A new addition...

[Gungirl]

For a long time I have wanted an African Grey Parrot but I didn't want to buy a young one. I know how long these birds live and I wanted to rescue an older bird. Well my chance has finally arrived and even though it will be hard due to our house being on the market and living with my MIL we are getting one this weekend. Everyone in the house is ready and wanting it, which is good because I will need the help from them all.
My husbands friend just had a stroke, he is doing well but he can't take care of his bird Boomer any longer. I am meeting Boomer tomorrow and possibly taking him home right then. Boomer is a 18 yr old African Grey. He talks a lot from what I am told but he is very mellow. We are hopeful that adding him to our home will not cause him to much stress. I am most likely going to have to get him a new cage sometime soon but I want to let him get used to us first. His cage is 17yrs old and from what I have been told it has seen better days. I will take some pics when I go meet Boomer tomorrow, I can't wait! I already made some toys for him as well as ordered him a few things. I am hopeful this transition will be smooth. ( fingers are crossed)

[shaunyboy]

i hope it all goes well for you and Boomer pal

can't wait to see pic's of your new guy:)

cheers shaun

[snake man12]

Awesome addition!!

Do you happen to now if it is a Timneh African Grey or a Congo African Grey?

[Gungirl]

Nope..I will find out tomorrow when I meet him.

[alessia55]

The circumstances are sad but it's great that your friend will know his bird will be in good hands :) can't wait to see photos of Boomer!

[Will0W783]

Kat, so sorry to hear about your husband's friend. But it is wonderful that you are bringing in Boomer. I am in love with my Timneh grey; he's turning into a real sweetie with me, and he'd not been handled or given any toys for at least a decade, so Boomer should have a much easier transition being as he was in good hands to begin with.

I can't wait to see some pictures of Boomer and hear all about him as he adapts to your house. :)

[JustBitten]

So exciting, congratulations!

[Gungirl]

Thanks guys!


I just started moving around the living room to make a spot for the cage.. wow. We have so much in that one room I really can't wait to move. We have my conure and 3 finches, my MIL's conure and 4 finches. We no longer have a living room but a bird room. I had to take out a chair and a dog crate to make room for Boomer.
I think it will be tough until we move but I am so happy to be able to help a friend and get a dream pet. I already have my dream dog and am only missing 2 snakes I want, this was the only other thing I have wanted. I can't wait until tomorrow, so I can ask Boomers dad all the little questions I have...:freakedout:

[h3h]

Well bitter and sweet do make one word...Would love to see some pictures when you have a chance!


- h3

[Will0W783]

Wow, you're starting to sound like me, with all your animals Kat. ;)


I can't wait to see pictures of Boomer...he sounds awesome. Do you know yet if he is a Congo or a Timneh grey?

[Gungirl]

Hey guys.. I just got home with Boomer. She is a DNA tested girl and she is a Congo. I have not taken any pictures yet due to wanting to let her settle in. I have to get her a new cage seeing as the one she is in is 18yrs old and had better days. She is a sweet talker already, I love the sounds she makes. I will take a few pictures tonight when the dogs are sleeping and the house is calmer.

[Gungirl]

Ok so I got 2 pictures.. this will have to do for now. She was being very silly and playful. She was sitting on her water bowl asking for help and telling herself to be quiet.. lol

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/DSCF1314.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/DSCF1312.jpg

[Falconeer999]

I have a quaker parrot that scolds himself also. He'll get excited and start squawking like crazy then compose himself and say "stop it! stop it! Goooood bird!"

I don't know if you've had a bird before, but here's a little tip: a lot of bird food (seeds and pellets) comes with moth eggs in it. Moths love to lay their eggs in it at the warehouses. If you've ever been to a bird breeder, you've probably noticed moths flying around. To combat this, keep your food in the fridge. The cold temperature will suspend the moth eggs from hatching. Then be sure to clean out the excess food from the cage before letting it sit for more than a day or so, and get it out of the house.

