Keeping Smokey Busy

[@wingsNpaws]

Hi everyone! Ten years ago, I posted my first youtube video. I was still in college and stressed out about whether or not I would find a job after graduating. I liked editing and making videos of my bird and dog. I started posting videos on here because I liked to look back at them and just enjoyed watching the fun videos I made. That was it. Years later, I found that I wasn't the only one enjoying them. That was the time I realized I could make a difference. Whether my videos inspire you to treat your pet a little better or whether you simply watch because you enjoy seeing my interaction with Smokey, I hope to bring a little positivity into your world. Today, I am happily married to the same girl I was dating in college and have a job that I love (and no, youtube is not my job). I'm sharing this with you because I know that some of you have been watching my videos since you were younger and are now in college. You too may be worried about your future and whether or not things will work out. I'm here to tell you -as I would tell my younger self- that sometimes all we can do is our best and trust that life has a way of working itself out. If you're still watching through all these years, thank you for following me on this journey!

[@Skite123]

What happened to the Alexandered parrot called buddy and the coocatoo that time you went to Australia

[@Skite123]

What happened to your Alexandered parrot and the coocatoo that you got when you went to Australia

[@lisahinton9682]

What a beautiful, kind thing to have said. Thank you for being so encouraging and loving toward not just animals but your fellow man.

[@tamer8103]

Hello I have a question. I have a African gray and he never wants to be held is there a way to encourage him or make him want to come on to my hand ???

[@justbirbvideos1701]

Thank you for this inspiring paragraph😊 I was a bit worried about my future, I’m going to college (high school) next year :).

[@lindaallen6165]

I am 73. I have had my " Smokey" for 19 yrs. She is 20. She is my 1st bird, and my ❤

[@horseyhunters9426]

That’s amazing!!!

[@larisamiller1257]

Are you 73?! The bird is awesome!!!! Good job, Papa😀

[@skullscope]

Nice!

[@wingsNpaws]

That's so awesome!

[@startazz]

Bless you and your AG (Smokey) my Auntie got her AG (Coco) 25/26 years ago when she was still in her chick plumage,she can be a cheeky little so and so when she wants lol,she also had a Blue fronted Amazon parrot,but alas my auntie passed away around six months after my mother passed away,she and one of my cousins would always say,if anything happen to me you will have to adopt Coco because she really likes you,so after a couple of weeks of her passing i go asked if i would take Coco,well of course i had to say yes and we couldn't leave the Blue fronted amazon (Murdoch) behind. They are roughly the same age give or take a year either side,Coco has really bonded with me and Murdoch has bonded with my better half and she loves and spoil him rotten bless her. 😉 Have a blessed week and all the best to you and Smokey.

[@horseyhunters9426]

Smokey is such a amazing bird and you take care of her so well she is so lucky to have a awesome life with you

[@PATRICKCHAD]

Ikr

[@wingsNpaws]

Glad you think so!

[@frances623]

I was thinking about getting a Grey three years ago and I found your channel. You gave me lots of good guidance, I had had a grey 30 years ago and knew parrot care had changed since then. I shopped of two years and rescued a teenage grey (younger then I wanted).. I knew I could work with him. As it turned out he is nothing like the previous owner said. 14 months we have been together and he is becoming a wonderful companion. I am retired and spend lots of time with him, exactly what he needed. He is in my will and will go to my children to share custody. I want to thank you for all the tips and great advice.

[@wingsNpaws]

That's so nice of you to have adopted him! Sounds like he's in a much better home now!

[@medfreak]

Hello ,can u please tell when do african grey become teenagers? My simba is 2 months old

[@vmash6902]

John your videos teach me something new every time I see one. I have become a bird mom with confidence because of you. I have 2 greys and 2 cockatiels. Thank you so much.

[@lularose7329]

Your videos have been a lifeline for me when I have been at a loss to try and figure out the best way to deal with my bird in a positive way. It has been hard finding good information. Thank you so much for your time and effort in creating these wonderful videos. They have truly made a huge difference for me and I believe for many others. Please keep them coming.

[@ehthecuteone]

Awwww sweet Smokey ❤️ she’s the bestest girl that ever there was 🥰 thank you for taking such good care of her and sharing useful lessons for all current and aspiring bird owners

[@wingsNpaws]

Thanks so much!

