About to graduate!

[Lambert58]

Our greys are approaching their 1 year hatch day, and I thought I'd drop in and provide a couple lessons learned.

 

1) They kinda get overzealous on the feathers. Willow has exactly zero tail feathers left. She doesn't pluck anywhere else, just loves ripping those red ones off. I tried to explain to her the physics and aerodynamics that would be effected, she looked at me and squeeked.

 

2) I don't think there's a wrong time to stop with baby food. Every morning our whole flock gets a mix of 50/50 kaytee baby formula + harrison's fine with enough hot water to make it all the consistency of oatmeal. And we add oatmeal occasionally and a bit of red palm oil. or peanut butter (oh, lord, they love that mix). or cinnamon.

 

3) They're just like children: they have good days and bad. Sometimes they're grumpy, sometimes they're cuddly. Don't take the grumpy days personally. I can't emphasize this enough. Too many people get upset with their fids just because they have one bad experience... then THEY react negatively toward their fid... and things escalate. Go with the flow. Love them unconditionally and they'll be your best friend.

 

4)When in doubt, hit the vet. You should know your fid's behaviors, and when the deviate from normal, something is likely up. It's always better to be a paranoid parront than an ex parront.

 

There's tons more, but those are the things that have made an impression on me over the last year. Can't wait for the next 60 years with my girls (I think they're girls! DNA next week!)

[JillyBeanz]

Ah, poor Willow - sorry to hear that she's found joy in her tail feathers

 

The rest - I totally agree with - karma for you to your insight into your first year with your babies

[Luvparrots]

Congrats on your greys graduating out of the nursery. You know your fids very well. As for the plucking. Have you tried spraying the tails with aloe vera juice. I have a re-homed eclectus who is a terrible plucker and I find if I spray him he plucks less. The aloe vera is also very soothing. I look forward to seeing Willow and Cleo and the Grey Lounge.