MoonRock

3/5/13 AM: Oscar woke up laughing this morning! He continued to laugh in small bursts for what must have been ten minutes, and then he paired it with "Hello! Hello! Hello!" I seriously love this bird.

I think your CAG was royalty in a former life. I love your visual aid, too!

3/4/13 PM: So I admit, I am rather stressed out today. My horrid downstairs neighbor was supposed to move out 2/28 (due to eviction, she's that bad) but she remains in the apartment, essentially squatting. Given my intense anxiety and discomfort about this situation, it is no surprise that Oscar is picking up on my feelings and displaying some degree of stress all his own. I am trying to keep my upset in check, but it's hard, and after the tenth velOSCARaptor scream tonight, I shushed my poor CAG! That's right, I shushed him! Oscar looked stunned and immediately quieted down, but I am painfully aware that this served to teach him that I will give him attention when he screams, and that he is not allowed to express his discomfort. I feel like such an a**. It's strange, as the days pass it is increasingly evident that Oscar and I are forging a deep connection. Oscar watches me, studies me, and mimics me. He doesn't just mimic my body language or laughter, either, he now mimics my moods. For his sake, as well as my own, I think I need to tone it down in my head about the neighbor. As the old adage goes, "This too, shall pass"...

*I am posting this as a favor for a friend- mods, feel free to move or delete if necessary, but I hope it is fine to post this adoption request here* Hi everyone! My flock consists of four budgies and one Congo African Grey, and unfortunately at this time I cannot adopt the Ruby Macaw I have had my heart set on. I live in an apartment. 'nuff said. I wanted to ask if anyone is interested in adopting this bird, or if they know of someone who might want to adopt him. He will NOT be shipped, you MUST visit the bird in Northern California a few times to be sure it is a good match. Therefore, please live in Northern California, preferably the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a great bird from what I know, and he really needs an attentive forever home! For starters, this bird is the owner's first bird. So he is very easy to handle! He is in perfect feather and loves to show off his acrobatics. He is gorgeous, and gets along well with the family cat. I think he may also be familiar with horses. This bird is well-socialized, and fairly quiet (for a Macaw, at least). His "Macaw scream" is rare, he is more of a fun sounds kind of vocalizer. I would absolutely adopt this bird if it weren't for the fact that I live in an apartment. While his screams are rare, he IS a Macaw. I have more questions for the owner that I am waiting on answers to, like who his avian veterinarian is and what kind of home she wants most for this fantastic bird. If you are interested in adopting this big, beautiful Ruby Macaw, please respond to this thread or PM me. If you have any questions, let me know because I am screening great homes for the owner. Thanks! Macaws are amazing.

I can hear the music now, "Entry of the Gods into Valhalla" I am not surprised that both of your CAG's got a clean bill of health. You offer so much for them to do, lots of love, and interesting experiences outside of the home. I feel you are a good example of what a good Grey owner does (indeed, sacrifices) for his/ her bird(s). I was so pleased to read this! He was totally chillaxin'! Oscar is taking to towel play pretty well, I am glad your own sweethearts are learning to feel OK about towels, too. Blueberrytunes, keep the journal pages coming! And as mentioned (three or four times ), we would all love photos and videos...