[@trkrgal73]

Thanks for the update...10 years...wow!! So glad you and Smokey are doing well. You both have an amazing bond. I started watching your videos 3 years ago, before I got my CAG. I've learned so much from your videos and I'm glad to see you're back. :)

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you so much!

[@RockingWithBrenda]

Hi from Remington & I. I’ve been a fan for quite a while. Thank you for all you have taught us. When a bit younger had an African Grey for 25 years & 4 kids. Not much time or info out there at that time. She didn’t talk much but she loved me & that was enough. We respect your advice and have had lots of success. Remington is now 4 (got him when he was a year) he’s independent, talks up a storm, smart & a bit of a challenge. I’m 65 loving the time I have with him. He didn’t like to be touched but we’ve had a break through and now I can give head scratchers and touch him lightly on the wings. He’s a very good boy comes to me and flys to perches. Flys to perch to do his potty. I take him in the camper , he likes traveling. Thankfully as I would miss him. He’s a closet talker but has talked a few times in front of me. My favourite saying is “ Kiss Brenda mhhh” Lol So glad your back we still have much to learn. Thank You Brenda & Remington

[@wingsNpaws]

Smokey and I appreciate our long time friends here on youtube! Remington sounds like your partner in crime and I'm glad you're able spend all that time with him!

[@trishowen43]

Hi. I got my first Timneh 11 years ago shortly after I had lost my husband to cancer. He was four months old and became my darling baby. I used as many bird videos as I could find to learn about my darling boy, Alex. He was so named after the original Alex of Dr. Pepperberg. Reading her book made me want an African Grey. My Alex helped fill a huge whole in my heart. I live in south Florida and gave my baby the biggest cages I could, both indoors and out. I always felt guilty I couldn’t give him an aviary like Smokey’s, but it was the best I could do. We lived in a big house together for several years, but I then downsized into a condo where I could still keep his outdoor cage on a screened balcony. But now, at 77, I am in the process of moving into a villa at a retirement community. It has a little patio where they will allow me to have a true aviary built. I am so excited! I’ve missed your videos this past year and was thrilled when your came back with the last one on enriching Smokey’s. Your knowledge and love of Smokey has enhanced my and Alex’s lives so much. I am very grateful. I now am excited for our upcoming move into our new home. I’m even allowing Alex’s flight feathers to go in as I have high ceilings in my new place and between those and the new aviary my baby is going to experience true flight for the first time in his 11 years.Thank you for sharing your journey with Smokey. You have truly enriched our lives. I feel we have been friends for ten years. By the way, Alex loves to watch your videos too.

[@wingsNpaws]

Hi Trish! Smokey and I appreciate our long-time friends on youtube! I'm so glad you and Alex both enjoy our videos. I'm so excited for you and Alex, especially with him growing out his wings. This is going to be a life changer for the both of you! Just make sure though to always be extra careful about open doors and windows!

[@Peaceful_Soul_Oasis]

I got my first female african grey 3 years ago after I came across your videos on youtube. I learned so much from your channel and still play smokey's talking videos to my bird every day. Now my birdie can say a lot of things that Smokey says in the video. My birdie is a huge fan of smokey and your channel :) Thanks for helping my bird become such an affectionate one like your Smokey.

[@sabine2409]

Thanks for the suggestions. I love watching you interact with Smokey. She is one lucky bird, having such a beautiful home and, more importantly, having you love her and spend so much time with her :) BTW, I watched you for the past 6 years, since we got our little Conure. I have applied a lot of your methods; especially the calmness you have when being around your bird. I wish our little girl would be a little more affectionate, but we have learned to live with her feisty mood. I hope to see both of you for many years to come :)

[@dvt6481]

Been watching you and smokey for the pass 2yrs now , and it has given me a much better understanding of my Layla (a 20yrs old African Gray). Please keep posting and we’ll keep watching . Thanks for all the great lessons.

[@wingsNpaws]

Great to hear!

[@ErinPanto]

I just found your channel when looking for harness training tips. I love your channel! Thank you!

[@bonniea4211]

I’ve watched your channel for 2-3 years now. I’ve always been curious about birds so your channel is perfect! I’m researching into adopting a bird in the future when my green iguana passes away. She likes having all the attention and she actually turns 16 in two days.

[@wingsNpaws]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@fangrui8708]

Started watching your videos 3.5 years ago when I first got my Amazon, now I have a African grey too:) also a girl. I actually got lot of foraging ideas from you and it has been fantastic. Thank you for sharing!

