Tags progress

07/30/11

2011-07-30T17:11:00.003-04:00

Taggers has been stubborn lately, i switched diets on him per Lance at the Columbus Zoo,
(love you so much Lance) and he is not having it. Picky bird!!!! Its not hamburgers or bacon and eggs and he is not having it!!! Plus, he is pissed at me working 60 hours a week. anyways...Things have been so hectic around here, with work and all the new responsibilities its been crazy but much FUN!!!! Tag got his grant, so i have not been blogging as much as i should. My college is now paid for thanks to him ( I think, TAG) and Nat for helping me with all the necessary bird calls and with questions. I have one class left ( Thank you!!) and then i graduate in the fall. With work, it has been a challenge, but i am going to graduate with an AS in natural and social sciences, but i am restructuring my BS. I have recently taken on a manager position at my new company and it is demanding, but I love it!! I am busy all day long and i have 10 people under me, so; long story short, i might be reconstructing my degree to fit in at work. I have a trip lined up in Cleveland Aug 15, 16, 17 that the company is going to pay me to go to, this is to obtain my state coordinator degree for New York, Wisconsin's and Florida. I will take some time off after i graduate to really determine what i want/need out of life. I would really like to continue into orthintology, but i feel that right now, i need to slow down, enjoy life, and slowly make my way to that degree, because right now, i am needed in my job and it is demanding (no complaints here, I love it so much) but it does take time. Stay tuned people, I want to keep this blog up and running but I'm not sure what it will be about. Thanks to Mike Kraut, Nat bug, Laura, Katalin, and all the rest of my followers for supporting this book, mission and most of all my love for the Avian world. love you all!!!!

June 2, 2011 (WE DID IT)

2011-06-02T12:20:00.006-04:00

Well, there you have it! Taggers and I had two years to do it, and we did it in 1 year, 1 month and 2 days. He even got more words then he needed and did it in less time! Man I have such a smart bird!
GOTTA GO TO WORK
WANT SOME WATER
GOOD BOY
HELLO

And,for some reason the video will not load!! UGG will try tomorrow!

May 24th 2011

2011-05-24T07:58:00.002-04:00

When I say Tag is taking off in his talking abilities, boy I sure mean it! Tags progress seems to be taking off so fast, that every day he has picked up something new. I was able to video tape him secretly again, as it seems every time there is a camera in his face, he just stares at it blankly. I tell him every day when I leave to go some where that I "gotta go to work", I figure its easier than tiring to explain where I'm actually going at times. He has started asking me this question when I put him back into his cage. "good boy" is something else he has masted over the last few days. As someone who wants to learn everything about orthintology, I asked myself these few questions on what may have caused the recent jump in speaking ability.

1. Age- Tag has just turned a year old May 1st and this could possibly have had an impact on this, but many greys don't start talking till the age of 2. Tag is a Temneh, and this type of species matures more faster than greys, not because they are smarter than Africans.

2. Space-I wonder about the space that Tag has now, about 7 times more than normal, which in turn means 7 times more things to look at and get into. The outside aviary is another possibility with the freedom to be able to be left outside alone for short periods of time perhaps builds confidence.

3. Sound-The room Tag is in echos quite a bit, having the sounds echo off the walls, may give him a sense of paraellel refection on his words.

4. Presley-The dog. Now, I have seen them two sit for 20 minutes whining and barking at each other and watch inquisitively on their actions and motions. Having a dog around was never part of the experiment but it seems to be helping tag learn to mimic sounds, as he now sounds like a small yappy poodle barking at the big black dog.

Whatever the reasons are for this change, I am getting more and more confident in his abilities to speak many words by the time he is two, and I will be starting color and shape training soon. I have such a wonderful, smart and talented little buddy!

May 20th, 2011

2011-05-20T12:22:00.005-04:00

The new aviary arrived on John's truck today at 10:00A.M. We were worried we might have to walk it down the street 5 houses, but he was able to get it in the truck! Having a party with the girls later, to help make some bird toys, I put together few things today, but decorating and customising will take some time! Here are a few pictures I took this morning!

May 19th 2011

2011-05-19T07:59:00.006-04:00

Me inside Tags aviary, a sense of size

side of aviary

top of aviary

side of aviay, ready to be fitted with chicken wire

Door to aviary

Entire aviary in all its happy glory!

So many new things to report with Tag, since moving in here. Tag has taken off this last week as far as speaking abilities. He is now barking like a dog, and tiring VERY hard to spit words out, like "Good boy" "love you" and getting better at "hello".Brittney even came downstairs because she thought someone was in the house talking. I have included a video of his talking below. Its been truley amazing this last week, its like he finally found his voice and wants everyone to know about it.

