Timbersmom

One of these mornings (maybe not next) I'll bet Gus will forget to go hide! Some things just become a habit even when the fear is actually gone.

Timber preens off and on all the time (like you described). That is natural and doesn't mean he is plucking.

I think Dave was referring to the possible transfer of bacteria or virus from person to bird, or the fact that a bad bite can happen to the lips or face. I don't think any of us (including the birds) would interpret kissing between humans and bird as sexual. Google "parrot bite to lips" and look at the pics sometime. Nancy, this is not directed at you. What we all choose to do with our birds (kissing etc.) is our own business. I'm glad you have that kind of trust with Sophie. I made this comment for those of us with less experience and trust. Not all birds will ever get to the point of being totally trustworthy all the time. I agree with a statement I've seen here many times, never forget that birds are wild and are not domesticated.

Beautful pics, thanks for sharing I love the name Loki and am glad to hear he is doing well! Wish I could take Timber out like that but 1) I can't get my hands on him enough to get a harness on and 2) we have hawks Timber's outings are limited to the pack-o-bird.

LOL I sure had a visual of Gus and his "flock" of dogs there! Sounds like it makes him happy though. Timber hates tennis shoes and feet in general as well. A previous owner said she was carrying her toddler, he was on the floor, and she accidentally kicked him because she didn't see him. Supposedly that was the start of his "foot hate." Makes sense.

Woohoo! Great idea to keep them all together. Thanks for posting

Thanks for the video. I don't have any baby experience, but I'll bet that will be helpful when someone with experience comes along. Sorry!

No pics since day 2. Tsk, tsk, tsk...

I seriously doubt we are done yet Dave...

Not much experience here but can you explain what you mean? Are you talking about head bobbing?

I feel for you Dan. I still don't like chicken and it dates back to having to help on butchering day. Yikes!

LOL to the rabid buzzard... I with I could help Daniel, but I have never dealt with a screamer.

In my neck of the woods, if it doesn't have a name (I like that one judygram), if you can deep fry it or bbq it you can eat it...

I hadn't heard that about hemp helping with plucking. I've been putting hemp seed in Timber's Mundo Brazil cooked mix. He doesn't pluck, but you never know what may be helping. Good information.

I was raised on a farm, so I've eaten most of those as well. We always drew the line at domesticated animals though. Or maybe we were just never THAT hungry? Makes my skin crawl.

Katie, it is normal for Timber to bite and not let go so I assume others do as well. When he is really angry (or scared) he grinds as well as hanging on. I have had bites that look very similar to yours. Ouch! I feel for you...

LOL Yes that is a look and pose common to all African Greys I think! I always think Timber is thinking "what the heck are you doing now."

Neat video! I could pick up most of what you mentioned. I love watching the videos others submit, and Timber (my TAG) gets excited over them too. Thanks for posting

I'm a "cat person" also. Maybe we are all just "animal people?" I like dogs too, but I like big dogs and live in town. No running room, I won't chain a dog up, so no dog. I do have four house cats. They never go outside. While the neighbors wouldn't eat them (I hope) my house fronts on a very busy street and they would be roadkill if they were out wandering around. The other part of your post is interesting. My cats are so low maintenance in comparison to Timber! Other than the routine stuff like feeding, scooping litter, watering, my cats will let me know when they want a good scratching or they just park on my lap and sleep. They are very independent otherwise. I had no idea when I got Timber of the difference in time and effort that goes into being a bird owner. I don't know what I thought, but I had no idea how needy they are when it comes to time and attention. Timber really makes me happy though, so it's all good! His neediness meets a desire I have to feel needed I suppose.

Hello and welcome to you and Pooka Neat pics, thanks for posting!

Approximately twelve hours is what I have read as well. Timber goes to bed at 8 PM. I have to be up at 5:30 AM. I've noticed he does nap during the day when I'm home though so I hope he gets enough sleep!

LOL He's using that spoon like a pro! Better than most 2 year olds for sure...

No expert here, but I'm wondering if Paco is coming around (which your pics indicate) but just hasn't reached the level of trust yet to step up? Good point about you not knowing "how" Paco steps up either. That's the problem with a rehome. They are programmed to do things a certain way, you don't know what it is, and change doesn't come easy to them. All, in all, great progress though!

I just started googling to find the one around here. They also list on craigslist under pets when one is upcoming.