Reno912 Posted September 24, 2013 Share Posted September 24, 2013 (edited) My Grandmother passed away this week and she left behind her twenty year old African Grey named Baby. Baby was my Grandmother's pride and joy and my fiancé and I are excited to take him home and adopt him into our family. At this moment we are heading back to NYC by train after attending my grandmother's funeral and unfortunately we may have to wait two or three weeks until a family member can drive him out to us. In the meantime, we see that we have a lot of research to do and we would love some friendly advice. I was very concerned about how he would transition, he would only trust my grandmother to handle him. But, at the moment, he seems to be doing very well. He has spent the last few days at my parent's house and he is talking up a storm, he has a great appetite and he his keeping his feathers clean and in good health without any plucking. He seems to enjoy all the new activity. I used to be afraid to put my fingers near his cage, but he's been willing to accept food from my hand and he's let me go into his cage to exchange food and water without biting so I'm hoping that he will be able to adapt to the changes in his life well. At my grandmother's house he used to sit on top of either his cage or his perch and he allowed my grandmother to hold him as well. In hoping that gradually we can get him to trust one of us and that we can work on getting him out of his cage. And speaking of cages, he needs a new one. He's been in the cage for twenty years and it's natually a bit grimy by now, perhaps a bit small too. My fiancé has noticed that she is a bit allergic to the bird so we need everything to be as clean as possibe, but are there any thoughts about when and how would be a good time and way to introduce Baby to a new cage? I'm concerned that he already has a lot of change to deal with. Also, on the subject of dealing with pet allergies, can anyone recommend a good air filter that won't cost more than a few hundred dollars? And, maybe this is too much for one thread, but my grandmother used to clip his wings and he hated it. My mom said she used to put a towel over him to do it. If I do get him out of his cage, should I continue the clipping. If so, should I do it myself or take him to a vet. I am scared of losing his trust once I've gained it. For everyone who read all this, thank you so much. I would love any advice on how to transition baby into his new home. He really is a cool bird and we want everything with us to work out well. My grandmother would be so happy! Carrie Edited September 24, 2013 by Reno912 typos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbersmom Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Hello and welcome Carrie! Sorry to hear about your loss of your grandmother, but happy that you will be able to take care of her bird! I just rehomed my TAG last year, so there are others here who can give you more advice about the cage. I can tell you that given plenty of time, Baby will adjust to a new home and new people. Knowing her history and having some idea about the care she received is a big plus. You aren't a total stranger, and you know she wasn't mistreated. Just give her time to adjust and learn to trust you and all will be well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvparrots Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Hi Carrie, welcome to you and Baby. I am sorry for the loss of Grandmother and so glad you are able to care for Baby. I believe you have a good start as Baby already knows you and from what you have said very socialized and family familiar. Looking forward to getting to know both you. Welcome to the Grey family! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brat Birds Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Welcome Carrie and Baby. I am so sorry about the loss of your Grandmother. I might suggest that you have a bigger cage waiting for Baby when he comes home. Take some of his toys and put them in the new cage. If he doesn't object - he may or may not - put him in the new cage and you will be done with it. If he objects, leave him in his old cage but with the new cage nearby. He will accept the new cage in time. Along with a good air filter (which I can not help you with) keeping Baby well bathed will help in the allergy department too. Trimming his wings with no experience is asking for trouble. Have a vet do it and then teach you how. That would be the safe way to go. As you are aware, all the changes Baby is going through might upset him. Sit by his cage, talk to him, even read to him.. Continue to feed him from your hand and in time build up the trust. Since he has not been mistreated, he should warm up to you in a few months - maybe faster, but they can take their own sweet time about it sometimes LOL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaileysPapa Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Since this a total lifestyle change for Baby, I'd introduce the new cage right away. Like said, a few familiar toys will ease some anxiety. But, since so much is changing (her guardian, her home environment, her routines) at one time, I'd throw a new cage in the mix to make the transition complete in one action. And she'll adjust to all the changes she has to go through at the same time. She sounds like a relatively well adjusting, social, happy bird, and I think she'll adjust just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KimKim Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 (edited) Sorry for your loss. You have received a lot of good advice. I can comment on the air filter question. I have these 3: http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-50250-S-99-97%25-Round-Purifier/dp/B00007E7RY/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1380085636&sr=1-1 This one is good and easy to clean using a vacuum, but a bit loud, even on the low setting and it put out a lot of air, like a fan... http://www.kenmore.com/kenmore-plasmawave-trade-large-room-air-cleaner/p-03285450000P?prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11 This one is the