[@wingsNpaws]

That is awesome!

[@skr1pt_ed1ts46]

i remember when i was 7 and i used to watch this and loved birds and still do, just not addicted anymore, and smokey has changed alot

[@ashleyafonso3425]

Wow u giving it all it tk to care for smokey n thts the way one should b4 adopting a bird or an animal. Life time commitment.

[@Sperry411]

Smokey's aviary is to die for! I wish my amazon has one like it too... hehe

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you! She loves it.

[@damirage2010]

Where did you get the aviary and how big is it?

[@Sunshine-and-lollipops]

I was 60 when I found your site, it inspired me to get a bird as I have the time to be with him .I watched heap of your videos of You and Smokey , your a great team, I have picked up on some great ideas from you, Tikka destroyed his foraging bell.. lol, but it's so easy to get wood and leaves for him to chew, I also made him a cargo net out of jute rope. Hung bells, wooden beads an d toys off it. I also got him calcium perches , I love the sun deck idea. Thank you for another great video. 💖🌞🦘🙏

[@patriciacunningham5383]

You have to watch what wood and leaves you give them as some are not at all good for them

[@Sunshine-and-lollipops]

@@patriciacunningham5383 , Hi Patricia, yes I'm very careful with what I give Tikka, I'm lucky here is AU. Flowering gum, banksia, bottle brush and fruit trees, grassy weeds are some of what I have to offer him. I have a list of toxic plants and food to avoid. Thank you ⚘🙏

[@wingsNpaws]

Thanks for sharing! He sounds like a lucky bird!

[@lindaallen6165]

You are so in tune with her likes, and needs! I think this is such important info for people to know. Thanks. 😊❤

[@wingsNpaws]

You are so welcome!

[@samanthabarr7984]

I was 31 when I started watching your shows and I'm now trying to learn as much as I can before getting my African gray parrot this year 😊😊😊

[@riablatterspiel7236]

I've been thinking about having a bird since I was a little kid. In the next few years it could become reality! I love to watch your helpful videos to get ready for this! Because your videos are not about tricks but about a healthy parrot!

[@wingsNpaws]

Glad you found the videos helpful!

[@alicediana3681]

My Congo African Grey is 30, and spent his first 20 years with my kind and nurturing mother, and, after we lost her, the last 10 with me. So, in essence, my parrot has only known one family. I've learned that with patience and understanding these marvelous birds CAN adapt to major changes. Your channel has helped me greatly with my parrot..... Let me suggest, for a durable and beautiful platform perch, a large Soapbox from Oliver's Garden Bird Toys.

[@wingsNpaws]

Thanks for the tip! I will definitely check that out!

[@amandapandachu]

LOVE your videos and ty for letting us into you and Smokey's lives for these past 10 years.

[@wingsNpaws]

Our pleasure!

[@Dragoevo2]

I’m glad ur back. Your one of my favorite KZbinr and I love your videos!

[@Nanapoo]

I am so happy for this video, I love Smokey and you! I started watching I think maybe one or two years ago. That’s when my love for birds started! I am 26 now :D I am so old, haha. I love your videos cause you’re so sweet and caring to Smokey and seem like such chill guy. For me your videos are super relaxing and I look forward to them! Congratulations on your 10th year KZbin anniversary :) I hope you and Smokey stay healthy during this pandemic! Love you guys❤️ and it really impressed me how quickly she got that nutriberry puzzle, she’s so smart💕

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you SO MUCH! Your comment made my day and makes the time-consuming task of filming all worthwhile! 26 is not old! Enjoy your 20s, those were some of my best years! Haha...okay I'll stop because now I sound like the old one.

[@Nanapoo]

wingsNpaws haha i don’t know old you are, but you look very young to me 🤗 no worries! Many greetings to you and Smokey!💕

[@kathleenshriver7512]

That's what they fo chip wood. He's having a great time. You go Smokey

[@jayaugust4207]

Nice to see a new vid from u. I have been missing the great updates and tips on smokey. I hope that you will make more videos in the near future🥰

[@wingsNpaws]

Thanks, will do!

[@shannondugas]

I do love your aviary. I've never had a bird so I'm watching every possible video on AG's. I will get mine in 2 months. Can't wait!

