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[LovemyCVOgirl]

As long as I can remember..,    I have always wanted an African Grey Congo Parrot.  Well, now that I'm retired, I decided to make my dream a reality.  She/he is only 8 weeks old right now and the breeder is hand feeding her.  She won't be ready to come home with me until she is around 17 to 18 weeks.  The breeder lives 4 hours north of me so I will have to settle for pictures.   .  In this picture she/he is the little Grey baby on the right.  I will keep everyone posted on her progress through this thread.

[iski]

 We had an African Grey for years - a Timneh.  Great talker, smart as a whip, a true escape artist.  Used to keep him outside on the porch.  His hobby other than being a brat was tormenting & terrorizing cats.  After 1 bloody nose they never came back for more. He was a gift & when we moved & could not keep him we kept our promise to do the same & gave him away.

Congrats, you are gonna love your little feathered friend!

[FLHTCUSE7]

Congrats 

[porthole]

Lots of handling when young will make it easier as they mature.
And try for equal time with the humans. They can become a one person bird.

We had a blue & gold macaw for years. Got him as a baby and we both handled him/her a lot. Result was he was good with both of us. And quite the character.

Although he did have a habit of nipping my wife when she was holding him and I came near. As if to say "keep him away".

Lots to read now.

[lilcoot]

Congratulations, mom!    I can see the family resemblance... 

You have to teach him/her to ride with you.  I bet you could find little avian helmet and goggles.

Dan

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Congratulations, mom!    I can see the family resemblance... 

You have to teach him/her to ride with you.  I bet you could find little avian helmet and goggles.

Dan

 

[JCZ]

Congratulations Judy!  You'll love that bird and yes, we've all heard the term "bird brained"......it's really a complament because they're much smarter than people give them credit.

The more they're handled, the more enjoyable they are....which also means the more attached you get to them. Like Porthole has suggested, get others to handle your bird on a regular bases....socialize him/her. 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Thanks everyone for your feedback!  I have spent the last year reading every book I could get my hands on that talked about African Grey's and have spoken with the breeder numerous times.  I couldn't agree more with everyone about socialization skills with my Grey.  They are an intelligent bird and therefore you must keep them entertained or they become bored and boredom brings bad habits.  I'm sure she/he will find my household anything but boring with 4 little Yorkies running around.  One of my Yorkies, Katy, is the only real barker I have and by the end of the day I have caught myself saying "Katy, Shout the fu*k up!"  Now, can't you just hear my Grey repeating this 50 times a day?  I'm working on my language before I get her......

[110tHunDer]

 
Might be kinda funny ...... the first few times, anyway!

Congrats on the new addition, Judy!  I agree you need to find a way that he can ride with you.  Would be some good entertainment at RibFest this spring!

[DaBigNuttedMan]

congratulations Judy I hope he's or shes a real character.

[OBB]

I'm so freaking jealous!!! I had a Congo Grey years ago when I was single. My best buddy in the world (named him Bandit). Used to sit on my shoulder and get the droplets of beer out of my mustache after a swig. Fast forward a few years to marriage, two babies in the house and working two jobs. Didn't have the time he needed anymore. He went to a consignment store. Only bad words he ever picked up from me was "Bitch, Bitch, Bitch". I was careful about the language used for sure. I should have listened to him though. The first time he met my now ex-wife, he was carrying on after not seeing me for a day and getting loud with the whistles and all. She told him to shut up and he promptly replied with the "bitch,bitch ,bitch" comment back to her. Like others have said, those birds are smart....

[1sharprdkg]

Judy, congrats on the new addition.   Sell Kimber=Buy baby bird. lol  Enjoy the new baby! 

[OBB]

Judy, congrats on the new addition.   Sell Kimber=Buy baby bird. lol  Enjoy the new baby! 

I'm just about guessing that the Kimber didn't bring the price of the bird.

[Skillet]

Hope you enjoy your new family members.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

        You are right Mike!  Selling the Kimber bought the bird cage!  I've got your cell number on speed dial because once I get her I'm going to need your advice. 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

We had an African Grey for years - a Timneh.  Great talker, smart as a whip, a true escape artist.  Used to keep him outside on the porch.  His hobby other than being a brat was tormenting & terrorizing cats.  After 1 bloody nose they never came back for more. He was a gift & when we moved & could not keep him we kept our promise to do the same & gave him away.

Congrats, you are gonna love your little feathered friend!

Thank you!  I'm anxious to get her.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Congrats 

Thank you!   

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Lots of handling when young will make it easier as they mature.
And try for equal time with the humans. They can become a one person bird.

We had a blue & gold macaw for years. Got him as a baby and we both handled him/her a lot. Result was he was good with both of us. And quite the character.

Although he did have a habit of nipping my wife when she was holding him and I came near. As if to say "keep him away".

Lots to read now.

Knowledge is the key to raising a healthy Grey.  I'm still reading books!