Another exciting thing that I am happy to report is the aviary for the backyard is being built. Now that I have room, John has constructed Tag his own Aviary for the backyard. Above are some photos of it being built yesterday. He should have it completely done by Saturday. It has most of the piping/framing done and just needs glued and the chicken wire installed. Now comes the hard part, filling it with toys toys toys! That will be more expensive then the actually aviary it's self. The aviary stands 103" wide 47" deep and 54" tall. A huge thanks to John for building it for me.

may 12th 2011

2011-05-12T09:59:00.000-04:00

I was sitting on the back patio this morning with Tag and Presley and just thought I would share some photos. They seem to being adjusting well, it has become a norm in the mornings for us to sit out there. So nice and quite, and birds all around. I saw my first hummingbird this morning of the season, time to mix up the sugar water and hang the feeder, the neighbor beat me to it!

May 10th 2011

2011-05-10T14:00:00.008-04:00

Taggers is getting more and more pin feathers these days. I wet him down really good today to see how much he has been plucking. A lot, it looks to me. If could be his time to molt, or he could be a little stressed out from the move, I'm not sure. He has not went through a molt ever, so I am hoping that its just that. We sat on the porch all day yesterday and today soaking up the sun! I have enclosed a few pictures of Tag during his bath outside today some videos of him and Presley! They seem to have developed a language that only they can understand, and Tag eggs him on! Constantly! enjoy the photos and video!

May 4 2011

2011-05-04T21:51:00.003-04:00

Taggers birthday party was a success. Here are some pictures of his birthday party and a video of him looking through a toilet paper role. Big things are coming for Tag and I. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I lost my job. I am still unemployed and will be taking a leap this Friday. I will be moving into an 2000 sq ft house with a friend of mine, Brittany. (Tags party was held there.) Although I am ecstatic to have a huge fenced back yard, garage and 4 bedrooms, I often wonder how Tag will be. We have been in this tiny apartment for a year. There is really no room for me to go, so Tag is always in the same room. Brittany and I have decided that his cage will go in the foyer, because it has hard wood floors and easier to clean. Brittany also has Presley, a female lab who is about 1 1/2 years. For the cookout, Tag was he guest. We introduced the two of them outside. I wish I would have had a video camera!!!! After Presley licked him, Tag let out a squawk and that was it. Tag is now in charge! Presley was so curious of him and Tag of him to, but Presley keep sniffing him then running away, then back to sniff, then took off again, about 2 laps in the backyard, then came back again. Tag just kept hanging upside down on my finger looking at Presley. I swear if Tag could talk "stupid dog" would have came out of his mouth. I still have much more observation to do, but I see Tag as the kind of bird that will nest on his back, and Presley, the kind of gentle female lab, who will let Tag. We are getting ready for a busy Friday, moving day. I cant wait for this new house, its so large and decorated like a palace~. This will be a perfect fit for Tag and I. Plus, having a friend in hard times is always a plus. :)

May1st 2011

2011-05-01T08:54:00.003-04:00

Happy birthday Tag! I love you buddy~

April 30th 2011

2011-04-30T19:04:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow is Tags first birthday! I cant believe it has been one year since he was born. His progress has been spectacular this past year, and he has been one thing that has been consistent in my life. I never knew the bond that an animal and owner could share so much over the course of a year. He is now mimiking the birds outside the window, and is doing very well with strangers. I took him to the local pub yesterday to let some of the customers met him. He got special treatment, a big bowl of pop corn, and he was very friendly with everyone that picked him up! No bitting which was a great sign.

3/15/2011

2011-03-15T14:30:00.006-04:00

I have had to much time to hang around the house, I am now unemployed; Tag is loving it though. We have also put a bird feeder on the windowsill next to his cage. He is starting to mimic the blue jay and the cardinal that comes around. He is also tyring to say car, every time a car drives by, but has not mastered that yet. The birds have been a blast to watch, especially with the feeder and Tag loves the close interaction. We have also been working on "falling down noises". I have posted a video so viewers can see. He has the spat, just cant combine both of them together yet. Tag whistles ALL DAY long, he has the whistle down for "charge" now. Its the set of sounds before someone yells CHARGE!!! Although I really miss working, these past two weeks have been so fun hanging out with him all day. He makes noises I never knew existed, let alone he could make!

3/4/11

2011-03-04T08:40:00.007-05:00

Tag broke a feather last night, I feel so bad, I went to put him back on the couch and accidently caught it with my jewlery somehow. He didn't make a noise like it hurt, but its sticking up something awful and he just keeps messing with it. Poor Taggers!

2/24/11

2011-02-24T07:05:00.003-05:00

Tag has learned the water sound; and that is all I have heard for the last week! Boop boop boop, the sound of a dripping faucet. Tag has started to become very expressionist. He reminds me of a two year old just tiring to get the words out. One of these days he will find his voice. I have just been tiring to be patient with him, even thought sometimes, i just want to cover him up, and tell him to SHUT UP. I never do, but my gosh, i feel like it sometimes.