[@wingsNpaws]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@justbirbvideos1701]

Aww very adorable video🥰 your bond with Smokey is so cute, I love this video :). My favourite part was her tapping your phone at the start😆 thanks for sharing💗

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you! I loved that part as well!

[@mims2543]

NO YOU DONT LEAVE YOUBE BECAUSE YOUR A THE BEST YOU ARE AMAZING i love so much your channel no Smoky channel she is amazing like you thank you so much you are the best to explain to us relationship with parrot 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼all the world i m from France merci

[@mariannerivard3792]

Hi I really love your videos I have an African grey named Oscar. He is seventeen. I have watched many of your videos. What I’d like to know is when you find extra large tree branches for perches how do you clean them. I’m trying to make a stand up perch and want to make sure it’s going to be safe. We lost an elm tree so I took some branches from it to make the perch. I wiped it down with bleach because I couldn’t soak it in the tub it’s too big. Then I rinsed it and laid it in the sun. Smokey is an amazing bird I love watching how you take such good care of her

[@Jackblackout8771]

I will get soon a parrot. A macw or an African grey . I subscribed and started watching your videos on youtube for four years. You have been really helpful. I was 11 when i watched your video now im 15. I am really glad that your back. I have been olso following you on Instagram. Thanks for your amazing content on youtube and on Instagram.

[@wingsNpaws]

Our pleasure! It's always so cool to see my IG followers here on youtube!

[@laurag1406]

Congratulations on 10 yrs!! 🎊🏆Thank you for sharing your journey with Smokey and your kind spirit. Here’s a video request if you’re looking for ideas: would love to see Smokey playing with her bell and new interactive toy near it! As for my journey I do not at present have animals or birds so I live vicariously through KZbinrs! Used to have many different kinds and was blessed to be on top of the world then a chronic illness took decades of my life. I’ve missed out on having children but am determined to be Mom to furry & feathered creatures once I again have the income to support them. Peace ☮️ 🙏🏼🌼

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you for your kind comment! I'll definitely try to get her playing with the spinning toy in future videos!

[@laurag1406]

wingsNpaws Hey great, thanks a bunch✌🏼

[@haiderak9439]

Wow 10 years ago I was in high school and came across your videos around then when I had my indian ringneck. Turning 28 in a couple months and getting married soon as well as getting an Eclectus. Where has the time gone...

[@wingsNpaws]

Time flies doesn't it?!

[@haiderak9439]

@@wingsNpaws way too fast man

[@MihaelaRo]

Hi. I recently subscribed to your channel and I already watched all your videos. I really like your approach and understanding on how to train those amazing creatures. So I have an 8 yrs old Hahns Macaw that I hand fead but never really train ,so when he started biting I kinda stop physically interacting with him. My bad. I’ve never stopped talking with him , take care of him, be around him (at a safe distance) open the cage in the morning and close it in the evening when he would go inside on it’s own LOL .But know I’m trying to earn his trust and be able to hang out with him like you and Smokey. So after trying some of your techniques in less then 1 week,he takes treats out of my hand while he is on his cage, he comes to where my finger targets him for the treat, he would not get on my hand but he would on my arm and up he goes on my shoulder and he won’t live all day even if I try to put him back on the cage he would fly back looking for me. So I feel kinda of stuck because I can’t put him on a stand or anything to be able to continue training specially he won’t step up. Also while he is on my shoulder sometimes he gets a little bite so I’m kind of scared. If he bite me how do I put him down and walk out if he won’t step up? Do I say awwww loud ? LOL I want to do the right think , can you please advice. Sorry sorry sorry for the long story. Please help

[@KarenUntz]

❤❤❤ Love Smokey! And congrats! Much love! ❤❤❤

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you!

[@chrisz1079]

I just found you a couple days ago and I’m thrilled for all the information I’ve learned. I have 2 - 10 year-old African Grey’s & I need to up my game! Thanks for all this wonderful information 🐦🐦

[@wingsNpaws]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melissaells7651]

Yay!!! so happy to see a new Smokey video :) thank you for posting!!!

[@wingsNpaws]

Nice to see you here and on instagram! Thanks for being our big supporter!

[@cherylkinkaid6801]

I think I only started watching you and Smokey a couple years ago. Currently I have a Quaker named Bob and 4 budgie girls Lemon, Lime, Olive and Celia.

