MissOMalley

Thank you everyone for the kind words! I truly appreciate it! Well, it has been some time since I've updated. A little has changed in the flock. It seems that Emmy and Dutch are switching roles. Dutch is becoming much more of a companion. Emmy is starting to display a lot of territorial behavior to Dutch or anyone else who come near me, or her cage. She lets me in her cage just fine, but everyone else is not welcome. She has even bit me a few times when I tried to intervene in altercations with Dutch. They do the whole beak wars act frequently. It doesn't seem overly aggressive, but it doesn't seem healthy physically or mentally for either of them. I have decided that playtime will no longer be together . Emmy doesn't even seem to enjoy playtime out of the cage now..she spends most of the time watching Dutch and pacing her territory. They are housed in separate cages, but in a smallish room temporarily. I have contemplated moving them to separate areas of the house, but it's not possible right now because we have 2 indoor/outdoor cats with strong instincts. The cats are typically outside in nice weather but it's been entirely too cold here in Indiana. I worry about the separation because they have been in the same room for over 10 years. I will be moving sometime soon, so I hope to try the separation in the new place and see how it goes. Emmy doesn't really let me touch her very much anymore either...which is fine but I feel it is connected to her territorial behavior. She used to love being scratched and would curl up beside me and sleep. Once Dutch starting coming around more that all changed... Dutch is quite stubborn, but very entertaining! I still can't handle him, but he has no fear of being close to me. He follows me around and sits right beside me. He has a fascination for getting close to my face, which I am not comfortable with. He was on my shoulder once. I don't think he knew what he was getting into though. I was leaning against some pillows when he climbed up on them, then down on my shoulder. He just stayed there. I even got up and walked around. He seemed nervous, but not as much as me. I was convinced I was going to lose an ear or eye, but no, he was great. I was surprised at how well he behaved and that he wasn't aggressive at all. He hasn't shown interest in doing it again, and that's fine with me. He does let me rub his beak even when he's out of the cage. His fear seems to be of my arm. He will not step up to my arm, and definitely not a perch that I'm holding. He is learning all kinds of new songs including Lady GaGa's "Poker Face"..pretty annoying song but he likes it. He also whistles Iron Man. I am learning to identify many bird calls. It seems that he and Emmy have learned a lot of bird calls from living in my grandmothers house. She has owned and rehabilitated many animals through the years. So far I've caught on to robin sounds, dove cooing, owl calls, cardinal calls and sparrow chattering. They also both make sounds like a dog...not like real barking but kind of how a child sounds when they imitate dogs. It's pretty funny. I've heard of greys "barking" so I wonder if that is what I'm hearing. They also do a lot of screeching. It doesn't bother me too much but if I'm too close it hurts my ears! We have successfully transitioned over to Harrisons pellets. Emmy still dunks some of hers in her water bowl. They are also snacking of Nutriberries sometimes. I am really just trying to get them to accept as much food as possible just in case there is every a shortage of anything and so they have good variety. Eating isn't much of an issue around here! They get warm beans and or a salad of some sort every morning, which they really enjoy. I am going to start fine chopping some of their salads as was suggested by LuvParrots. Dutch I think enjoys ripping chunks of food apart, but I think Emmy would prefer it in smaller pieces. At this point my main concern is figuring out how to make Emmy more comfortable and less territorial. I bought her cage before I met her...so I didn't know the extent of her disability. She mostly stays on the bottom of her cage which is only about 2 feet off the ground. It's set up with blankets and what not to keep her comfortable. I did put a level/shelf up high for her, but she avoids it like the plague. I am trying to find a better cage for her...something that's high off the ground, but still large enough that she can climb up high. She almost needs a small animal cage. It's just tricky finding something with flat space but also climbing space that works for her. Oh and here's some recent photos! Dutch decided to eat my paperwork that I was working on. Dutch on my shoulder. Since Dutch isn't terrified of the camera now, I can finally take some pictures! Pretty Emmy Special Emmy!

