It's me again!

[quilter43]

Well, I let Winter out of his cage last night and he climbed to the top of his cage on the playstand. He had a great time up there. I was afraid to get him down because it is higher than my head. I called my friend who lives in my neighboorhood. He came over and took him right down. He told me that I have to be more assertive. I had no problem picking him up from my friend's hand. I know I will do better once we get to know each other. How lucky am I that I have a grey who is 14 years old and so well adjusted and who will go to anyone who wants to pick him up? when I get home tonight, I am going to let Winter out of his cage and have him step up onto my hand. Yes, I will. He is such a good boy.

 

Anyway - a few questions from a first time parrot owner - He is eating pellets and dried fruits. I also hand him brocolli, carrots and pea pods. Is there anything that is a total no no to give a grey in the way of food?

 

I hear birds like to get baths. How will I know if Winter would like this? Should I put him on his playstand and spray some water on him from a water bottle? Should I wait until we get to know each other better?

 

I'm sure I will have more questions and I have been reading the threads. They are most helpul.

 

Thank you my new friends!

 

Sherry

[danmcq]

What a wonderful bird he is!

 

Good job on letting him out to enjoy some freedom. It sounds like he was well behaved and enjoyed it.

 

Those are good eating habits. There is a list of bad foods in the bird food room as stickies. No garlic, onions, chocolate, raw potatoes...just to name a few.

 

I would wait on trying to shower him. Perhaps offer a large bowl or pie pan filled with water in the bottom of his cage and see if he hops in. Many greys absolutely hate water and you don't want to lose trust with him by misting or spraying him right now, in my opinion. That can wait a few weeks. But, if he hops in a bowl himself, that makes it much easier.

 

Thanks for the geat update.

Edited June 22, 2010 by danmcq

[quilter43]

I am so glad I found this site - it is sooo helpful. I will look for the bad food forum and I will put a bowl down for Winter to see if he wants to bathe. I had no idea that greys do not like being misted.

[oblivion]

Just a clarification of what Dan said, SOME (well he said "many") greys do not like water. Others like being sprayed just fine. Just depends on YOUR bird.

 

Also, one thing I noted was you mentioned dried fruit - depending on the source and the fruit, some have preservatives that may not good for birds (e.g. sulfur dioxide), so you may see those on a 'bad food list' or two - that's why.

[judygram]

My two birds love dried papaya and pineapple and I purchase it from www.drsfostersmith.com it has no sulfur dioxide on it, any dried fruit I give them is purchased from this online pet supply so it is safe for them.

[Guest jamalbirdbiz]

Wlecome to the nest.

 

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AFRICAN GREY EXPERT AND TOP POSTER