Timbersmom

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!

Jay, I know you are trying to guilt me into sharing with him. Not working!

Not showing hubby these either... He will be convinced Timber would love a housemate!

LOL He is probably waiting until you aren't watching!

Hurray for progress! Isn't it great? Funny, the same thing happened with Timber. He was biting when we brought him home, and I didn't realize the first couple of times he put his beak on my arm that he was testing for strength and stability before he stepped up. I would pull away fast because I thought he was getting ready to bite. I read someone's post here about that and sure enough, the next time he pushed at my arm with his beak then stepped up. That's is what is great about the forum. You read other people posts and figure out what is going on.

I can't find anything Timber will eat much of. He will take a bite of several things, but not much more. Hopefully, that's all he needs in addition to his purchased food. The skewer with fresh vegetables caught his interest for a few days, now it mostly just hangs there. Same with the greens I was threading in the cage bars, the birdie bread I make, the seeds I sprout, etc. etc. I haven't made my own chop yet, but have been buying the Higgins worldly cuisine, which he will eat a bite of. He does eat about half of the quarter slice of toast I give him in the morning with almond butter.

What a cool pic! Does that happen often or did you just happen to catch it?