Please Help A Desperate Person In Need.

[wildirish]

Sounds like she is trying to settle in, as every else said it will take her some time.

The feather thing is her preening and they will "dust" thier feathers too. They have a preen gland near the base of the tail and will rub thier heads there and then all over the thier body feathers.

If the toenails are really long you can take her to a vet or reputable groomer, most of the time a stone perch in front of the food dishes will help wear them down.

Temp, normally if it is cold to you, it is cold to them, same with heat. We keep things about 70-72 in winter and air is on at about 78 during the summer. Outside, I usually wait for low 70's, then in mid summer I make sure I have ice water with me, they will get hot and pant to, they can't sweat like us LOL!

Music, cartoons just about anything, it is trial and error to find what they respond to.

[HomerMAC]

a major quesiton i would liek to ask are how would i know about her health. I can't ask her so i want to know waht would be some signs. I read somewhere that green droppins are bad. also very liquid-y droppings are a sign of something wrong.what about feathers is there anything i can look for?

Also im afraid of getting bit go near her an i put on Oven mitts just to sort of guid her toward the cage entrance, is that bad cause i think she is afraid of the mitts.

Im in school for Physician's Assistant so if i can get an idea of what to look for it would be great so i keep an eye on her health.

Also out of curiosity can a bird contract a cold etc. from humas?

[wildirish]

The only true way to know for sure is a vet visit and testing.

Poops are normally 3 sections, white, clear and either green or some other color variation, depending on what they have eaten! We have had red from pellets, purple also from pellets, and very watery when oranges etc are fed. Her poops may be a bit watery at first from nervousness as well.

I would not wear the oven mitts. It can make things worse in the long run. I know our CAG's aren't always fond of stepping up, one will but dont try to pet her, the other wants me to pet him but he doesn't want to step up. CAG's are a law only to themselves! They are stubborn and moody and have very definate ideas as to what they think is allowed!

Watch her eating habits, buy a gram scale (postal scale) and try to weigh her as often as she allows LOL! Watch for letharic, drooping wings, comstant fluffed feathers , not the normal preening fluffs, sleeping way too much etc.

Birds will not normally catch the common cold, but we try to avoid mouth stuff like kisses etc when we are sick just to be safe. There are some zoonotic diseases that can be transfered back and forth out there, though not usually the norm they can happen.

[huntress]

Rethink the baby thing though/ Pet birds and Breeder birds are two different things. She may freak out if you tried to breed her. She quite possibly would never accept another grey or a male for that matter. Hand reared birds are quite different than breeder birds. And then even if she did then you would most probably never be able to handle her as breeder birds can get quite aggressive. There are all sorts of issues involved in this that could cause her harm, like being attacked by a mate for not responding to him due to her lack of knowledge in this area, and egg binding. She does not need to breed and have babies to live a long healthy life. Please study this carefully before considering this.

If you are afraid to offer her your hand try offering her a perch stick held in your hand and ask her to "step up" or try to remember whatever your father would ask for stepping up. The Oven mitts or any glove will surley frighten her.

[wildirish]

I missed that part about having babies before. Letting her bond with another CAG and breeding her will most likely end up in a situation that you cannnot touch her at all. I know some that have breeders that are still sort of pets, but it doesn't always stay that way. We had 2 macaws (one I was fostering) that bonded and would chase us, attack they were very aggressive!

[Chico's Mom]

Hi HomerMAC. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you are feeling, as I also lost my dad. You are very lucky to have "Sweety" as a link to your dad. I have never owned a large parrot, but all the reading I've done on this forum has taught me that they are incredibly intelligent and intuitive, and that if you just keep loving her, she will eventually come around. One day, when you least expect it, I can see her just coming out of her cage, walking up to you, and waiting for a neck rub! Hang in there. And post often, I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to watch your progress!
Sue

[Lisa B]

I see you have received some very good advice!(thanks guys!)

I wanted to add, dont beat yourself up about not bonding with Sweety while she was with your dad. That was "their" time. I'm sure neither of them would change a thing if given the chance. Now is "your" time.

I will get an array of articles for you to read together tomorrow.

[HomerMAC]

THANK YOU ALL SOOOOO MUCH. This is turning into such a positive experience. I am SO glad I signed up onto Birdboard.

As far as the babies, I thought that was the normal cycle. I didnt want her to have any type of emotional distress due to the fact that she didn't have any children. With the amount of emotion that Sweety displayed I thought like humans they would have that emotional attachment to reproduction. This is actually good news that they can live without mating becuase the thought of another agressive bird attacking her just gave me a heat palpitation.