3/3/13 afternoon: Today started out mundane enough. But then a few friends came over briefly and dropped off some heavy Costco items, and we all left the door open as we went in and out of the apartment. After everyone left, I realized my cat Dracula was missing. He is an all-black cat without a collar on, and he has never been outside (since I rescued him with the help of San Francisco SPCA's Feral Fix Program, a decade ago). I panicked! I wandered around my neighborhood, loudly tapping a cat food can with a fork and calling out "Dracula, kitty! Here, kitty kitty!" This went on for a good 30 minutes, and as I became increasingly worried (which was very apparent in my desperate calls out to my cat) I began to hear Oscar's velOSCARaptor scream. I seriously heard him from three doors down, and for once I did not worry for one second about bothering the neighbors. I had to find my cat! Oscar screamed as I called out for Dracula, my voice shaky and my pace quickening. I checked under cars, in bushes, everywhere as I searched for my beloved cat. I kept coming back into the apartment to check around the house for Dracula, but he was nowhere to be found. I knew he had gotten out when the door was left open. And then, there he was: Dracula hiding under the kitchen sink cabinet. This was surprising because I had already checked there, and Dracula is usually very good about coming when I call him. From the next room, Oscar was still making a big fuss. I went in to see Oscar, after scolding/ hugging my cat and giving him some food. I said to Oscar, "It's OK now, I found Dracula." Immediately the screaming stopped, and if I didn't know any better I think Oscar understood in some way that my panic (nearing terror) was over, and that everything was now fine. What do you all think? P.S. I put Dracula's collar back on. If it ever comes off again, I will reattach it immediately. If you have cats, please get them collars because you never know. And I promise, they DO get used to wearing them.

In the middle of the night last night, Oscar started whistling and calling out for attention. My roommate wasn't too pleased with this, so I felt compelled to rush in and shush Oscar, even offering him a nut. Don't worry, I didn't! I grit my teeth for a good ten minutes and eventually he quieted down on his own. Ten minutes may not sound like a lot, but remember, this was the middle of the night and I live in an apartment with nearby neighbors. If I had gone to Oscar, he would have learned that it takes at least ten minutes of noise to get my attention (and a nut reward). The next night he might have held out for that attention and nut, making noise for twenty minutes... Things could quickly get out of hand. I agree that this is really all about "parront" training, and that you are in for a few tricky/ noisy/ crappy days. But hang in there! It will get better as long as you are consistent. You are making a great choice coming onto the forum to vent about it, we are here to help.

3/2/13 AM: Oscar woke up on the wrong side of the perch this morning! When I went in to uncover his cage, he postured a bit, puffed up, and I think his good eye briefly pinned. He seemed to be calmer a few moments later so I offered him his usual spicy pellets (he also eats fruity Zupreem). However, when I opened the feeding station door to offer the spicy pellets bowl, he tried to bite me! These days that is unusual. But... After firmly but without anger saying, "Be nice!", and leaving the room for a moment, Oscar whistled for me to come back. I came just into the doorway and leaned in while keeping my hand on the door frame. Oscar copied me and leaned way off of his perch, and then rotated his body around to be diagonal on the other side (just like his human did). He seriously looked like he was using a hula hoop, which got us both laughing. Oscar now appears to be in a good mood. He is whistling and making other happy sounds.

3/1/13 AM: Oscar woke up very happy, dancing about and ready to start the day. The first part of Oscar that he will readily let me touch? His beak! His big, scary, black, hook-billed beak! I do not attempt to touch Oscar's beak when he is out of the cage, as I feel we would both be too anxious about that. But while Oscar perches inside his cage, and he scritches his beak against the bars or otherwise entertains himself, I can lightly and playfully "pet" his beak when he sticks it out.

