kins2321@yahoo.com

Become a grill master! Sophie probably eats the veggies, as kids do, when grilled. If they like it... she does too. She eats dinner with us, so veggies is hard all around. Kids like them grilled ( I find it a pain in the butt), but she eats, what they eat Nancy

bluedawg... I LOVE your passion... and I am sure noone wants you to leave! I respect what you have to say, and I am sure others do as well! We are all passionate with our birds, we work together to provide " safe and happy homes", for our birds. You are welcomed onto this site by all Nancy

I had birds of different origins. An Amazon, sunconure and Grey. They all worked it out in the end. ( it WAS alot of work), but worth it. Don't even focus on getting other birds right now, focus on getting the Grey to love both of you. Share responsibility. I keep Sophie safe and fed, Sean entertains her with silly games, Ryan entertains her with music. She loves us for different reasons, but in the end, we all satisfy " her personal list", of why should she love us! Its CRAZY how they think, but once you figure it out, greys are not as complicated as we think they are. We all understand Sophie now... and I am happy to say, she will stepup to any of us Nancy

Good point Talon! I wish I knew if genetics DOES play a role in things. Of course, enviroment, family interaction matters most.... but we see so many good parents that deal with biting, self mutilation, and there is no explanation. I always favor enviroment, but I have had too many conversations with good parents on this site, that I know it wasn't the home.For me.... its a " toss of the coin!" Some birds have no issues, some have many, and the enviroment is the same! Hmmmmm Nancy

Awwww... they all toss their veggies... they learn from " role models"... mostly US! Sophie eats dinner with us, and eats her veggies now.ONLY, because I learned how to grill veggies! Kids loved them. and so did Sophie Nancy

Tough to say.... most greys come home around sixteen weeks! You will have LOTS of issues, including weening. Your baby won't have the ability for balance. Safety, is a big concern. Nancy

LOVE your setup and conviction, to your bird! I am soooo sorry for your loss of your pup! As you have many different animals, it is important for them to all be introduced, while your bird is young. Of course, only if your bird is comfortable. While I had three birds of different species, as well as two dogs, in the end, Sophie was the " matriarch", of the animal kingdom. She ruled with an " iron fist", was fair and just. All listened to Sophie. Its only Ollie my pup, and Sophie left now. They are great friends, and share everything! ( always supervised!). Her animal kingdom is getting small... so now I have to consider getting her another bird friend, or another dog. I'm hesitant to do either, as I am now 54 years old. My bird trimmer who has been involved in her life from day 1... insists that I get her a new friend, either way! She is very social! Sean my son, comes home twice a month, and Ryan skypes with her weekly! She seems very happy. Nancy

FrightyDog.... Now, do what I tell my two boys in college.... GO GET SMART! Nancy and Sophie

I would be concerned! It can happen at anytime with a grey. Maybe others with better experience can help. Nancy

FrightyDog... First, let me say, you have the personality of being an amazing parent to an African Grey. Your age doesn't concern me, as Sophie has loved my kids since the beginning, and while they are now 21 and 24, she has an amazing relationship with both, even though she sees Ryan twice a year. When she sees Ryan, she will knock anyone down, to get to him!LOL! Take time to finish your degree, have a home and job to establish routine.( they thrive with routine!) I know you would want to have a Grey, ready to provide them with an optimal life experience. That experience, does require you being " grounded", being ready to be the great protector us parents are. While Sophie LOVES my kids to death...( at times her affection is ONLY directed to them, and I am put on the back burner), I keep her safe, healthy and fed. I deal with all the negative aspects of owning a grey. THAT is okay....because I have an AMAZING bird. My point is, you can get that Grey in the future, when you can provide him or her, with the " optimal" chance for success! Nancy

Dave, when you get a cat scan, they are looking at your lung function, not cardiac function, unless you get a " cardiac CT", which is to determine your ejection fracture, which is looking for cardiac disease. This is NOT done, for people with empyhsema. I also, can relate to respiratory issues, as I have had two asthmatic children. A heart attack, is NOT related to COPD. Nancy

I am so sorry! Not my area of experience! Hopefully Talon, Dave and others can give you advise... Nancy

That looks great! Sophie has a similiar gym, that is 100% metal, without the floor insert. It was her first gym she came home with from her previous owner.She will slide down the sides 90 miles an hour! LOL... Sophie won't accept any new gym, no matter how amazing or similiar it is. Sean my son just repairs it over and over, and Sophie just expects him to fix it! Every few years, he fixes it, and tells her " you need a new gym!" She just gives her squack of approval after she does a test slide. Nancy

If you look at it at different angles....it looks like a new modern art!!! I too have taken a " hit", on four windowsills that I would like to replace. Just found a handyman to do my roof on addition, as well as paint the house outside this spring. Thinking of replacing my inside windowsills, but not until my " budding engineer" whom graduates this year, invents a windowsill protector!! Sean is always inventing something! Sophie LOVES her sills and knocking on those windows.I'd rather them be ruined, if it deprived her from her pleasure, but I'm gonna offer Sean a challenge! Nancy

Acappella... I am okay with giving you a day off! ONE DAY! Sleep apnea is very serious. I'm the one watching you closely, when you wakeup from anesthesia, and I am the one that readjusts your airway, that continues you to breathe...you are sleeping, so you don't understand! Nancy

Acappella.... LOL! I've learned NOT to waste my time! Sophie won't change her mind six months later! She WILL reconsider food choices, but never a toy... she is a pain in the butt when it comes to toys. Nancy

Just want to make sure, even if you adopt " open cage" belief, your baby always has a cage, and its their home. Bedtime for Sophie... always putting herself to bed... in her cage. Nancy

Hello... hello... Sophie here .I've got to tell you fast, before she comes in... Rom says we can get a new puppy, or a new bird! Only one! Ollie wants a girlfriend, I want a new friend... I think Rom should listen to me! Sophie

Muse... thanks for your expertise! I don't like giving Haldol to humans.... NOT my favorite drug! I DO have two friends that are grey owners, and their birds are on low doses of Haldol, and do quite well! It was quite a surprise as us nurses really HATE the use of Haldol. Vets are using it more and more. I wish we had a vet on this site, that could explain why they have chosen this drug and why. Nancy

We are always here to help you! Nancy

Ollie ( dog), and Sophie ( bird), are always " plotting", how to be together, since our animal kingdom has decreased past few years, when I am at work. I am thinking of a rehomed bird, then I think, get Ollie a new friend! I am torn back and forth... either decision, will not be the best one for the opposite species! Nancy

mihoci7.... We would never judge you! Do you have access to a vet? If not, let us know... what forms of calcium does your bird have exposure too? In the meantime... keep the wound clean, watch for any behavioral changes including loss of appetite, or drainage from the site. Nancy

My post was not an attack, and certainly foul language wasn't used. I believe Haldol, which is used to treat birds with high anxiety disorder, AND prescribed by vets only, has proven to be effective in low doses for many birds. It is NOT the antipsychotic therapy that is sought by a vet, but the " side effect", of calming a bird. I am sooo happy Sophie doesn't stress about most anything, other than a shower, or Ollie peeing on her plastic under her cage. Nancy

Echo's mom... good thinking with the cat's flirt pole! ( what is that exactly?) I LOVE cats, but am severely allergic! ( I would love a cat!) Nancy

They DO learn from each other! They argue, disagree, but in the end... they love each other! At least, thats what worked for my flock. Nancy