Joolesgreyuk

OMG that was quick, it happend overnight didn't it lol?! Well done Jill, which room are you moderating?

That's a great video of Emma, so close-up and clear, she is a darling. Thanks for sharing her with us B)

LOL too right Jill, we want prizes or a cash pay out. :laugh:

It's been a busy week this week with a lot going on, anyway I've finally found the time to tell all about my Wednesday. I decided to take the day off and catch up with the housework. It was quite warm here Wednesday and I decided to open my patio door as well as some windows to speed-up the drying of the floors I'd washed. I was in the other room when I heard Beau flapping all around his cage and looked up to find a cat sat between the two cages eyeing up which of my fids would make the best meal. Needless to say I moved fast and my "shoo" scared the birds almost as much as the cat. Goes to show how quick things happen though eh? Bernie is quite right, all cats should be kicked from here to next week. :evil: :evil: :evil: B)

Beer = YUK! :dry:

Is it an egg?

Brittany to put myself in your shoes for a moment, it must have sounded funny to hear your sweet fid come out with that word the first time - I bet you were shocked but at the same time rocked with laughter. Having had time to digest it though and read through the comments, it's clear that this kind of language isn't to be encouraged. Dan gave some excellent advice about changing the words around to acceptable ones. Please don't beat yourself up about it though, you are a mere 19 years old with (I guess) no children to think about. At the end of the day (apologies for being flippant) no one has died or been injured in the making of your video. ;-)

OMG that's a big bird you have there. What is his temprement like? A bit different to a grey maybe...

I also feel strongly about this. In previous years I have often worked on a Sunday and we used to "down tools" for the 2 minute silence on Rememberance Sunday. After a few years we were inundated with Portugese workers and we had this Portugese lady working for us, she must have been approaching retirement age so no exuse, she made the mistake of trying to talk to me during the 2 minutes and after several attempts at trying to ignore her I'm afraid she persisted when everyone else was silent - she felt the full force of my wrath I'm afraid. Some people have no respect, you can forgive this a little in the very young, perhaps up to age 30 but there is no excuse for others. Good post Jill.

This is a great video, Emma is a great talker and she has your voice to a tee. Love the orbit thingy too ;-) Thanks for sharing.