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Congratulations Judy!  You'll love that bird and yes, we've all heard the term "bird brained"......it's really a complament because they're much smarter than people give them credit.

The more they're handled, the more enjoyable they are....which also means the more attached you get to them. Like Porthole has suggested, get others to handle your bird on a regular bases....socialize him/her. 

Thank you JC.  She is 9 weeks old yesterday and the breeder said that she already knows the command to "step up" when placing your hand in front of her!

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Might be kinda funny ...... the first few times, anyway!

Congrats on the new addition, Judy!  I agree you need to find a way that he can ride with you.  Would be some good entertainment at RibFest this spring!

Brian, I could just see me strapping her in a cage on the back of my MC!  Yep, I get to Ribfest and she doesn't have any feathers left.   

[LovemyCVOgirl]

congratulations Judy I hope he's or shes a real character.

A real character would fit my personality perfectly. 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

I'm so freaking jealous!!! I had a Congo Grey years ago when I was single. My best buddy in the world (named him Bandit). Used to sit on my shoulder and get the droplets of beer out of my mustache after a swig. Fast forward a few years to marriage, two babies in the house and working two jobs. Didn't have the time he needed anymore. He went to a consignment store. Only bad words he ever picked up from me was "Bitch, Bitch, Bitch". I was careful about the language used for sure. I should have listened to him though. The first time he met my now ex-wife, he was carrying on after not seeing me for a day and getting loud with the whistles and all. She told him to shut up and he promptly replied with the "bitch,bitch ,bitch" comment back to her. Like others have said, those birds are smart....

Hind site Mike, maybe you should have kept the bird and not the ex wife.   

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Judy, congrats on the new addition.   Sell Kimber=Buy baby bird. lol  Enjoy the new baby! 

Lol.  .  Arland the Kimber sell only bought the cage.  .  I'm learning that this is an expensive venture!   

[BUCKNUT GREG]

Congrats Moma,  that little critter is adorable.

Your Signature is simply.......STUNNING 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Congrats Moma,  that little critter is adorable.

Your Signature is simply.......STUNNING 

Thank you Greg!  I thought the photographer captured my best moment on the Dragon.    Looking at the picture I didn't realize how "small" I looked on that MC.

[porthole]

      You are right Mike!  Selling the Kimber bought the bird cage!  I've got your cell number on speed dial because once I get her I'm going to need your advice. 

If you were not so far away I would have given you a King cage. A little chipped from our macaw using the bars to get our attention all the time, but a good cage.

I was planning on getting a semi custom cage for our guy before we lost him.

http://www.cagesbydesign.com/?gclid=CPT_p922y7oCFcuZ4AodrkgATw

If your home a lot, watch the yard sales. We got a very heavy steel cage that was a bit rough, but it was good for the backyard.

And 10x10x6 dog pen with a top was great for outdoor time too.

[Rooster]

Congrats on your new little buddy. I had a vision of you getting to Rib Fest with a naked bird and when you go to check him out he gives you the bird. LOL Better keep him more enclosed while traveling. Oh and he will need a doo rag and some sunglasses.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Congrats on your new little buddy. I had a vision of you getting to Rib Fest with a naked bird and when you go to check him out he gives you the bird. LOL Better keep him more enclosed while traveling. Oh and he will need a doo rag and some sunglasses.

   I think this will be the birds only method of travel.   

[iski]

Thank you!  I'm anxious to get her.

Welcome.  We miss ours sometimes, but other times when I remember the house destruction....nevermind.  LOL

Ours was about 10 when we got him. The couple we got him from was expecting a baby & had to give him away.  Probably the chances of the baby keeping it's fingers & toes led to that decision.  Bimbo - we didn't name him, they did - was a biter & he disliked women.  He barely tolerated men.  I was the only one he seemed to like & he would bite the hell out of me still sometimes.  Mostly he would ride around on my shoulder & he liked to stay outside as much as possible.  I think it was because he liked tormenting cats, & he did plenty of that. He got out of his cage a few times outdoors & would always fly back.  We tried a lot of things short of a Master lock on his cage door.  A snap hook worked well, but I figure given enough time he would have figured that out too.

The key to Greys is - handle them & gentle them while they are young birds.  Ours was not handled young & as a result, he was very wild.  Greys are known to have a wild streak.  Ours was a great talker & picked up words & phrases very easily.  Fairly large vocabulary & easy to understand.  Also was a perfect mimic for the doorbell as well as the microwave beep.  He beeped sometimes for fun when we were using the microwave - no doubt a very smart bird.  He used words that were appropriate too - like greeting folks with a brisk "Hello!" when somebody new came into the room.

You are getting yours young & if I ever got another would prefer to have one gentled while young.  It's like having a new member of the family.  They are very interactive birds & even as rough & tumble as ours was, he was quite social.