***_LISA B_***

I really thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help. Your going above and beyond anything I expected.

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by HomerMAC

***_LISA B_***

I really thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help. Your going above and beyond anything I expected.

Your Welcome Abraham. Thats what we are here for...

Here is some info I have for you. Some might be repetitive, but important, just the same. I will have to post it in several posts as there is a limit....

Congo African Grey ~ by Lisa B


Native Land:
The African Grey Parrot in general, comes from a broad area of Central Africa.
Common Name:
The Congo African Grey(P.e. Erithacus)being the nominate and most popular species.
Other common names include: Congo, Cameroon, and Ghana. All the same species, but coming from different regions of Africa, and the ONLY difference in appearance would be slightly larger in size and lighter in color. Most aviculturists only recognize two subspecies of the AFRICAN GREY. The Congo and the Timneh.
Size and description:
Overall, The Congo African Grey Parrot is a medium grey bird with shades of light grey on the body. The feathers on the head have brushed white edging. The eye area is of bare white skin. A solid black beak and bright red tail are the finishing touches on this magnificent parrot. Young CAG's have dark grey tips on their tail feathers. They vary in from 12-14" from beak to tail, also can vary in weight between 400-650 grams depending on the frame of the individual bird.

Greys from the Nigeria region usually have dark grey wings. CAG's from the Congo region are, on average, larger in size. On occasion you might see a Grey with red feathering throughout the body - they are known as "Red Factor Greys" , or "King Congo Greys".
Myth and legends include ones of the King Congo Parrot having supernatural powers because of them wearing their red feathers in other places on their bodies. They were treated with the up most respect and were worshiped as god like creatures.

A baby parrot will have dark grey to black eyes up until they are roughly 6 months of age when their eye color starts to lighten. By the time they reach a year, their eyes become a pale grey color. At about 1.5 to 2 yrs their eyes will turn a pale straw color. Lastly at about 3-4 years of age, they will have a light yellow iris. This is one way to be able to determine an estimate of how old a bird is.A Young Congo will also have dark grey tips on their tail feathers. This will change with their first molt.

Life expectancy:
An African Grey's can have a lifespan of 50-70 years. Unfortunately, due to human neglect, and lack of knowledge, most do not reach half of their life expectancy.

Intellectual capacity:
African Grey's have the intellectual capacity of a 5 year old child with the emotions of a 2 year old. Because of this higher intelligence, they can be demanding pets and rightly so. They require constant attention along with a stimulating environment that includes various types of toys, a large cage, and play-stands.

Sociability : Varies from bird to bird.
Generally speaking, Greys are cautious birds. They have a tendency to sit back and watch you before giving themselves up freely. They tend to not be very outgoing towards strangers. Then are very intuitive to your feelings and it is always best to approach them with a calm demeanor. They are very dedicated and loyal birds.

Talking ability: EXCELLENT
All African Greys have the potential to speak and imitate, not only human, but all manner of sounds and whistles. However, not all Greys speak well or at all.There’s no way to say who will talk and who won’t. However, most Greys do talk, starting after their first year of age, and learn new things throughout their lives.

Sex does not appear to to be a factor in regards to speaking ability.

Noise level:
Overall, The African Grey Parrot is a noisy species. Usually not suitable for apartment living. Again, each is an individual. It is hard to lump them all together.
As babies they tend to imitate sounds, and make a lot of screeching noises. As they mature, the screech evolves into speech, and audible sounds.
They tend to be shy and closet talkers at first. As they become accustomed to their surroundings and the people they see, they will eventually talk more, and not be so shy.


Cost:
Depending on you location in the world, they can vary in the United States from about $700 from a breeder, and up to $1500.00 in a pet store.
In Australia they seem to be the most expensive, costing up to $11,000.00 !(So I've been told)

Health concerns:
Aspergillosis-PDD-Psittacosis-Polyoma- New Castle disesase- Beak and Feather are all known to strike these wonderful creatures. Caution and Prevention are urged.
Aspergillosis is high among Greys and Amazons due to the large intake of air with their playful nature and talking abilities.
Seek PROFESSIONAL help with any labored breathing in this species.