2/18/2011

2011-02-18T09:28:00.002-05:00

2/18/2011

I havent been keeping up with Tags blog like I should, due to school and family life, but there isnt much to report new with Tag. He is kind of at a stand still. He is continuing the noises he knows, but it doesnt seem as if he is learning anything knew these days. He does have the microwave beep down really well, that is a signal for "IM HUNGRY! FEED ME NOW!" He has had some knarly looking pin feathers coming through as well. The entire feather looks as it is encased in plastic. I try to help him with the ones he cant reach, but he is much better at it than I am, even with the ones that dont come easy to him. We are continuing to feed the birds at the window sill, and I think he actually knows when thier feeding schdule is. He seems to climb down his cage about the time they start to feed. Tag has started pulling something knew, which I am not liking at all. He will fly down from his cage and land on my new rug. Poop,then turn around and climb back up to his cage. I wonder if this might be a sign he doenst like the new rug? He has made peace with my boyfriend Rick, after a week of clamping down on his poor fingers, he will finally step up and sit with him. I think in part, due to Rick being at home all day, and constantly giving him treats! Such a spoiled little birdy!

1/22/2011

2011-01-22T09:52:00.002-05:00

I am up way to early again; but its nice to know that Taggers always supports me. From the "chirp chirp" when my coffee pot goes off, to the nonsense microwave beeps from him, letting me know he is ready for his eggs and bacon. He has been a pistol this morning, moving from shoulder to shoulder, mad that I take my earrings out, and soon my rings. Tags eyes are starting to change to yellow, which is a constant reminder that he is growing up and no longer a baby. He was born on May 1st 2010 and my daughter was born May 3rd 2000.

Another thing I have noticed with Tag lately is his constant watch out the window. I have placed birdseed on the ledge of my window to attract the cardinals and the pesky little blue jay outside my window. He seems so curious about these birds that stop for a second to grab a seed then fly away. I wonder sometimes if his self confidence is crushed, due to the fact that i clipped his wings earlier than I should have. I have read articles where this had occurred.

I am contemplating getting an umbrella cockatoo. I have never really had any interest in these birds, until I saw Lara's Rico. They seem to have such a personality, and I think it would be good for Tag. I am open to suggestions about new animals coming into the home and incorporating them in the same household.

January 15, 2011

2011-01-15T10:48:00.005-05:00

I have been meaning to blog for a while, and just haven't had the time with class and work. Tags progress is coming along, but no more words, other than hello. He is constantly whistling different types of tunes, but still hasn't found his voice. I looked at Tag yesterday and thought about how these types of birds are really like toddlers. You have to train them to talk, they are constantly into everything, and you have to teach each how to develop a bond between you and them. The more I study Grey's the more I fall in love with the whole avian world. I am thinking about expanding my love for birds with an umbrella next. The more I watch Lara's videos, the more I am curious about this type of bird as well. Such different personalities, but yet the same.
I bought Tag a mirror for his cage last night. On his way out this morning to the top of his cage, he got stuck in the mirror! He just kept puffing out and whistling in it. It was so hilarious. He regurgitated food for this "apparent new bird" as a welcome gift.
Another thing that has happened since the last blog is Tag and Cidneys relationship. Tag has been biting her instead of giving her kisses. She wants me to put Tag in the cage before I leave so she doesn't have to try and put him away before she goes to school. This never used to be a problem, but is now becoming one. She has no problem letting him out, because all she has to do is open the cage and he comes out himself. I am open to advise of how to handle this if anyone would like to throw there two cents in!

december 9th 2010

2010-12-09T11:35:00.004-05:00

Tag has a big weekend comming up, as long as the snow storm holds out. I am taking Tag to Athens to visit Brents sister and dad for the first time. Everyone is excited to meet Tag, as Brent has talked about Tag to his family. There is one thing I am a little nervous about, they have cats! I will have to see how Tag reacts and how the cats react as well!

School is over untill 2011, Tag helped me score a 4.0 in Biology this quarter! Very proud of his accomplishments and ours together!

Dec 4th 2010

2010-12-04T12:40:00.002-05:00

Tag stayed the night with me at a friends house. He was so good, even with a 2-year old, his manner was wonderful. He slept in his carrier on his perch, and was quite till morning. I am really pleased with his mannerism's and the way his personality is developing. I only hope he continues and does not "turn" on me like some Greys do. He even went into the office with me this morning and hung out in Christy's office for the morning. Despite a pop-tart mess on the floor and a few folders he chewed the addresses off of, he did good. Everyone likes having him in the office!