It's been a while since I have updated. Really, there hasn't been much change. Emmy is much more comfortable with me than Dutch. She likes to curl up beside me or walk around on me while I'm laying down. Some days she wants scratches, other days she walks away. It is a lot of work to keep her cage clean! She does climb up the sides, but shows no interest in using the levels we put in to get her off the bottom. She basically just hangs out at the bottom of her cage. I have to put in new blankets and towels everyday to keep her from walking in her poo. I can't really think of any other sanitary solution. Since she can't balance on my arm or anything, we are still using a tile to move her around. She does great with that...she steps right up on it when I put it down. She's still doing her mating dance every morning(between 3a-8am off and on). I've tried the light restriction method with no luck. Hopefully in time she will settle!! She is so curious and almost fearless! I can put anything in front of her and she runs right up to it to check it out! Dutch is a talker!! He's constantly talking and singing. We have the night night routine down. When I say "go to bed, get in your cage" he rushes in so I'll give him a peanut. Then he tells me "Goodnight , Nightnight, love you, night..." until I cover him up and turn out the lights! I still can't handle him He will come right up to me and get very close, but he will not let me out stretch my hand, arm or fingers to him. He immediately fluffs up and backs away. He does not respond well when offered a perch or stick to step up on. He's making progress, just very slowly. I still try rubbing his beak through the cage bars..sometimes he will let me..most of the time not. He really seems to have a fear of hands and arms. He will take a treat from my fingers, but not from the palm or back of my hand. I just wanna cuddle them both like a TOO, but I know that will most likely never happen. We have been unsuccessful in transitioning to pellets. I've tried Roudybush, Zupreem naturals, Nutblend and even a little fruitblend just for kicks. They both throw in out of their cage. I tried the slow transition, offering pellets in the morning and even tried mixing with various juices and oats. They were once on pellets, just not in the last 5 or so years. The only thing they will eat in Higgins cockatiel seed. It seems like just pick out the safflower seeds. Most of it is so small and they never crack them open. I'm afraid they aren't getting what they need. I offer them a salad every day. They can eat most of the same things as my bearded dragon lizard so it's convenient! Neither will touch any greens, collard, kale...nothing. Dutch LOVES butternut squash. They will both eat grapes and apples....and that's it! I think we will try Harrisons and the bird bread next! I'm not giving up! That's about it...really nothing very interesting. I've attached a couple recent photos! Emmy..Don't worry, I didn't let her really eat any of it. She really wanted to though! Emmy napping with me Sir Dutch! Dutch...he looks quite proud of himself huh!? Silly Emmy!

Dutch and Emmy do it...a lot. They are both very hormonal right now. They especially like doing it when company is over.....awkward!

Yes, i do try , but he is very fast to runaway from me!

Emmys behaviour has been a bit odd lately. The other day she was cuddeling like a cockatoo. She curled up in bed with me in the crook of my arm and slept for hours while i scratched her head.The past 2 days she doesnt seem interested in being scratched...she rubs her beak on me, but when i scratch her she dodges my fingers and walks away. Shes also been doing the mating dance a lot. Ive been trying to make sure all lights are out by the time the sun goes down, and keeping them off until morning but she still wakes me up all hours with her mating noises. I do not encouage this behaviour, i usually leave the room. I am starting to wonder if she is directing these calls at Dutch. Last night during play time, she wasnt interested in playing with her favorite toys, me, whistling or anything...she just sat close to Dutchs cage , staring with her feathers fluffed. She almost always fluffs up when hes around..she seems very nervous around him. Once she was back in her cage he came over and was hanging from the outside ...they kept smacking their beaks together...didnt seem aggressive or violent though. Dutch also started to do the mating dance briefly when he was close. I still cant touch Dutch... I feel like we are getting close. He approaches me when im close to or in his cage, but never touches me. He walks away if i extend a hand/finger/arm to him. He does try test me with his beak through the bars...but backs away before he gets too close. It can be difficult getting him back in his cage since he wont step up. Ive tried using a perch for him to step up...that just scares him more. I also find it a challenge to move Emmy around. She cant step up to my arm, as she has no toes and cant balance very well.The best ive been able to do is coax her to stand on a 12inch ceramic tile, then pick up the tile and move her. This freaks her out a little, but shes getting used to it. She still wont let me pick her up with my hands in any way. Emmy snuggling. I am not sure what she is doing here. Its almost like shes trying to dig.