Low Calcuim Levels:
Calcium plays a role in blood coagulation, maintains normal heart rhythm, transmits nerve impulses, calcifies egg shells, contracts the uterus during egg laying, and activates several enzyme systems. Seizures, as well as leg paralysis, have been associated with low blood calcium. Sudden collapse or fainting is characteristic of advanced calcium deficiency in Greys. Of all the species, Greys are most likely to suffer seizures from low blood calcium.
Be very careful with calcium supplements. Indiscriminate and excessive use of these supplements is dangerous and could become life threatening. The only time a calcium supplement should be given to a companion bird is after an abnormally low blood level is diagnosed and an avian vet prescribes supplementation.
The best way to prevent problems is to have a blood calcium level test done at the annual exam and to take your bird to the vet immediately at the first sign of illness. It is very important that a blood calcium test be performed at each annual exam, since calcium levels can change over time. Young birds will typically have a lower concentration than older companion birds.


Behavioral problems.
Feather Picking seems to be a problem with these highly emotional, and intelligent creatures. IT NOT caused by any one problem, but can linked to the simplest of things like new toys or curtains in their room. As the "Parront" you must find out the problem and try to solve it prior to it becoming a habit.
Again, seek medical help fist to see if there may be an underlying condition causing the picking. Once tests come back clear, it is time to asses the birds surroundings and changes.


Cage size:
For babies you need to have a smaller cage since they are very clumsy, and need to be taught how to perch. It is often suggested that you line the bottom of the cages with towels and move the perches just inches off the bottom.
When they become more self assured, and stable, it is recommended that you get a big cage, with bar spacing not exceeding 1 inch. Round cages and corner cages are not good for this species because they can easily bend the bars, and this could cause injury or death. Also, metal cage skirts are not suggested for this species because of thier clumsy nature.


Toys;
Each bird is different, but a large selection should be offered. They will pick what they want and ignore what they don't want. More times then not, a Grey will be frightened to a new toy, and it should be introduced gradually by first moving it into the birds sight, then near the cage, and then in the cage. If the Grey does not like the toy, remove it instead of thinking the bird will get used to it. Leaving this scary toy will most likely result in one or more of the topics that have been discussed in this profile.

Should you choose to clip wings: Since African Greys are heavy birds, clipping too many feathers can severely impair flight and may lead to injuries as they may have a tendency to crash to the ground. If very young birds are wing clipped they may never gain full coordination and agility in flight. Finally, feather clipping should never be attempted by those inexperienced at it, as serious injury could result.

Last but not least:
Remember to love your Congo African Grey more for its beauty, then for the possibilities it possesses. Some Greys will not talk, some will pluck.
ALL of them need love.

Books
• "The Grey Parrot" by Wolfgang de Grahl, T.F.H. Publications, 5th edition, 1987
• "African Gray Parrots" by Annette Wolter, Barron's, First English edition, 1987
• "African Grey Parrots" by Paul R. Paradise, T.F.H. Publications, 1979
• "Guide to a Well-behaved Parrot" by Mattie Sue Athan, Barron's, 1993
• "Parrots of the World" by Joseph M. Forshaw, T.F.H. Publications, 1973

Articles
American Cage-Bird Magazine
Feature articles on African Greys:
Sept. 1987
Feb. 1989
April 1990
June 1990
January 1991
December 1991
January 1992
Other articles:
January 1993 pg. 66-68
May 1993 pg. 71-78
Bird Talk Magazine
Feature articles on African Greys:
March 1988
July 1989
Sept. 1993
Other articles:
August 1988 pgs. 93 -96
October 1988 pg. 12, pgs. 114 - 117
January 1990 pg. 14 - 16, pgs. 115 - 122
July 1990 pg. 119
February 1994 pg. 22, pgs. 46 - 50
"The Grey Play Round Table" - a very professionally done newsletter dedicated to Greys
For subscription information, please write:

The Grey Play Round Table
FDR Station
PO BOX 1744
New York, NY 10150-1744
FAX (212) 888-1784
"The African Ark" - newsletter of the African Parrot Society
Another good source for breeders/sellers. A good mixture of breeder and companion bird articles.
Editor: Randy Karg
P.O. Box 204
Clarinda, IA 51632-2731

[Lisa B]

Common Pet Bird Hazards

This was written with the help of my friend posted with permission.

Long Island Experts' Articles

By Jill A. Richardson, DVM, Associate Director
Consumer Relations and Technical Services/The Hartz Mountain Corporation

Birds are curious in nature and certain dangerous objects may be attractive to them. As most pet birds have clipped wings, remain caged, or have limited activity outside their cages, poisonings are not common. However, birds with free household access or free ranging birds are at most risk of becoming exposed to poisonous items.