one I currently use where my greys cage is. It has an auto sensor and it is also easy to clean using a vacuum. I don't think I could sleep with this one in my room though, as the motor doesnt idle at the same sound... Does that make sense lol, it goes up and down up and down. But I am a light sleeper. http://www.rabbitair.com/biogs-ultra-quiet-hepa-air-purifier.aspx This one is the most expensive, and the quietest, looks like they are coming out with a new model. I use to use this one but I need to replace the filter and carbon screen thing and just haven't gotten around to buying new ones. This one was the most hastle to clean since you had to rinse the carbon filter out and wait for it to dry. And you also have to turn off the ionizer feature. The air filters that I feel collected the most white dander/dust and down feathers was the Honeywell then the kenmore then the rabbit. The rabbit has a white screen so you probably can't see all the dust like you can on the black screens. They all work well though. Good luck! Edited September 25, 2013 by KimKim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lupine Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Hi and welcome! So sorry you lost your grandmother...but you are honoring her by stepping up to take in her Baby! It's obvious you are going to do well...you're thinking of Baby's transition and doing your homework. For that, you and your future wife deserve a lot of kudos and hugs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdhouse Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Welcome to GF Carrie. I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. You might be surprised by how much of her Baby will be bringing w/him, though. Members have commented about the bitter sweet treasure of hearing their loved ones in the ramblings of their fids. I'm w/the others about the cage. Under the circumstances, it's probably easiest all around to leave the old one behind. Baby's going to cope according to his personality & you're welcome to post threads thru the all the months this process is going to take. We're a pretty good support team because we've all been thru it. Many of us more than once. If you've got cage questions, you might get a crash course about type, size, layout, etc in the Cages & Homes Forum. You could start w/the Show Us Your Cage thread if for no other reason than it's fun to look at the pics. http://www.greyforums.net/forums/showthread.php?143481-Show-Us-Your-Cage! Greys are kind of dusty birds. So regular baths should help keep down the dander. But I just thought I'd mention that very many greys hate baths. Forewarned is forearmed, they say. lol Bunches of discussion on this topic in the Health Room, especially the stickies. You should find discussions about air filters there, too. I don't have any particular recommendations. Only that you should always avoid using an ionizing filter around Baby. Threads about keeping our fids flighted vs clipped are all over. But the health Room would certainly be a good start. Many members have fids who are loose w/supervision & fully flighted. There are risks either way. It's a choice you'll have to reassess each time Baby's flights grow in. But yes, please do have the vet do at least the initial trim, if you decide to go that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danmcq Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Welcome Carrie. The others have given plenty of good advice and comments. It is wonderful to hear your taking in Baby so he stays with his "Family". I am certain your Grandmother is smiley as she see's Baby is being taken in by you. If you can, bring that T-Stand or perch with you as well. He will recognize it is a familiar and safe place to hang out. Also, any toys that are still in good shape in his cage as more familiar items. I look forward to hearing more from you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greywings Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Welcome & glad that you will be able to care for your Grandmothers Grey, it will be like having a little of her with you still. No you do not have to keep his/her wings clipped they can grow out and Baby may learn to fly in time. Hope to hear how the transition goes and how Baby fits into your lives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reno912 Posted September 25, 2013 Author Share Posted September 25, 2013 Wow, thank you everyone for the welcome and kind wishes. You have provided me with a lot of useful advice to start off with! I was happy to hear that a lot of people thought it wold be best to get baby right into his new cage. We can't wait for baby to come join us, but since we do have to wait, I will use this time to find a good cage and and read through this forum. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reno912 Posted September 25, 2013 Author Share Posted September 25, 2013 Oh, and another thought....I see that there are a multitude of books out there on African Greys. Can anyone here recommend a couple of good ones? Besides needing to learn the basics of their care, I would like to learn more about Grey behavior and training. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdhouse Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 I'll say in advance that you're going to get a lively debate about how to do almost anything where it comes to parrots. So read, ask, observe, observe, observe. Then make your best guess & learn from whatever happens next. Welcome to the adventure!! lol For an education about diet, it might be helpful to go thru the Bird Food room. These might be helpful books on behavior. The Parrot Problem Solver Barbara Heidenreich http://www.amazon.com/Parrot-Problem-Solver-Barbara-Heidenreich/dp/0793805627 Good Bird! A Guide to Solving Behavioral Problems in Companion Parrots by Barbara Heidenreich http://www.amazon.com/Solving-Behavioral-Problems-Companion-Parrots/dp/1895270278/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380122965&sr=1-3&keywords=Barbara+Heidenreich How smart is your new fid, really? Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process by Irene Pepperberg (Author) http://www.amazon.com/Alex-Me-Scientist-Discovered-Intelligence/dp/0061673986 These are free ebooks that you can download w/adobe reader. Great ideas for foraging & activity. But Baby has had 20 yrs of living w/certain expectations & greys are, let's say often reluctant to try new things. So go slowly (read at a glacial pace!!) & keep your expectations low at first. REAL low! http://www.parrotenrichment.com/images/PEAB_V1.pdf http://www.phoenixlanding.org/PEAB_V2.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katana600 Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Thank you for joining us and welcome to our forum Carrie. I also am sorry for the loss of your grandmother and applaud your willingness to integrate Baby into your life. This thread really warms my heart and tells what kind of people are in the grey forum family. I don't have a lot of advice for you that isn't already covered by the great responses already given except perhaps to take photographs of Baby's original cage and at first try to replicate the setup in her new cage if you can. It might give him a sense of familiarity. If that isn't possible, for the beginning, put a perch up midway and hang toys that will be below his head so they won't be intimidating as he gets used to his new home with you. You are so thoughtful in your preparations to take on this labor of love and you will be rewarded with a fascinating companion in Baby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray P Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 Welcome Carrie and Baby to the grey forum, and I would also like to say sorry about your grandmother, but with Baby she will always be with you. You have been given some good advice by the member ship and it sounds like things will work out OK for you. This is a caring forum with a caring membership so if and when you need help just ask and some one will be there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave007 Posted September 25, 2013 Share Posted September 25, 2013 (edited) There's plenty of things that the bird has to get used to in his new home---household habits---new people----other pets----new environment----general hustle and bustle of the house etc etc. That usually takes months, not weeks. The bird has to first feel assured and comfortable in it's new house. Lots of talking to the bird, having the bird in the middle of everything that goes on in the house on a daily basis. The bird has to learn your habits, the husband's habits. Immediate intense physical handling is not a good idea right now. At this time, it's not a good idea to have lots of strangers constantly hanging around your bird. There's a couple of 'classification' names that apply to all pre owned adult parrots that're adopted. One is 'the bird has a past history' and the other is 'the bird has some baggage attached'. Most of the time, history and baggage can't be gotten rid of. A grey never forgets. It simply adds the new situation to his saved up info. It can be modified though as soon as your new bird realizes that many things are now different. Handling your bird is an individual thing because your bird has it's own personality unlike any other bird even though it might be the same species. The best thing to do right now is to say to yourself that "I shouldn't be disappointed if everything I hope will happen doesn't happen". Having that attitude allows you to see the many other great features of your new bird and will help you to enjoy and appreciate them. Besides the grey I have since he hatched, I have some pre owned parrots and none of them are 'ideal'. They're simply great birds and I'm glad they're happy. Some of them were serious biters. My wife and I, working with them for quite a while, have succeeded in lessening the bites BUT they still bite. It doesn't completely go away. Not to worry if biting sometimes happens. It's a type of communication. I have no idea about Baby's biting and it's something you should watch until you're sure about itbecause he's in a new home with a new atmosphere surrounding him. So far, biting isn't a problem but he hasn't moved into his new permanent home. PS----if you live in NYC, you may wanna think about buying your different items (cages--playstands) in NJ. NYC is extremely expensive as far as parrot supplies goes. Nearly double the price in NYC. I lived there for 55 yrs and I know the prices are extremely high, especially on pet supplys. Edited September 25, 2013 by Dave007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Hello Carrie and welcome to our family. So glad to hear you are giving your grandmother's grey a new forever home, the others have given you some good advice so I won't add anything at this time but just wanted to say hello. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmos_Friend Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Hi Carrie and welcome to grey forums. There's a lot of experience here that will help you and Baby have a happy and captivating life together. Please post some pictures, when you get a chance. Greywings is right, you don't have to clip Baby's wings. Greys are excellent indoor flyers. However, if you do decide to continue to clip it's wings, my suggestion would be take baby to an avian specialist to do it. Greys have a protruding breast bone that is vulnerable to fracture if they belly-land while trying to fly. Most Grey owners don't clip, but if they do, the wing clipping is just so that when they do attempt to fly, they can make a more controlled landing instead of just flopping on the floor. ~Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murfchck Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Hi and welcome! Sorry to hear about your grandmother and as others have said, with Baby, she will always be with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reno912 Posted September 28, 2013 Author Share Posted September 28, 2013 (edited) Hello everyone, so I've been looking at cages and http://www.kingscages.com seems like they have the best value for the $$. Any thoughts? We're still eagerly awaiting baby to join us and I've done a