Thank you! I was wondering what the neck pumps were all about. She does that a lot when my iphone is near....hmmmmm. Yes, my cat Sookie is bananas about hair ties. The milk ring is an excellent idea! It would probably be a more effective scratcher too! That is indeed a quilt...but not a good one. Its a cheapo walmart one and the animals have claimed it. Ive been looking for a nice HEAVY quilt...but havent been able to find one heavy enough with a pattern I like. My mama keeps saying she wants to learn, but it just never happens.

Yes, i am interested in any insight about her beak rubbing behaviour. I hope it wasnt mating related. She has been doing her sexy dance constantly lately. Glad to know Dutch isnt the only one with pink feathers. I think its kinda cute on him!

Thank you! I was afraid of that!!

Already have another update!! I'm on vacation from work this week...I have entirely too much time on my hands. Good for the birdies though! Dutch finally approached me...within 8 inches of me, all on his own free will! I think the jealousy of seeing Emmy and I just got to be too much . Emmy, well..she's been ALL OVER me today. She does act like a baby, but my grandma did say she is over 20ys. She was at least 10 when she got her, and she had her for almost 10 years..she's truely amazing! I tucked my fear away and let her test me out. She hasn't bitten me yet...just a couple pinches. QUESTION! Dutch has pink feathers on the back of his neck...they are pink, not red. Is this a normal mutation? You can see it a bit in the 3rd video. QUESTION! Do you think hair ties are safe for them to play with? If you can't view the vids just click the title link to watch on youtube. The video goes white for me when I embed them here...but my computer has a mind of its own today. This video is not interesting at all, but this was the first time I let HER touch me. She just kept wiping her beak on me...strange girl! [video=youtube;4OHP85DO-8Q] Here's Emmy with a hair tie...she's a clown! I wasn't sure if it was safe to eat...so I did take it away from her. If you think they are safe I'm sure she'd love to play with them! and here is the elusive Dutch! Sorry about my annoying voice...he likes it! Emmy Dutch (crouching) approaching Emmy and I very cautiously.

Thank you for the praise and encouragment! There will likely be many photos and updates to come.

Emmy never ceases to amaze. For a bird that hasn't been handled at all in AT LEAST 10 years...she's amazing. I really believe someone took very good care of her once. Today, she did something I was told she would never do...she came out of her cage. She will do just about anything for an almond. We went at her pace, and started slow. After about 10 minutes, she came 2 feet out of her cage and sat right beside me. Because of her disabilities, I was using a storage tote for her to walk directly out of her cage onto. She REALLY just wants to be close to me...but at the same time she wants to test me with her beak. Freaks me out..I don't know if she's going to nibble...or bite (lacking trust on my part). So, I just redirect her attention. She walks right up to me and puts her beak down on the tote so I will scritch her neck. I love this special little girl! My grandma was in disbelief when I said I can touch her...I think Emmy and I were meant to be! She also LOVES my iPhone. I believe she thinks it's a toy. Here's a video of the very first time she came out. All the way out! Being silly ( I think we look alike here ) We were both very sleepy...but it was a Kodak moment! Sir Dutch ( Still not loving the camera ...but just wanted a quick pic! ) Dutch is coming around too. Not on the level that Emmy is...but there is improvement. He almost never hisses at me, and he will take almonds gently from my hand anytime. He also never stops singing/whistling and talking. I love it. His new phrases are "Have almond?" and "BowchickaWowWow". He almost acts like he is jealous of Emmy and I...but he's too nervous to come over and join us. Maybe in (grey) time.... I feel like the worst fid mom ever for this. Dutch is a clever (and naughty..which usually makes him very entertaining) bird. He figured out how to open his cage door early this morning...which is amazing considering I have a hard time opening it from the outside with my fancy thumbs. Well it wouldn't have usually been an issue...but my dogs happened to be sleeping with me at that time. I woke up to the sound of him squawking. He decided to not only get out of his cage, but to also get on the floor and walk around..I think he was after the bag of almonds. Luckily my rottweiler has no prey drive, and knows what critters are family and what isn't...but my basset hound...not so much. He lost a couple red tail feathers...but nothing major. I think she regretted hunting him down once she got close...not her typical prey she finds in the yard! I am SO THANKFUL that I was there to intervene. I felt(feel) HORRIBLE....but honestly, Dutch wasn't bothered one bit. He just slowly walked back to his cage and started singing his morning song to me (you are my sunshine). I was expecting him to be traumatized....but nope..nothing. My grandma has 5 dachshunds..so maybe he was used to it... I promptly went and bought heavy duty carabiners to secure his cage....lesson learned!

