CAG Development...

[radiogirl995]

I noticed some very interesting things about Tuki today.

Since he came home to live with me, Tuki has always played the same ways:
1. He likes running back and forth on the kitchen floor and 2. chewing anything wood or leather.

I'm watching him play in his cage with a wooden toy with plastic rings...he already chewed off the hunks of wood. He has realized he cannot chew off the plastic, so this bright little bird is lifting the rings up to try to thread them off of the chain they're on. To lift them he also has to maneuver them over sticks.

At 5.5 months, this is the first time I've seen him approach his toys in an intellectual manner. I saw him stop, look at the toy and think about it first. I know Greys are smart...but he's just acted so instinctually up until now.

My baby boy is growing up so fast!!!

[bekfreak]

Bella's learned to get the treat bowl over towards her when I fill it up. She got herself in trouble yesterday and got her head a bit stuck when doing this. She gave me a heart attack, but she's smartened up to wait for me to finish now before running over to the cup!

As for a thinking toy I'll get her something different besides her chest and clusterbuster.

[CALVINS MOM]

There are some great foraging toys available for Tuki. They sure are smart birds! Can't believe Tuki is already 5 1/2 months old!

[bb100]

Bella/Kris,

Calvinsmom is right. Definitely, get them foraging toys or you can even make some at home foraging toys. Keeps those little minds intellectually stimulated & busy. I have puzzle toys, a maze, a mechanical toy & I hide stuff all the time for Max to find. I swear sometimes I can see the "wheels" turning in my Cags head trying to figure stuff out. When I look back on Max's development he is definitely getting smarter & learning at a fast rate all the time... its scary.. but at the same time fascinating!

I really believe Greys are so highly intelligent that if you just nurture it along what a wonderful lifelong companion they can turn out to be.

[Lisa B]

I've had LOTS of differnt species of parrots in my life, and while many of them are wonderful, there is something about a grey.
They will amaze you in ways you never imagined. They are the most human like creature you can have in your life. As they get older, and actually hold converstations with you, you will have to remind yourself they are birds. Sometimes, its creepy....
Hard to explain, but one day it will hit you, just as how it hit you the day you relized, just how much you loved him..................

[radiogirl995]

Well put Lisa!

Foraging toys, huh? Since it's payday...Tuki will be getting a few of those this weekend! I do want to start him on puzzles and other more challenging toys too.

I'm just happy he's forgiven me for taking him to work with me this week. He behaved great while we were there - very social - but was a little pissy with me at home the rest of the week But he's sleeping on my chest now and all is well.

Hey - if any of you have a favorite foraging toy - please let me know what it is/where to get it! Any pics are welcome too!

[Lisa B]

I so wish I was in your listening area to hear when you bring him to work.
As long as he is on a schedual of getting up early, and its routine, he will get used to it. I would try it a few more times before you xnay the idea.
I used to take Sampson EVERYWHERE with me, and he was the most wll adjusted friendly parrot anyone had ever seen. Even all his vets were amazed. They never needed to towel, or restrain. he would let them do whatever they wanted to do, and they loved him for it.
He would ask strangers for "tickles" or "tickle-pet"
I've tried socializing my guys now, but Sydney is to nervous, Stirling is too old and set in his ways, and emma cant travel because my baby girl gets car sick.

[bekfreak]

I get Bella munch balls right now and she has a perminant foraging cup for goodies to go in it. The munch balls Bella gets have either chili peppers or nuts in'em..She goes nuts for these wicker ball thingies and they don't last long with her.