I received the following newsletter this morning and thought it might be useful to members on here, the more knowledge we have regarding our fids the better I think. Sorry it's so long but it's very informative. Parrot-Link Newsletter November 2009 Welcome to our November Newsletter Welcome to another in the series of the parrot-link monthly newsletter which brings you parrot-related news and reviews. November Summary The topics of interest in this months edition are: " Psittacine Beak & Feather Disease (PBFD)" an article by our very own moderator Pottys Mum " Caring for PBFD birds" Our Forum members krisjvv and koky have experience of caring for PBFD birds. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Psittacine Beak & Feather Disease (PBFD) This month we decided to focus on a particularly nasty disease that affects many parrots. This is a personal account of my limited experence with Charley, who came to live with us in the summer of 2006. She was a foundling and, after a long but unsuccessful search to find her owner, she made her home with us. She was a happy, healthy bird and fitted right into the family. It was in August that year, that I noticed she had developed a number of red feathers where they shouldn't have been any - between her shoulders and down her back. But, having consulted members of this forum, I took comfort in the fact that King or Pied greys showed this colouration and are not uncommon. But, by March 2007 she had developed so many pink feathers, that I decided a trip to the vet was called for. My vet said he "had never seen such a pink bird". Blood samples were taken and it was an anxious few days' wait for the result. It was positive for PBFD and, as another member put it: "A positive result really feels like a lonely place to be." I was concerned not only for Charley but also for all my other feathered kids - Merlin, Mabel and Skinny the greys, and Phoebe and Piper the budgies. It cost a small fortune to have them all tested but, thankfully, the results were negative. Then came the question: "Should I keep Charley or, for the sake of the others, find her another home?" Encouraged by my vet's advice that, if the others were going to get it, they would have it already, there was only ever one answer to that - Charley was staying right where she was. "So, what is PBFD?" Well, it is a particularly nasty virus that affects a number of parrot species. There appear to be two forms, acute and chronic. The acute form usually affects young birds and is likely to prove fatal in a matter of weeks. The chronic form appears to affect older birds, which can live for many years following diagnosis, some with few side affects but usually with pretty devastating results. The virus causes abnormal growth in feather and beak, hence the name. Developing feathers are shed and replaced by abnormal ones. A bird will eventually become completely bald. Beaks become deformed, sometimes leaving a bird incapable of eating without assistance. Claws can also become deformed. Charley chews hers, so the are always very sharp. The immune system is often depressed, leaving a PBFD bird open to infection by other diseases. The bird can come depressed and plucking often results. Charley is now almost bald - partly because her feather don't grow properly and partly because she simply will not allow them to do so. "What species are affected?" PBFD is found in the wild in Australia, so cockatoos are particularly at risk, as are lorikeets, ringnecks, eclectus, budgerigars and lovebirds. The disease has spread globally and now also occurs in African greys and macaws. "How is it spread?" It usually spreads between birds directly by breathing contaminated air, eating contaminated food or crop feeding, beathing in or eating infected feather dust and/or faeces. To keep contamination of other people's birds by me down to a minimum (even when shopping for bird food at the pet shop), I wear "parrot clothes" around the house and usually bathe and put on clean clothes just before I leave the house. "What are the signs of infection?" Well, for me, the first obvious sign was rogue red feathers. But the list is quite a long one: Loss of down feathers, and therefore dust, so a shiny black beak can be a sign. Abnormal feathers, ones which aren't the right shape or colour, or are "pinched", i.e. the shaft doesn't develop normally: A deformed beak can be a give away and, these days, Charley's beak is very obviously not normal. Even her face is turning pink: Preening what's left of her wings: Preening her little body: "What treatment is there?" Sadly, there is no cure and no vaccine. Palliative care is all that it is possible. Some birds benefit from "jumpers" to replace their lost feathers. Charley will not tolerate anything on her skin, not even being touched, other than on her head and neck for "scritches". You might think a bird would be cold but she seems to keep herself warm enough. "What is the outlook for a PBFD bird?" Well, for those affected by the actue form, sadly, the outcome is almost always quick and fatal. For those with the chronic form, as Charley shows, it is possible to have a fulfilling life, even if that no longer involves being able to fly. You can read more about Charley's day to life here: Charley's adventures "Where can I get more information?" There are lots of useful places to go for information. We have a part of this site dedicated to PBFD: Psittacine Beak & Feather Disease (PBFD) Our forum members experience of caring for PBFD birds follows our sponsors advert. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Featured Site Junglegold.com - Providing all your avian dietary supplies. Over 200 seed mixtures and straights. Supplements, Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Caring for PBFD birds Forum members krisjvv and koky have experience of caring for PBFD birds. "Here is Kris's story:" I have been associated with PBFD for more than 20 years and so would rather not try and be too specific. I adore each and every infected bird that is present in my life and those that have passed through. Physical symptoms such as in feather colouration, beak deviation and loss of plumage are well documented and so usually send the carer into a tailspin on the possible outcome. These usually present a negative result and a huge number of other causes can be responsible. This does not in any way negate the need for the testing and quarantine of any new bird joining your flock, however well you may have vetted its previous home. For all the research, web sites and avian advice, there is little or no mention of the carrier bird. This is healthy, robust bird whose only sin is that, at some point in its life, it came into contact with the virus. Its immune system overcame the disease and it will continue to flourish. It does however shed a highly potent form of PBFD, thus infecting all it comes into contact with. No species, as far as my research has found, is immune. Each country seems to have a dominant species as known carriers. With global barriers removed with legal and illegal importation, it has spread worldwide. I find it quite inconceivable that when importing to the United Kingdom birds were tested for Newcastle's Disease and later Avian Flu and yet PBFD is not a notifiable disease. There is at present no specific treatment. Most Avian's will assist you with advice on a good healthy diet. Cleanliness and careful attention to beak and claws is essential. Keep a close eye on basic changes to faeces and skin condition. Apart from the obvious feather loss and beak deviation PBFD can have an adverse reaction on the vital organs. Don't be too quick to clutch at medication when your bird has an off day. Natural remedies can work wonders and Jebirds is our fund of information on all things herbal. Some Avian's are twined with the USA (as is mine) and can administer a vaccine. As yet there are no solid results. Once you have reached total feather loss, there are a couple of things to take note of. Firstly it is doubtful your bird will feel the cold. The shivers you see are quite natural and something all our birds do, we just don't see it. Secondly the appetite will be very healthy. The food intake increases to allow additional energy for temperature control. I personally do not advocate jumpers. Ever if only one feather continues to grow, they can irritate and even cause pain. PBFD in the home is a daunting option especially when you have other birds. I have had at least 1 PBFD bird in my home for the 20 years and can safely say with a few simple steps we have never had cross infection. If your birds are 3 years or more (I prefer to say 5) they will have their own immunity and so be very unlike to pick up the virus. Never allow one bird near another's cage. Never place your PBFD above any others. Also remember that fewer feathers present less risk. Is PBFD a death sentence? Absolutely NOT! There are many documented cases of infected birds living to ripe old ages, my very first rehome is 20+ and still going strong. On a more serious note. Should you find you have an infected bird that, having searched your heart for what ever the reason, you must re-home, please be sure of the route you are taking. Many rescues will agree to take your bird on, as it is good for their profile. The sad reality is that some rescues have no clue how to cope with a PBFD bird and will instantly farm them off to people, like myself. If you re-home, make it a forever. And you can read more of Kris's stories here: Krisjvv's stories koky runs a PBFD rescue in Australia: PBFD - a website dedicated to helping afflicted birds The internet is also a good source of information and you can find many links via our dedicated section. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Popular Parrot Link Forum Topics: General Care of Parrots & Parrotlike Feeding Parrots Parrot Care and Rehabilitation Living with Parrots

Aha Tigerlilly is a film star! Fame at last eh? Thanks for sharing that.