Looks like a Princess of Wales Parakeet to me....but im no expert!

Thank you! Sometimes I forget how intelligent these guys are! I'm so used to dogs and reptiles....greys are a whole different ball game! Emmy continues to use the card board to scratch herself. I took the plunge and scritched her with my finger......success!!! She seemed nervous, but also seemed to enjoy it. She let me know when it was enough. Her change in behaviour is subtle...but I did pick up on it. She never did try to bite though! I think I am irrational about being bit. I'm a dog groomer by trade....i need my fingers!!! I am so pleased with their progress! Dutch hisses less and less everyday! He doesnt seem interested in being touched....but he is getting more and more comfy with me being very close. He lets me get in his cage to clean without going bananas, takes treats from my hand, and sings his heart out. His newest word is "almond". I just love these greys!

OMG...I'm in awe right now! Maybe its because im a newbie. As ive mentioned before, Emmy has no feet...therefore she cant scratch her neck very well. Well, she kept coming to her cage door putting her head down for me. She is not handled and i have never touched her besides her beak through the cage bars. For the sake of my fingers, i decided to scratch her neck with a piece of her shred toy/card board... See video 1. I thought she was done with me...so I put the cardboard down. 2 seconds later, she found a way to scratch herself. See video 2. Now shes carrying the cardboard around with her and protecting it lol. Shes a smart cookie! I still dont understand her behaviour towards me and if shes OK with me being so close. Any insight? **please excuse the mess. I clean her cage at least 3x a day. She stays at the bottom and isnt a clean bird at all. I try, promise! Video 1 Video 2

Sorry theyre large...my tablet is not forum friendly With my dogs, Julius and Lu ♡ Summer 2012 Hiking Summer 2012

Thanks! I thought she was hurt or something.I have so much to learn about these birds! Now I will know how to react next time! I just misted them for the first time. Dutch growled, but didnt totally freak out. Emmy just backed herself into a corner. I don't think it was the best bath as i couldnt get under the wings. I followed the bath with treat bribes.... it worked! I am suprised at how fast they are settling in, especially since they are not handled birds. I already love them even though they aren't too sure abouto me yet. However, i'm not sure how much I love them at 5am while they are laughing and shredding paper Katana, I am learning so much as I read through Gilberts thread. I am thankful i found this forum!

First off, let me point out that it's almost 2am here...the birds and i went to bed over 3 hours ago with no issues. I took a quick video of Emmys weird noises. She got all wound up, smacking her toys around and making these noises for over an hour before i got up to investigate. Food, water, bed...everything is good. Shes a rescue thats been home less than 1.5weeks. Thats Dutch my other grey whistling in the background. She also grinds her beak loundly all day and part of the night...very annoying! Any ideas on this odd/new behaviour?

Thank you everyone. I really appreciate the wisdom and encouragment. Dutch is starting to come around again...he took an almond from me this morning. He wakes me up at 5am everymorning. He goes to the bottom of his cage and shreds his newpaper...all the while saying "hi pretty! Hahahaha". His laugh is hilarious! Dutch definitely was sensing my frustration last night. I was cleaning his cage last night and wasnt talking to him...He just looked at me and said " whats the matter pretty?" Im not sure how he knew to say that, or if it was coincidence...but it made my heart melt. I just want these creatures to be happy, healthy and stress free...but they sure dont make it easy! Emmy, well..shes more stressed now then her first day home...she still hisses when i get in her cage, which she started after the perch debacle. She did however take an almond from me today and didnt throw it back at me! She was to the point that when i opened her cage door she'd poke her head out and whistle at me. Now she waddles away and tries to bite when i clean her cage:( I just wish I could fast forward time!!!