[@missconduct6190]

This is why I buy plastic...i do have wood also because I prefer them. I have a green cheek conure...mine is sweetest in the early evening too

[@eeyor16]

Hello, Can you please link the toys and perches you purchased in your description? Love Smokey..

[@wingsNpaws]

This is the spinning toy: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XPDJC5J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@tanyachou4474]

Very informative! And smokey is so cute ! :)

[@wingsNpaws]

Glad you liked it!!

[@megsutube1815]

She's so beautiful!

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you!

[@mims2543]

Smoky love youuuuu so much what a wonderfull relationship 🥰👍👍👍👍

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you!

[@briananuvattanachai6646]

To make a flat perch she could stand on you could easily get a plank of untreated wood and put a hanger bolt/washer and wingnut on the other end. This would be far cheaper than just buying them online. If you use a hardwood like eucalyptus for instance it will last a lot longer than if it were like pine.

[@wingsNpaws]

That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@SAHamel_]

Smokey is a beautiful Africa Grey and a bit larger than I have seen others to be. Jon, you are an excellent Dad to Smokey.

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you Shirley! Nice to see you're still watching us! I too have noticed that she's a pretty big African Grey.

[@jesusmorales-yn9vb]

Hi my friend thankyou for sharing i hope one day to be able to have a bond the same way you do with your birds and one day be able to freeflight my birds

[@evancast3303]

I love this channel

[@wingsNpaws]

Glad you like it here!

[@JMK513]

The aviary is so wonderful but do you stay outside with her went she is in It? I am a worried and would be afraid someone would steal her.

[@mesange8942]

Hello, thank you for your nice and optimistic message. Happy everything has been going well for you in your life. I have been discovering your channel for few weeks. After few years of interest and research about parrots, and after the death of my parakeet in march, i have adopted a young Jardine parrot. Hope we will have such a great relation that you have with your Grey. Best regards. (Sorry for the faults, i am french and not english native. By the way, you speak too quickly 🤣🤣🤣.)

[@thatsgreyzy8109]

I didn’t have to wait a year to see another one of your videos lol

[@wingsNpaws]

My wife and I literally LOL'ed when we saw this comment!

[@marthastoneburner6781]

I like your aviary. Suggestion where I can find one for my dusty rose

[@wingsNpaws]

The one I have is no longer sold on amazon. Try googling "wingzstore".

[@dr.rajatbanerjee]

Where do you get the plastic toys for seeds from?

[@MaxtheMoluccan]

Conflockulations! That's a long time and a lot of effort!

[@omaralsalim]

Hello, I bought a 1 and 1/2 year old African grey 1 month ago. He is very nice, does not bite, and lets us pet him. His only problem is that he doesn’t step up. He will come on my shoulder, but even after that he won’t step up. How can I solve this problem? Please answer as soon as possible thank you and I’m glad your back!

[@wingsNpaws]

Short answer is use treats to earn his trust and slowly get him used to coming closer and closer to your hand. Long answer is beyond what I can type out on here.

[@omaralsalim]

Thanks!

[@rgonzalez761]

Love 💕 the videos

[@wingsNpaws]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kenzakuwait6720]

I love this channel and smokey 😘🐦

[@wingsNpaws]

Nice to see you here and on instagram! Thank you for being our big supporter!

[@kenzakuwait6720]

wingsNpaws smokey deserves millions of subscribers 😘🐦

[@abddizayee2101]

We have the same bird as you they are so cute and sweet

[@douxbebesash1085]

I have the same perches and my cockatiels did the same thing right away!!!! But after a few days they just perch on them😊

[@wingsNpaws]

So true! Smokey destroyed one of them but left the other one alone...at least for now.

[@pujakarambelkar]

Day 1 with a grey, here in India. Using your videos as a a huge support system. :)

[@azuresky4984]

Are you still getting a new bird companion smokey?

[@kairiikonen7838]

I have mine little one 6months old i think its mixed with pigeon she went missing for three days i made 20k reward to get her back after 3 days old man found it and didnt take the money so i donated and feeded 54 families for 2 days the feeling was stunning and my baby is back money dont matter

[@medfreak]

I didn’t had any intrest in pets,m not an animal person but my husband loves parrot,so he brought a month old african grey to our lives😅 1 month in and m obsessed with my kid 😂 his name is simba,m watching ur videos to learn about my parrot,thank u❤

[@pellski64]

I'm still hoping for Smoky's return. I'm so sorry you're going through this.