[Pete7539]

Congratulations! As mentioned socializing is important because they can become a one person bird and they have a strong beak. I believe they are compared to have the intelligence of a five year old child which astounding as that sounds, I think is underrated. I'm sure you know that they will be with you for life. Not to be grim, but make sure as the years go by that you have a friend or family member that develops a good relationship with birdie and can care for he/she should it become difficult for you. You'll have peace of mind knowing your baby will be loved and cared for if they've got a good Godmother. Also I don't know where you plan on keeping the cage, but close to the kitchen could be dangerous with cooking. Non-stick pan coatings are VERY toxic if overheated on the stove, may want to get stainless cookware if you don't already have. Or look into the green non stick and it's toxicity, whether it is or not I don't know. If you can, with the help of someone, trim the wings at an early age so they're used to the not so fun grooming(also filing the beak), it'll save you a lot from going to the vet to have the same done. Another danger in the kitchen is a bird with flight feathers grown in. I've never had a grey myself. The highest up on the tree I went with was a caique. Sadly my ex took custody of him. But I've grown up with cockatiels, quakers, parakeets. My mother had twice walked outside, was a lil tipsy, forgetting that Mugsy or Casey were on her shoulder and they flew away on separate occasions. Both came home within a couple hours amazingly! I remember sitting on the roof watching them fly through our neighborhood and hearing their distinct chirping. One landed on the deck and wanted back in the house and the other event, he landed in a tree and I went outside with his cage and called him. He flew down to the cage and climbed back inside. They're all great and very smart. Messy, but very entertaining as well. If you don't have this catalog already call these guys http://www.drsfostersmith.com/bird-supplies/pr/c/5059 and request their avian catalog. They have good pricing and a lot of tips in their catalogs. Wish you the best of luck with your new baby

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Thank you Pete7539 and Iski for your funny stories and useful info.  For all the reasons you mentioned above, I have elected to go with a baby Grey. The woman that breeds them is very selective who she sells them to.  I felt like I was going through a job interview after talking to her routine times on the telephone.  This is part of her screening process.  She has 5 breeding pairs and only two pairs are African Grey's.  She said that for every 5 eggs they lay only 1 is fertile.  In one years time she averages on a good year only 5 Grey babies.  She keeps her breeders in cages in a spare bedroom.  She said the breeders are not pets and very mean.  Apparently once they mate up they consider humans as predators and very threatening.  She removes the hatched chick at 3 weeks and takes over the hand feeding.  The chick has not developed a fear of humans at this young age so they are very receptive to receiving the food and attention they are getting.  She said the first 7 or 8 weeks they mostly eat and sleep.  But between 9 to 10 weeks they start showing their personality more and this is when she starts handling them.  My chick is this age now and she is starting to show her curiosity.  She is working with her on her "step up" when she places her hand in front of her feet to get her to get on your finger.  After only one week of interaction with mine the breeder said she is already understanding the command and has attempted to step on finger!  Breeder said that from now until I come get her she will teach/spend hours a day socializing her and touch and hold her.  Of all the chicks she has hatched and sold over her 8 years she states that when they go to their owner at 17 to 18 weeks they all are starting to talk some.  I feel very fortunate to have found this woman and lucky to get one of her babies. 

I will be sure and post every picture she sends me as she is growing!     Today she got her bath and she sent me a picture of her wet!  Notice her little red tail.  I have also named her Jade.

[1sharprdkg]

Lol.  .  Arland the Kimber sell only bought the cage.  .  I'm learning that this is an expensive venture!   

Wow! I knew the birds were expensive, never thought about the cage and stuff.

[OBB]

Sounds like this woman has a lot of knowledge to pass along. Another thing yet to learn is as new feathers form on the backs of their heads and necks where they can't reach, you will have to "preen" them for your pet. The new feathers grow in like a wax coated quill and you'll use your fingers to gently crush that wax to allow the feathers to expand. It's painful for the bird if it doesn't get done. Ask the breeder about this.
I can also see one of our first spring rides (damn I said that didn't I, winter is almost here) will be up to see you girls and your new pet. Just wait until it starts barking like the dogs or repeating you when you call and whistle for the dogs. Mine used to whistle and call the dog when he was bored. And then he'd laugh at the dog when the dog came snooping around to see who called him.   Lord forbid you set off your house alarm more than a half dozen times, Jade will pick that up and associate the fact that when it goes off, you come running. She'll do that to get your attention.

[Pete7539]

Right on Ohio, "pin feathers" I've heard them referred to as. They're what creates a lot of dust around the cage as well. Some of my birds loved to have the coating removed, others not so much. You'll get to learn as to how they tolerate certain areas. I always tested by capping the tip, then working down pinching between thumb and forefinger or middle. The ones that are thicker toward the base are a lot more sensitive. Most important thing is to make sure you're not putting a rotating force into it while you pinch to break the wax shell. That is what hurts and can turn them off to being helped out by you. You'll see what ones they can't get to and need assistance grooming. I think to them its kind of like an ingrown hair trying to break out. Speaking of twisting or twisted... I think it also can turn on some of them lol. A male bird I had would treat the knuckles on my hand like, well....it was another type of knuckle,...you couldn't help but laugh. No harm no foul no mess, it didn't bother me and it was a good laugh for anyone around. Friends nicknamed him Elvis the pelvis because of his "dancing" moves.

