by Guest » Mon May 29, 2006 6:17 pm
Hi Bobbi,
First, if Bennie is not talking a lot, it may mean that he gets his needs met without having to talk. There are some quiet Greys.....so it is possible that Bennie won't talk a lot. But that does not make him any less special. Please go into our Helpful Hints section and see if there are some talking tips that can help you. Everytime you give him a certain treat, say "Want apple" or whatever it is. Or when you take him off the cage, say the same phrase every time. Perhaps he will learn it and start to use it as a command. Many times, once they see there is "power" behind a phrase....ie...that they get something accomplished, they may start using the phrase.
There are small cage carriers in the marketplace. I would google "bird carriers" or "small bird cages" and see what you get. Bird Talk also does research on that every year. Look on their web site. I have old Bird Motel products, but they are not made anymore.
Now, the issue of travel. Whichever you decide to do, you have to prepare Bennie first. If you leave him at home, you will have to introduce him to the sitter and make sure he is comfortable with that person. Take him over there a few afternoons before you leave... or get the sitter to come over and spend time alone with him while you are still in town. Even do a night run practice where you leave him overnight while still in town and come get him the next day. This will show him that you DO and will come back. Another thing that helps when you go away is to frequently call in and speak to Bennie through the telephone. Tell him you miss him and will be back.
Now, if you decide to take him, you need to get him used to travel first. Get that carrier you like for him first. Then take him on car rides so he is used to it. Please read the travel hints in the Helpful Hints section and then ask me specific questions. Are you going by car to the mountains? Will you be able to spend a lot of time with him there? It can be scary for a bird to be out of his territory without a feeling of security from his humans. My Merlin LOVED it, but I was constantly with her. We have been to 11 states and to Europe together.
GREY'T Blessings,
Maggie-