[@thatsgreyzy8109]

Omg I love Smokey!

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you! I do too.

[@fangrui8708]

Can you talk about your experience about having a dog and also a bird? I grew up with dogs and would love to get another border collie in future but I am kind of worried about how they can be together in the same house

[@mims2543]

Smoky 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 i love your channel think you 😘

[@wingsNpaws]

🤗

[@barryshulman8316]

I have a 4yr old male Indian ringneck parrot. He is very intelligent.

[@Juancho.6]

I have a question, what is your career because I like on what you do

[@wingsNpaws]

I'm an educator.

[@Smedis]

Could you add links to each foraging toy in the description? I’m having a hard time finding large and tough enough foraging toys/puzzles (stainless steel preferred, hard thick plastic) for my large, very large macaw. He loves his SS bell, like Smokey. That spinning metal thing looks like he might like too! Links?

[@wingsNpaws]

This is the stainless steel spinning toy: www.amazon.com/Busy-Bird-Engaging-Cockatoo-Catalina/dp/B07XPDJC5J/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=busy+bird+spinner&qid=1596611938&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-1

[@Smedis]

@@wingsNpaws Thanks, ordered!

[@sunnyquaker5055]

Was so excited to see another wonderful video! Love you Smokey 💖❤. Thanks so much for sharing and hope to see many more videos to come. I now have 2 Canaries since I lost my beloved 💔 😢 Quaker Sunny, to Lymphoma. She had similar foraging toys and I also made a lot of them. Sunny would fly to me also and loved to do birdie tricks, until she became ill. It is so inspiring to see Smokey interacting with you and her foraging toys - it brings back very special memories. 💚💚💚💚💚 Thanks so much.

[@PATRICKCHAD]

I am sorry for ur loss

[@sunnyquaker5055]

@@PATRICKCHAD Thank you so much. She will always live on in my heart 💚. I pray you and precious Smokey will have a birdiful long life together ❤.

[@wingsNpaws]

I'm glad we can bring you that joy!

[@aymanar-rad2119]

I just bought an African grey, can you please suggest me what should I feed him and when should I let him out of the cage?

[@midknight4290]

I've had a yellow-crowned amazon for a little while. I haven't tried much training yet. For the most part he's pretty calm and we've become close. Recently he hasn't wanted to get off of me. Treats use to work, but not even his favorite fruits get him moving. What should I do? Also do you have any advice on how to keep them off you shoulder and on you arm?

[@Fluffadoodle]

I just heard chirping twice from my laundry room (where I keep my two lovebirds) and it's really late. How do I ensure my birds get enough sleep each night? All the family stay up pretty late. It doesn't help that the toilet is right next door and people shout to hear. Please help me, this is very frustrating.

[@MT95p]

Hi i dont know how i got to your video's, it was one of those wtf am i watching now at 3 am kind of thing. But its strangly entertraining so i sticked around for like 3 months now. I had a bird once when i was 8(24 now) but it flew away after a year and i never bought a bird again but im interested in getting one now that im older. Keep it up!

[@karlkrenz5660]

were did u get her

[@jqker6736]

Your back

[@damirage2010]

What vitamins do you give her she looks healthy and clean

[@richardgmattson]

My african grey has no interest at all in foraging toys. we've tried a couple and she ignores them. any ideas?

[@megsutube1815]

Birds need to be able to chew on things and enjoy tear apart toys too.

[@jb7288]

Any specific amount of snacks she gets in her foraging toys?

[@wingsNpaws]

She gets very small amounts of seeds, some nuts, and 2-3 nutriberries.

[@damirage2010]

How many times do you bath her a week and how?

[@missconduct6190]

What kind of camera do u use?

[@wingsNpaws]

I use a sony a7rII, a mirrorless DSLR.

[@missconduct6190]

@@wingsNpaws Thank you 😊

[@keikol.7110]

Can you recommend where I could buy these enrichment toys online ?

[@henrypniewski3836]

Amazon is where he got them.

[@enriquegil7765]

Wood perch and interactive metalic toy I can"t find them!!! Anyone can I can help me? Many Thanks!!!

[@wingsNpaws]

I got them on amazon. Just search for "parrot foraging" or "parrot interactive".

[@enriquegil7765]

@@wingsNpaws Thanks so much, I was looking for on amazon Spain..... Greetings from Spain!!!

