The help of a happy tone

[allie]

Maggie, I am still enjoying your book so much. I had read so many books about Greys and parrots when I got her, but I found it helpful to review how to keep my girl happy. I think I start to move to fast when she makes steps forward from being unsocialized, and it helps to read that I need to move in steps that she is comfortable with.

Also, I wanted to note how much the "happy" voice helps her when she's scared or unsure. When I first got her, I had to speak so softly that I couldn't really use this technique, however, now that she's used to me and my voice, I've noticed several times when she was frightened and I spoke happily and excitedly immediatly about the issue or object, she changes her demeanor too.

Today she landed near my oscillating fan (It's got a fine grill covering the fan) and got very upset with warning beeps and all. I waited a moment, as you recommend, then offered my hand, she stepped up and I said, "oooo that fan makes us sooo cool. Ooo feels so good. Isn't this fun?" and I would move her slowly in front of it and then back to me again. Before it was over, she was a "fan" of the fan (it's 90F already here) and was wagging her tail in front of the fan and all excited herself! Now she likes to be held in front of the fan, and likes to perch on my hand over the outflow of my air filter!

Thanks Maggie!
Allie and Luna

[Maggie]

Allie,

I LOVE reading your posts about how you are helping Luna work through so many things. Our Greys are so different that it helps to read how others handle things. We can ALL learn from each other.

Maggie-