jenlap

I have made the decision to change Shiner Bird to a mash diet but had a few questions that I cannot find the answers to. I was able to find a few recipe ideas but would like to know if I still have to supplement with pellets after the transition? Are there any vitamin supplements I should add, or should the right recipe be balanced enough?

All I can do is hope she learned a lesson. And I hear ya when it comes to them blaming you for certain things LOL I fully expected that she was gonna bite me a good one thinking I was trying to kill her

Got to love the wonderful grey antics! Was in the computer room, editing phots...and my little shiner girl got her wings stuck inbetween the cage bars! My husband called me in the room and there she was, back against the cage, wearing the cage bars like a backpack JUST HANGING THERE! Im surprised she wasnt screaming, guess I was more scared than she was! Long story short, was able to free her in a matter of seconds but now im paranoid to leave her alone! After a few wing flutters she seems alright and is more cuddly than ever LOL

The blanket or sheet may take some time to get use to. My poor girl hated it, would panic when it first went over. Now when it goes over, she just walks down to the bottom of the cage to peek out the bottom where it doesnt cover all the way. Its only a matter of time before she gives up trying to peek and goes to perch to sleep. Give her some time, that blanket is prolly just a little new and scary.

What about a cuttlebone? Would that be good to have in the cage? Also read somewhere that tums could be used, is this true?

Got the report back last week. She is a she. The vet guessed it, and a lot of people here too. The breeder kept saying "he" though, weird

Momo makes a good point about the "food management" technique. Shiner girl started to get into that phase and would start to run from me when I tried to pick her up because she thought it was "cage time". Since then, Ive changed my method. During her afternoon outings I would let her wonder the house as she wishes (with water, without food) and when it is time to go back, she will have her dinner waiting for her and usually goes back quite nicely. A factor that might play into this, I started to only let her out when she stepped up on my hand. If she threw a fit, I would wait a minute or two and try again. Same for going back in the cage, I will place her back in instead of letting her to walk back in herself to eat This seems to have taught her that my hand allows for freedom and, also, a buffet of food.

A couple more pics I took, a little blurry. . . but look how cute lol First time seeing a camera so she has huge saucer eyes

Are you using treats at all? I found (granted Im not that experienced) that offering hand treats really built up the bond between me and my girl. Currently we are working on the bond with her and my husband by having him offer her pine nuts through the bars and when she is on her perch. Seems to be working, but it's taking some time. Just a thought, keep up the great work!

Personally, I am not a fan of artificially colored foods. Wether it is my dogs or my birds, I prefer as organic as possible. I purchased Harrison's High Potency for my girl, and she gobbles it right up! Gonna be buying the big bags from here on out.

Today I came home and, for the first time since I've had her, I caught her attacking the crap out of her toys! She was yelling at then and ripping them a new one, I found it so amusing! Well she must have a wild hair right now, cause she is being very standoffish. She keeps running from me and doesn't want to step up. What is the best plan of action for this behavior??

Talk about some gorgeous scenery. And your daughter is such a cutie with beautiful hair!

Thanks for the wonderful greetings and compliments! What a scary thought, your bird being cooked! I will be sure to keep my baby in the cage when Im doing that, as well as when people are going in and out of the house. I JUST ordered a harness for my grey about 5 mins ago, should be here in a week and I cant wait! Also included some Harrison's pellets, seed mix w/bee pollen, and a foraging toy. Geez I could easily go broke spoiling this 3/4 lb companion LOL

I guess I will have to get her use to trying some new things. I tried to offer almonds and pumpkin seeds but she doesnt seem to know they are food yet. Pine nuts sound interesting, Ill try to get a hold of some of those.

I notice that most parrots are rewarded with some sort of small treat during training periods. Curious what treats y'all have found easiest or most effective? I have found my baby loves small pieces of cheese but it gets all melted in my hand lol

My baby girl is currently on a seed mix, supplemented with veggies and some fruit. The past 2 days though, she will only eat the seeds, and is snubbing her nose at the fresh stuff. How much seed mix should I put in her dish? Should I only feed the seed at night? I plan on purchasing some pellets but having a hard time deciding the best ones to get. What about this. . .what if I put the greens and pellets out in her dishes and hide the seeds in foraging toys? Is that a good/bad idea? And what are ideal portion sizes? I have a feeling I am currently overfeeding the seeds and thats why she is not hungry for greens.

Yes, unfortunately she was clipped once before. I guess the breeder had it done, he recommended I keep them clipped. . .but I have my own agenda (maniacal laugh). I plan on leaving them unclipped, to me a bird not being able to fly is like a horse not being able to run, or a dog not being able to chew his bone. Sure they can survive, but its healthier if they can do what they were born to do. I was first introduced to free flight when I had the opportunity to meet the macaws at the San Antonio Seaworld show. Watching them fly, disappearing beyond the trees, and returning was a moment I will never forget (though I may never allow free flight outside…seems scary). The trainer also discussed the quality of life they experience, and how much healthier they are. Seeing my little girl fly from her cage to her perch near the dining table is so remarkable, although she is still working on the landings LOL

New to the forum here, I have found a lot of valuable information to apply to the care of my first african grey companion. I just got a vet check for my baby, breeder said it was a male but the vet thinks its a girl. Guess we will wait for the DNA results before I know for sure. Don't have a name yet, just use "bird" and "parrot" during praise for now. We started foraging practice yesterday. Started with seeds under a piece of paper which eventually turned into tearing into a ball of paper for the "jack pot". Had her in a smaller baby cage for a little while now until she gained her confidence and settled in. Friday she gets her big bird cage and will use the baby size for outdoor time. It's amazing how much I love her already...a wild animal such is this! I love playing with her on the floor, watching her flap and fly. It will be such an experience watching her learn and grow into her own.