[porthole]

Pin feathers - always fun and sometimes quite the challenge.

First aid kit for birds - ask your breeder - very important. A bird can quickly bleed out with a pin feather plucked out too soon or violently.

Ask your breeder about "toweling". With our macaw it was sometimes the only way to handle him (clipping, nails etc). Doing it soon and often and sometimes as a game keeps the anxiety down. Not every toweling should relate to something unpleasant.

Anxious birds, scared birds can self mutilate - pluck whatever feathers they can get too. Those are the "naked" birds you see in rescue.

Like puppies, a tired bird can be a happy bird. We would "exercise our guy by gripping a toe nail while sitting on our hand and getting him to flap his wings. Once flapping he would do this until he was tired, and then nuzzle up for some time together.

Cold drafts - very bad
Teflon pots and pans in the kitchen, toxic odors to the birds. Birds are very sensitive to out of the ordinary odors.

Lots and lots of toys, stuff to chew. But, rotate them so he/she doesn't get bored.
Our guy was an expert at making splinters of whatever we gave him.

Not sure about the Greys, but with macaws it is best to not let them get higher then you, once above they tend to dominate, get mean. The only way we could get our guy off the top of his cage was use a 3' long wooden dowel.

So much to learn, good thing the life time it takes is the lifetime you could potentially have with your bird. 40+ years if in a health environment.

If you plan on traveling with him in the car, a cat - dog carrier works well and the latch is about impossible for them to open. We used a big carrier that I mounted a "roughed up" 1.5" wood dowel in the forward end, with enough room over his head to stand upright.


Be prepared for the mess  

A favorite pastime of ours was to grab a foot full of food and throw it out of the cage - this would always get the dogs running! "Beak sweeping" is fun too.

Diet is very important, not just "bird food".

Only know about the macaws, but our guy ate just about everything we did, besides specific food.

My wife use to sit down on the floor every night and share baby food (the jarred stuff) with the bird, 2 dogs and 2 cats. They would sit in a circle and each get a spoonful.
Ever taste baby food veggies  

Your going to have a blast

[porthole]

And if you are handy, I still have some manzanita branches.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

And if you are handy, I still have some manzanita branches.

Duane thank you for the valuable feedback.  It was very nice of you to take the time to type all that info! 

Are the manzanita branches used in the cage?  Do they have a way to attach them to the cage sides? 

[ultrarider123]

Congrats on the new "baby" coming to you, Judy.

BTW, how did you get Chip to pose so well for your avatar picture....

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Congrats on the new "baby" coming to you, Judy.

BTW, how did you get Chip to pose so well for your avatar picture....

I pulled the picture out of his High School book. 

[Pete7539]

Are the manzanita branches used in the cage?  Do they have a way to attach them to the cage sides?  

Home Depot or Lowes should have screws that are half lag and half machine thread. Or you could drill the ends and just get threaded inserts to drill and tap into the end, then use threaded rod, fender washers, and wingnuts to attach. Just measure out the length you need and cut down the branch. Drill into the end either a pilot hole or a hole big enough for some kind of well nut. If using a well nut loctite the short piece of threaded rod into it. Then slide branch inbetween rails like any other perch. I've used fender washers on both sides, you could get away with just the outside of the cage and then wingnut. Doing it this was will make it easier to take out for the thorough cleanings of the cage. A simpler method would be to cut to length then drill pilot holes, put in place use a fender washer and a wood screw to hold it there. Con to that is more of a pain for cleaning or rearranging things in the cage. Wouldn't go any bigger than 1/4-20. Making them yourself is cheaper than premade and you can get them to fit the way you want and not force it to fit otherwise. Also recommend stainless hardware if you can find.

You could always just make a bunch that attach by one end only, kind of like stairs she could climb up. Then drill out the extended part and attach rope or toys. Lots of options, all fun.

[porthole]

Are the manzanita branches used in the cage?  Do they have a way to attach them to the cage sides? 

Yes to the branches in the cage, or wherever you might make a play stand. See Pete's comments for attachments

The stand below is 5-6 branches screwed together and stood about 4' tall

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Yes to the branches in the cage, or wherever you might make a play stand. See Pete's comments for attachments

The stand below is 5-6 branches screwed together and stood about 4' tall

Your Amazon is beautiful Duane!  I would be interested in your branches!     I could do some really creative things with them for my bird.    Get me a price and I will settle with you.

[porthole]

Zip code?

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Zip code?

43560

[FLHTCUSE7]

43560

That is a great picture from the dragon, love the angle the picture is shot from

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Jade learned to perch this weekend!  She made an attempt to try and feed herself while perched on her feed dish. Breeder said she made quite a mess but she seemed very happy and acting like big stuff because she did it herself. 

[porthole]

Zip code?

