Judy

Thank you so much for all you kind sentiments. I'll try to find out what the results were. Best wishes to you all Judy

I have posted a picture of Paul in the photo album. He enjoyed roaming round his terrain all the time. it was spread over several square yards and was rather like an army assault course ! My sister was always creating new climbing areas and invented toys for him. He loved the head of a broom, which was lovingly nibbled and pared away over several years. And his favourite place to go sometimes was a large earthenware pot, on it's side. Paul could just about turn round in it, and he loved the acoustic effect on his voice. The pot came about one day after he had 'disappeared' from his usual perch. My sister didn't find him until she heard a very strange 'Hello Paul!' coming from the discarded garden pot in the kitchen. After that the pot was his, and I have fond memories of him talking away mysteriously to himself, head first in the pot, with his tail feathers sticking out. RIP<br><br>Post edited by: Judy, at: 2008/01/10 22:08

I am sad to say that Paul very quickly developed blindness following his unusual behaviour. My sister recreated his terrain with as much care as possible so that he could get about and feed but he became distressed. He gradually stopped all his usual chatter and withdrew completely. In the end my sister realised it was unfair to keep him going and much to her great sadness, she had the vet come and put Paul to sleep. It's amazing the gap he has left behind. I have known Paul ever since i was a teenager and I'm 50 now ! The vet was very supportive and my sister donated Paul to him as he said he would be very interested to do some research and an autopsy. He was also having to treat another Grey for something different, and my sister at least felt that Paul would e helping towards more understanding of their make up. I will try to post a picture of Paul that I took last year. Thanks for all your messages. Judy

Many many thanks for all your best wishes and enquiries about Paul, my sister's parrot. I passed them on to her and this was her first reply.... I got the vet in today because Paul had suddenly seemed worse over the last couple of days: like slow to react to my company and unsure on his feet - like loss of balance. It sort of seemed like he may have had a stroke: his right wing was hanging noticably lower and at one point, hanging right down the side of the cage when he was sat on top... Then he 'jumped' a couple of times only it wasn't jumping it was falling off. this made me think again that he he may have damaged his legs & wing during his recent jumps...) Anyway, he examined Paul but there was nothing blindingly obvious & he said it could be any number of things... After a lengthy description of Paul's normal & recent behaviour he suggested the first thing to try was an injection of anti imflamatory + anti-biotic, which has been done. If that works Paul will need a drop per day (on food) If it makes no difference the next step would be to take blood samples (which would mean an anesthetic) so wouldn't do this unless absolutely necessary... I was a bit 'upset' when he said that Paul was a good age for a caged bird, since I thought he would live til 65-70...He said that is their natural life-span but in captivity they wouldn't be expected to live anywhere near as long and Paul was doing very well by reaching 40. I feel really ignorant now because he described how a caged bird has no exercise and an 'unatural' diet - whereas Paul would naturally fly say 10 miles a day & eat a few grubs & fruit - he now sits around eating 'fast food' (my expression, not his) He had this injection about 8 hours ago now and I think it has perked him up a bit... Will report further news, as & when - Lynne xxx Regards to everyone who has sent their concerns and best wishes. I will get Lynne to continue this as it is her parrot after all. I will also say that all the years my sister has had Paul, he has had his territory extended and now occupies half a small room, with extensive climbing and hiding spaces, toys, ladders and other treasures too numerous to mention. He isn't caged - his cage is just another open room for him to be in if he wants.I always enjoy visits to see him.He likes to join in conversation and provide sound effects for us.( telephone voice, stacking plates and laughter to name but three) Judy xx

My sister owns Paul ,a 40 year old African Grey.He has been with her for about 25 years. He has recently had a clean bill of health from the vet, but has started to lie down during the daytime.He sometimes lies over to one side and sometimes just leans forward onto his chest with his head lying on one side. He has quite a large territory that he roams about in, with plenty of perches and different surfaces to clamber about on. His wings are clipped. He doesn't appear to be unhappy and doesn't appear to be sleeping when he is lying down. We have been wondering whether he might be suffering from arthritis in his legs, or something similar. Does anyone have advice for us please ? Judy