December 2 2010

2010-12-02T07:39:00.004-05:00

Tag is doing great. Not much new to report, other than the fact he does not like some of our Christmas decorations! I have posted the video to prove this. Tags first Thanksgiving was a huge success as well. He came along to Dave's house were we had our dinner and he got lots of attention! So far, he doesn't seem to care about our tree, he has been eye-balling the blinking lights but not tiring to fly into it! I also introduced him to a friend of mine Brent last night. He has never been around anyone that had a beard and I'm not quite sure what he thought about this as well. He liked rubbing his beak in it, but did not want to warm up to Brent at all. He is getting used to the flight suit but still squawks like a chicken when I put it on! I have enclosed pictures of thanksgiving as well as a hilarious video of him with our Christmas decorations. Enjoy!

Taggers

2010-11-16T15:34:00.003-05:00

November 11, 2010

Tag, Cid and I are all doing well. Tags progress is coming along, but there seems to be a stand still in Tags process. He is still chirping and mimicking the microwave, Cids whistles and saying hello, but with long hours at work, and Biology semester finishing up I just haven't had time to teach him new tricks. We are working on him laying on his back and he is doing very well with that. I have noticed that Tag has grown very accustom to his morning routine as well.

When I wake up I get my coffee and walk over to his cage and say "hey buddy". I hear a "chirp chirp?" And i will pull of the sheet. Tag gives me kisses then he goes to the top of his cage where he immediately takes his huge...morning poop! When I leave the room to get Cid up, Tag continues to chirp and sing non stop until Cid is up and giving him kisses. Our routine is pretty set, and I look forward to it every morning! I have enclosed some recent pictures of our buddy and a few from Tags first Halloween

10/20/10

2010-10-21T09:09:00.002-04:00

10/20/10

Tag said his first words today. A big "hello?" as a question. I was in brushing my hair in the bathroom when he said it. I think he was looking for me, but he could have just been mimiking me picking up the cell phone with a "hello." Either way, I am extactic!!!! Will try and post video soon

10/18/10

2010-10-18T13:13:00.006-04:00

Tag and I spent all day cooking together on Sunday. I bought him 3 little jingle balls to play with. Within the hour, they were tore to shreds. Guess he liked them. Many many new videos of tag, I am really slacking when it comes to posting them on here. Been busy at work and at the Biology lab on Sundays. Tag is working on rolling over, and "wings up" and is doing rather well. Tag has also found a new love for Bacon, and eggs for breakfast. What a spoiled bird!

9/19/2010

2010-09-19T12:38:00.002-04:00

Tag is totally pissing me off today. He is only doing commands when I leave the room. Even treats are not enough today. Tag is stubborn and testing my patience today. I think Tag gets a comical rise from this. I need to find a way to mess with him back and I'm having a block right now. Cid and I yesterday played a game of whistles back and forth. She whistled and she got the treat. Then she asked me to whistle and I got the treat. It wasn't long before Tag joined in and mimicked us for the treat. I think I need to go back to this strategy. It seemed to work. Tag seems most talkative in the mornings. Pops, whistles, and going crazy. I am tring to teach Tag matter right now. Paper, plastic and keys. Tag needs to start talking soon, there are other greys online that are talking at his age. Stubborn Parrot!!!!

Tags whistle progress

2010-09-14T12:49:00.002-04:00

Tag

2010-09-14T12:41:00.001-04:00

9/10/2010

2010-09-10T21:57:00.003-04:00

Tag has been doing great. Tag has learned new whistles, bells, pops and is still working on a few tricks. Tag is about 5 months old and I am confident that Tag is well on schedule for being the smart bird I know that Tag is. Tag is also a very loving bird. More than I would have guessed, Tag has really shown closeness to Cidney and I over the last month. I couldn't be happier with my selection with Tag.

8/26/2010

2010-08-26T23:06:00.003-04:00

Not writting much tonight on Tag; still tring to go with more of a bonding process with pictures, rather than words and a lecture on how Tag is doing. Enjoy!!!

8/23/2010

2010-08-23T21:20:00.002-04:00

Tags progress has been going more than expected. My progress however; has not. I talked with my dad tonight, about all the worries and the problems that i hope Tag doesn't have. My dad reminded me the whole reason i got this scholarship. It was on instinct, not all the research i have been reading and believing about this type of animal. The whole reason i received this scholarship was because i had instinct on animals, not research, not proper grammar on what i write, and not the proper English that CSCC requires for an appropriate research paper and not what people tell me i need to do to make this paper great. i am reminded; again, that this bird, and this whole study was based off of street smarts, observing an animal and knowing what I know. This scholarship was based off of my intellect, not my knowledge to read a study and do what works for others. This study from now on will be about what I know, and what I learn; with little Tag and I. it will be with what i discover with Tag, and my daughters ability to learn about animals the same way i did. For now, the classes are off, (Biology). I need to reconnect with how i began to love animals and birds in the first place. My studies shall focus on Anthropology and not not Biology.
I feel as I have gotten off track, with what I believe and with what I know. Tag is an amazing bird/companion/learner/friend. I will get a publisher to write Tags progress right now, i don't want to worry about the details of writing 100% perfectly, it will only compromise my time with Tag, and Cid's learning ability's with Tag; to raise her with "smarts" about animals other than cats and dogs.