2/28/13 PM: Oscar will do anything for a bit of banana! Given that Oscar is becoming attached to (or at least quite tolerant of) me, I decided today to start the very beginning stages of "step up" training with him. If you recall, I was rather pushy in the past with my "step up" demands, as evidenced by the healing wounds on my arm. As I mentioned, the avian veterinarian explained that the "step up" command is actually rather advanced for a bird. I allowed Oscar to climb up to his cage top and hang out for a while. I spoiled him with banana pieces (very small ones), until I had him practically running to me when I called his name. He already responds favorably to his name, but the banana kicked up his recall speed. After a while I presented my towel-covered hand, as the veterinarian did. I did NOT require a step up, as Oscar would take a few small steps backwards when he saw my towel/ hand. I would put the towel down but within view, call Oscar forward, and present a banana bit after his run forward to get his reward. I want to be clear here: I did not reward Oscar for the towel/ hand fear (more like apprehension), as it may appear. I was very careful to time Oscar's banana bit for the run forward, not for his steps backward. It was all about the timing, and if I may say so, I think I did a very good job. My goal is to present Oscar with the idea that good things come with towels and hands, even if they remain a little scary at this point. Oscar all but chased me around his cage top for bits of banana, and I chased him right back (slowly, gently, and playfully) with the towel/ hand. Oscar is definitely making the link between me and fun activities. I got into the habit of lightly tapping the feeding station door of his cage, and he loves to climb down head-first to investigate what I am doing. This places Oscar very close to my knee (as I tend to sit curled up by the cage). *Tap, tap, tap* and Oscar excitedly climbs down to be playful with me. I realize my descriptions of Oscar being "apprehensive" or "playful" are not well explained, as I have a hard time defining in writing the subtle changes to his body language (and even, at times, just a seeming twinkle in his eye). But while concrete evidence of such "human" emotions elude me, I will say this. Oscar appears to be apprehensive when I approach him with a toweled hand, because he backs up, his pupils dilate, and his balance is unsteady. Oscar appears to be playful when I present banana bits or tap his feeding station door, because he moves forward awkwardly quick, and his wings are more square with where I am sitting (thus revealing a potentially vulnerable posture- and remember, Oscar is only sighted in his left eye). I know this entire journal is quite anecdotal, but in the days, weeks, and months to come I feel I would like to be more descriptive about what I am seeing with regards to Oscar's body language and my own responses. This will serve to help me reflect upon exactly what I did and how it affected Oscar, with the dual purpose of helping others with their own training (which was one of my originally stated goals). I appreciate all the support and encouragement I have received from the forum, which has coaxed me to publicly acknowledge training (and other) mistakes. I truly want to do what is best for Oscar, and subsequently other Greys (especially rescues). As usual, thanks for reading Oscar's training journal!

*bows* Thank you, thank you Dave. And while I am at it, I wanted to ask if we ever found out whether the movie producers did, in fact, make good use of the supposed *donations* received? And what does Dr. Pepperberg herself think of this movie? I have not yet seen it, by the way. Maybe Blueberrytunes could loan me her copy...

I am a special education teacher and also have a Labrador service dog, so this video was especially touching to me. Thanks for sharing!

From time to time, I read to Oscar from various books about birds. I read aloud the following from Alex and Me: "People would ask, 'What is all the fuss about, why was Alex so special?' and I'd say, 'Because a bird with a brain the size of shelled walnut could do the kinds of things that young children do. And that changed our perception of what we mean by 'bird brain'. It changed the way we think about animal thinking." With that, Oscar laughed heartily. I had never heard him laugh so hard. He tends to have great comic timing, and the phrase "bird brain" now inspires him to laugh. I love it!

2/27/13 AM: When Oscar awoke he made the door opening sound, which is one of the three "approved" low-volume calls to get me into the room (the others- an alarm clock sound and a "Hello!"). He was a little impatient for the day to start. Oscar has now been saying "hello" a lot. It is high-pitched and a little garbled, but I have no doubt this is what he is saying. I tested my "Oscar always perches in close proximity to me" theory, and it appears to hold true. I made a game of it, sitting to one side of the cage and then the other, and Oscar followed me every time. That toy I mentioned long ago, hoping Oscar would kill it in the middle of the night? It appears he is beginning to work at it. Just a few more days and I expect it to rest in a mangled heap on the cage floor.

Francis.

