Timbersmom

Hello and welcome! I'm pretty new myself so I'll let more experienced members address your questions. I'd suggest you spend some time reading the past forums. There is a lot of good information there on diet, health, and behavior that helped me a lot when I got my TAG (rehome) in June. Good luck and God bless

Thanks! We have hot water heat and do some humidifying too, so should be OK there. It has been 65 here in his room already and he doesn't show any signs of being cold but it is good to know

Question then. I typically keep my heat on 65 (yes I'm cheap). As long as it stays at 65 or above from what I'm reading here Timber is OK temp-wise? I've put supplemental heat in his area and it is currently set on 68. Any advice?

LOL Sounds like Gilbert is doing great! I know just what you mean with the GI Joe sneak. It is so funny to watch them do that.

Good luck and safe moving! Sorry I don't have any info that would help on motels.

WaTaFa - You will probably get more responses if you post a new thread in the health room. I'm a newbie. Good luck!

Welcome Benline! We love pics

LOLOL Between this an Nilah's bedtime ritual, my night is made!

LOL Your descriptions had me laughing! Birds certainly seem to treasure those rituals. I'm a creature of habit myself so I can identify. If I miss a step, Timber gets visibly huffy. Like, "Can you get anything right?"

Happy birthday Talon!

I think all animals can sense that. Pheromones perhaps?

I have the name, number and address for one in St. Louis if need be. I was looking at a relatively local breeder's site, and they actually recommend the one I took Timber to initially. I understand that there is a difference between "avian certified" and a vet who sees birds. That's another thing I'm going to ask when I call (when it is time for Timber's checkup).

LOL I'm sure I've been called worse too, but at least not to my face!

What I meant was that when I bought a cat from a breeder, I had to sign a paper saying I would have him fixed and not breed him. Maybe it was just that particular one, but that is my only experience!

Ooooo that's the key! Here I am a "parrot person" out there I am the crazy bird lady

Reminds me though that many times breeders and rescues require that you spay or neuter a dog or cat you get there. I'm actually all for that, but the taking away of choice is similar.

LOL Isn't it funny how illness can sneak up on you like that? Blessings for a speedy recovery

Thanks for the list Jennifer! Unfortunately, I live in southern Illinois, which is much closer to Kentucky and St. Louis than Chicago. Most of the vets on the list are 5-6 hours away. It sounds like you are in a similar area Pikachu. St. Louis is a lot closer. Which vet is it you are using? If you want to send a private message that is fine. I can also give you the info on the one in St. Louis that was recommended to me.

I've seen a site with the opposite, you have to keep the bird unclipped. I don't think they should be able to "legislate" that for the individual either way. I can understand the principle behind it, that people need to be educated and aware of all the dangers etc. and have their home prepared for their choice. The vet told me she was going to give Timber a light clip when I took him in for the initial visit and I didn't have any background or knowledge to make that decision. In hindsight, I think it was the right choice, because I couldn't handle him without a towel and I have 4 free roaming cats. Now that I can handle him and I'm more educated, I feel more qualified to make that decision for myself.

Loved the story, and great video! Thanks for sharing

LOL I know what you mean though! In rural areas, miles equal minutes pretty much. I know that isn't true in city traffic. My main concern was finding the closest, yet competent, avian vet possible in case I needed to get there fast. Guess the jury is still out on that one.

I think you are doing a great job. One thing I've learned from reading the forums is that greys are really individual. Some birds are social, some aren't, some are shy, some are aggressive, some cling to their cage, others strive to get out etc. etc. I totally understand what you are saying and appreciate all the efforts you are making to socialize your bird. Your post also indicates that you know that may never happen. Then again, reading here has also shown me that greys can make some pretty remarkable progress after a long time, just when you least expect it!

Great post! And I agree 100%

No, that is why I was asking Life is Greyt about the avian vet in St. Louis. It would be over two hours to get there for us. Next spring, I'm going to call the "local" vet who saw Timber and ask some questions (about bloodwork, checkups etc.) If the answers aren't satisfactory, I'll probably make the trip to St. Louis. He was pretty traumatized the first visit, and I couldn't even put a finger on him at that time. That's the only reason I can figure that they didn't do anything except what had to be done. We'll see!

LOL Looks more than a little familiar!