8-19-2010

2010-08-19T22:56:00.003-04:00

Tag has got a trick under his belt. I taught Tag how to be "boring" tonight. Boring consists of yawning, when someone asks " are you bored" and Tag responds to "yawning." Tag did this about 50% of the time I asked. About 6 times. I was so thrilled, I took Tag to the refrigerator for a treat. We decided on 1/4 of a cold hot dog, on top of scalloped potatoes, chicken and red potatoes, already in Tag's bowl. I am such a proud parent tonight, I feel like after the 5 weeks or so of bonding, that Tag and I have finally established communication. I almost wanted to wake up Cid to tell her, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. She has been working with Tag on how to " Call the dog" witch is a "whistle and come here." Even though we don't have a dog, there are many dogs in the complex, that owners call. I just hope Tag don't pick up "Daisey, Diesel, come here you ass wipes", which is what the neighbor frequently calls. Good news for Tag tonight, I hope my little buddy is finally starting to understand Cid and I. I have high hopes, for Tag and this experiment in which Tag will talk before 2 years.

8-18-2010

2010-08-19T07:26:00.004-04:00

Tag has been doing great, been VERY vocal latly, and is turning into a junk-food junkie! People have warned me about this, I gave tag some freash fruit when I got home last night. He would not shut-up! For a solid hour Tag was sqwaking and flapping his wings. I gave him a few Ruffles chips and he was fine. Hmmm, I think Tag is tring to pull one over on me. A few new things Tag has discoved are hot dogs, eggs, lettuce and Tag loves my left overs from Don Patron mexican resturant. I am pretty sure refried beans are Tags favorite. Cidney is adjusting well to Tag too. She is able to pick him up but Tags claws are still a little sharp for her, she sure tries though. Tag really likes Cid, and is constantly wanting to play with her art supplies when she is drawing.

8/14/2010

2010-08-14T18:22:00.003-04:00

Tag is doing great, I tried to coax Tag out of the cage tonight, a new experiment. Tag squawked a lot, hung upside down even more, and did not budge as of yet! Stubborn little burger. I put music on and told Tag he was boring, Tag just did somersaults around his perch to prove to me that Tag was’t boring. I kept telling Tag, “come on” “join me” and “don’t be boring” Tag is not having it, but very vocal, so at least Tag is understands something. Tag is like a little baby waiting to take its first step. I have never seen Tag so vocal, this is good news. Tag is able to fly, and is tiring to talk so badly. I will be able to prove this theory soon of greys not talking within 2 years. Tag is ready to talk now, at 3 months, Tag just has to find its voice. Within the last two weeks Tag has much more vocal abilities and is very mobile. Tag moved out of his cage, as I am typing this and will work his way to the couch , I am sure of. Tags vocal abilities are amazing right now, with music on, Tag goes nuts, many chirps and three syllable chirps.

8/11/2010

2010-08-12T13:24:00.002-04:00

Another day at the office with Tag. Tags doing well, eating lots of human food. Tag is pretty much off the formula, Tags not really wanting the morning feedings anymore either. Thats good news! Means Tags growing up!!!

8-9-10

2010-08-09T15:10:00.002-04:00

Tag is doing well and advancing well. Tag isn't eating much formula theses days, and I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I had today off and was home all weekend, so i was able to observe what Tag does during the day. I gave Tag a ham and cheese sandwich today, Tag absolutely loved it. Tags not big on strawberry's from what i can see, but i will give it sometime. Greys don't usually take till there 2 years old, but Tag has started mimicking my syllables. for instance if i say grape Tag will squawk once. If i say strawberry he will squawk twice. I am pretty sure there is something to this. At least I hope!

August 5, 2010

2010-08-06T08:04:00.004-04:00

Tag flew last night for the first time. Tag was squawking in the cage, and I was busy painting my nails at the time. I kept telling Tag when I was done i would get him out. I guess Tag didn't want to wait, Tag flew right out of the cage and landed on the couch, and climbed right up on my shoulder,just as Tag wanted! Stubborn little thing! Tag also discovered his feet. Tag started using them to help eat with...finally! Tag is all over the cage theses days, hanging upside down and making good use of the space. We also gave Tag some chicken and stuffing last night, he did OK, but didn't eat as much as i would like, so i had to give Tag formula again. I am trying to wean Tag off of it, but its going slow! Enjoy the updated pictures!

