JillyBeanz

The offer hasn't been taken up - therefore I am publicly going to make a statement. It's not only Talon (our esteemed moderator) who is questioning the validity of this post. I now throw my hat in to query it too. There are too many contradictions, you haven't posted pictures when asked to (which would have aged your baby immediately had you taken Jay & Dave up on their offers of ageing the chick). Amigo means "male friend" in Spanish - we were all trying to be yours - but it seems to no avail!!! Also - the claims that you can't load pictures I have remedied, but 12 hours later you still haven't PMd me for my email address to assist in the task you are finding so difficult. If I were in the quandry you are *supposedly* in, then I would have taken me up on my offer - but you haven't. You seem to dodge the questions that would help catch you out too - blatantly ignoriing them. Therefore, reviewing this whole posting, I don't particularly believe you either. You are wasting a lot of good people's time here, when they could be helping others genuinely in need. Go on, prove me wrong (and don't just upload a picture of a three week old chick from google pictures or somewhere else to validify your claim, we can tell - we, as moderators, see things that you don't see when you post things!! So, come on, fess up or prove me wrong - I don't mind being the fall guy here - and I will certainly admit publicly I am wrong, should you prove me to be.

That's amazing Janet - to think that Ana Grey will go to him, and looks so comfortable with him. She's hanging on there like her life depends on it! Gabriel sure looks like he's enjoying her there - so you never know, one day he and Ana Grey might become more than just good friends (but not for a long, long, long time yet please )

These pictures are great Caitlin - I especially love the one of him sitting on daddy's knee in his aviator - Harvey used to like his, then didn't, then did, but now doesn't (aviator, not daddy, but I suppose both apply)!!! Harvey's just started the flipping over - but he's treating it like an Olympic sport - he needs to practice, and keeps on doing so again, and again, and again and again!! Thanks for sharing these - Ecko's a gorgeous birdie

They are really interesting to watch - and this just explains it all! Thanks for this Jill - a very, very interesting read

Thanks for the update Derek - see, a little bribery goes a long way!! What you may find though is that he'll accept raspberries as his most favourite thing in the world - then change his mind in the blink of an eye!! Harvey won't touch pine nuts nowadays - but loved them as a "youngster". Enjoy it while it lasts though! Keep us updated

His newest adventure usually culminates in me sustaining some nasty nips! He'll step up, then flip up! He dangles from my fingers, spinning around - but then panics and tries to clamber up. It's kind of cute - but he scratches and indents on my hands aren't! He started recently spinning himself upside down from hanging toys (which he's never attempted until now), but then progressed to my hands, my t-shirt and basically anything else he can attempt the back flip on. The only problem is - if he gets in a situation on my hand that is uncomfortable for me, I can't get him off! He's stuck there tight! He even now turns his head upside down when I'm trying to get him to step up! He's turning into a monster!!!

OMG! How glad I am that I'm just a little bit older than that now You're not missing anything to be honest, the crisp taste of white grapes, circling and caressing the inside of a wine glass.......oops, sorry!!! Hope you had a great day - you have to start acting like an adult now!!!!

Jeez Janet - you are so lucky being able to find such bargains - I'm going to have to go on a hunt......!!!

Ha Ha! Okay then, I sound nothing like her...........!!! Oh - that's a point Jill - you are a semi-Brit - HOW LUCKY ARE YOU!!

Hi Matt - Welcome back! Can't wait to hear how Pablo is getting on - it's been a while!

Oooh - just a quick other thing - do you work or go to school - I'm just wondering who is dealing with the feeds while you're not available? If you're a young lad (which I guess you are just in your teens?) - I'm sure there's other things you'd like to be doing!!! Jill x

Hi Laker - you've managed to upload a picture for your avatar - why are you finding it so difficult to upload a picture of the thing we are most interested in - this baby of yours who is in need!! I work with people from all over the world, whose English isn't their first language, and they can all differentiate between three DAYS and three WEEKS. Surely they had to "advertise" these babies in order that you could come to own one? I quote your first post: "Before you guys say anything, the reason I got one so young is because my grandfather, who I live with, has a lot of experience and has handraised several very young birds" I personally do not have ANY experience of chicks - but I think I would know the difference between a three DAY chick and a three WEEK chick - did this very experienced grandfather of yours not twig that perhaps this wasn't more than a "newly hatched embryo". I tell you what - PM me and I will send you my email address - you can attach your photos to that, and since I have no problem displaying photos I shall post them for you - we all want to see this bird!

That's brilliant news Julie! I know how hard it is to become "Manager's Player" and how consistent the player has to be through the season. Well done Jordan!!!! You have a right to be proud!!

