kins2321@yahoo.com

When I was a new parent, I did cover the cage. As I became an experienced "Grey owner", meaning I was owned... I stopped covering their cage. They didn't like it. BUT.... If parents are struggling with bedtime, partial cage coverage works. The MOST important thing is a set bedtime. Eight pm is reasonable. I know many disagree with " routine", but we follow routine like a bible! They now walk into the bird room when it is time for bed. If they walk out... I give them a " big fat kiss", remind them it is time for bed, assist them back. Nancy

KimKim... I know how much work it is to take care of a new baby. Please find a few minutes to take care of your grey. It is vital, for their survival with the family. Nancy

JeffNOK... you will be able to bond in a deep way. The strong sense of " self", is always a blessing, and is probably one of the most important traits I encourage. All Greys think they are important, but if they have a " strong sense of self", they are able to take it one step furthur! They are certainly leaders, but they learn what " responsibility" means. Sophie gets this! When Max my 18 year old Lhasa was ready to hand over the " reins" to Sophie, when she was four years old, I was unimpressed! I knew he was grooming her, for the position. I doubted her ability. He liked her, the moment she walked in the door. He was right. She has done an excellent job. Nancy

We don't have jealousy issues anymore, but then again, we are 12 years established! Sophie our grey rules. Everyone knows this, including dogs. Kiki, our Amazon, is either molting or something else. She is being a " witch" past few weeks. She and Sunny love each other, and sleep together. They actually do everything together. Lately, she puts her foot on his body, doesn't let him go anywhere. Of course he complains.... Sophie comes running! She doesn't bite, or say anything. I've watched her in action as I have intercepted with Kiki. Sophie's eyes are pinning.... Kiki RUNS! WHOA! I wish I could do that with my kids! Nancy

TWIX... GREAT job that you can bathe your bird! I have to send Sophie to groomer. My Amazon LOVES to be blowed dryed, but she secretes way more oil than Sophie our grey. Nancy

Checkout other states! Advance your search! There are many, that deal with rescues, that would travel to other states to help with transport. ( I am one of those people!) Nancy

I can't honestly say, why all my birds of different origins, get along. I know, Sunny, our rescue, is grateful, that we took him in, never gave up on him. Kiki, our Amazon, was always easy, until she had a " life experiencing change", it made a HUGE difference in her opinion. Sophie, our Grey, was best friends with my 18 yr old Lhasa Apso. He trained our Maltese pups, to love and trust her. Sophie rules our animal kingdom. Noone questions her. She makes the decisions. She is fair. When she tells the pups, to " go outside and pee"... they run to the door. ( thanks Sophie!) When Sunny and Kiki argue... she corrects their behavior. Sophie asks very little for herself. Of course... all responsibility for all animals, is mine, I let her know, I LOVE her to death, but I am responsible ultimately, for everyone. Nancy

Echos-Peeps... you'll get there! LOL Then you will be trying to figure out, how to get your baby to stop french kissing! Lol! Nancy

She's a doll, well adapted, and has a " sure sense of herself !" GREAt job! I LOVED the video.Don't worry about them accepting bedtime. They eventually get it, when you tell them it is time for bed, follow up consistently, they learn. Nancy

She is beautiful! Nancy and Sophie

Our Oranged Winged Amazon.... never forgets anything! She has NEVER forgotten the day she was trapped under a gate, the dogs tried to save her, I did CPR and brought her back. The entire animal kingdom gathered around, to try and save her. This was years ago, but she never forgot. After this horrible experience we all suffered thru, she had a new respect for dogs and other birds. It happened late in the evening.... I took her to bed with me, Zoey and Ollie my dogs. They moved over, made room for her. She LOVED the dogs after that. She got a clean bill of health from the vet the next day, but... there was a total change in Kiki's attitude about the rest of our animal kingdom. Now, she LOVES our rescued Sunconure, and lives in his cage. Nancy

You are an AMAZING person to take in Oliver. I bet, once he is healthy, and grows his feathers back, and is feeling better...you will reap the rewards with your patience and love. Nancy

I wish I was talented and could make toys for Sophie. I'm not! Kudos to you all that are. What I AM good at... is finding her perches and new playstands along the beach. ( close to great lakes.) Scrub them down, make a new gym. She is thrilled. She only likes shredable toys, so I enlist the help of my groomer who knows her. He owns a bird store, and knows her well. He helps me pick out toys for her. He knows I have a limited budget, but knows what Sophie likes. Nancy

I struggle with Sophie, already walking into kitchen, climbing up, wanting to help in the morning. She's fast! I end up having to cut her veggies and fruits on the stove, as she will try to grab a bite. Nancy

