Timbersmom

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!

I know how you feel. I took Timber in the day after I got him to have him checked out and bloodwork wasn't mentioned either.

Happy dance indeed! That's great and I'm so happy for you!

LOL to the arf, arf. Guess the real bark wasn't provoking the response he wanted! I know what you mean about guilt, but I have to work full-time. Especially now that I have this bird with expensive habits I just do what I did when my children were small, try to make the time we do have quality time!

So sorry for your loss!

Just keep trying! Greys seem notorious for their cautious and slow acceptance of change. He will surprise you one of these days

Pretty birds! Thanks for sharing and good luck!

So sorry you had to suffer through that rootbeer float for your bird's sake... Funny about what they will do to get your attention! Help, ouch indeed...

You should be proud of him! Good going

Glad to hear it

Still going to try the ice...

You go Gilbert indeed! I hate using the towel too (as a threat) but it has came to that a couple of times. All I had to do was pick it up and he immediately went in. Gilbert is really coming out of his shell though. Kudos

LOL funny about your "chicken bone" friend! Really nice to hear birds like Bongo exist too, that know the difference between discouraging and blood drawing.

Yes, those birds are adorable! I'm not saying an absolute NO to MBS, but I want to give Timber a year to get settled and established. Best laid plans, I know... That is the plan anyway!

Wingy, Sounds good! Timber seems to prefer the spicy/hot stuff too. I wonder if that is why he is so picky about his more "bland" stuff. Jay, thanks for the Shanlung info!