Judy, I dug the branches out, not a good pic, but this is what they look like, roll of duct tape for size. Manzanita wood is really tough stuff and great for the beaks of parrots.
As you can see, you would need some imagination to make some perches, play stands etc. Google is your friend.

This would not be real heavy to ship, but UPS uses a calculator for what is called a "dimensional weight", meaning the fee could be based more on size then weight.

These were unused but still should be cleaned.
Do you have a power/pressure washer? I used a pressure washer on all of our stands - perches.

I can power wash them, but not right away.

So if you are interested in them I will find a box and you can have them for the cost of shipping.
I don't know what the break even point would be over what you can get 5 similar branches for shipping only. But my guess is the value is around $100-$150

After cleaning (even with no chemicals) I would suggest allowing any new wood in your environment to dry out for several weeks.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Judy, I dug the branches out, not a good pic, but this is what they look like, roll of duct tape for size. Manzanita wood is really tough stuff and great for the beaks of parrots.
As you can see, you would need some imagination to make some perches, play stands etc. Google is your friend.

This would not be real heavy to ship, but UPS uses a calculator for what is called a "dimensional weight", meaning the fee could be based more on size then weight.

These were unused but still should be cleaned.
Do you have a power/pressure washer? I used a pressure washer on all of our stands - perches.

I can power wash them, but not right away.

So if you are interested in them I will find a box and you can have them for the cost of shipping.
I don't know what the break even point would be over what you can get 5 similar branches for shipping only. But my guess is the value is around $100-$150

After cleaning (even with no chemicals) I would suggest allowing any new wood in your environment to dry out for several weeks.

Duane, I would love to have them!  Do I need to peel the bark off?  Leave the bark on?  Or do I have to seal the branches?  I can think of a dozen things that I could make them into.  I will pay the shipping!  I will clean them real good.  Were they ever in your cage?  I will reimburse you for shipping.  Let me know the amount and if you want a check or Pay Pal.  I'm excited to get them!  Thank you
Judy

[porthole]

Duane, I would love to have them!  Do I need to peel the bark off?  Leave the bark on?  Or do I have to seal the branches?  I can think of a dozen things that I could make them into.  I will pay the shipping!  I will clean them real good.  Were they ever in your cage?  I will reimburse you for shipping.  Let me know the amount and if you want a check or Pay Pal.  I'm excited to get them!  Thank you
Judy

I'll start looking for a box.

The bark is unlike regular tree bark. It can be left on. Some parrots ignore, others peel it. Some folks have it sandblasted off. It is really tough stuff, you could use the thicker pieces to hammer nails!

No sealing, no chemicals anywhere for your bird. Remember my comment about Teflon pots and pans?

Never in a cage. These were harvested by my wife's sister, she lives on a reservation up in the hills of Southern California.

Here are a couple of links about wood and perches.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Manzanita-Bird-Perches---The-Facts-and-FAQs&id=3283557
http://www.avianweb.com/safewoods.html

In the end, if your bird chews the branches and makes toothpicks out of them - that is good and keeping him occupied.
If he never bites or pecks at them, that is good and they will last forever.

[porthole]

Chemicals - a diluted bleach mixture is ok as long as complete air drying is allowed. Plain old household bleach, not the fragrant versions.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Chemicals - a diluted bleach mixture is ok as long as complete air drying is allowed. Plain old household bleach, not the fragrant versions.

Gotcha!    I will clean them and let them air dry. Thank you for the link about the wood.  Interesting reading.

[porthole]

Check your PM's

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Jade's cage arrived yesterday and I began the painstaking process of putting it together.  .  The Chinese have no idea how to write directions in English.

[OBB]

Jade's cage arrived yesterday and I began the painstaking process of putting it together.  .  The Chinese have no idea how to write directions in English.

Jade is going to have a blast chewing up the wood frame on that mirror.......


On the other hand, if you mount it lower where she can see herself in it and not get to the frame while she's on her playground, she might think there's another bird in the room with her. Could be a good thing or a bad thing. I can't remember.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Jade is going to have a blast chewing up the wood frame on that mirror.......


On the other hand, if you mount it lower where she can see herself in it and not get to the frame while she's on her playground, she might think there's another bird in the room with her. Could be a good thing or a bad thing. I can't remember.

Lol.   .  The mirror just looks closer to the cage than it actually is Mike.  There is probably 4" from cage to mirror frame.  I will have to watch and see how far she can stretch her neck.   

Not sure about seeing her reflection in the mirror.., I'm hoping she finds it entertaining.   
Not sure about seeing her reflection

[Pete7539]

Judy, get some clear carpet runner (called something like that) or clear mat that goes under an office chair ya know? Highly recommend putting that under the cage and having it go past the footprint of the cage by about a foot. It will help you with keeping the carpet clean. That inverted catch at the base helps, but they can project messy foods and other messy stuff farther than that guard can stop. Also get some magic erasers for the wall behind the cage. Makes cleanup a breeze

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Judy, get some clear carpet runner (called something like that) or clear mat that goes under an office chair ya know? Highly recommend putting that under the cage and having it go past the footprint of the cage by about a foot. It will help you with keeping the carpet clean. That inverted catch at the base helps, but they can project messy foods and other messy stuff farther than that guard can stop. Also get some magic erasers for the wall behind the cage. Makes cleanup a breeze

I'm one step ahead of you Pete!  I went to Dick's and got myself this nice exercise mat that is going to work perfect!  But thank you for thinking of me. 

