cheebamaster

But -- It does sound like he has the dedication to become a Greyt owner. If his wife has time to spend with the bird and if he has time to spend with the bird every day surely that speaks for something. Take me for example, I'm probably one of the younger people on here only being 22. I've dedicated so much time and research reading book after book and about every post in this forum and am 100% dedicated to committing to have a Grey for life. That said, I still have to work every day as well as finish up school. That doesn't mean I won't spend quality time with my Grey. I don't think it's necessarily fair to say that someone should only get a Grey if they work from home or are home for most of the day. I've met plenty of people with full time jobs who have had greys for many years. Shortly, I'll be working a full time job, but I'll also be dedicated that as soon as I come home that my grey gets plenty of time outside of the cage and lots of mental stimulation and bonding. Perhaps I'm missreading, but that's the vibe I'm getting. Surely one can have a job and 1 special pet . A lot of sacrifice has to be made and so maybe a couple schedule adjustments if you can. Just know what you're getting into and most importantly do tons and tons of research. I highly recommend this book. In addition to this wonderful forum it's a really good book for all the basic knowledge you need to know and what you can expect! http://www.amazon.com/African-Parrot-Handbook-Barrons-Handbooks/dp/0764141406/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1336940525&sr=8-4

Question Dan, I've heard and read from other forums and I believe several members here who recommend Barbara Heidenreich. Her website has a dvd on "teach your parrot to talk" She appears to be an avian behaviorist and is quite well known throughout the states for teaching at many zoos and holding many live seminars. I don't have my baby grey home yet, so my knowledge is quite limited but are you suggesting that a dvd like hers is garbage? I was considering to buy it but haven't gotten around to it yet..don't want to spend 30 bucks if it's not worth it though. Thanks!

Turnaround is good if for example you want to get her out of the cage but she's facing the wrong direction and you can't quite get your hand up there...can just say turnaround and bam!

Here's an idea for easy foraging fun! Take some low sodium peanut butter and a dixie cup. smear the inside of the cup lightly with peanut butter and then take small seed and sprinkle it on the inside of the cup so that it sticks to the peanut butter...Then crumble up the cup and put it in cage and watch the fun begin!

Hey all I was just wondering if it's okay to give a grey canned or frozen food...for example if I want to give the bird beans but don't feel like cooking them can I used ones that are preserved in a can or is that a big nono...also does everything have to be organic or can I get away with using regular fruits/veggies from local supermarket.

The reason why I appear in this odd kind of garb, you shall soon be informed of, if for so short a while you will have but the patience to lend me an ear; yet not such a one as you are wont to hearken with to your reverend preachers, but as you listen withal to mountebanks, buffoons, and merry-andrews; in short, such as formerly were fastened to Midas, as a punishment for his affront to the god Pan.

Chopin nocturne

yeah the red factors are more rare...I'm getting one and keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't lose the red feathers when it molts! Everyone I talk to though comments on how much they like the red but I spose it's just personal preference

But can babies truly connect at such a young age? I often hear how building a relationship with a bird can take a LONG time. I was under the impression that they choose their partner so to speak around a year and half to two years in. I only had one choice for the baby I'm getting. I'm not sure what "connection" you're talking about but I go visit her almost everyday and it's getting better and better. I've been nipped hard a few times and it hasn't always been great but there's definitely progress being made. I figure she'll warm up quite a bit the more she gets to know me. Anyone's thoughts? I'm curious about this too

well she definitely bit me pretty hard today when i denied access to my phone lol..that one broke the skin...otherwise her "bites" aren't too bad...she just sort of chomps with her beak if something looks tastey..but if she doesn't want pet or if she has access to a finger she chomps down pretty hard. I haven't really tried rubbing her beak..don't know if good idea I'm new to this whole thing edit; I'm bringing her home in about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks..I think she'll be about 15 weeks old then and fully weaned.

ah okay cool, I've been moving my arm up and down so she has to let go to catch her balance and say "no bite" lol

Ive been visitng my baby every day in the store. She is about 12 weeks old and i already love her to death . One thing i noticed though is that she is really starting to use her beak. If she doesnt want touched shell lunge out or begin biting my fingers when im just holding her...today she tried playing with my phone that was on a table and when i put my hand down to block her path she took a little chunk of skin off my hand lol...just wondering if shes testing bounds or what

So...I ordered a "Freedom Cage" that came with the custom "Freedom Buffet" ...this cage was expensive! But well worth it in my opinion. The unique feeder system creates less mess and allows one to put a variety of perches and toys in the cage without worrying about the bird pooping in the food bowl. The whole feeder system is made from 304 grade stainless steel and is great for keeping this sanitary. The cage itself I'm guessing is made from wrought Iron with a great powder coat. The bar spacing is 1" and the bar widths are 6mm. This thing is huge...measuring 48" Length by 36" width. The playtop has a removable grate which makes it easy to make your own playtop gym which I'll be doing shortly...I'll be spending a couple hours tomorrow setting up the inside/out in preparation for the baby. If anyone's interested in this feeder system or a freedom cage check out http://www.freedomcage.com/

