Joolesgreyuk

Sorry, having probs with my k key today :laugh:

Adorable, especially this last one of him/her lying down in your hand. Awwww what a fine looing birdy.

I love your stories Spock. Great pics too. you carry on terrorising those slaves of yours.

I'm so sorry Dan, I hope you get some encouraging news back from the lab. Lovely dog you have there.

Sorry to hear of your friend's loss. Sending a big hug your way. XX

Ok, a money saving idea I came up with a while ago is to buy hamster toys (someone else suggested rabbit toys) as they are much cheaper than parrot toys. Please be sure to check that the materials they are made with are suitable and that the toy is strong enough to resist a persistant beak. :laugh: Another idea is baby toys, again common sense should be used when chosing.

Further to my post yesterday about the expense involved in owning a parrot, I think it'd be a good idea for members to post their money saving ideas on here for us all to try with our greys. It can be food ideas, toys (there have been some excellent toy making ideas on here of late) even money saving heating/lighting ideas for your parrot in winter. Please make sure your ideas are safe and legal :laugh: hmmm now let me see what can I start with...nope, sorry can't think of anything so over to you!

Sounds like a great idea to me. I'm sure your items will get bought-up if the price is reasonable and if they are all as good as the ladder.

Beau is just 6 months old. I think it's varies when they start talking. Your Chikki will talk when he is ready I'm sure.

OMG Pat, your animals must eat you out of house and home lol!

Hi there, Your baby's new environment is still a very new experience to him, to be explored and enjoyed. Enjoy him while she is experimenting with you, your family and your home. You have lots of laughter and fun to look forward to. They are always finding new things to entertain you with. My ag said his first word yesterday and repeated it twice today, he has been practising his "human voice" at times today.

I think you have it all covered pretty much. Try not to worry too much and enjoy your holiday! Make sure you take your mobile fully charged and take the charger with you, that way, if you feel anxious you can check up on Harvey and advise your parents if need be, they will also be able to call you in case of emergency. Where are you going, anywhere nice? At least it is reletively cheap to phone the UK from abroad these days. {Feel-good-000200BB}

Poor Pat. Get well soon and don't worry too much about the fids, you are doing all you can under the circumstances.

Point taken Dan, we have had rabbits and hamsters in the past and compared to my grey they were very cheap to keep. A rabbit can live on a food mix supplimented by outside leaves of cabbage or lettuce and other vegetables disgarded whereas a parrot can only eat fruit and vegetables fit for human cunsumption and vet bills are neglagable for these type of pets. Cats and especially dogs must be equally as expensive as a parrot but with a parrot the expense doesn't match the size of the bird/animal.:laugh:

Yes I forgot to add vet bills, thanks for that Sheila. like you, I have insurance.

Beau loves trying (and sometimes succeeding) to throw his ss water bowl to the bottom of the cage...messy! :ohmy:

Oh dear I seem to like repeating myself! :laugh:

Wonderful pictures and a gorgeous bird. Thanks for sharing!

Wonderful pictures and a gorgeous bird. Thanks for sharing!

It's not too bad here, bright with white clouds. Not terribly warm though.

Wow, great step by step instructions and pic too! Well done Nick, looking forward to your next DIY venture!

{Feel-good-0002006E} He looks like an...erm tortoise!

It was about a year from when I seriously considered getting an african grey before I actually got one. In that year I read loads of stuff about caring for one, their behaviour, needs etc. By the time I had actually chosen my bird I considered myself "well read" on the subject. What has really surprised me however is that in order for your grey to have a heathy, happy and long life you have to spend a fair amount of money on it. This is as much a warning to potential new owners as just an observation by myself and for anyone considering owning a grey, or any large(ish) parrot, please do not buy one if you are on a tight budget. Please don't get me wrong, I adore my feathered friend and enjoy spending my money on him but it has really surprised me just how much his things cost, "added extras" if you like that you just don't think about but things which help keep your parrot happy and healthy. It isn't just a case of bird, cage, toys and "seed". Please consider the other things you parrot will need such as: Possibly a lamp (for vit.D in winter - or even summer in the UK!) a properly balanced diet, Harrisons or similar (not cheap!) your bird will need vegetables, fruit & nuts daily (not cheap!) Things to keep his feathers and skin in tip top condition and to reduce the likelyhood of plucking, such as palm nuts and/or palm oil and aloe vera juice for spraying/misting. Enough toys to rotate fortinghtly or monthly. Foraging toys such as pinatas which have to be replaced regularly as they are destroyed. Millet sprays, treats etc. If you love your parrot you will want to give him these things! The most expensive thing of all is your precious time your parrot demands :laugh: TBH I haven't a clue how some of the members on here manage with two or more parrots/birds especially those with children because Beau keeps me poor :laugh: but to anyone considering getting a parrot please think long and hard about the expense involved. I have had teils and budgies and TBH they are worlds apart from owning a parrot. Thanks for taking the time to read my drivel peeps

Mark, yours is a terribly sad story, I'm so sorry for you. In time you may find another bird will help fill a home that has become too quiet.

Try not to worry Susan, our greys are very quick to forgive us. The owners on here give excellent advice so if they are saying she will be fine then she will. X