jensgotfaith

Thank you both so much. I was worried and my Grey, Kenzie, is my girl and I didn't want to risk anything. She's talking up a storm and acting like a 2 year old at the same time. I am still completely in love with her. She cracks me up every day. I'll have to take a pic or a video and upload it sometime. Anyhow, thanks again for being so reassuring! I greatly appreciate it!

I'm replacing the vinyl flooring in one of my bathrooms. It will be vinyl flooring being laid on top of the current vinyl flooring. Not what I would like but what we can afford right now. I've already confirmed that there is no asbestos in either flooring, although like I said the old flooring will not be ripped up. I asked the company about the glue being used and have been told they researched it and it is a mild water-based glue that isn't toxic. He said there should be no smell even. What I'm concerned about is whether or not it is still toxic even though it's water based and supposedly non toxic. I am prepared to remove my Grey but didn't know how long I would need to keep her out. She wouldn't be near the bathroom if she stayed. I just don't want to take any chances but I didn't want to panic either. Can anyone offer some advice?

That was wicked awesome!!!!

I can relate. Recently we had issues with a faulty fire/smoke alarm just outside our kitchen. It went off a few totally random times- we weren't even cooking. And Kenzie picked it right up. You're right- it's totally ear piercing. I love all of the other sounds she makes- smooches, whispers, "What doing, hmmm?", "Hello", the "Yoohoo" whistle, pretty girl whistle, and tongue clucks. This one, it is definitely trying. I'm working with her, but I, like you, don't want to be inadvertantly doing something that actually encourages her or reinforces why she's doing it. She is very attached to me and typically won't do it if she can see me. But if I've been home and walking past her, even though I talk to her all the time like she's one of my kids (which she is) she'll sound out EXACTLY like our faulty smoke alarm to get my attention. If I don't respond she'll keep it up. Most times I'll ask her "Where's my kisses?" and she'll make kissing smooch sounds. On a side note, my family bought a year membership into Star Eco Station, which is a non-profit rescue organization that provides education and public tours to learn about the animals. Most of the animals are available for adoption provided you can prove to them that you have knowledge about the species, the habitat set up at home, and the time and means to provide for the animal. They have everything from reptiles to birds to fish to insects. So, while I was excited to see the reptiles and kind of compare my tortoises to theirs, I was stoked about the birds. I never realized how ear drum shattering even a Goffin Cockatoo can be. Much less a room that is full of the whole gammet of cockatoos and amazons. Then we went into the Macaw/Amazon room. Wow. When the cockatoos got going, it was insane. So, that being said, Kenzie's fire alarm is tolerable compared to what I heard today. I'm still going to keep trying to figure her out, work with her, and train her. I love her too much not too. Besides, she makes me laugh when she gets going.

I didn't even think about it. I gave Kenzie some treats and then I learned the hard way never to ask Kenzie for kisses after she's been eating dried hot peppers. My lips are on serious fire. I almost wonder if I'm allergic to hot peppers. My lips are bright red and a bit swollen. I'm a wus when it comes to spicy stuff anyway, but this is ridiculous. D'oh! Anything humorous you've learned the hard way.

I realized I was meant to be a parront when tonight after dropping off my Grey Kenzie at my mom's (nana's) house, it was all I could do not to cry as I was driving away. My family and I are going to Disneyland for 5 days and Kenzie will be at Nana's house. I've been taking Kenzie over to my mom's house for a couple of hours a few times this past week. But after giving my mom a list of instructions, I said to her "Man, I feel like I'm leaving my child with you!" We both laughed. I've only had Kenzie since August 26th and definitely didn't want to go on vacation so soon, but I know she'll be in good hands. My mom comes over each morning to help get my kids ready for school since I leave so early, so Kenzie sees her each weekday already. I am so blessed with Kenzie. She's a really good bird, and she rides in the car really well. I usually put her travel kennel in the front seat and either have my fingers through the cage which she'll try and perch on or sit with her head right against, and she is really good. She and I have bonded so much since she came home with us. She's my little love. :o:o When was your moment?

Tonight was awesome too! More cuddle time! I ended up with dander on me too. I'm liking this just before bedtime cuddling!