Emmy and Dutch were doing sooo well until tonight. Dutch has been singing, talking and whistling the past couple days. He would even take almonds from my hands sometimes. I still cant such him, which is expected and fine. Emmy, is about 20 yrs old and has never been handled. We believe she was abused. She was really starting to come around. She would take almonds from my hand since day 1. Today, she let me touch her beak briefly, and started to put her head down so i would touch her neck. I hesitantly touched her once, she was ok with it at first but then warned me away. Again, expected and fine. Well, since Emmy has no feet, its obviously difficult for her to get around in the cage. She basically stays i n the bottom on blankets. We decided to put in some tile on the bottom...she was fine and seemed to like it. Then we took some rope/twine type stuff and made a "ladder" for her since shes terrified of all the ladders i bought her. She loves the rope. She was climbing it and making all kinds of cute sounds. She seemed HAPPY with the changes, not stressed. Well, then we put in an extra large perch/level. That didnt go over so well...at all. She started screaming and launching herself at me , her cage...everything and anything. There was no calming her down. By the end of her ordeal she had scratched the inside of her wing. It barely bled. I called the vet and she said to monitor it, but she should be fine...that shed likely just hurt herself more if i tried to get her out to be seen by the vet. Now Emmy hates me, and i think shes in pain. She hisses anytime i come near. Dutch is also stressed from witnessing the ordeal. I cant even walk into the room (my bedroom for temporary quarantine) without them hissing and shaking. Neither will take treats. I am just beyond annoyed at the situation. It is so frustrating trying to help a poor animal that can not be reasoned with or calmed down. I have rehabilitated and tamed countless dogs, cats, rodents and reptiles. Its what I do....but i have never felt so helpless and frustrated as i do right now. I know its not their fault at all...its mine. I just hope one day theyll forgive me. I have a lot of respect for people who have success rehabilitating these birds. It is physically and emotionally exhausting! Whew! Really needed to vent!! Here are a couple videos from the other day...a much better day! Dutch- Emmy-

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b297/MissOmalley/photo-1.jpg Not sure if the link works. My tablet isnt cooperating. Emmy is sleeping on her back... shes proving to be a very odd bird!

Thanks! Dutch and Emmy are home! They are both terrified Dutch puffs up and hisses i think when i come near. He looks and sounds like someone gagging....but i dont hear hissing. He was very eager to get out of his carrier and to his new cage...even pushed open the carrier door . He went straight to his water bowl. Emmy however wouldnt come out of her carrier. I put it in the bottom of her cage and went shopping for 3 hours. She was still there when i got back She finally came out on her own when i placed an almond and her water bowl outside the carrier. I guess i did a nono, i let her take an almond from my hand. I posted in the grey lounge about Emmys no toe issues. I feel bad for her...i think i bought a cage too big for her special needs feet. I was told that she does fine in any cage , but so far i beg to differ. I placed a towel in the bottom of th e cage for her to sleep on...shes passed out! I think Emmy and i will get along soon enough. Dutch i think will take quite a while.

I brought Emmy and Dutch home today. This is Emmy...she is missing all her toes. She seems to be having issues climbing her cage. I believe the bar spacing is larger than her old cage. Is there any material that is safe to line the bottom of her cage so she has a flat surface? Cardboard, poster board? I will be buying LOTS of ladders for her tomorrow. Thanks

My 2 adult rescue/inherited CAGs that I will be picking up tomorrow have been fed Higgins Cockatiel seed for years. I was told she feeds this cockatiel formula instead of parrot to avoid sunflower seeds. They used to be on Kaytee pellets, but they didnt do well at all on them. I dont plan on changing their diet too much until they have settled down here. Is this seed sufficient for now? I will offer a variety of fresh foods of course. Thanks!, http://www.higginspremium.com/Australian_SmlHookbill.htm

Thank you Dave! I will be picking them up tomorrow if all goes well! I am excited/anxious/nervous!! I will update when i can!!