[porthole]

Looks like a King Cage.

We used clumping cat litter in the bottom of the cage when the grate wasn't covered with newspaper. was easier to scoop up the mess.
Speaking of mess, by now you should have read or been told that birds "mess" all the time, every 20-25 minutes.

When we would be holding playing with our macaw for a long period of time he would let us know by a certain way he would bob up and down.
His little dance meant he wanted to be over his paper or "approved" area.

[Pete7539]

I'm one step ahead of you Pete!  I went to Dick's and got myself this nice exercise mat that is going to work perfect!  But thank you for thinking of me. 

 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Looks like a King Cage.

We used clumping cat litter in the bottom of the cage when the grate wasn't covered with newspaper. was easier to scoop up the mess.
Speaking of mess, by now you should have read or been told that birds "mess" all the time, every 20-25 minutes.

When we would be holding playing with our macaw for a long period of time he would let us know by a certain way he would bob up and down.
His little dance meant he wanted to be over his paper or "approved" area.

GREAT    A bird that's kitty litter trained    I'm liking that idea. 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Newest picture of Jade.  She is growing!

[1sharprdkg]

Cool! looking like a real bird now!

[OBB]

Awful small for dinner ain't it? 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Awful small for dinner ain't it? 

Not to be confused with a Turkey Mike. 

[Mrs Rooster]

 Judy, Happy Thanksgiving!

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Judy, Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you so much!  Happy Thanksgiving to you and I love the picture!

[longlast]

Do those ones learn to talk Judy?

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Do those ones learn to talk Judy?

I guess they do talk Pete!     They are the best talkers in the parrot world.  There was a Grey named Alex that had a vocabulary of over 350 words and he knew over 16 colors and multiple shapes.  He could even put together cognitive thoughts that he vocalized into short sentence's.  They are said to have the intelligence of a 5 yr old.

[Hx2]

They are not only great talkers, they will also perfectly imitate every sound around your house.  And if you are used to yelling stuff in your house, like calling your kids, they will also do that...  They can be very amusing, and sometimes they can be annoying, like if they call you and you think it's someone else calling you.

[iski]

Ours had several versions of "Hello".  Perfect mimic to each voice.  When he heard the microwave start up, he would wait a few seconds & "beep."  He loved messing with us, microwave beep & the door bell sound.  Kept him covered at night so he would shut up, & in the morning when he heard people stirring, from under his cover you would hear a quiet "Hello?  Hello?".

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Jade took her first "small" flight yesterday!  She was so proud of herself. 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

We went and got Jade yesterday!  She is a really sweet Grey.  The breeder doesn't believe in wing clipping but I do.., and as you can see from the picture I'm posting when taking her out of her cage for the first time she went right to the window in the house where we can't reach her.  Coaxing eventually brought her down and apt was made to take her to avian vet on Monday for a little trimming.   



Back in her cage!

[longlast]

Yup,...clip it's wings or you'll lose her for sure at some point. It'll do just fine walking about. Good luck.
                                   AND HAPPY UP COMMING NEW YEAR. Ride em safe Judy

[OBB]

I'm jealous. Beautiful bird you have there Judy. 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Yup,...clip it's wings or you'll lose her for sure at some point. It'll do just fine walking about. Good luck.
                                   AND HAPPY UP COMMING NEW YEAR. Ride em safe Judy

THANK YOU PETE 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

I'm jealous. Beautiful bird you have there Judy. 

THANK YOU MIKE 

[spydglide]

Congrats on the new pal, Judy.  I'm enjoying this thread so much....can't wait for the next update and pics.  har.  spyder

[porthole]

Who's a lucky bird?

Wing clipping. Talk to your "cutter" about how he/she cuts and how they handle the bird - before the clip.

People other then owners tend to be a bit rougher, just like when you take an unruly pup for grooming.

Before we learned how to do our own clipping our macaw would sometimes come home with very visible bruises on his beak. He had white face feathers and it was easy to see the bruising. And his feathers would be all messed up.

Groomers tend to clip all the flight feathers, and that is what it looks like when they are done. Odd, unnatural look.

We preferred a cut where the outer 2 most feathers were left long, then all the inner flight feathers were trimmed.
This will prevent the bird from getting any "lift" and taking off, but allows just enough to help slow down any crash dives.

If you can't keep your wits about you when the Jade is being handled for the clip, leave the room. Your bird will sense your uneasiness and get even more stressed.

