what I was doing was right or not, she gave me some good advice. She said that my intuition about what to do with little Chickie was better than I though, so to just relax and enjoy the ride. I think your situation is similar. Gracie picked you for a reason, remember that. As far as coming out of the cage, not sure if this helps of not, I try to give Chickie the choice if she wants to come out. I open the door and ask " want to come out?". I try and ask her with most of what we do. She usually obliges, but not always. And, like you with Gracie, I get my feelings a little hurt if she doesn't want to do or want what I want, but, as you already said, it's not just my feelings that are to be considered. Please keep us posted and it does sound like you guys are doing ok.

Go on!! Go on!!! DO TELL!!!

Welcome!! You came to the right place. We have so many friendly and extremely knowledgeable members. I am a newbie to greys myself, but there are many many members here that are really helpful. Congrats on your new baby!!! I know the feeling, as I just brought my baby home at the beginning of December. It is well worth the wait!! Be sure to share pics when you have some!!

What a cutie and so photogenic!!

Ohhh it's Sunday!! That means new Grimm pics!!! Share share!!

I have never used it on birds, but I don't see why it wouldn't work! I have used it successfully on horses and dogs. The main thing is that you must be sure to "click" the instant you get the desired behavior. So, if you're trying to accomplish a new behavior, for example-"step up" (which I know your guys can already do-just using it as an example ) anytime the bird even lifts a foot you would click and treat. They should get treated for the smallest movement that will eventually yield the behavior. Then you just keep progressing from there, treating every time the desired behavior (or an attempt at it) happens. So, eventually they connect that picking up a foot and putting it on your hand is a good thing. Also, even if you click on accident, you always have to treat. That way they associate the click with a treat 100% of the time. I'm definitely no expert, but those were the tips that were taught to me. Keep us posted on how it works out for you and Barnaby.