It was precious! I hope it wasn't a one time thing. Only time will tell...

Ok so last night I gave Kenzie her shower and she finally opened up her wings as I was spraying her and ended up getting completely drenched. I was a bit worried about her getting dry before bedtime, so I took her in my room and sat with her on a towel. I told her "here comes a loud noise" and turned my blow dryer on, on the lowest setting. She just stayed right there and fluffed up a bit. She never acted scared. After a couple of minutes, I turned the dryer off and just sat there with her. I had already removed all earrings and my necklace and put an old shirt on. She walked on over to me and climbed up towards my shoulder and stopped just under my chin- and stayed there. Not biting. Just cuddling and making soft little sounds. I then moved out to our living room and again sat with her on the floor and she was still just staying right there under my chin. I had her feet partially supported with my hand and was gently talking to her and rubbing her neck feathers and cheeks. Even when I stopped, she just sat there. So, after my legs fell asleep (yep I'm old, well not really but I feel like it sometimes) I moved to our dining room table. Again she stayed right there, moved from side to side, but always stayed right there either under my chin or right against my cheek. At times, she would bury her head in the crook of my elbow. For over an hour she stayed like that just so relaxed and enjoying getting her feathers ruffled up from her neck to the tip of her beak, her chest and even a little bit under her wings. I tried to then tell her good night and put her back in her cage, but as soon as I set her down on the perch, she came right back, even getting on her boing which she doesn't do often, so she could come back to me. So I sat with her a little bit more. I was in absolute heaven. Each of my kids came over and rubbed her neck a bit, which was good for them. They are a bit nervous about her beak. Here's a pic my daughter took. I am only supporting her feet, so even when I just sat there she still stayed right there, just laying on me.

I've tried telling her "no" in a firm tone and after I get her to let go, I lift a finger and place it in front of her pointed up and gently touch her beak and repeat "no biting". I just about crack up each time because she just gives me this look like "Mom, what the heck are you doing???". It's like trying to discipline one of my kids when they were toddlers and did something wrong but so funny and trying so hard not to laugh. Thank to everyone who has responded!

Thanks everyone for your advice. I kinda figured I would get the whole "welcome to being a parront" answer however much I may have hoped I wouldn't. I do need to remember to take my necklace off when I've got her out. I guess I have just seen the videos of people with their Grey on their shoulder and it doesn't seem like their bird is so preoccupied with chewing up the shirt. I have to admit though the sound she makes when she's got my shirt is a bit like a purr, I hope that's not a bad thing. She's starting to sometimes make the sound of "hello" - not so much the enunciation but rather the tones and also an excited "ooooohhhhh" which cracks me up. Everday it's something new- some new sound or behavior. I love being able to read about what others have done in training and be able to recognize some of the same things with my Kenzie. If I haven't said it before. I'm completely in love with her. What an amazing beginning to a new life with our family!

So Kenzie is doing pretty good and each day is getting better and steadier while perched on my hand. We're definitely building that trust. When she's perched on my hand or arm she leans so far into me to get to my shirt. She'll chew on seams and of course buttons and try very hard to get my necklace. I don't know if it's just a patience and keep telling her no and redirecting her that will finally get this behavior to stop or what. I don't get frustrated with her- it's like she wants to be as close as possible but when she gets there she's crazily trying to chew my shirt. I know she's not hungry so its not that. Any advice?

Thank you!

Looks amazing! Wish I could afford it!

So when I took her to the Vet she weighed 351 grams. Today less than a week later she just weighed in at 374 grams- true she'd just eaten a big breakfast. I didn't think about weighing her until afterwards. I gave her her second shower since she's been with us. This time I tried putting a wet towel over the divider in the kitchen sink so she could perch on it and used the squirt bottle. She squirmed a bit at first and protested a bit, but then calmed down and seemed to like it. Kenzie Up Close Whatch'ya doin'? Chillin' Snoozin'

She's actually eating really well. She likes the colors of the Zupreem but seems to get frustrated trying to eat it. It's the right size and everything but it seems too hard for her to bite through and too small to hold it with her foot and bite it. She likes Harrison's, Roudybush, and I think it's called Hagen or Tropican or something- the Bird Shop manager recommended it as it was somewhat similar to the half ziploc bag I was given when I bought her. Does anyone have a preference between Roudybush and Harrison's? As far as the pellets go, I've been giving her mostly what I was given with her along with a little bit of one or more of the others. The Bird Shop (which is not where I bought her but as far as I know the most knowledgeable around) told me not to switch her pellet diet for 30 days. I have to do something though because I can't figure out what pellet I was given. What should I do? She is a great eater and so far has been liking everything I've been giving her. My husband teased me last night that she eats better than he does ! Too funny.