Over the years we could "read" our bird and could tell when he was getting a bit uncomfortable with his feathers growing in. He was most happy when he could flap to his hearts content, but not get into any flight trouble.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Who's a lucky bird?

Wing clipping. Talk to your "cutter" about how he/she cuts and how they handle the bird - before the clip.

People other then owners tend to be a bit rougher, just like when you take an unruly pup for grooming.

Before we learned how to do our own clipping our macaw would sometimes come home with very visible bruises on his beak. He had white face feathers and it was easy to see the bruising. And his feathers would be all messed up.

Groomers tend to clip all the flight feathers, and that is what it looks like when they are done. Odd, unnatural look.

We preferred a cut where the outer 2 most feathers were left long, then all the inner flight feathers were trimmed.
This will prevent the bird from getting any "lift" and taking off, but allows just enough to help slow down any crash dives.

If you can't keep your wits about you when the Jade is being handled for the clip, leave the room. Your bird will sense your uneasiness and get even more stressed.

Over the years we could "read" our bird and could tell when he was getting a bit uncomfortable with his feathers growing in. He was most happy when he could flap to his hearts content, but not get into any flight trouble.

Duane, I'm lucky to have one of the top 5 Avian Vets right here in my town.  She is known world wide and I feel very fortunate that she is seeing Jade on Monday.  I agree with you about clipping.  I want her to be able to break her fall but not get lift.  After flying up to my high window I've decided that it is for her safety.

Jade is very sweet!  She loves it when I cuddle her up to my neck and she can turn to my cheek and give me kisses.  She adores it when I give her head and neck rubs.  She is very affectionate.  I couldn't have asked for a sweeter parrot.

[RoadMonkey]

Jade looks great! Thank you for sharing.

[1sharprdkg]

Hey Congrats on getting to bring Jade home, I know you had to wait a good while! That is one COOL bird!   Arland

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Jade says hello to everyone!  And thank you for all your sweet comments.

[OBB]

She sure has enough toys to play with. Wait until she figures out how to unhook one of those and it drops to the bottom of the cage. That'll scare the crap outta ya.

[porthole]

I want her to be able to break her fall but not get lift.  

Yeah, that's important. They have a prominent breast bone that can easily be fractured in an unrestrained fall.

Looking good 

[BUCKNUT GREG]

Jade is such a precious little Girl...

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Jade received a clean bill of health yesterday at the vet and had two feathers clipped on each wing.  She can still fly but her lift is only about 8' off the floor.  Yippee!  No more trying to get her down from our 20' high window in the LR.

Picture taken this morning as she was out of her cage getting her exercise.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Jade eating scrambled eggs and toast in the kitchen with me this morning.

[Rooster]

Nice looking bird you got there Judy. Can't wait to hear of her talking. Guess y'all will have to chose your words wisely as the ones you don't want repeated will be the ones she repeats.

[OBB]

Jade eating scrambled eggs and toast in the kitchen with me this morning.

Scrambled eggs? Now that's about carnivorous. Wait til you give her some chicken wings. They're hilarious to watch eat them.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

CHICKEN WINGS!?!?  I refuse to let her eat her cousin. 

[Fired00d]

CHICKEN WINGS!?!?  I refuse to let her eat her cousin. 

But you let her eat scrambled eggs??

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

But you let her eat scrambled eggs??

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Gary, She doesn't know that scrambled eggs started with a chicken!   

[Fired00d]

Gary, She doesn't know that scrambled eggs started with a chicken!   

Uh oh... you better hope she never learns (hears) otherwise.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[OBB]

Gary, She doesn't know that scrambled eggs started with a chicken!   

Soooo,,,, back to the old question,,, "which came first, the chicken or the egg?" 

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Latest update on Jade!  Her lab results came back and Jade is a BOY!  The only boy in this house so I guess that makes him special. 

[9 1/2 Beers]

Latest update on Jade!  Her lab results came back and Jade is a BOY!  The only boy in this house so I guess that makes him special.  

 Does Jade ride a Blue bike  

 Attn: SBB

[SBB]

Does Jade ride a Blue bike  

 Attn: SBB

He should, he can, hello Renay, you have a new passenger!

 

SBB

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Everyone is so funny!   .  I did catch Renay teaching him to say "Blue Bike"
I'm going to have to keep an eye on what she teaches him.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

I'm hoping Abby learned a lesson this morning!  Don't stand under Jade when he is doing his morning "business"

[OBB]

I'm hoping Abby learned a lesson this morning!  Don't stand under Jade when she is doing her morning "business"

 

[spydglide]

Oh my Abby... ....some days you're the big dog, and others... ..well, not so much.  You're a cutie anyway.  har. spyder

[1sharprdkg]

Lucky thing Jade is a hip/cool "Boy" name, so you are off the hook. He will be like "hey whatsup I'm Jade want to see my cage?"lol
Abby is cute as h**l.
 

[longlast]

Latest update on Jade!  Her lab results came back and Jade is a [b]BOY[/b][/color]!  The only boy in this house so I guess that makes him special.  