august 3, 2010

2010-08-03T20:43:00.004-04:00

I gave Tag mac and cheese and a cheeseburger today. Tag seemed to like it pretty well. I am hoping to get Tag off baby food soon. I came hope today and Tag was yelling at the top of its lungs. I don't know what was wrong, if anything, but I just hope Tag was happy to see Cid and I and that Tag is getting accustom to our surroundings. I ran the sweeper today, not sure what Tags take on that was, but Tag ate pretty good tonight and I am going to wait till morning to feed him the Gerber formula. Also, Tag has been all over the cage tonight, upside down for the first time that I have seen, tomorrow will be one week since Tag has been home, hope Tag likes his new family. Also, the first picture is of tag growling at his corn, I realized I left if off from yesterday. That picture is worth a thousand words if you could see a bird, growling at an ear of corn!!!!

August 2, 2010

2010-08-02T19:00:00.003-04:00

I gave Tag an ear of corn tonight, Cidney and I were laughing, we stuck it in his food bowl and he growled at it! Cid says its because the ear of corn is as big as Tag is. Sunday, Tag and I sat out on the porch all day, the neighbor kids were handling Tag, and Tag didn't seems to mind a bit. We gave Tag, peanuts, chips, cheese, and a Popsicle. Tag is such a good bird, I'm really pleased with Tags temperament and personality. I want to try the sting pulling test with Tag, and I think i food the food to do it. Tag loves green grapes and is eating about 5-6 a day.

July 30, 2010

2010-07-30T18:29:00.005-04:00

Tag came into work with me today at Mortgage Maintenance. Tag is adjusting very well and ate non-stop fruits, vegetables, a little bit of hamburger bun, cheese nips, and 42 cc's this morning of formula, and another 46 cc just now! The syringe feedings are going good, i think, its just like feeding a baby, so messy LOL. Tag has been chirping all day, but he sounds more like a duck! Quack Quack; but has been much more active in tring to make sounds. Christy and I had so much fun in the office with Tag today, its hard to get any work done! Tag has also been climbing more and more, higher and higher around the House and office. I also clipped one of his nails to short, it bled a little, but i think Tag still loves me! Tags pin feathers are coming in as well, he was plucking them open all day, looks so painful. :( Will keep everyone updated on Tags progress!

July 29th 2010

2010-07-29T21:33:00.000-04:00

July 29, 2010
What a rough two days with Tag. I am glad Tag is home, but now the real work begins. Tag has been doing great, following Cidney and I everywhere we go throughout the house. We have invested in a good pair of slippers each, as Tag loves to chase our feet. Tags claws are really sharp and we have to wear sweatshirts and sweatpants to let him crawl on us. He is a great eater, the only concern I have is the temperature of Tags food. It has to be between 106-110 degrees or it will kill Tag. If the food is not the right temperature, his crop will go sour. (The crop is his belly.) The food will go sour and will sit there, more feedings will pile up on top of this and eventually within weeks the bird will die. Greys are very good at hiding symptoms of distress. This is due to the fact that when they are in the wild, a grey that is sick is a grey that is harmful to the flock. Meaning, that more predators will stalk the flock, due to the sick one being an easy catch for food. So greys are wonderful at hiding symptoms of illness, this is why you will never know if your grey is sick.
Anyways, I am doing my best and I hope Tag is as good on the inside as Tag seems on the outside. After I picked Tag up from the airport, I took Tag back to my work. Enclosed are some pictures of Christy, Jayson and Chad who were at work when I went back to grab the chip for the camera, which I forgot! (I still managed to forget the cord after I left as well, I was a nervous wreck.) I took some other pictures last night of Tag and I that are enclosed.
Tonight Cid got to meet Tag, Tag followed her around like a little puppy, into her room, around the house, and everywhere she went. Tag also sat on the counter with me while I did some dishes and decided he wanted a drink out of the fish bowl; I nipped that in the butt quick! We also put him in the sink for a while and gave him a little water. Not quite sure what Tags take was on that, but seemed to enjoy ruffling feathers in the water a bit.
These last few days have been really busy. Will post more this weekend and get into the upcoming training that’s about to begin. Enjoy the pictures!
*** On another note, Tag is not sexed, I am doing my best to not use He/She in my writing, or in saying “good boy, or good girl” to Tag. So if some of the writing seems weird because I use Tag a lot, now you know why!

July 29, 2010

2010-07-29T20:14:00.008-04:00

July 28th 2010

2010-07-28T21:16:00.002-04:00

Tag is home, and there are lots of pictures. Its been a long day and I promise to post a blog tomorrow with tons of them. Tag ate well, I think, I'm not quite sure home much Tag should be eating. Will post pictures tomorrow, we are just pooped.