Oh how exciting for you Deb. She sounds a real cutie. Yes, photos please!?

Who is chocloate?

OMG you have a hyacinth??? I am sooo jealous!!! As for the palm nuts, sorry can't help you, as far as I knew there was only one type which grows in africa

Why not open his door and allow him to come out when he so wishes? Spring and Autumn are the months your parrot's behaviour changes and your parrot may be feeling frisky so it may be advisable for you not to try touching him so why not offer him a perch or a stick to step onto, if he does come out he will surely go back on his own when he gets hungry. Give it another month or two and if the behaviour continues then maybe seek advice from your vet, no need to visit just give him/her a call. Don't give up just yet and Good luck!

Whimpering and regurgitation are generally signs of a frisky parrot who has chosen his "mate" but much of this will depend on your parrot's age. For a 4-5+ year old parrot this would more than likely be the case but if yours is a baby then I supsect she is just showing she is comfortable with you as a valued member of her flock. This would be my take on it anyway but I'm sure other more knowledgeable members will chip in with their thoughts too.

I was browsing an old thread of about 8-9 months ago (I think) regarding the general safety of microwaves and the safety of using one for cooking/warming of your parrot's food. I'm pretty paranoid at the best of times about smells and such entering the room my fids are in from the kitchen which has no door but this is a new concern. I use my microwave every day for various things, mainly for warming food and a couple of times a week this food is for the parrots ie. scrambled egg or jacket potato. What I would like to know is do others use their microwave for this reason and is it safe? Does anyone not use their microwave because of safety concerns? I've always understood that a microwave works by the vibration of liquid contained in the food - the friction causing the heat, is this correct? It seems to me that the average household is a lethal environment for a parrot and that we ought to think before using any cleaner or piece of eqipment - or am I just paranoid?

Pretty amazing video Bernie. I had to watch it twice before seeing the seagull lol, it went right to left about a 1/4-1/3 of the way through for anyone who didn't see it. Quite dramatic with the light cloud passing over - otherwise I may have suspected it was an over-sized beach ball filmed to fool us. ;-) Well done Bernie x

Thanks everyone for your help. I really should start weighing Beau but I don't have suitable scales at this time and I don't want to become a paranoid weight watcher parront. I suspect he isn't very heavy but he does eat well. Anyways thanks again for putting my mind at rest.

I almost forgot to add, is your grey clipped at all? If he is clipped he might not have got too far away but may be unable or unwilling to try gliding down to land. If he is flighted be may be further away.

You are quite right, we have heard your story more times than I care to mention on here but you don't need to be hearing that at this time, you need practical help. Firstly put his cage and stand - if he has one outside where he can see it and put plenty of food and water inside his cage to try to entice him down if he is nearby. Go out and call him early mornings at sunrise and again before sunset when it is quieter and he is more likely to hear you and when he is on the lookout for food. Keep calling his name and words he is familliar with. You need to inform as many people as you can think of asap, friends, family members, work colleagues and so on. Better still, recruit as many of them as possible to physically help you search and to help with more posters and fliers. Try to cover as big an area as possible, he may get as far as 50 miles away. The internet will be your best weapon in the hunt for your boy, as well as forums there are many sites which have dedicated sections for missing parrots. Don't forget local newspapers in the "lost" section. You mention vets and schools but what about pet shops and even newsagents and supermarkets? I wouldn't worry too much about the weather unless it dips below freezing, he will be looking for shelter and food. He may well not wonder too far and may be hiding in nearby trees. Do you have an wooded area nearby or somewhere where there are lots of trees? Most importantly NEVER GIVE UP and GOOD LUCK in your search for your poor baby, he is probably very scared right now.<br><br>Post edited by: Joolesgreyuk, at: 2009/11/03 17:48

It does worry me slightly that when I visit the shop I got Beau from that their 12-16 week old greys always seem to look bigger than my Beau and when a family member saw him for the first time he said "he has a lot of growing to do yet" now Beau is almost 10 months old and according to a previous thread should be fully grown. I know he has grown as others have commented he is bigger than the first time they saw him. I realise I'm probably worrying over nothing because he is otherwise fine and has always had a good apitite, talks, whistles and so on. I guess I'm looking for reassurance.

Buddy just needs a little time, don't worry he'll come round. I love the name Pistachio B)

Alfie's such a cutie pie. "Hair up" should be for special occasions though ;-)