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Post by Ranae O on Mar 18, 2005 14:26:27 GMT -7
Hello again, Ranae and Pearl here. I have a new question. Pearl seems to be so itchy lately. She is constantly scratching her neck, head and beak. My apartment is dry, I'll give her that, but I know it can't be allergies or anything because I don't smoke and I keep the place very clean (I'm a neat freak!)  Anyway, since I just got her, we are still getting used to each other, she is doing wonderfully, but I really think she needs to be showered or at least gently sprayed down with a spray bottle. How do I introduce this nicely? I tried just gently running the shower, talking to her soothingly and such and putting my hand in the stream so a few dropplets got on her, and although she didn't freak out, she wasn't really keen on it either. Then I bought a spray bottle and put it on the gentlest setting and tried to mist her like that, but she hopped/flew away from it and didn't seem to enjoy it at all. I don't want to scare her, especially since she is just getting to know me, but I really think she needs to get wet down a little to help ease her itching. I definitely don't want her to start plucking! What do you guys think? Thanks for your help, Ranae and Pearl |
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chamogirl
Weaned Todd
Joined: March 2005
Posts: 25
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Post by chamogirl on Mar 18, 2005 14:31:07 GMT -7
there is a product called Canopy Bathtime that i use on my TAG that is helpful and the spray is more of a mist and the wetting down is better - it seems to go into the feathers better than just plain water
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Post by Jane on Mar 18, 2005 17:44:37 GMT -7
Yes I agree, I use Canopy Bath Time as well and it does seem to penetrate the feathers better than water. I also use a small spray bottle with water in, the sort you use for airplants.
You can put bowls of water around to increase the humidity, obviously this is better in the winter when you can use special containers to put on radiators.
Greys often seem to have an aversion to being sprayed but some people have more success with actually taking them in the shower with them. Greys love to share things and maybe that is why.
Jane
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Post by mannie on Mar 18, 2005 18:27:15 GMT -7
May I ask what Canopy bathtime is? I am told that my Jack loves to take a shower.
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Post by Ranae O on Mar 18, 2005 19:06:47 GMT -7
Thanks a lot for all your input,
I really appreciate it! I will look for the canopy bathtime. Is it sold in most avian petstores? I would love to take her into the shower with me, but like I said, I don't want her to freak out and think I'm trying to do something "super scary" to her. She is still acclimating, and although I know we are definitely bonding well, I don't want to do anything to hurt that still fragile trust factor. Can I just take her right in the shower, or do I have to do a lot of warm ups? What did you guys do?
Thanks again!
Ranae and Pearl
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chamogirl
Weaned Todd
Joined: March 2005
Posts: 25
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Post by chamogirl on Mar 18, 2005 19:22:26 GMT -7
Canopy Bathtime is a product sold for birds that has aloe in it and can be bought at most pet stores or over the web - I purchased mine at <http:// birdcages4less.com/> Jane recommended the product to me. I also bought the spray for moulting and the dander down for my tiel.
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Raffi
Baby Bird
Joined: January 2005
Posts: 10
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Post by Raffi on Mar 19, 2005 1:59:14 GMT -7
Hi ... my solution is to dump Raffi in the bathtub with the shower running at half power ... if he wants a bath he has one and if not he flies out of the tub! my choice and his choice combined!! he only wants a shower about once a week but the rest of the time he hangs around while I take my shower usually on top of the shower screens so I guess he gets a bit of humidity from that anyway! Good luck with yours |
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Preston
Super Talker
NEED HELP? WE WILL ANSWER AS FAST AS WE CAN (Note: Preston passed away in 2012. We hold his memories dearly, he was a great person and super moderator.)
Sisika and Pete
Joined: January 2005
Posts: 5,912
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Post by Preston on Mar 19, 2005 2:44:29 GMT -7
Always remember: a CAG gets glad in the same feathers that it got mad in. It will be peed at you until the next snack comes out of the refrigerator! We have gas fed, forced air heat which is very dry, so my wife bought a humidifier for $18. You have to refill it every 12 hours but it does a nice job. Jane's post confused me; I can't remember if I have ever saw a radiator, or just read about them.  |
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Post by Ranae O on Mar 19, 2005 10:45:19 GMT -7
Hahaha, Thanks a lot Preston and everyone else, and I really enjoyed that quote about getting mad in the same feathers it gets glad in. In the short time that I've had my grey, that seems like the most observent thing I've heard. I will try everything you guys have told me, and hopefully we'll get Pearl to like her bath. Thanks again, you guys are always a huge help! Ranae |
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Post by Ranae O on Mar 20, 2005 5:44:09 GMT -7
I have one more quick question about the whole shower deal:
I like to take very hot showers. I mean, not scalding, but probably hotter than "the norm". What temp of water should I use when I have Pearl in there with me? I know itprobably can't be hot, but can it at least be aorly warm?
Thanks,
Ranae and Pearl
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Post by Jane on Mar 20, 2005 13:22:57 GMT -7
Parrots normal body temperature is higher than ours but I would think a pleasantly warm shower temperature would be the best bet.
Jane
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ranae
Weaned Todd
Okay, I'm ready for my close-up! I've always thought my right side was the most photogenic!
Joined: March 2005
Posts: 86
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Post by ranae on Mar 21, 2005 9:30:16 GMT -7
What is the normal body temperature of a Congo African Grey?
Also, is it true that their feet get hot when they're nervous? When I first brought Pearl home, she had very warm feet every time I took her out. But now that she seems more comfortable with me, her feet are cooler.
Myth and/or coincidence, or not?
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Post by Jane on Mar 21, 2005 9:49:32 GMT -7
The body temperature is around 40 degrees C (104F).
The blood flow to the feet is increased if the bird is hot, as a means of cooling down, and decreased if it is cold, and of course if one foot has been tucked up in its body, that one will feel warmer.
Jane
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Anyway, since I just got her, we are still getting used to each other, she is doing wonderfully, but I really think she needs to be showered or at least gently sprayed down with a spray bottle. How do I introduce this nicely? I tried just gently running the shower, talking to her soothingly and such and putting my hand in the stream so a few dropplets got on her, and although she didn't freak out, she wasn't really keen on it either. Then I bought a spray bottle and put it on the gentlest setting and tried to mist her like that, but she hopped/flew away from it and didn't seem to enjoy it at all. I don't want to scare her, especially since she is just getting to know me, but I really think she needs to get wet down a little to help ease her itching. I definitely don't want her to start plucking! What do you guys think?