Foods That Are Deadly To A Grey

2010-07-28T08:17:00.000-04:00

Foods That Are Deadly To A Grey

July 28, 2010

2010-07-28T06:49:00.001-04:00

Got up to study at 5:00A.M like I always do, but couldn't pull it off this morning. I’m way to excited to try and focus on psychology this morning, all I can think about is Tag. I have to admit I think I’m more nervous than excited. I’m worried about the hand feedings twice day; and introducing new foods to Tag. I’m also apprehensive about Tag liking his new home, and not being stressed out on the flight. I don’t know how I’m going to get through this work day! I feel like a kid at Christmas!

July 27, 2010

2010-07-27T22:21:00.001-04:00

I’m so excited, TAG is coming home tomorrow at 4:23 exact time on Delta tomorrow. Everything I have sacrificed for this project and this companion will be worth it tomorrow. Cid and I both agree, everything we have given up, will be worth it tomorrow, I think she is more excited that I am at times. She has brought home more projects and phone books than I could have ever gotten. (Greys love to chew up phone books, about 1 every 3 days.) Look for pictures tomorrow night. Thanks to Sabrina for the food, that your parents provided, and I’m sorry for your parrots loss. Thanks to Christy for the camera to be able to put pictures of Tag online right away since mine decided to die the day before Tag came home! Isn’t that my luck! And, thanks for the drive Columbus State and some of the money and A LOT OF HOPE, to get this project off the ground.

July 26, 2010

2010-07-26T10:32:00.003-04:00

Just got the conformation number from Delta, Tag will be here on Wednesday at 4:23P.M. There will be lots of pictures going up on Wednesday night!

July 23, 2010

2010-07-23T19:30:00.002-04:00

Finally got the last payment mailed overnight to Brenda and Delores. Tags will be in on Tuesday sometime. Oh Boy, what I'm I getting myself into!! Tag is eating hand fed twice a day with a syringe and some rice/peas in the morning, and rice, carrots and mashed potatoes in the evening; all cooked. Tag is picking at the ZuPreem pellets during the day along with vegetables and fruits. I am waiting on a current picture of Tag, should be tonight or tomorrow. Will post ASAP!

July 21, 2010

2010-07-21T21:05:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to say thanks to Christy, for helping me start this blog for Tag and type everything thing over from facebook. This project is going to get way to big to combine it with friends, family and work on facebook. I know some of the dates don't match up on here for the first few posts, but I am going by the original posts, not by the date posted on blog spot. Tag should be here in about a week. Hopefully less. Keep watching as there will be tons of photos of Tag, when he is finally home! I

2010-07-21T21:04:00.003-04:00

July 14, 2010
So I talked to Brenda a few days ago, and she suggested that it would be good to pad the cage for Tag for a while. Tag is so small, and he is living in an adult cage, we are worried Tags feet might slip through the cracks of the cage, and Tag could get hurt. Cid and I were brainstorming about ideas. We thought about lining the cage with a blanket, then newspapers on top of the blanket.
I picked my brilliant daughter up from her dads today and she came running out with a pack of 56, puppy pads. Her dad didn’t want them for the dog, so she thought it would be perfect for Tags cage. We opened them up to cut them down to fit, and to our surprise, they fit without cutting them perfectly! Cid is so smart! Tag should be here within two weeks. We are waiting and waiting and waiting. We want Tag home so bad!!!!

July 12, 2010

2010-07-21T20:59:00.001-04:00

July 12, 2010
Current picture of Tag, the one on the left; Tag will be coming home in 2 weeks. I’m so excited! Cid and I are brainstorming for toy ideas, I included some ideas, we will try to be making.

Sunday July, 11, 2010

2010-07-21T20:53:00.005-04:00

July 11, 2010

So I talked to Delores and Brenda today, apparently; after they talked to Tag a few days ago and told Tag he “needed to get down to two feedings a day, to be able to go home to Kelli and Cid,” he took a turn for the better. I knew I had a smart bird!!!!!
Within 5 days, he started eating better and was able to pick at seeds, grapes, and, mashed potatoes and gravy, on his own, which apparently mashed potatoes, are his favorite! He is ahead of normal feedings by 3 weeks, like I said; I knew Tag was a smart one!!!!

Tag will be flying home on Delta airlines, in about 2 weeks, vs. six weeks. WOW, what have I got myself into!!!! Cid and I sat down tonight and talked about how to handle a grey. She is going to be my experimenter B. Let me clarify, experimenter A is the one who feeds and experimenter B is the one who helps Tag, learn words. For example, Experimenter B/Cid, responds to questions that I/experimenter A, asks, such as “want grape?” Cid, Experimenter B, says “wants grape”. Cid, in turn, gets the grape. Which makes the Grey/ Tag jealous, and more ambitious about obtaining the language to ask for the grape? This makes Tag, want the grape more, which in turn, he/she will develop the language faster. Well that is the goal/paper/book for college.
I won’t bore you just yet, about all the mubo-jumbo about this. But that is the basic ways Greys learn. They like the added competition. They want to please their owners and they will go to extremes to do this.
Most greys don’t start talking until two years of age.{ I plan to debunk that as well.} They are like children, they go through developmental stages, and they get cranky when they don’t get what they want. I must be crazy for taking on this! But,I have always been one to take risks. Here are a couple of pictures of Tags new starter cage.

