Timbersmom

LNCAG, I like to think that our birds will bond with someone else when we are gone. I am Timber's third (at least) owner. It was a long road, but we bonded.

For the most part, Timber surprises me with his likes and dislikes. My youngest son is his favorite, and he has little interest in Timber. My husband, who messes with him all the time, is tolerated but also most likely to be bitten. I will say that my son's friend, that isn't a favorite of mine, is probably Timber's most disliked person. When he comes in, Timber will go to his seed bowl and start tossing seed on the floor. I only see this behavior when Josh is in the room.

Timber does the same when I wrap treats, but he loves boxes!

This forum probably saved Timber's life. I was such an "idiot" when I got him, with no clue as to how to handle him or what to do. I would sure hate to lose it. I have no idea why participation has slowed to a crawl or why new people don't stay. I know people come here when they panic, then leave when they have their answer. I don't post often because nothing has changed here at my house. However, I do check the forum almost daily to see if anyone has posted.

So sad...

Looks like my carrier. Nice stuff!

Wish I could read his mind, I know how frustrating this must be for you!

Glad things are going so well! Beautiful birds

I see those red tail feathers

I see him! But it did take a minute. Birdie version of where's Waldo

How exciting! Congratulations on you "new baby" and good luck! As a single bird owner, I have no advice.

Same here. My son is Timber's favorite, though he seldom gives him any attention. Guess you can't help who you love!

Thanks for updating us and prayers for your baby!

Yes, please keep us posted. I got up this morning wondering how Jambit was doing.

You aren't overreacting. Birds don't act sick until they are REALLY sick so you did the right thing. Prayers for a quick recovery!

Yes you have been away too long! So good to "see" you this morning. Hope all is well with you and yours!

Happy hatchday Fynn!

Good to see you back! What a talker Inara is. I enjoyed the video and hope you will post more.

Yes, don't beat yourself up. If you took a poll asking "How many grey owners have done something or used a method with their bird they later regretted" you'd probably get a 100% YES. They are very smart, and very complicated. A lot of progress is made in relationships through "hit and miss." Your bird is still talking and interacting, she is just adjusting. They are slow to adapt to new things (or most of them are). Quit worrying and just enjoy your relationship. As SR said, she will sense your distress.

Sounds like he's is mad at you. When I'm gone, even for a couple of days, Timber gives me the cold shoulder. He will literally turn his head like he won't look at me. They have very long memories, so you can be assured he hasn't forgotten you.

So glad to hear from you Maggie! I haven't had an Amazon, but I'd like to. Sounds like they are the clowns of the bird world.

You should be very happy with your progress. With greys, it seems that slower is always better. One "bad experience" could set him back months. Good for you!

Please do post updates. I'm very curious about your progress! I think the concept of an aviator harness is so cool. Timber can't fly (no he isn't clipped), and with his current status I wouldn't take him out, but there was a time I was very interested as well. Good luck!

You have a good attitude, because there is no guarantee they will talk. Timber has a pretty broad vocabulary, but he seldom uses it. I wish I knew what goes on in his little birdy mind... He says his name pretty frequently, especially when I'm getting treats out (like "don't forget me"). When I am in another room he tends to talk, which I assume is to try to tempt me back into the room he is in. That said, I can be with him all day and he never says a word. You just never know!

Timber talks but whistles more. He also makes a variety of other sounds that imitate what he has heard. Whistling is something they do naturally if I understand what I have read about the species, so it probably isn't a behavior that could be eliminated.