Timbersmom

Not even along the edges? That's his sweet spot. Around his nostrils and between his eyes?

LOL! Now if they were just wearing the shoes...

Welcome to you and George! I'm a newbie myself and don't have any experience with aviator harnesses, but someone who does will come along and help I have had experience with similar "negative situations" with my TAG though. You haven't ruined your relationship, he'll get over it and trust you again. It may take a little time though!

LOL At least the guys in the white coats didn't show up, so they must have decided not to call it in! I'm off work today and earlier, as I was boiling Timber's chicken wing, poring over what pellet to order (futilely) next, and wondering how he would do when I leave town for a couple of days at the end of the week... I started whistling "They're coming to take me away"

Great pic of Nilah!

Neat story! Sure glad you were the one he called or there is no telling where Little One would have ended up.

Timber and I have been progressing very well and it turns out that he loves scratches. Last night, I was scratching under his beak and he started "beaking" my hand. He was rubbing it with his beak and pinching very gently (no pain). He put my finger in his beak but didn't bite down, just kind of rubbed back and forth. A couple of nights ago I thought he was going to regurg on me, so I immediately put him back on his cage door. I'm careful to only scratch around his head, and I do NOT want him to think I am his mate. Any suggestions? If he is just exploring my hand and being affectionate, that's great.

I'd love to see a vidoe of Oliver's "flight!" I have to tell you that when you describing what you did, I could see you and your husband running across the field in one of those slow motion things (like the movie cliche') Made me smile

I was wondering that too. I don't cover Timber and it doesn't seem to be a problem. In fact, circumstances dictate that I am rattling around downstairs after his bedtime (usually 8 PM) sometimes, and he will be tucked up asleep with his head resting on his back, eyes closed, and one foot up. So I assume the lack of a cover isn't interfering with his sleep. I considered covering him when I got him because I assume it was the norm, but after reading on the forum here I found that many don't cover and it is working for us!

Nice going! Let us know how he likes it.

LOL to the mousetrap image! I'm sure David is thrilled in his heart of hearts... go Gilbert!

Hello and welcome Karen

Timber clicks all the time and I click back at him. For him, it is a sound of pleasure it seems. He clicks when someone he likes comes in, to get my attention, when I let him out of the cage, etc. I thought someone had used clicker training with him, but then someone on the forum said that clicking is a natural sound for them.

Working! That was cool Timber makes a sound that I can't describe that I will try to get on audio.

A lot of it is our expectations. I expected Timber to act in certain ways, which is ridiculous really. Just as some people are touchy-feely and others are not, the birds are individuals. I think we often don't allow for those differences with our birds (and other animals). They have personalities, likes, dislikes etc. that are just as individual as the human species. Gracie is blessed to have someone who understands her and appreciates her for who she is, not what someone else might want her to be.

That's a great story Ray. It is so amazing to watch them go from what they "were" when we got them to where they are now. So rewarding!

Thanks for the info! I've looked until my eyes are crossing, but the reviews are all contradictory. I was hoping to see one that worked from someone I "knew," so thanks again

Woohoo! Great to hear

Those pics are great! Awesome detail.

What a pretty baby! Thanks for posting the pics I love looking at them.

Which model did you get? I'm assuming it is wireless? I'm still trying to decide what to get. Timber isn't terribly active either when home alone. He will mess with his forage boxes a bit and eat. Other than that, he does a lot of sitting around. When my husband comes home from work (he gets home first) that changes.

I understand your frustration! Timber will only eat nutriberries and avicakes (they have pellet and seed). He eats some of the stuff I fix and some vegetables but the other pellets? Forget it. I tried every brand that was recommended to no avail. I know they may not be ideal, but like you I'm unwilling to starve him (he was underweight when I got him). What it boils down too, I guess, is you do what you have to do.

Your bird is blessed in having an understanding and accomodating parront! I think you are right... a lot of things that seem important to us don't matter a whit to them

That must be nice! Timber has no manners and just lets loose wherever he is...

I'm so pleased with our progress. I really had my doubts in the first couple of months, would he ever let me touch him?; would he ever like me or want to interact with us?; that kind of thing. As far as I can tell, he wasn't abused in his previous homes, which makes the world of difference I'm sure. The other day I was on the phone. Timber would say OK (3-second pause), Bye! He did it three or four times. He is really starting to come out of his shell. It is so nice to hear him talking in front of me instead of having to leave the room and hide around the corner to hear him vocalize. He and one of my cats (I have four and it just happens with the one) have a "jealousy" battle going. When I pet this cat, Timber starts "beeping." When I'm scratching Timber, the cat stands around and meows. They are so funny to watch! Thankfully, they have no interaction otherwise (don't go after each other in any way). I was a little disturbed the other night because he was going through all the motions of getting ready to regurg on me. I've been careful to limit my scratching to his head. I just put him back up on his cage door where he likes to perch. On the other hand, my youngest son can usually give him scratches and he doesn't get upset when hubby and i hug in front of him etc., so I'm assuming he is OK that way? I want to have a close relationship with him but not close that way if you know what I mean.