So I did more research and believe that my Grey is a girl. I took her into the vet for an initial exam and she guessed my Grey was female too based on bone structure. She is a bit underweight but healthy otherwise. She recommended running a gram stain and a cbc just to be sure she's healthy. She was so good at the vet and we impressed the vet when she heard that at the time of the appointment I had only had her for two days. It was awesome! I believe I'm going to name her Kenzie- as in Kenzie from NCIS LA. I'm currently getting samples of a few different pellet diets to see which one she likes best.

Hi- I introduced myself a little while back. My name is Jenni and today I brought home a 4 month old CAG. I don't know the gender yet but I think for now I'll refer to my new baby as a "he". I'm stuck on names though. I was thinking either Zazu or Blue. I've got to talk it over with the family. I wasn't planning on bringing one today, but it was meant to be. I've done so much research over the past several months and like so many others before me, now I've got butterflies and am so excited. I've got him in his cage and placed perches at various heights but low and he climbed right up to the highest one and is taking a snooze. He did eat a bit and was good taking food from my hand. Now I get the fun part-all the training! I will post pics later. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for sharing all your knowledge here. It's nice to know I've got somewhere to turn when I need to research or ask questions.

That is so awesome! I love the part at 2:44 where he grabs the cage and swings his swing and says "oh, we're swinging". He's so cute and smart!

Hi Timbersmom- thanks for the welcome! I'm trying to plan what I'm going to do with my cat while I'm at work. I already know that when I do get my Grey I will be taking a bit of time off of work to get it settled and establish a routine. It's so hard having an empty cage and having to wait. Around here there is one bird shop that I would buy from. I bought a cockatiel from them years and years ago and he was the best. All of the breeders I can find only sell to the bird shop. I just don't feel comfortable getting my first Grey off craigslist not knowing it's history or anything.

Thank you so much for the warm welcome! I'm still researching and looking for my future grey. I want to learn as much as I can before I bring one home.

Thanks for the welcome! I laughed out loud at the warning about no open mouth contact. I learned a long time ago not to add a pet member to our family based on impulse. I have had parakeets and a cockatiel in the past so I have bird experience. I apend many hours researching before making the decision to add a pet to our family. For example, at first I thought I wanted a female Solomon Island Eclectus. But after doing a lot of research I have changed my mind to a Congo grey. I believe overall a CAG will be a much better fit for our family.

Good morning! My name is Jenni and I will be getting a grey sometime in the near future. I am no stranger to long-term commitments. I am also owned by 3 Sulcata tortoises, Tex Wasabi- almost 8 years old and about 70lbs., Captain Jack-3 years old and 5 lbs., and Lola- almost 2 years and still very small. I have 2 children, an almost 12 year old daughter and a 9 year old son. I also have a 9 year old cat named Owen, 3 Red-Eared Sliders (1 adult female, 1 adult male, 1 juvenile female), too many fish to count, a crawfish, a 6 year old Russian tortoise named Maggie McGee and a hermit crab. We have a little menagerie going on. I belong to tortoiseforum.org and love the community there. I'm hoping to find the same type of help here. I've been doing a ton of research on greys and did purchase a cage that is 2 1/2' deep, 3 1/2' wide and 4' tall with a play top. I've been learning so much about their behaviors and training, diet, and all of their needs. What I need to ask is, and from looking around on here I know there's some of you who have cats, do you keep your grey in a different room from where your cat(s) is/are? I work away from my home during the day but oftentimes can stop in for lunch during my workday, and my husband gets home from work before I do. I'm just wondering how to keep both a cat and a grey and have them both be safe. Any help you can give me is very much appreciated! Thank you and have a blessed day!