I'm hoping Abby learned a lesson this morning!  Don't stand under Jade when she is doing her morning "business"

Careful there Judy,..animals have their own way too communicate. The shot on the head could have been Jades way of telling Abby too, Shuuuut it.

[1sharprdkg]

I'm hoping Abby learned a lesson this morning!  Don't stand under Jade when she is doing her morning "business"

Some days your a doggie, some days your a toilet!!

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Yep, I think Jade was sending Abby a message 

[Fired00d]

I'm hoping Abby learned a lesson this morning!  Don't stand under Jade when she is doing her morning "business"

Looks like Chip may have some competition for the next "Chithead" contest (Chithead! and 2010 CVO Chithead election) 

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[OBB]

Yep, I think Jade was sending Abby a message 

Abby should be damn glad you didn't buy a Macaw! 

[AMEDD_SFC]

Allcon:

Abby is too cute for words.

Seems like Jade is letting everyone know who rules the roost!

That made my day and filled up my cute tank for a week!

M

[9 1/2 Beers]

http://video.foxnews.com/v/3056987526001/parrot-saves-family-from-fire/?playlist_id=921261890001#intcmp=features&sp=show-clips&v=3056987526001

[LovemyCVOgirl]

http://video.foxnews.com/v/3056987526001/parrot-saves-family-from-fire/?playlist_id=921261890001#intcmp=features&sp=show-clips&v=3056987526001

How awesome is that 

[Kilaani]

Brian, I could just see me strapping HIM in a cage on the back of my MC!  Yep, I get to Ribfest and HE doesn't have any feathers left.   

Wow, Judy, that is so cool. He is a gorgeous boy! I am sure he will keep you busy. I wish you gals were heading out to sunny Carmel. My Harry is learning so much and he loves riding. He truly has been my service dog from the beginning...he was all that kept me sane through December. I am happy to be in 2014, no more disasters, hope ahead!

[porthole]

Picture taken this morning as she was out of her cage getting her exercise.

We had a couple of those "burnt pvc" contraptions. Our macaw hated them. He would flip out if he even saw it.

Jade eating scrambled eggs and toast in the kitchen with me this morning.

You don't have to worry about the egg shell pieces either, they will eat that as well.

Scrambled eggs? Now that's about carnivorous. Wait til you give her some chicken wings. They're hilarious to watch eat them.

If you give chicken bones be aware - cooked chicken bones are brittle and can break with sharp pieces. We would give raw bones that were well washed (no meat)

[9 1/2 Beers]

I would think Jade would have RED cups


 

 Attn : SBB

[SBB]

I would think Jade would have RED cups


 

 Attn : SBB

I'm telling you Marty, Judy is in denial.
I'm trying to get her out of the red closet.
I bet she has a deposit down on a Blue 2015 Screamin Eagle Road Glide somewhere.
She can pretend all she wants, she can fight it all she wants but it will happen.
Renay will make sure of that!

SBB

[OBB]

I'm telling you Marty, Judy is in denial.
I'm trying to get her out of the red closet.
I bet she has a deposit down on a Blue 2015 Screamin Eagle Road Glide somewhere.
She can pretend all she wants, she can fight it all she wants but it will happen.
Renay will make sure of that!

SBB

Yup, she was in line behind me. But they better make it an Ultra this time or I'm painting mine!

[SBB]

Yup, she was in line behind me. But they better make it an Ultra this time or I'm painting mine!

I knew it!

SBB

[LovemyCVOgirl]

For all you guy's that love your BLUE MC's, I did see the new CVO Ultra Blue at the show yesterday and I have to be honest... ~ IT WAS BEAUTIFUL (and it wasn't RED)

[porthole]

For all you guy's that love your BLUE MC's, I did see the new CVO Ultra Blue at the show yesterday and I have to be honest... ~ IT WAS BEAUTIFUL (and it wasn't RED)

Good point Judy, but why go for second when you can go for first 

[Kilaani]

 

For all you guy's that love your BLUE MC's, I did see the new CVO Ultra Blue at the show yesterday and I have to be honest... ~ IT WAS BEAUTIFUL (and it wasn't RED)

Oh, say it ain't so. Well, to be truthful, this years ultra limited (I think it is) is a really nifty blue/greenish and the hologramish decal is very cool.

[Rooster]

Secret BLUE envy. I like

[SBB]

Secret BLUE envy. I like

X 2


SBB

[PinkE]

Love your bird, I have been intrigued with birds after watching The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam last year.  I actually got 6 baby chickens a year ago and have been loving raising them, Randy (Dabignuttedman) built me an awesome coop, and now we are getting 6 eggs a day, Good luck with your Grey, it will be great to follow your bird posts, looking forward to meeting you at Maggie Valley this year...We lost our Yorkie a few months ago, he was 14 yrs old and the love of my life.  I also enjoy seeing your yorkie pictures, there such an awesome breed.