Francis, Brillo loved you until the very end. My sweet little dog was watching over my sweet little guinea pig as I tried so hard to nurse him back to health. I miss him dearly but am grateful he is no longer struggling to get around. I took Brillo with me to bury Francis, and I don't think she understood what was happening until the moment I placed him gently into the soil... Run over the Rainbow Bridge, little one. Earl and Otto are waiting for you.

kins2321@yahoo.com, Blueberrytunes is intent on giving her Greys their best possible lives, so we really bonded when we met. We even see the same veterinarian! So keep an eye out for future posts by Blueberrytunes, including this thread about Kya and Emeka. She has so much to offer. And thank you for making me blush, as well. *aww, shucks* Blueberrytunes, I think you should post photos of your amazing bird stand, and some video- and sound- clips of your precious feather-butts. And of course I am eager to follow this thread as well, since I know your own birds have been through a lot. See you next Tuesday, girl!

It's funny, even though Oscar won't even let me touch him yet (he was rescued from 8 bad years about 3 weeks ago) I suspect he has it in him to be a cuddle-bird. Only time will tell. I love him no matter what, which all of us seem to he saying.

How wonderful! And they say "hello" is a trickier word for parrots than some others, so you will likely hear many more words and certainly sounds in the years to come.

Dear Oscar, I know life hasn't been easy on you. Humans have failed you repeatedly. So I wanted to write you and thank you for your willingness to let me into your world and forge a connection with you. You have no reason at all to trust me, yet somehow you are striving to do just that. You know how I sit and talk to you, and we laugh and whistle back and forth? This is your life now, buddy. And it will be, forever. From now on in your life, you will always have gentle handling. No more forced step ups (though we will still work on this skill, within your own timeframe). And certainly, no more bare cage, infrequent meals, yelling humans, and scary little kids throwing apple chunks at you... I love your silly sounds, your spunkiness and sense of humor. I appreciate that you tell me "yeah" when you want something, and now you even give me a cute "hello"! Unfortunately I will never learn to speak your bird language, but I promise to try to understand what you are telling me. It is up to me to accommodate you, and not the other way around. As you have experienced, many humans do not know this fact. Whether wild-caught or bred, your early experiences were harsh. I doubt you will ever forget them. But if you continue to give me a chance to show you that humans can be attentive and kind, I would be very grateful. Lastly, I want you to know that the other Greys you saw, like Kya and Emeka, can be your friends too. I know it was strange for you to see other birds for the first time after your dear Amazon friend passed away so many years ago. But as you saw, there are other birds out there, and the humans who love them. I know you noticed how gentle Blueberrytunes and her buddy were with their Grey friends. This is how humans are supposed to be with the beings in their care. This is your life now. As best I can, I will make sure no one hurts you ever again. With warmth, sincerity, and a growing love, MoonRock

Blueberrytunes, your love for Kya and Emeka really shines through in your post. You are gathering up good information to best meet their needs, though I understand how hard it is to read of their prior treatment. You are so gentle and loving with your sweet feather-butts, it was striking to see you interact with them. I am still dying to know what Emeka said after sizing up Oscar! You are a fantastic "parront": you offer foraging toys and healthy food, you provide regular veterinary visits and you have the most kick-ass bird stand I have ever seen! Your birds are lucky to have you, and I am also grateful to know you. I think your input will prove very valuable to forum members.

I use Arrowhead bottled water, though I hear the tap water in my county isn't bad. I may switch to tap, as I actually worry about the chemicals in the plastic.

I misted Oscar with warm water and he loved it, standing in the spray saying "Yaw!" He follows me to different sides of the cage, which is a new development as of today. If I sit or stand near the front left side of his cage, where his preferred perch is, he likes to scoot as close to me as he can get. Simple enough, it's his preferred perch. But if I stand near the front right side of his cage, he follows me over there too! He literally has to leave his favorite perch and climb about the cage to reach the other, less-preferred perch just to be near me! Weird, but very cool! I guess the veterinarian's cage restriction for Oscar is not such a bad thing. I worried Oscar would be upset not getting to come out, but keeping him on cage restriction during quarantine (which was mandated as much for behavior as for health) is really working out well for us. I will be sure to take him out lots once the veterinarian gives me the green light, but Oscar's happiness is really increasing even as we "hang out" while I sit by the cage with him inside.