Please tell me you're going to go there and give them hell for it and file a complaint and post a very negative review online. This is just wrong on so many levels despite the reason that you think it happened for a reason

Oh dear I haven't even gotten my grey yet and let's see Cages: 1700$ Carrier cage: (kings alum) 300$ Toys: (I went all out) 700$ Playstand: 200$ Floor office mats: 200$ Bird: 1200$ Trashcan: 20$ Hand Vaccum: 80$ Total: 4400$ Not even have the bird yet...Idk why I'm proud of the fact I'm broke haha

haha sounds like a fun day...TOO's as I'm beginning to learn...sweet as can be 1 minute with cuddles and neck scratches etc...and then instantly BAM bite/cranky mode lol. A site I found really useful but is reaaaaallly blunt is http://www.mytoos.com/ Anyone considering a TOO should check it out before making a purchase. They really are a lot of work, but thankfully the TOO we just adopted is starting to bite less and less due to target training/clicker training we're doing a few times a day.

hee hee yes ...I have a German Shepherd...she's very very protective of my gf and well..despite training will charge people she deems a threat. However, she is scared to death of the cockatoo we're currently working with...the dog got too close to the cage today and the cockatoo gave her a nice big scream that sent my dog running away tail btwn its legs haha...now she won't go near the cage I'm sure it's a matter of time before your dog gets too "nosy" if you know what I mean and the grey gives a little nip or maybe better yet they'll become best friends

Sounds like a good thing! Super curious and being goofy. I'm so jealous...another 4 weeks for me lol

Thanks Ray! It's rare that I come across a forum with so many supportive and helpful people. In other forums I had received a LOT of misinformation and some really negative feedback, however every time I pose a question or comment here it is met with respect and is really helpful. Before posting here I was extremely discouraged in getting a Grey because of some information received however, now I am very confident and have been doing a lot more research and preparing for the baby. I'm sure many of you will be extremely helpful in the future when I run into issues and bumps along the way, and it's greYt to know there are so many helpful and supportive people on here..

Just went to see the baby again today...around 9 weeks old now...red feathers are starting to pop up around her neck and the wings have all these red stripes around them. Anyone have any information on red-factor greys? Are the personalities the same as regular greys or am In for a whole new experience? I'm located in the USA by the way...heard this was pretty rare

Thanks everyone, I'll be posting any further concerns/questions in this forum since it appears I'm getting hogwash elsewhere. You all have been a great help. I'll be spending a close amount of time in the upcoming weeks with the TOO and if I feel confident enough to make a lifetime commitment towards a grey I will. The needs of the parrot will always supersede any "wants" I may have. I've attached a picture of the baby I'm hopefully looking to get!

I won't bore anyone with the particular details but my girlfriend (who lives seperately from me) currently adopted a 3 year old rose breasted cockatoo...it's only been a few days but the experience is ...not good. I've posted for some help on another forum but the bird is rather aggressive and lunges to bite..drawing blood a couple times now. The whole experience has been disheartening and while we're both very much dedicated to providing an excellent home and learning how to care for the cockatoo it was brought to my attention that "grey are just as difficult" as cockatoo's. This is the quote from another forum "Cockatoos and Greys are some of the most difficult birds to own, even for experienced owners. If you made a list of birds with the highest potential for severe behavioral problems (aggression, biting, screaming, feather plucking), Greys and Toos would be on the top of the list. They are extremely intelligent and have excellent memories and are prone to holding grudges for weeks, months, or years. By "holding grudges" I mean you do one thing wrong and the bird remembers this one single misstep and mistrusts you for (potentially) an extremely long period of time. You can "get away" with certain mistakes with say, a budgie, but Greys and Toos are "less forgiving" and the mistakes you make with them can lead to severe behavioral problems down the line." In your experience since I would be a first time bird owner is this sound advice? Should I first start with something like a conure or cockatiel before progressing to a grey?

wow that is really screwed up...at least you can look to yourself and the great home you're providing for your new grey you got there...most of those birds will die or lead a horrible life but at least there's some people like yourself that will change at least one life.

Yeah I've heard good things too...but after much consideration I've decided to hit my pocketbook a little harder and go with http://www.freedomcage.com/?ProductID=10 in a playtop version. Freedom cages apparently has an excellent reputation

Thanks for the help all. I've decided I will use the one I bought as a sleep cage or to put it in another room. I am trying to decide between these two http://www.kingscages.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=305_New (I heard King's cages were higher quality) OR http://www.wayfair.com/AandE-Cage-Co.-Enormous-Play-Top-Bird-Cage-8004836-AEC1017.html (A&E seems to have mixed reviews and If I'm dropping this much $ it needs to be quality)