lot of studying. Also, I am concerned about the bird as the weather gets colder. We have to pay for the heat in our apartent and it gets cold when the heat is off, but the bills for only having the heat on only when we were home and awake and being very stingy and cold were way too high. We really shouldn't be leaving the heat on all day so I've been looking at cage heaters. But, do they really work well and are they safe to leave on all day, unsupervised, while we are out? Anyways, my mom has been texting us pictures. I'm happy to see that baby looks like he is holding up well and is having fun. I wanted to upload a pic that she sent me of him enjoying a toilette paper tube, but I can't figure out how to do it through either my phone or tablet so you just have to trust me that he is a cutie! And I was talking with Diana (my fiance) the other night. Maybe we have turned into jaded New Yorkers, but we really are amazed at all the quality and caring advice readily given on this forum. And I took birdhous's advice and ordered "The Parrot Problem Solver" from Amazon and I found another basic book on Grey's that I could download off of Kindle for immediate reading. It was titled "African Grey Parrots" by Nikki Moustaki. It was an easy read for Grey newbies that was very careful to cover all the basics, and it made me see the importance of getting together a proper emergency kit and my local avian vet's number together, especially before Baby makes his long 4.5 he car ride to get to us. Edited September 28, 2013 by Reno912 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave007 Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 (edited) Hello everyone, so I've been looking at cages and www.kingscages.com seems like they have the best value for the $$. Any thoughts? We're still eagerly awaiting baby to join us and I've done a lot of studying. Also, I am concerned about the bird as the weather gets colder. We have to pay for the heat in our apartent and it gets cold when the heat is off, but the bills for only having the heat on only when we were home and awake and being very stingy and cold were way too high. We really shouldn't be leaving the heat on all day so I've been looking at cage heaters. But, do they really work well and are they safe to leave on all day, unsupervised, while we are out? Anyways, my mom has been texting us pictures. I'm happy to see that baby looks like he is holding up well and is having fun. I wanted to upload a pic that she sent me of him enjoying a toilette paper tube, but I can't figure out how to do it through either my phone or tablet so you just have to trust me that he is a cutie! And I was talking with Diana (my fiance) the other night. Maybe we have turned into jaded New Yorkers, but we really are amazed at all the quality and caring advice readily given on this forum. And I took birdhous's advice and ordered "The Parrot Problem Solver" from Amazon and I found another basic book on Grey's that I could download off of Kindle for immediate reading. It was titled "African Grey Parrots" by Nikki Moustaki. It was an easy read for Grey newbies that was very careful to cover all the basics, and it made me see the importance of getting together a proper emergency kit and my local avian vet's number together, especially before Baby makes his long 4.5 he car ride to get to us. A grey's normal environmental ( comfortable) temperature is between 68 to 73 degrees. People will say that that number can vary a bit but since you're new to greys, *better safe than sorry* . Besides the surrounding room heat, you would need a slight humid atmosphere for the bird because greys have extremely dry skin which can flake and sometimes cause problems for both the skin and feathers and plucking/chewing. Drafts are a no no especially in winter. NY has nasty winters. I'm not really sure what you mean by *cage heater* but that type of item can't produce any humidity and it would actually destroy whatever humidity that exists. Plus, electric items need to be watched. A cage heater can actually harm a bird. Pet stores don't sell such items. I don't know how cold your apt gets but the bird can't be in a terribly cold environment. PS--This is my wife, Gene. This is what she suggests--------Hi, Perhaps a better solution would be to consider a small "space heater". They are sold with thermostatic controls so that they may be set to maintain a preset temperature throughout the day. This type of heating can be economical and safe as opposed to a cage heater that would probably provide a more directed intense heat which would be dehydrating to a bird. Also, long term, this heat would affect their plummage and skin in a very negative way. Good luck! Edited September 28, 2013 by Dave007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbersmom Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Watch for sales on cages. Also, there are good buys to be had on ebay. They have new as well as used there. Comparison shopping is important when it comes to a cage, the variation in price can be $100's... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbersmom Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 I keep an Edenpure heater clone in Timber's room to keep the temp up, since I keep my house pretty cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acappella Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Just be careful with heaters. Make sure it doesn't have any Teflon covered elements, since Teflon when heated off gases fumes that can kill birds very quickly (and, frankly, can't be great for humans either). Usually a call to the manufacturer is the best way to be sure a product is bird-safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray P Posted September 29, 2013 Share Posted September 29, 2013 If you look at my avatar, my birds are sitting on a Eden Pure heater. They are safe, No Teflon, All copper hear exchanger, and always cool to the touch and they don`t cost a lot to use. In the winter mine run 24/7 at a cost of about $1.00 a day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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