ZINC: Sources of zinc include hardware such as wire, screws, bolts, and nuts and US pennies. Pennies minted since 1983 contain 99.2% zinc and 0.8% copper and one penny contains approximately 2,440-mg of elemental zinc. The process of galvanization involves the coating of wire or other material with a zinc based compound to prevent rust. Owners are often not aware of galvanization on the wire used for making cages. Food and water dishes may also be galvanized and sufficient zinc may leak into the water or food to create toxicity. Although the exact toxicologic mechanisms of zinc in birds or other animals are not known, zinc poisoning can affect the kidneys, liver, and red blood cells. Clinical signs of zinc poisoning in birds may include increased urination, increased thirst, diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, anemia, and seizures.

LEAD: Sources of lead include paint, toys, drapery weights, linoleum, batteries, plumbing materials, galvanized wire, solder, stained glass, fishing sinkers, lead shot, foil from champagne bottles, and improperly glazed bowls. Lead is considered to be one of the most commonly reported avian poisoning. Lead affects multiple tissues, especially the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and nervous system. Clinical signs seen in psittascine birds are often vague and may include lethargy, weakness, inappetence, regurgitation, increased urination, incoordination, circling, and convulsions. In some species such as Amazons, bloody urine may also be noted.

NICOTINE PRODUCTS: Tobacco products contain varying amounts of nicotine with cigarettes containing 13-30 mg and cigars containing 15-40 mg. Butts contain about 25% of the total nicotine content. Nicotine is also found as a natural form of insecticide. Signs develop quickly in most species, usually within 15-45 minutes and include excitation, panting, salivation, and vomiting. Muscle weakness, twitching, depression, increased heart rate, breathing difficulty, collapse, coma, and cardiac arrest may follow. Death from nicotine toxicoses may occur secondary to respiratory paralysis. A less serious but a more common condition resulting from cigarette smoke deposition on the feathers is feather destructive behavior.

INHALANTS: The avian respiratory tract is extremely sensitive to inhalants. Any strong odor or smoke could be potentially toxic. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated cookware or cooking utensils can emit toxic fumes when overheated (> 280 degree F). Clinical signs may include sudden death, breathing difficulty, incoordination, depression, and restless behavior. Hemorrhage and fluid build up in the lungs leads to respiratory failure and death.
Examples of Potentially Dangerous Inhalants for Pet Birds
Gasoline or other volatile gas fumes* Any source of smoke*Automobile exhaust* Carbon Monoxide*New Carpet*Aerosol Sprays
Cleaning Products, such as ammonia or bleach*Paint fumes*Fumigants
Avocado (Persea americana)

The toxic principle in avocado is persin and leaves, fruit, bark, and seeds of the avocado have been reported to be toxic to birds and various other species. Several varieties of avocado are available, but not all varieties appear to be equally toxic. In birds, clinical effects seen with avocado poisoning include respiratory distress, generalized congestion, and death. Onset of clinical signs usually occurs after 12 hours of ingestion with death occurring within 1-2 days of the time of exposure. Small birds such as canaries and budgies are considered to be more susceptible, however, clinical signs have been observed in other species.

Poisonous Plants
The following is a partial list of plants that have been shown to cause toxicity in small animals. The severity of signs or toxicity of these plants in birds has not been thoroughly studied.

Cardiotoxic (affecting the heart rate and or blood pressure) plants:
Lily of the Valley- Convallaria majalis, Oleander- Nerium oleander, Rhododendron species
Japanese, American, English, and Western Yew- Taxus species
Foxglove- Digitalis purpurea, Kalanchoe species, Kalmia species
Plants that could cause kidney failure:
Rhubarb (Rheum species)- leaves only
Plants that could cause liver failure:
Cycad, Sago, Zamia Palm (Cycad species), Amanita mushrooms
Plants that can cause multi-system effects
Autumn Crocus (Colchicum species), Castor Bean (Ricinus species)
Plants containing Calcium Oxalate Crystals
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum sp) Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopiea) Philodendron (Philodendron sp)
Dumb Cane ( Dieffenbachia sp) Mother in Law plant (Monstera sp)Pothos (Epipremnum sp)
Peace lilies, Calla lilies, Philodendrons, Dumb Cane, Mother in Law, Pothos, and a few other types of plants, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause mechanical irritation of the oral cavity and tongue of birds when plant material is ingested. Clinical signs that are usually include regurgitation, oral pain, swallowing difficulty, and inappetence. The signs are rarely severe and usually respond to supportive care.

Reference:
Richardson JA, et al: Managing Pet Bird Toxicoses. Exotic DVM, Volume 3.1; March 2001.