Respiratory problems in bird owners (all birds) are extremely common. There is a disease called allergic alveolitis (also known as budgerigar dander pneumonicosis, bird breeder's disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and pigeon breeder's lung) which affects the lungs and occurs in people who are hypersensitive to feathers, feather dust, and faecal material. You've hit the nail on the head though about the control of dander - the spraying of them to minimise the dander, feather outfall etc - and "damp dusting" as you are doing is exactly the way to get rid of it, not shake it around the room - only damp dusting "collects" the dander. There are several cases of extreme reaction, culminising in lung transplants - but this is the most severe end of the scale. My mam has COPD and when she looks after Harvey the wheezing and tightness gets worse. If it continues - go and see your GP - it might take an inhaler or something to overcome these problems, but your housework as it is will help greatly too. If the worst comes to the worst - I know some fabulous transplant surgeons

No news is good news - that was my opinion! After Spock doing so well on those supplements I thought he was getting better - it's strange that the supplements were holding his weight alone, but if they are working, then it's a small sacrifice. Perhaps a new vet is what is needed - some have different views to others, and others have different ideas to create a solution. One things for sure - Spock's in the best possible hands and could want nothing more from two such superb carers.

I came here because it was the only site that accepted my membership - only joking! Although I had been a bird owner all of my life, I knew relatively nothing about the complex needs and activities of the African Grey. My priority was my cockatiel, Spiky, and I'd always wanted a parrot - not necessarily a grey, just a parrot - but whilst Spiky was alive, he was never going to be in competition with anyone. He was delicate, he was rescued - he was mine. I lingered for two months whilst Spiky was poorly, not getting ready for a replacement, but ensuring that I had all the answers to my questions before I decided on giving a grey a home (I'd decided by December 2008 I wanted a grey) and then poor Spiky was helped over rainbow bridge in January 2009. I hated the house without the sweet whistles - and I knew it was time to take the plunge - so brought Harvey home - the rest is history. I'm here to hopefully help people, to guide them through that year and a bit I've been through - I see myself as the "primary school teacher" - I don't have experience beyond that first 18 months - but with each month that progresses I learn more and therefore able to advise new members through what I've learned myself. What I find interesting in this post is the mention of "negativity" - there has to be negativity as we all don't have the same ideas or logic - and if we all agreed on everything then we would all have dull, boring bird lives

Harvey has the same issues with my husband - I'm primarily the chosen one and don't even need to ask him to step up - I stick my hand out and he just gets on. My husband however gets attacked!! He offers his arm, rather than his hand, and Harvey usually obliges - but if Pazuzu (mint name!) isn't forthcoming with this, then diversional tactics are in order! Is there a treat he seems to like (pine nut, sunflower seed, bit of biscuit) - try showing that to his face, whilst showing your arm to step up - it might just give him the nudge (and confusion) to oblige. It's definitely a case of "time and patience" - and these greys have such a strong personality that they know what they want and how they are going to get it! Pazuzu will come around with your care and attention - but it may take a little time to encourage Pazuzu that this is the way forward. You'll get there!

I always take my hat off to all the crafty folk on this forum and their home made this and that - well, you are all very lucky! I'm naff at making things and therefore the pet shop industry gets my money! Well - if to add insult to injury, Harvey loves dried corn on the cob (they are produced for chipmunks and the like) and come on a plastic clip to stick to their cages. Well, Harvey much prefers to chew the clip out, drop the (extremely heavy) corn cob to the bottom of his java stand (which is wood, which echoes, which makes a hell of a noise!!) So, what's the point of wasting your money - you lot are great - Harvey prefers the plastic clip!!!

They are gorgeous! How lucky are you - you want to see the ones I get in my house, grey, drab, boring, grey, grey, grey......oh, with the odd red bum feather! Right - get the bird photos posted - I want to see them still attached to the body!!!!

I always thought you were a mad bird woman having three - but when the fourth arrived........!! Thank you so much for the update - I love hearing about your brood! I take my imaginary hat off to you (as I have done so, so many times before) for having the time and patience to have the three of them - then rescuing the fourth, the lovely Tully. I remember those first photos of a sad, bedraggled Tully - and check him out now!! He's super! Glad the other three are still as troublesome and fun loving as ever!

I agree with Capster - keep picking him up and carrying him around the house - just pick him up, put him down, give him a kiss! Why don't you try "taking" him out of the cage, rather than "letting" him out. If he feels he has control of leaving the cage, then he will also feel he should have control going back to the cage. I wouldn't try and physically "pick him up" - as I presume you mean "like a chicken" - holding him either sides of his wings - this isn't advised. Letting him out of his cage is part of the adventure - he's just that little bit older than a "baby, baby" and is trying his luck a bit more. He is still susceptible to change - and you must show him you are boss!! Good luck - it'll take time and patience, but you will have your just rewards Oh - and welcome - I look forward to hearing more about you both xx

You know, that is something I have never thought of - but it's logical now that I think about it!!!! Thanks for supplying that little bit grey matter with yet more information xxx

Coco must be the most travelled birdie in our family! He gets everywhere!! Great photos - and I wouldn't mind climbing those window covers myself!!!

If you want to see a grey with accents who is a member here - look no further than Adina (lovethatgrey) and her videos of Emma. Being from the UK I can't believe how strong an accent Emma has! It is hilarious!! Once you've heard Adina talking to Emma you realise how much of an accent Emma holds. I'd have to sit here for a week with a camera before you would catch Harvey!!!

That's why we are here isn't Judy x The only thing I would say is - another grey like Harvey - bah!!!!! Only joking!!! He's a great breeder - his father before him, if you ring or email he will answer any questions, extremely swiftly! Good luck in your quest