neoow

Here's the latest AlfieCam video. I managed to sneak my camera phone into the room whilst Alfie was exercising his vocal chords this morning. He looked at it for a bit then carried on from where he left off. He recently learned to say "Hiya!" which I managed to catch in this video (probably from all the skype calls I have with my 19 month old nephew, where he shouts "hiya!" repeatedly and I say it back haha) Alfie also seems to be learning the phrase "What noise does a ___ make?". We've taught him a duck and chicken noise so far and now he wants to learn to ask himself the question. He's managed to get to "what noise..." so far! (Which is a step further than the "what" he started with!)

Hah, sorry, that was probably poorly worded. I meant 'not much' and 'doesn't have much meaning' in terms of not many words were used and the conversation didn't go much further than a few hellos... however, to me, it's a big deal. Over the years I've always had to step out of the room to hear Alfie speak/make noises. I think it's utterly fantastic that he's starting to whistle, chirp, squeak and even utter the odd word with me in the room with him- as well as others too. Since moving into this house two years ago, Alfie has been in the perfect position. He's right in the center of the room and can see the whole room. Neither of my previous homes allowed him to be in such a central location. He was in high traffic areas- but not quite in the centre of it all like he is now. Plus, with my computer desk being right next to him- it's even better. He can come and join me (his java tree is on my desk) and see what I'm doing and get all that extra time and attention he needs. I think this has made SO much difference to him and has encouraged him to vocalize more often when people are in the room with him. I think in my original post I might have been thinking it might not seem like such a big deal to others who have very talkative grey's who can chatter away all day with thousands of different words/sayings. To me, it's awesome- and you're right- the beginning.

I'm sitting here typing away at my computer and Alfie is sitting on his perch, relaxing. He's not a big talker, always prefers whistles and noises. He does know a fair few words, but always prefers noises. So it's good to hear him when he does decide to use words. I encourage him regardless of what noise he makes (well, unless it's one I don't want him to keep doing, of course) and try and get a bit of back and fourth going between us (as he's usually very quiet when people are in the room with him). Just now we had a 'conversation' which went a little something like: Alfie: Hello! Me: Hello! Alfie: ....Hello! Me: Hello! Alfie: *squeak* Me: Whatcha doin'? Alfie: *beep* ....*squeak* Me: Hiya! Alfie: *squeak* Me: Whatcha doin'? Alfie: .....Hello! Me: Hello! It's not much and obviously doesn't have much context or meaning. But he instigated it by saying hello and then we carried on from there for a little while before he decided that it was time to preen himself. He seems to be getting more and more vocal when I'm in the room, which is great. Previously he'd always be silent until I moved away, then he'd start whistling or making noises to see where I was. He even tested out his new word: "hiya!" on me yesterday whilst I was sitting right next to him (where I am now). Usually he'd wait and throw it into conversation whilst contact calling- never whilst I'm in the room. He even makes noises when other people are in the room too. They even get to hear the occasional word. We had some friends over and two of them were already in the lounge when the third came to the door. My housemate went to answer the door and Alfie let out a really big "Hello!" which made our friends laugh as they'd never heard it before. It's fascinating how they learn, change and adapt as time goes by.

Awesome! What a wonderful gesture from Bongo

Woohoo! More photos! She's a little stunner.

Loving all the photos!

I'm so sorry to read this. I can't imagine what you must be going through right now. Losing a pet... a family member... is never easy. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

It's funny what will sometimes set them off. Alfie used to hate wrapping paper. As soon as he saw it (even if it was the other side of the room) he'd start growling and puffing up. No idea why. Not sure if it's because it looked quite large when being unraveled or he didn't like the noise of it or how it moved. He's alright with it nowadays- but it took him years to get over that one. He's never even come into contact with wrapping paper- so not sure why he used to hate it so much. If you try the leaves again, give her chance to check the out at her own pace. Leave them somewhere where she can see them and get to them if she wants to. Might take her a while and she may never like them- but obviously there's something that she didn't like about them the first time round!

Lovely photo!

Did you put them straight in the cage before she'd had chance to take a good look at them? Some grey's can be really change adverse and take a while to adapt. Alfie's not too bad, but there are some toys that have to stay the other side of the room at first so he can eye them up. Then I gradually move them closer and closer over a period of a few days or a week. Anything new doesn't go in until he's happy with it. They can get really spooked by new things! (and even existing things- Alfie hates it when we bring the washing basket past... and I've had the same basket for years!)

Welcome to the forums!

Love it! The 'wakka wakka' bits still get my laughing every time!

Welcome to the forums! He's a lovely looking grey!

Awesome video. Sol is doing brilliantly!

Wow check her out, all the way up those stairs! You're an awesome testament to how a little patience can go such a long way, Katana!

Agreed, great question. Always worth checking stuff like this out. You'd be amazed at some of the stuff animals can have problems with. I was really surprised at how many plants cats can be harmed by, for example. Not that I can have any plants in my house as my two cats and Alfie would just destroy them!

Lots of April babies! Happy birthday Bailey!

Thanks all! Alfie has been out and about all evening, playing with toys, nibbling at things and watching whatever I was up to. However, he's now throwing a bit of a tantrum (well, the parrot equivalent of) because I asked him to go back to his cage to go to bed. It's 11.20pm! Far too late for a 12 year old parrot to be up! I think he's using his birthday privileges! I've let him to it for a while- will try again shortly. As much as he'd love to have free access to the whole house I just cannot risk it with two cats about!

I had to show this to all my work colleagues. They thought it was great! Their first question was "why doesn't Alfie do that?!" I told them because he only learns what he wants to learn... and besides, I can't beatbox so wouldn't be able to teach him anyway!! haha

Alfie prefers cooked veggies. He likes peas especially. And mashed potato (he only gets that on a VERY rare occasion as I'm not very good as mashed potatos and rarely eat them) He doesn't eat carrots unless cooked (boiled is fine). He chucks them if they're raw. I did blend up a load of veggies for him recently with some mango in it to see if I could trick him into eat more veggies... he barely touched it. They HAVE to be cooked!

10!!! Blimey! You must have the patience of a saint!

It's Alfie's 12th birthday today! He came to me at 11 weeks old and we've gone through a heck of a lot of together over the last 12 years. Happy birthday, Alfie! Thanks for putting up with me!

Welcome to the forums! Scooty is an awesome looking bird

That's awesome! Love the 'wakka wakka' bits!

Hello and welcome! Sorry to hear you're having problems with Woodstock (LOVE the name!). I'm sorry I can't be of any help with that but I'm sure others will be able to chime in with some ideas.