Readz

Well guys, just to let you know I have today ordered 2 Airfree Platinum 125's bit costly but had a good chat to the technical guy there who was really helpful. I will let you know how I go on, he told me I should feel the benefit in 3 weeks. Until then I will carryon using my inhalers continuously :-) Thanks for all your replies and help, lets hope these things are as good as claimed by the manufactures. Alan / Chris and Earl :-)

Its looking like we are going to have to let or new member of the family go, we are both so sad about it but he has triggered my asthma in a big way. We did think about this before we went ahead in purchasing a parrot even visiting people we knew with parrots to see if there was a problem. I had a parrot when I was young without any problem and my asthma has been virtually gone for years. I have started this thread to try to stress to any people out there to think again around buying an African Grey or even a bird if you have ever suffered from asthma. I would hate anyone else to have to go through what me and my partner are going through now. We have both got so attached to Earl and love him to bits, he has more toys than my kids had :-) its on my mind all day at work now and the sooner we find him a home the better. If any one has any suggestions or have found this same problem, it maybe interesting to here from you. We have considered an air filter unit but to be honest we would be kidding ourselves. It wouldn’t be fair on Earl now to continue, I’m just hoping we can find a really good local home for him so we can maybe keep in touch.

Celery - some great ideas lots of thanks for your time. Alan

Thanks - good points from you all but surely there are times when it is safer for earl to be in his cage, while in the room with us. Our kitchen is adjoining the dinning room where Earl is situated so while we are cooking or when we need to clean say sink area (bleach)he has to stay in his cage. We are both getting quite upset about his clawing, it really is a habit we want to stop. I recal the breeder we got him from saying he does this (he callled digging) i now realise the habit was formed before we got him. thanks again folks you reall are a great help. Alan / Chris & Earl :-)

Hi Folks well all your advice to date has been really helpful and we feel much more confident looking after Earl and making sure he is a happy chappy. Still having a bit of a problem in him seeking attention and what he has the constant habit of doing is clawing the side of one of his metal bowls or the side of his cage over and over again when he wants to come out of his cage.( he is in a really large cage with toys etc).Apart from the noise driving us mad I am bothered that he will be making his foot sore and getting stressed. Tactics adopted so far to try to get him to stop are: 1. Going into another room and ignoring him 2. Playing with the toys in his cage to distract him 3. Giving him his favourite food 4. In the evening putting his cover over him so he has an early bedtime ANy other suggestions would be most welcome please

Hi Folks I really appreciate all your advice... big thank you. I had done lots of reading before Earl joined me, but reading about it and actually looking after him are 2 different things. He does seem to be settling in and is still familiarising himself with his new whereabouts. It is easy to forget he is still a little baby so I will be ensuring he gets TLC and reassurances.Guess I have been concerned about setting any bad habits with him which would make life difficult for him and myself in the long run. He seems to be bonding OK so far and seems quite comfortable being with me, or my partner Christine. Again after all I had read I wasn't sure if he would only go to one of us but he seems to be OK with us both. Trying to attach a picture so you can take a look at him for yourselves.We have fallen for him big time. Just another question if you don't mind...... any suggestions on whether we should be bathing him, and if so how often. can't imagine it easy the first time so any hints, tips and pointers appreciated. http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j305/yearat/02082007008_5.jpg Post edited by: Readz, at: 2007/08/06 23:11<br><br>Post edited by: Readz, at: 2007/08/06 23:11

Being newly acquainted to the parrot scene, I am wondering if anyone can assist me in training Earl - a 15 week old cutie. He enjoys coming out of his cage, but has got to the stage where he is rattling his cage every time I walk in the room in the hope of attracting attention and being able to come to play. I have tried to get hm into a routine but whan I am home all day at week ends he thinks he can come out to play all the time. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can calm him down and stop him rattling his cage/ dishes etc in his attempt to attract my attention?