[Donnie]

Congratulations she looks lovely.

[Gungirl]

Thanks for the tip falconeer.. I have finches and a conure already. I have yet to have any issues with moths but if I do I will fridge the food. I buy very high grade pellets and feed lots of fresh food too.

Update. I just ordered her new cage. I can't wait to get it. Its awesome.. here is a pic of it from the add.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/Boomers.jpg

[lady_bug87]

Aw Kat she's beautiful I think greys are everyone's dream pet if I had more time to commit to them I'd lve to rescue one!

[Gungirl]

Thanks Lady_bug. It will be a challenge to split my time between my other pets and Boomer but with her last owner getting so ill I couldn't let her go to just anyone. I will find a way to make it work out. At least I am a stay at home mom and my son is in school.

[Will0W783]

She's stunning Kat! She looks very happy and active...best of luck with her! :)

[Gungirl]

Thanks Kim.. I already took a bite but it's not bad. I was cleaning her cage and she was pushing her head on the bars scratching it. I reached up and slowly scratched her head, I think I surprised her cause she jumped back and snapped at me, Caught the tip of my finger. Then she gave me back her head for a second kind of like she was saying sorry. It was cute in a slightly painful way.. lol

[Will0W783]

Awww. I don't think it was an intentional bite. I've heard stories of people getting chunks of skin taken out, but Baby's never broken the skin. It still really hurts though, and leaves a good bite indentation for an hour or so! I hope you don't have to take any more bites.

[Gungirl]

So Boomer is getting better and better with me. I can now touch her tail most times with out her showing any real sign of fear or anger. She is starting to come out of her cage with no worries. Now if only her new cage would hurry up and get here!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/2012-09-12_19-13-20_549.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/2012-09-12_19-13-15_575.jpg

[h3h]

I don't know much about birds, but I do know a good looking one when I see it. That blue is beautiful.

- h3

[Gungirl]

Thanks h3! I am already 100% in love with her. :)

[Gregg M]

Those are such cool birds. I remember years ago when you were able to get wild caught African Greys. We got one in the pet shop I workd in when I was a kid. I used to actually roar like a lion. You would swear there was a lion in the shop. LOL

[Gungirl]

Haha Gregg I bet that was hysterical. Boomer has already learned all 6 dogs bark and mimics them great. The only thing she does that gets me is we have 1 squeaky toy for the dogs and she can sound just like it. Ugh that drives me nuts, I hate that toy.

[Will0W783]

Hahaha, yeah they love to find a noise that gets your attention every time. Baby lets out this loud shrieking whistle - it jolts right through me - when he wants something.
He also mimics the cats, which is hilarious, and tells the dogs to "Get out of here. Go away" when they play outside his cage. The dogs listen to, which is even funnier!

Wait until Boomer starts giving your dogs commands, lol!

[Gungirl]

Boomer already does give a few commands, I crack up! This morning I was changing all the birds water dishes and giving everyone fresh veggies and Boomer is last to do on the list. Well she didn't want to wait, " come on mom, hurry up mommy" is what she was saying.. lol I guess she was listening to my son when I was in the shower and he had to go potty.

[shaunyboy]

Those are such cool birds. I remember years ago when you were able to get wild caught African Greys. We got one in the pet shop I workd in when I was a kid. I used to actually roar like a lion. You would swear there was a lion in the shop. LOL

it's incredable how they mimick sound.....

my friends father had one,that could do the same ring as their house phone,it could also call the dog in its owners voice

impressive birds,the only thing i heard that could equal them...

was mynah birds (impressive talking birds)

cheers shaun

[gareth.hooper]

Thanks for the tip falconeer.. I have finches and a conure already. I have yet to have any issues with moths but if I do I will fridge the food. I buy very high grade pellets and feed lots of fresh food too.

FeedingFeathers yahoo group has a good parrot diet mix.
It's well balanced fresh food mix I highly recommend.
Shauna has specifics on a Greys additional diet needs.

As for a pellet, I can only recommend Harrisons.

