Knight05 Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 1- Do you guys use a night light for your bird? I have one because otherwise my room is literally pitch black. I put it right next to chloe's cage so she can see but it's not some big bright thing preventing sleep. How well is a bird's night vision naturally? 2- If my bird love's a seed diet but won't eat pellets, how can I substitute something else so she gets a healthy full rounded diet? Are fruits and veggies on the side good enough? If so, which veggies/fruits should I look into first to compensate for lack of nutrition in areas she might be suffering in (currently on a supreme parrot/with fruit seed mix). 3- When trying to potty train my parrot to only go on cages/perches, and I try to interrupt her or put any kind of newspaper under her before she goes anywhere else in the house she squaks at me like "hey get away from me" and sometimes takes a bite at me. Should I be trying this any differently or is that normal? 4- Knowing that grey's bond to one person, how can i attempt to make her like someone else just as equally? My girlfriend and I live together and chloe won't step up for her or really respond to her at all unless she is in her cage at the time and wants to get out. Any other time she pretty much ignored her, but as soon as I say step up she does it. I want us to sort of get a game plan together "as a couple" because if we each try to train her our own seperate way then it becomes confusing on the bird. So is her best bet to do what I'm doing and works for me, or should I originally pick up chloe and maybe say "go to jess" and show her hey this is my buddy it's ok do step up for her? Any ideas for those of you having multiple people handeling your greys? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevjoe Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 #1 The darker the better.They should get at least 8-12 hours a night. #2 This is a good overall feeding program. http://georgebutel.tripod.com/id2.html #3 This is a good site to help with potty training. http://www.birdieboutique.com/howtopottrai.html #4 Greys have a history of bnding with one person, but keep both of you trying to get friendly. I use the couch to help with my guy, with my daughter. It worked after about 3 months. Best of luck. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight05 Posted April 6, 2008 Author Share Posted April 6, 2008 Thanks alot, tons of beneficial info there I'll start reading it now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight05 Posted April 6, 2008 Author Share Posted April 6, 2008 oh one more question i forgot to ask, How far should bar spacing be for an african grey type cage. I was looking into getting this cage for chloe. I have to make a decision if I want the cage in the living room or leave it in my bedroom. Right now I have a perch for her in the living room and the cage in my room. Seems like a waste of money if she's almost never in the cage to begin with since I always have her out. But man that is one sexy cage! I need some toys for her too I notice pictures of others people's cages and they have like 10 toys in their cage as with me I have like 2-3 toys. Link: http://birdcages4less.com/page/B/PROD/Large_Bird_Cages/PA5727_UT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevjoe Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 Best of luck to you guys. Any other questions you WILL have, post them. We have all been in your shoes. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight05 Posted April 6, 2008 Author Share Posted April 6, 2008 oh and for cage litter newspaper versus walnut litter with a scooper what do ya'all prefer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevjoe Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 Yes, it's a good looking cage, and if it's within your means go for it, but do a lot of looking before you make your choice. A cage of that type is very good with the way of giving your girl lots of room and plenty of options during the day. She will still be free to come and go as she wants. It should be put in an active area like your living room, or family room. Perches are good but they dont provide a home for the bird. Hope I have helped you. Other members will have some good ideas also. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight05 Posted April 6, 2008 Author Share Posted April 6, 2008 Well I have a cage for her now already it's just not "a super cool cage" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovemyGreys Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 1- Parrots, like most prey animals have eye's that are widely spaced, on either side of the head. This allows for a wide range of vision.In general parrots can see about as well at night as we do - which is not very well. Certainly not as well as nocturnal birds that hunt at night, such as the owl.I do have a dim night light,a plug in one which would be used as a night light for small children. 2- As for diet you need to introduce the fruit & veg as meals, not something left on the side,if your grey has the choice of seed or fruit/veg he is going to pick the seed.Try introducing new foods to your grey in the mornings,this is when they are at their hungriest.,There is a wealth of information in the bird food room,please read the various threads.. http://www.greyforums.net/forums/bird-food/53831-tips-for-getting-your-grey-to-eattry-new-foods.html http://www.greyforums.net/forums/bird-food/59809-complete-veggiefruit-list.html 3- you need to recognize when your bird is about to poop,pick him up & take him to where you want them to go,give him a command, go poop ! We have many previous threads on toilet training,have a search with the search facility at the top of the page.. http://www.greyforums.net/forums/african-grey/41481-toilet-training-.html#41493 4- not all greys bond to one person,but if they choose to theres not much you can do.Socialize your grey, let your girlfriend join in with the caring of your grey,let her give treats,get your grey out of the cage etc..perhaps Spence take a step back & let your girlfriend get more involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevjoe Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 I use newspaper now. I used different items, and have less mess with the newspaper. Again, it's a matter of choice. Me, the less the mess the better. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevjoe Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 This the BEST site on the web to spend time with. It's Africangrey.com This pace wiil help you in many questions that will come up. http://www.africangreys.com/articles.htm Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 Spence it helps to socialize her to get her out with you and your gf and pass her between the two of you praising her lavishly when she steps up for her and goes to her and the two of you play games with her. I agree the cage needs to be where you spend the most time when home, she wants to be a part of the family and even though she is out when you are home it may come a time when it will be necessary to have her caged and if she is where she is part of the flock she will be happier. Newspaper is the best to use on the bottom of the cage, it is easily removed and replaced with fresh paper and is a renewable resource. Tracy and Joe have provided some excellent links for information you requested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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