Timbersmom

It is great news that Nonsense is feeling more confident and coming out. Good going! Getting Timber to go back in the cage when I have to leave was a struggle here too. That's just part of it. They understand language, so be sure and use the same phrase when it's time to go in. For instance, with Timber it is "time to kennel up Timber" (thanks to my boys). I also tell him what I'm doing, like "I have to go to work, time to kennel up Timber, I'll be back." Or "I'll be back in an hour, time to kennel up Timber." In time, they learn that going in is a temporary state, you will be back, and they will be out again. Same thing at night, "time for bed, kennel up Timber." I always try to communicate what's going on and they learn exactly what those words mean in time. You have probably already noticed that they are very intelligent. That said, even now there are times (they are rare but happen) when I'm really in a hurry and don't have time to coax him and he doesn't want to go in for whatever reason. In the early days, like you I had to threaten the towel (he hates it). I never had to use it, I just keep it in a corner and would go pick it up and head his direction. He would head inside immediately. Now, all I have to do is say "kennel up or I'm getting the towel" and he goes in. He knows I'm serious, because I don't use it often. Over use would make it an empty threat. Most greys love routine. You have made a good start with putting the treat in the cage. Try continuing to do that with the phrase you want Nonsense to understand when it is time to go in. It takes time and patience but you'll get there! Other members will have more ideas also I'm sure.

LOL Love it!

I meant to mention on my other post, I wouldn't call her "aggressive" from what you have described. She is a prey animal and bites mainly from fear. Even after 4 years, I cannot get Timber to step up from inside the cage. That is his safe zone, and he controls what happens in the space. He will bite if I try to get a step up from inside the cage, but hardly ever does (now) when outside the cage.

I would keep leaving the door open when you are there. I think eventually she will come out. I understand your fear that she won't go back in, but she probably will, since that is her "safe" place. Though it may not seem like it, you are making progress. Greys take a long time to trust, which is why you hear "grey time" on here all the time. Take it slow and easy like you have been, and let her set the pace on interactions. One day she'll surprise you!

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Wow, I can't believe you have to wait 6 weeks. Hang in there! Wish I lived closer, I'd come over and do what I could to help out.

LOL my thoughts exactly. He has "enough with the camera already" expression!

I don't think Timber ever fledged either. I've had him almost 4 years, he hasn't been clipped, and he still just glides down when he takes flight.

No problems with the video here.

What great pics and videos! What a beautiful baby.

Cheese... obviously needs cheese... Love this one!

Looking great!

Bells, greys love their bells. Make sure you get stainless steel for safety and durability.

That's great news!

That's a great pic! The wire is nice too but I really like the one of the birds

Hello and welcome! There is no experience I have had that compares to life with a grey. It just gets better

I feel for you! I have sciatic nerve problems too. Mine as debilitating as yours, but I've leaned on that cart many times to get some relief when shopping. I haven't tried acupuncture for that, but I did have it for my shoulder and it was the only thing that helped (doc said I need shoulder replacement, no thank you). My chiropractor does it, and though my insurance doesn't cover it he just included it with my other treatments and I just had to pay my copay. Hope you are better soon!

Good luck and God bless! It will be challenging, but worth it!

Glad you were able to get it cancelled and refunded!

That is looking great!

Love the Greycie videos!

Timber actually spends quite a bit of time on the bottom of his cage... goring his artichoke, chasing his ball etc. I am in the "get as big as you can afford and have space for camp." Timber's cage is very large and he uses all of it. As Talon said, when you get all the perches, bowls and toys in you want to make sure there is plenty of room for your bird.

LOL bet it still made your heart glad to hear!

Fantastic! Fingers crossed

I have to say that I was shocked to read that someone was considering having a healthy bird euthanized. I can't imagine any circumstance except a painful, terminal illness where I would consider this option for any living, sentient being. I've given some thought to where Timber would go when my husband and I "pass." All of my boys have expressed an interest in taking Timber, and I would trust any of them to do their very best for him. Greywings also pointed out some excellent options. Since I am a rehomer, I know that adjustments are slow and often not easy. I'd like to think that many like myself and others on the forum do their very best to give their birds a loving, healthy home. I'd also like to think there are more of us in the world than the kind who see birds as a novelty. While it's a slow process, birds, like humans, can learn to love again and form a bond with their new caretaker. I am very pro-life when it comes to animals and people. I'd hate to think that the chance of a happy life would be taken away because of the fear of a bad life. Just my thoughts..