Timbersmom

LOL! Sounds like someone at Bird Jungle is a prankster. Or just tired of being bitten so they decided to try to unload that macaw! A bite is never really funny, but your description of your attempts to stay "cool" was

LOL great idea! Their fears are so strange. Things I think Timber will love he doesn't, and things I think he will hate he loves. Great use of the evil driftwood!

LOL... no it won't! That is one of the things I actually took a bite of in front of him to try to tempt him (I'm not a pumpkin fan). He still acted like the creature from the black lagoon was sitting in this cage. I bought a mini pumpkin and cut the top off, tried that, no go. I cut it in half so it wouldn't look so intimidating, no go. Cut it in quarters, no go. Hung a piece on his skewer, no go. I don't know if it was the color or what, but he wouldn't come anywhere near it in his cage. On second thought, not the color since he loves sweet potato. Who knows!

How excited you must be! I don't know how others here do it, but I upload my phone pics to facebook, save them to my desktop, then attach them through the tool in the advanced post section.

What a pretty flock you have! I'll bet Bailey's and the other's curiosity is killing them while separated like that. Timber is the ultimate nose. He can't stand it when there is activity in another room that he isn't able to view or be a part of.

LOL it is hard not to laugh at their "bad behavior." Especially since I am always thinking "if someone were watching this they would think I was totally insane." Hopefully you'll get there with the harness!

Hello and welcome Jamb. Post some pics of your fids when you have a chance. We love to see them! Also were your birds babies, rehome, rescues... give us the scoop!

Woohoo! Good for you Hello and welcome to the forum. I'm glad you have been researching. I was ill-prepared to get a grey. I had no idea of the complexities involved, or of their needs, or of the cost for the matter. I have no regrets, but wish I had done the research before I got Timber.

That has certainly been my experience kittykitty! I've gotten a lot better at reading his body language etc., but like a toddler, when he isn't getting his way I have to watch out for the "spite bite."

She will get used to the level of activity. Things that made Timber jump or spook the first few weeks don't phase him now. It just takes time! When Timber startles and takes off, I think he realizes he overreacted almost immediately most of the time. It appears to be just instinct (to fly from danger). He has a light clip, so when he glides to the floors he will shake himself off and start walking toward me for a step up, with a "what was that all about expression." If the cat or the macaw had gotten hold of her, that would be traumatic. They seem pretty pragmatic to me, and usually all's well the ends well. If she's still coming readily out to sit on her door when you open it, I don't think you have any worries.

Yes, love the pics! What a beautiful baby Sounds like you are off to a great start. I wish Timber was harness trained. We are nowhere near that level of trust though, and may never be. As a baby, I'd think Bailey is a lot more likely to cooperate.

You are making progress! I don't know if this is relevant, but Timber refuses to step up on my fingers (period, ever). It is my forearm or nothing.

Awww, what a pretty girl! Thanks for sharing

Yes, those are great pictures! Reminds me that I have to try the pumpkin on Timber again this year. Last year, he was terrified of it.

No, no, you went about it all wrong. You were supposed to stand on one foot, hold the roll in your claw and chew on the end to show Miss Gilbert how much fun it is! Just kidding, but the things I do (and eat) to gain Timber's cooperation have me laughing hysterically at myself sometimes. Seriously, what a pleasure it is to see her blossoming. I really enjoy reading your posts and am always watching for Miss Gilbert's latest progress

Hello and welcome Michelle. I don't have any advice to offer in choosing between TAG and CAG, having rehomed a TAG a year ago and not having had a CAG. Many of the forum members take their birds on day trips and outings with harnesses or in pack-o-birds. The classroom is another story. I'd say it depends a lot on your bird's individual personality and the way they are socialized. From what I've read and the other grey owner's I know, most grey's (TAG or CAG) aren't very comfortable in groups of people they don't know and unfamiliar situations. As Baileyspapa mentioned, people will just stick their hands right up to them not realizing they could draw back a bloody stub. I'd really be concerned that one of your students might get too close. Most greys aren't tolerant of people they don't know getting in their space and will bite, fast and hard, especially if frightened. Many of us work all day and our birds are fine at home with plenty of toys, forage items etc. Many of us also leave the radio or tv on for them (not sure how much that helps and Timber has never told me what he thinks of the tv As long as you have a routine (they know when you are leaving and coming home) and have adequate out of cage and interaction time when you are home all will be well. I've never seen anyone post anything about gender being a consideration with a grey. In fact, they are so similar in appearance and actions that they have to be sexed by dna. Outside of a bird laying an egg, you'd never know if you had a boy or a girl so I don't think that would be a factor in your decision. Good luck in your hunt and keep us posted

Beautiful pics, thank for sharing!

Sounds to me like you and Miss Gilbert have a new bedtime routine!

Sounds sweet to me actually! Timber wants to be in the room I am in, but he doesn't want to be on me all the time, so no advice here. What Talon recommended is certainly something I'd try though in your circumstances.

What an exciting day! I feel badly for her previous owner, but sometimes circumstances are beyond our control. It sounds like she is a well-adapted bird from a good home, which is a big help for you in establishing a bond. Good luck and God bless

Congratulations Smokey! Now, make sure you have your cut of the royalties in writing before he hits the big time

Well, I have to say if we pandered to all the people around us like we do our birds, we would probably have world peace!

That's a great concept and something I hadn't thought about.

LOL Jeff! Gracie is one spoiled bird. Wouldn't have it any other way though

It may be weeks or never with a new item. I have had a boing hanging by Timber's playtop for about 4 weeks now. He doesn't seem afraid of it and plays with the bell on the bottom. I have yet to see him set foot on it though. Actually, I put him on it after a cuddle session a few times. He hops on it and quickly makes his way down to the regular perch on the playtop. Hope springs eternal though!