Saturday July 10, 2010

2010-07-21T16:32:00.003-04:00

I picked up Tag's cage today and was able to talk to an experienced grey lover about the do's and dont' with Tag. Avocados and peaches are deadly to greys. I knew about the avocado, but not about the peaches. Also learned, that greys love to shred stuff, her greys favorite was a phone book (Gone within 1 day). I need to invest in lots of toys, well get ideas and make lots of toys for Tag. Greys get bored rather quickly, so I need lots of ideas. She suggested drilling holes in baby ABC blocks and hanging them from the top of the cage; also lots of beads and bells. If anyone is crafty out there and has some good ideas on how to make simple baby/bird toys, I'm all ears. Please, please, please....let me know. Her greys favorite food were; pasta, mashed potatoes, potato chips, popcorn, ice cream, cereal, and of course most fruits and vegetables. I'm so excited to bring Tag home. Tag's vocabulary can span over 500 words. These birds don't mimic, they talk to you and welcome you home, tell you what they want, and can be as demanding as human infant. They are also sweet loving animals that can live beyond 50years. Still have another 4-6 weeks to go before Tag will arrive on Delta Airlines. He is ready to go now, and as much as I want him, I feel he is in better hands with a breeder that can hand-feed him and get Tag off to a good start. Keep watching from more blogs, it will be awhile before he comes home but Delores is sending pictures frequently.

Thursday July 8, 2010

2010-07-21T16:27:00.002-04:00

Just got off the phone with Delores, Tag's breeder. Tag is coming along; he/she went down to three hand feedings today. Tag will have to go down to two hand feedings a day before I can take him home. I also got to hear Tag's "cheep cheep cheep" tonight, so cute, I could die! LOL!! New pictures coming soon. Should be about another 4-6 weeks till Tag flies home.

Wednesday July 7, 2010 (evening post)

2010-07-21T16:04:00.004-04:00

TAG is a Timneh African Grey, hence the name, "TAG." His orient is from Central Africa and these birds can live up to 50yrs old with a speaking and mental ability of a kindergartner. This means, that this breed of parrot, could pass kindergarten. These birds are able to identify colors, shapes, numbers, and being able to speak the answers back to you in complete sentences. Timneh's generally learn to talk faster than African Greys, but only because they develop faster than Congo's not because they are smarter. Tag will be coming from a breeder in SC. Tag has his own seat on Delta Airlines, and yes; I did order Tag a meal: fruit salad, which all Greys find grateful (Thank you Dr Pepperberg for that idea). Tag is still being hand-fed up to 4x a day. Tag will be ready by the end of the month and will come home to Cid and I; when we pick him up from the airport. Tag, (he/she-DNA sex hasn't been determined yet), will have special first class treatment. Tag will then be hand-fed by us twice a day for another month. My goal with TAG is to test him, like Dr. Pepperberg did. She did an experiment on Greys to find out in the first few years if their inability to language will make them lose insight in the wild, in a sense when their language does develop, they will not rely on instinct. She did an experiment, with a string that was 60cm long, with an object on the other end of the string that the bird was accustomed to such as a piece of chalk or in Alex's favorite: a walnut. This was to see if the bird would pick up the object, if it was familiar by using beak/eye/foot coordination. The bird was supposed to pull the string, bit by bit, using its beak/foot and eye coordination to get what it wanted in the end. In her findings, she found that young birds, that had little or no language, utilized this technique. Thus meaning, they wanted the object and used there beak/foot/eyes to pull the string up and get the reward. The birds that had strong language ability, would than manipulate their owners by asking for the object, rather than pulling the walnut/piece of chalk up by itself. They would do this by just asking the owner, "wal-nut?" Meaning they would just ask for the reward than work for it.
I won't bore you with all the details, as if I haven't already...lol!
Enclosed are pictures of TAG still in the lab. I am totally excited to bring TAG home, but TAG, Cid and I both have to be ready for our new environments. I will be traveling to Galloway to pick up his cage this weekend and to talk with another that has raised Greys. Cid and I can't wait for TAG to come home! Cid and I have both been busy reading books and preparing the house for TAG. Keep watching updates, for more picture and daily entrees of TAG and his learning abilities. This truly will be a long road of failure and accomplishments from day to day with TAG. We can't wait to meet you in person TAG!!!

Wednesday July 7, 2010

2010-07-21T15:58:00.003-04:00

Waiting on the newest member of our family to arrive. Keep checking back from more updates and pictures!