If you do not join the group, I will grab their diet mash mix and email over to you.

[Gungirl]

I would appreciate it if you could email it over to me. I am not looking to join any groups, This is my only group. :P . I am fairly happy with what I am feeding now but I am always open to new Ideas or different foods.

[JustBitten]

Hahaha, yeah they love to find a noise that gets your attention every time. Baby lets out this loud shrieking whistle - it jolts right through me - when he wants something.
He also mimics the cats, which is hilarious, and tells the dogs to "Get out of here. Go away" when they play outside his cage. The dogs listen to, which is even funnier!

Wait until Boomer starts giving your dogs commands, lol!

My parents babysat my dog while we went out of town last year. It was only for a couple days, but Mom's Grey Jack still says "where's Maddy?" and copies her bark. He liked to sit on the banister (large staircase) while Maddy lay above the top step. I swear he was trying to drop a poop squarely on her back :) He would buzz her head and make her duck and she would bark and he'd overact/pretend to be startled. They really enjoyed tweaking each other so I've been telling my parents they need to get Jack his own pet dog. :D

[JustBitten]

So Boomer is getting better and better with me. I can now touch her tail most times with out her showing any real sign of fear or anger. She is starting to come out of her cage with no worries. Now if only her new cage would hurry up and get here!

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/2012-09-12_19-13-20_549.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/2012-09-12_19-13-15_575.jpg

Wow! I'm amazed she will let you touch her tail at all. That usually makes them jump, kind of like a person being goosed. Jack gets visibly offended when Mom tries. Now, a good head scritch turns him into a jell-o bird :D
Boomer is a pretty girl, nice to see her fully feathered.

[Gungirl]

I woke up this morning and did my normal routine except that when I opened Boomers cage today she happily stepped up! I was holding her for a bit and playing the ladder game to reinforce the step up command and show her that I am a safe spot for her. She hung out on my shoulder for a good 15 minutes before asking to go back into her cage. I am super happy!!

[h3h]

That's great Gungirl. I'm glad she is taking to you so well I'm sure you are a wonderful keeper and although a situation of circumstance I'm glad she landed with some who will take the time to care for her properly, and give her affection.

- h3

[Gungirl]

Just got Boomers new cage set up and I love it! I hope she adjusts to it fast which I think she will.

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/DSCF1342.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/DSCF1343.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/DSCF1344.jpg

[sarahpede]

Her new cage is great! and she looks very healthy and happy. Just as a sugestion though I would get her a natraul wood perch (the kind with bark) its alot better for there little feet. For diet I love the natrual Zupreem (the non colourd ones) my little ones love it and the pellet size with the african gray or male electus is perfect and really rounds out a healthy diet in adition fruit and veggies. Great job also with working on step up when she on you maybe give her somthing yummy so she knows hey this person isnt so bad she gives me goodies! and as a last sgestion grays LOVE puzzle toys its gives them fun stimulation for there smarty pants brains

[Gungirl]

She is scared of natural wood perches at the moment. We have a few we are working with for her and if you look closely the ladder is natural bark branches for steps.. I have her diet down 100% to what is good for her and what she likes. I am sticking to mostly what her last owner was doing for her seeing as they raised many birds and did tons of research. Thanks for the tips though.

[sarahpede]

Your welcome and sorry I didnt see her lader at first, it sounds like yor making great progress keep up the good work

[h3h]

She is scared of natural wood perches at the moment.


Why, and how would she know the difference?

- h3

[Gungirl]

I have no clue why, I assume it is a texture thing. She was in the same cage for the last 20 years with no toys and no real wood perches. She only had smooth wooden dowels until I got her. I am slowly working with her to use her toys and step onto different surfaces.

[Gungirl]

Boomer is making a lot of improvement. She now plays with her toys and will step on natural wood perches. It takes a bit of work but she is doing well.

Here are a few new pics..

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/DSCF1435.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/DSCF1442.jpg

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Boomer/DSCF1444.jpg