Great job Archimedes on your first flight! We are all proud of you. Nancy

It is amazing how our greys interact with our other animals. We have three birds and two dogs. Sophie rules the animal kingdom. She will tell dogs to go out and pee... they run for the door. When other two birds are fighting, she jumps between the two of them, never says a word. They are on best behavior after that. Nancy

thebirdistheword... It will be a long struggle. Decide on a diet you are interested in. Zupreems is good. I also top their bird mix with three peanuts, and a 1/4 slice of buttered toast. One tray with fruits and veggies. Never give up! Weighing is important at this point daily. all my birds thru their fruits and veggies against the wall, for several months. Never gave up! Introduced new veggies and fruits everyday. It was always offered. Ten years later... they all rush to the fruit and veggie tray. Nancy

Why Dave... I am definitely getting computer smart.... as I asked a friend on this site, how to say thanks. She helped me! It is important to " thank people", for their advice. I unfortunately, have to decline your offer of being your " wingman". After spending my Saturday attending a " seminar", regarding management, I can now understand the pressure you are under, being an administer! You have to bring to the table, " your best!" You have to be the " best of the best!" You can't be rude or condescending. You can't say, what you really feel.You have to set an example. I am sure my nurse manager, will be dissappointed that I will be declining her offer of entering " management", I can do what I do, and do a good job, with my current status. I look forward to your thoughts, and expertise. Nancy

Yay! We are all excited for you! We've all been there and remember that excitement. For me, it was twelve years ago, and she was two at the time. It was the best decision I ever made. She is my best friend today. Nancy

I totally agreed with what Ray P had to say. Made me smile! On a personal note, I would like to share, what Sophie and I can't do without ! We look forward to our " own time", between 620am to 6:40 am, during the weekdays. Its all about us, noone is invited. Another favorite for us is every other Thursday, I do my bills. Still by checks. I sit on one end of the table, talk to myself, she sits on the other end of the table with her own checkbook. While I'm going over numbers, using a calculator, Sophie's going over her own checkbook. She doesn't chew it, but talks to it in baby talk. I always ask her " how's it going" LOL I LOVE watching her try to imitate me. My baby girl is growing up, and learning to be responsible! LOL Nancy

I may come across as a parent that doesn't care, but I do. I don't weigh my birds. They see bird trimmer often, if their weight is off, he lets me know. Not saying they are clipped, but he knows all my birds since birth, any concerns, he tells me. If their is the " slightest" change, I am all over it! Nancy

JillG... I am more " laid back", but I can understand your concern. Make sure you have different perches, such as sandy perches, etc. Don't wipe your birds beak! Kiki our Amazon, LOVES raspberries, which we include in her diet. I have had 911 calls from the kids that " her beak is bleeding, she is dying!" She had raspberries on her beak that she didn't clean! It is her responsibility to clean her beak. She eventually did. I am spolied, that I have an Avian trimmer, that cares for their beaks, nails and unwanted feathers. They see him every three months, and have done so since birth. Birds are responsible to groom themselves until they see him Nancy

45 dollars, is a steal! As far as " shoulder status", this is something I feel strongly about, but you need to decide from others as well as for yourself. Wrist status only, is important in my book. It is a pain in the butt, but important. It is part of your bird understanding your expectations. Mostly... NO BITE! I know I have repeated this often, it was one of the most amazing moments, when Sophie was sitting on my wrist, biting the " air", saying NO BITE! She finally got it! I was dancing for joy... called the kids... everyone thought I was crazy, including Sophie. It was an amazing moment. So much work to get her there. She immediately went to shoulder status, and has been living there ever since, with NEVER another bite. I understood the change at that moment. Noone else did. But I was right. She never bit me again. That was ten years ago. I havent been bit since by Sophie. Nancy

Sophie is an AWESOME dancer when it comes to rap! Thanks to the teenagers! Clean mouth only, as they know I will flipout if she is taught " pottymouth!" She's got serious rhythmn.She would be a great addition to the band. Her singing sucks, as she sings identical to me.BUT... she is totally on key, and her dancing is quite entertaining! Nancy

JeffNOK... be ready! Miss Gracie is doing " just fine!" Now.... she may escape, so be prepared! What is the other animal situation? Any dogs or cats you should be concerned about? Have you " childproofed", electrical outlets"? Unplugged coffepot and other kitchen extras? I put in a new kitchen last March with Sophie in mind. New cabinets, up to the ceiling. Knobs only.Measurements NOT typical. If she walks in, she cant stepup to bottom cabinet. She was NOT pleased... but LOVES the new granite countertop, and runs back and forth, enjoying listening to her feet on the countertop. As usual, she thinks the new kitchen was put in for her! LOL! I LOVE how Sophie can turn everything into being about " her!" As well, it should be! Nancy