pearllyn

Three cheers for Gilbert!!! Obviously very sorry to hear about the bites and tantrums, and his angst during the storm, but his confidence is obviously growing, and to hear of him playing, beak grinding (amazing) and offering little kisses to David, just makes my heart smile! Three cheers for you too Dee! xx

I have been wondering how the raffle was going. It's lovely to know it's been won by someone who obviously really wanted it. I think it must have been one of the hardest things imaginable for you to go through what you went through, not once, but twice, but we are believers that everything happens for a reason. These birds came into your life, I think perhaps because they were meant to have you, as much as you were meant to have them. I hope now, that you are a little further down the road, that the happy memories of your boys, by far outweigh the sad ones. xx

Clever little Java - she knows you and Gil have been on a buddy trip and has completely put herself straight back into the centre again.So glad you are both home safe and sound. Enjoy the rest of your day xx

I hope you both have a good journey home - think of the welcome you are going to get when you arrive! x

Oh my goodness Paul - so sorry to hear that Murphy is missing. Praying for his safe return x

Oh my - i do recognise those little looks - he surely is a monkey! A very smart and clever one though - he's just turning into such a charmer, I'm so happy for you all I can't tell you. He's amazing to be coping so well with his travels too, remembering that the last time he took such a journey it was to go to a new home. It just shows how far you two have come together in this short time. xx

Lol - I have a half bat-bird too! Loving the updates Dee - This is the only thread that has me in tears one minute and laughing the next! So sorry to hear about your friends Mum - God bless you for being there for her, and your family for being there for you, taking care of your babies when you had to depart suddenly. "Quit night night" had me laughing so hard there were tears in my eyes!!! That is one incredibly smart bird you have there. So happy for you. xx

Great updates Dee! I haven't been in for a while and have enjoyed reading through all your latest posts. Sorry to hear about your setback, but Love the bell story, and it sounds like you are both getting over the hiccup fine. By all accounts, Gilbert is blossoming into a beautiful personality - he is one exceptionally intelligent little soul and you are truly blessed to have him in your life. xx

Good to hear Nilah is ok!

Aah bless you - of course you deserve it....every bit as much as Gil deserves you, and I don't think there is anyone here who would say any different! It's just brilliant to know that he's coping happily while you are away (cos that's a big worry), and it's great to hear he has new growth coming in too! x

What great video Dee - he is so enjoying those tickles, and what a charmer he is giving you kissies like that!! Love the scallywag photo too - he looks so much more relaxed now! Good going x

Hope Nilah is ok - it's such a worry when you think there may be something wrong x

Katana600 - don't you dare sell yourself short! I agree with you 99.9% - the forum has had a lot to do with most of us getting through some crisis or other at some point since we got our babies, - my road would have been a lot less smooth had I not been pointed in this direction when I got ALfie, the encouragement and support I had was priceless to me. But anybody can listen to good advice - you have to act on it for it to become effective. It's YOU who is there with Gilbert, it's you who has opened your heart and your home to him, and provided the kind of environment that would allow him to settle in and make himself at comfortable. Gilbert is a little gem, and you two were made for each other. x

What great updates Dee - I read everyone with an ever growing grin on my face. I am just so thrilled for you to have found such an angel as Gilbert - he is your reward for all you have been through in the last couple of years, and for looking after your babies so selflessly. I just love Gilbert to bits. Well done for making his last move such an easy one. xx

telepathy!!!!

Oh I'm glad he coped with the storm well. It can be so stressful for them because they don't fully understand what is going on. You're shower plan sounds like a good one, and you can both relax, now he has decided he just wants to be friends LOL! Look out Java! x

What brilliant updates Dee! I can't believe he is sweet-talking you already "honey"!! Lol!! I'm so thrilled he has taken to you and yours so well - and it must be a huge relief for Sarah to know he has landed in such a great place. What a sensible thing for her to do, not letting on about his talking abilities! It obviously wouldn't have made a difference to your decicion to take him, but it would perhaps appeal to the wrong crowd. It's lovely to hear that Java is smitten too - you will have such fun and games when the two of them eventually meet! Don't fret too much about showertime. I think it's more important at this stage to establish the trust and bond between you. I would leave a bowl where he can get to it rather that using the spray. He obviously didn't like it, but will investigate a bowl of water when he is ready. I love that you have found such a little treasure. Thanks for the updates. xx

What a gorgeous little bird he is - does he have a wee worried look on his face there? Understandable if he does. I just love how his is trusting you, even though he is still a little scared, but he "feels" it's ok to go with you, so he does. Great bedtime story too - I'm so pleased this little birdy is bringing you such happiness - you deserve it! x

What wonderful wonderful news! Gil sounds like a real sweety. x

Hi Jay - so great to see you back in the Zon room!! My goodness - you have a lot of reading to get through!! Enjoy!

Sorry to hear your bird is plucking - it's very stressful for all concerned. There may be a light at the end of the tunnel though. Alfie started to chew her feathers when she was just under a year old. Numerous vet trips and tests were undertaken and the short version is, the food that came with her from the breeder had a mite infestation. She was treated accordingly, her feathers all grew back in, and she hasn't chewed again. She is just over 3yo now. Stay positive! x

So sorry Jess that you and Yoshi are going through this. I so wish we were closer and could help. A couple of things to keep in mind, although I know you will have thought of them, but it's easy to forget or overlook things when you are stressed, which I know you must be, to say the least. Don't advertise her too cheaply. I know time is a factor here, but advertising her cheap will only attract the wrong sort of person (that's not to say it wouldn't catch the right person's eye though), plus if you put a decent price tag on her, you know the person who answers that add, is going to look after her. Also, as Talon says, don't let anyone pressure you into letting her go to the first home that comes along, and don't be afraid to ask questions - you have every right to know if a potential home has the resources to look after your baby. It's not cheeky to ask " can you afford her?"... You do have a little time before you deply, so just use it and have faith that the right person will hear you plea for hellp and give Yoshi the home you both deserve her to have. Best wishes to you both. xx

What a great post. It's a little reminder to us all that while, for the most part, we have the most darling, unobnoxious birds, sometimes they wake up on the wrong side of the perch... so we must give them some space! We all have bad days - why can't they? Great post - thanks for sharing. x

Happy New Year to everyone at Greyforums. Alfie and I would like to wish you all the best in 2011. xxx

A Merry Christmas to all at Feathered Friends from Alfie and myself xx