They are home!

[Safira]

I picked up Gracie and Lucy Lou today and brought them home.

It started off a little bumpy when I accidently locked my keys in the car while picking up a bag of grain at Tractor Supply.

Ron, if you look at the board again I want to thank you for putting your faith in me to take care of your babies. I hope they love me as much as they obviously love you. I will do my very best by them.

Rio's Mom, thank you for getting me in touch with Ron


The weather broke, there was no flurries or rain, and it felt about 40 (much better than the 30 something, wet it was suppose to be.)

We put them in their crates and loaded up the cages and the massive playstand Ron had for them. It's a very nice playstand, I had to make sure I had room to fit it in my truck!


I gave them a little time in their carriers while I put the cages in place, then I opened Gracie's door to the new cage I set up for her and she climbed inside. She's moving around and making loud, fire alarm sounding whistles as I type. I think she'll settle into the cage well, she's not sitting in a corner or anything. She growls at me when I come close.

Lucy went back into her old cage and is fluffed up just watching me. I have music on in the other room so it's not too quiet. I whistle a little at them both and talk, but for now I am giving them time to settle in.

Here is a picture of Gracie and Lucy. I did buy a collar for Gracie but after looking at it, and getting a good feel for it, I don't think I like it. it's very stiff and heavy feeling and maybe a little too big for her.

I'll try to take more pictures later.

 

[roxynoodle]

Pete growled at me for 2 days if I came within about 4 feet of his cage, so don't feel bad, lol! After 2 days he decided to make friends. I just sat at the other end of the room and let him watch me with Rowdy and the cat. And talked to him a lot from over here. I learned he loves being serenaded so singing to him was a big hit.

At least they came up when you took their pictures. I'm sure in time they will love you very much

Oh, and at least you realized the fire alarm was the bird, unlike me when Merlin first arrived. I was running around the house like a maniac looking for a fire.

 

[BillsBirds]

I'd like to thank you again for helping these babies out. I'm sure they'll settle in just fine. I'm not too in favor of collars, flight suits, or any confining "garments". I know they serve a good purpose, but, these creatures are given wings to be free & unrestrained. Under your care, her feathers will grow back. Sometimes the change of going somewhere new has a great effect on them. I've seen pluckers, and screamers, and destructive birds, make a complete turnaround, just by going to a new home. Good luck with them.

 

[Safira]

Lucy lets me rub her beak and pet her between the cage bars I was giving her a nut, which she dropped. Gracie takes the nut and flings it.. She's already nibbling on her feathers. :/

 

[Mayden]

Lucy sounds lovely, poor Gracie has an attitude problem at the moment I think but I'm sure she'll settle, she'll be frustrated from the move and whatnot, so just give her time. She'll come around, hoping she stops plucking with you now.

Hows Safira taking to them? Is she near them or can she hear them etc?

 

[Spiritbird]

I guess it is best to see what the vet has to say about Gracie and a collar. Your cages are totally awesome. Again, congrats. and you surely know what to do to bond with the girls and keep them at ease. Yes, greys will gorwl. Thanks for updating us.

 

[Safira]

Poor Gracie. I came home from feeding horses at the barn and there's a few pieces of down already on the floor.

Safira can't see them, she's in another room. I think she knows something up, cause they made some noises when they got here.

 

[suncon97]

I just read this thread and congrats they are both beautiful!Sounds like they're settling in well.Im sure Gracie's plucking will clear up over time shes in a great loving home.Congrats again!

 

[Safira]

They are both eating and playing with their toys!! all is well in the birdy world at my 'zoo.'

 

[mnkeastman]

awesome. I am so glad the girls are settling in. I am sure it will take time but I am confident it will feel like they have always been there soon

 

[Rio Mom]

Congratulations! So happy for you! I look forward to hearing about their progress. When you have time, please share a picture of the playgym.

 

[MikeyTN]

I'm still doing the trial with my Gracie with her plucking issue. So far there's VERY little progress. IF it works I will make a post about it. Been trying it for 4 months now.....

Wonderful birds you've got there!!!

 

[suebee]

aww congrats!! as for the plucking issue, take a clear pic now, and this time next year, compare the 2!

if you look at nut now, she looks scruffy and moth eaten, but compared to pics from same time last yr, she is alot less chewed up.
i tried all kinda tactics/routines/making family behave in certain ways around her, and etc etc etc

drove myself and family a little crazy at times, but time an patiance has worked the best

 

[Spiritbird]

I know most people have read so many articles on feather plucking but here is another one that I think is excellent. The writer gives a broad picture and causes and treatments.

Feather Abuse in Parrots by Pamela Clark

 

[antoinette]

Oh the girls are definitely settling in..........
Love the pic's, they are both so cute
Thanks for sharing and updating us

 

[Safira]

Thank you for the article SpiritBird, I haven't seen that one yet

Gracie found the new foraging toy I boguht for her. It's the wheel one attached to the side of the cage. I hope it keeps her entertained

I gave them a good fruit and veggie filled breakfast, lots of watermelon and other melons, grapes, apples, things that hold water on the off-chance that they haven't found their water bowls yet (Gracie shows no interest in going near hers just yet.) green beans and peppers and some corn

They are pigging out.

 

[Spiritbird]

Warms my heart to hear about how well they are doing. I had not doubts they would be ok.

 

[roxynoodle]

That was a very informative article, Spiritbird, and one I don't think I've read before. I read quite a few during the fall as I was looking to adopt a new bird and many were plucked. Also Merlin plucked feathers on her belly when her previous owners started traveling to help her mom. So far she isn't doing it here (yet) and has grown some back. But, it was good to read that in case the problem starts again.

 

[Safira]

I just want to update a little and say that Ms. Lucy lets me open her cage and scratch her head. She's found out I am very good at head scratches and know just where to rub and itch.. She loves her ears scritched, and when I rub my finger over her beak and cheek.