[@lindaallen6165]

Do you free fly her? I know people do this, but it frightens me.

[@wingsNpaws]

I don't free fly her outdoors. There are people who do this and it's beautiful to watch. However, not all pet birds make good candidates for free flight.

[@ciriadeflora]

Our Grey broke BOTH of the spinning foraging wheels we got. Tracking new ones down has been hard. He is really rough on them. Edit: I think I was about 27, just after we got our Grey who we took in from my fiance's mom.

[@wingsNpaws]

How on earth did he break those?! And here I thought those were indestructible.

[@ciriadeflora]

@@wingsNpaws On the first one, that lasted about 8 months, two of the threads that the toy to the cage bars broke off. No idea how he managed that. The second one didn't even last a week. He somehow got the leverage to pop it off its holder and breaking the tabs between the holder and toy. The current one only has the cover that spins rather than the whole one and It is spider-webbing little cracks from the two little openings from trying to get to the seeds. It's only a matter of time before he breaks that one. I will have to swap it out soon before that happens.

[@BeautifulQueen-hw8mz]

Hi! So I’m a big fan of your videos and I was wondering how can I prevent my caique who is 1 years old, from getting aggressive once he starts getting hormonal. How can I prevent him getting mean and loud before it starts?

[@rizagabatino6267]

Im sending my full support, lets stay connected

[@zack_4770]

What aviary does Smokey have I’m looking to get one for my African grey

[@cherylkinkaid6801]

Congratulations

[@SusiePhiHaShow]

Hi Smoke ! He get learn more trick today .

[@wingsNpaws]

You got that right!

[@aliciadebrah5300]

Please how do I know my bird is happy with what l am doing

[@salliannewright8933]

My bird does shout but none stops talks, is that the same as I do fill all her forging toys toy too but also likes to talk it’s not a problem just wondering if I’m doing something wrong ♥️

[@Imranchoudhry9343]

🥺🥺🥺🥺my gery perrys

[@RealBrother.03]

I'm 14 been watching u since I was 7 since I have a passion for birds. I need help with my alexandrian. It's only been 3 days and it's supposed to be semi tamed but when I put my hand in the cage it slowly moves away, if u have any advice I would 100% appreciate it. Thx :)

[@CVersailles]

I don't really recall exactly when I began viewing your videos, but it must have been about 5-6 years ago, and I have greatly enjoyed each one of them: I inaugurated my channel in 2007, so it's now been 13 years! My own philosophy is that tricks and talking are great for impressing the gallery, but don't do that much for the bird's well-being. Those birds who do really fancy tricks do not do the tricks when they are alone with their props just for the fun of it. So, aside from interacting with a human and receiving treats, these activities are not that meaningful as they do nothing for self-entertainment. Teaching a bird to entertain itself is much more meaningful. It is the same with the smaller birds, who get just as bored as the big ones! (See, e.g., "Self-Entertained Budgie Li'l Babi").

[@wingsNpaws]

I do remember you from about 5-6 years ago! I would argue, however, that trick training can help humans to learn more about their bird's behavior and vice versa. Specifically, it could help humans become much more aware of their bird's body language and learn to communicate with their bird in a way that might not have been possible before.

[@CVersailles]

@@wingsNpaws That is very true, and trick training is certainly a way to interact with a bird and the more interactions the better. But there are other ways and I believe that "play" sessions can serve many of the same purposes while being less intrusive. We see many "training" sessions and all kinds of tricks on You Tube (many of which are the result of techniques such as weight management, etc.), but very few "play" sessions. See, e.g., "(How I) TAME Budgie Li'l Babi".

[@sunnyquaker5055]

Looked at your 2018 video about what you feed Smokey and you said you'd be getting her a companion. Did you ever do that?

[@wingsNpaws]

Not yet but I still plan to. I'm planning on moving within the next few months and don't want to get another bird until then.

[@sunnyquaker5055]

@@wingsNpaws Are you leaving California? Thanks for your reply. Have a birdiful day today. 🌞

[@rum1760]

My birds could talk very well which I’m really proud but the one thing I am still struggling is that we haven’t got to pet her yet because she still in a cage and she bites

[@wingsNpaws]

It sounds like she's fearful of hands. In that case, I would stop trying to pet her or that will cause her to be even more fearful. The first step is to get her to trust you by encouraging her to approach you using treats.