JillyBeanz

Welcome to my former world! I had EXACTLY the same problem a couple of months ago (if that) and I was tearing out my hair in frustration about the absolute change to Harvey - something I'd never suffered before. I couldn't pick him up to put him in his cage, I couldn't go near him - and this went on for weeks. It got to the point where I was going out of the house that I had to plan at least 20 minutes beforehand to tackle Harvey and get him in his cage. I suffered numerous real bites, and he was extremely vicious. I ended up just leaving him on his own, and then going back to try again. Then a light switch was flicked - and he's back to the absolute cuddle muffin he always was! I just had to respect the fact he didn't want me near - and somehow he just suddenly back down! Good luck - it's tiresome and frustrating - but following Dan's advice will help immensely.

Hi Caitlin - I was just thinking about you the other day! Welcome back!! Your schooling is so important - and by taking the step for applying for further education must be commended! I presume Ecko is going to stay at home with his daddy? Daddy's not coming with you and you are just going to go to school during the week and come home weekends? If that's the case (I don't think for one moment you're thinking about giving Ecko up) then perhaps he'll miss you and think "where's my mommy" - when he realises Daddy's just a complete stinky so and so!! Either way - I'm sure you've got a while until you leave - make the most of it

I had just come home from work and the "kid's news" was on - I laughed, and laughed and laughed! Eating can make you feel sleepy - as these chicks found out. They were filmed falling over after being fed! Three new peregrine falcon chicks were born at a viewing centre in Aberdeenshire and they've been keeping staff amused with their eating and sleeping antics. Check out their chick flick, which was filmed by the Forestry Commission, Scotland. http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_8670000/newsid_8679200/8679260.stm

Why did you feel you needed another bird so quickly after getting Meggie anyway? I understand that we all love birds, that is why we are here - but to foster two such demanding birds and then give them back is cruel - why would your son be "scared" of a scream? Unless he has some medical condition (such as autism or Asperger's etc) I can't see why the "scream" can't be explained. I owned a cockatiel for 17 years - little bird, screamed like a girl on a roller coaster, but it is just something I had to put up with. If you have only had Meggie such a short time, Meggie hasn't even started to develop in character and component - you might decide you don't like Meggie's chewing, pooping, squawking, talking, diving etc etc. The list goes on! In essence, these birds aren't like a cheap suit - you can't take it back when you get sick of it, or it does something you don't want it to - jeez, Harvey would have been back with the breeder 20 minutes after coming home had that been the case (and a zillion times in the ad mag since)! You have to accept that you are either a solid, good bird owner or not - they come, warts and all - and aren't that "chirpy, talky" thing all of the time. This is so, so sad - please, please reconsider you actions.

Fab! Mocha is having such fun - I love the "splashy" action shots! Thanks for the great shots x

Oh, they are superb at that one! Are you sure he's not eating anything? He might be just having a swift nibble and throwing the rest (parrot olympic sport)!!

Ha Ha Ha! It'll be like one of those old heavy metal records that you play backwards and there's a hidden message "go eat all the seed, go eat all the seed"! You'll have to watch him!

Ah "Tag you are it" - I would never, ever had read it like that! Well done Ms Luvparrots!!! Welcome to Grey Forums - you are on your first steps to grey ownership, sorry grey owning you ship, and these next few months will be a very special time. Take this chance to relax, read and learn - because once you have him you'll not have the time to do so! Any questions, please ask away - nothing here is deemed to trivial or "stupid" - we all want what's best for our young ones (and older ones) and are here 24/7 to support each other Hope you enjoy Grey Forums x

Kodi is ridiculously cute! I missed out on this stage and didn't meet Harvey until he was 10 weeks old but, saying that, I can share everyone else's joy here on GF!

I don't think it makes a difference whether you get a baby OR an adult. Harvey used to like us all (me, Michael & the kids), but as he gets older he is much less tolerant of all of them. Michael still tries and tries, nearly always to no avail - Harvey bites him, but the kids have completely given up. I don't blame them - it must be awful the rejection (which obviously isn't something I suffer as Harvey and I are the best of mates). Michael does feel dejected that Harvey won't love him as much as he loves me - but he never, ever treats Harvey any differently - he talks to him, gives him treats (shares his Sunday lunch - not mine!!) etc. It would be difficult if Michael took James' stance - and I would feel totally divided too. I think the problem with James is that it's not "instant" love from Rene - he knows what Akima was like, fluffy baby and all, and feels he wants the same relationship from Rene (which obviously is going to take much, much longer). It must be hard for the "outsider" in the parrot/favourite parront relationship, but James is just going to have to toughen up, act like a man and accept his relationship with Rene may be slightly different to that which he had with Akima. Come here and vent your frustration all you want - we all suffer it!!!

He'll not eat them all - so I wouldn't worry about "overloading" - as you know, 90% of what we give them ends up on the floor anyway - so in reality he'll probably only have one full bit! The only thing I would say is about the palm oil. I have noticed if Harvey has too much it "goes straight through him" - and it's not poop - more palmoop (and it stinks!!).

Ah, what great pictures of Winston's backside! I'm sure his face is just as pretty (lol - I have seen your other pictures - he is gorgeous!). You can see his new feathers coming through at the top are redder again - you'll be able to guide ships in with the brightness of that!!

Ah, how gorgeous! You have two gorgeous birdies there! Welcome to our family Russ (and the rest of your menagerie)!!! I hope you enjoy it here and I look forward to reading all about Winston (and Sunny) and the rest of your mob!

Oh my goodness - how did I miss these gorgeous girlies! You are such outdoor folks (I will be come July when it's above 20 degrees C) - great pictures Lyn x

It's official - I can now safely say the only things I can grow is cress and weeds (not in the same bowl)!! The millet sprouted about two shoots out of four sprays - I'm just not cut out for this sprouting lark

This is one of the best videos I have seen on here - I don't get tired of watching it!!!

The comparisons between this bird and Harvey are uncanny - the only difference is Harvey is grey (yeah righto)!!!

http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_15057479 This is more serious, up to date "bird news". I feel so sorry for the people and indeed the wildlife involved.

I want to rewind a little - call me naive - but I'd never even heard of "clipping" until I joined this forum!!! I have had birds all of my life - budgies as a child and then Spiky, my cockatiel (from the age of 17 to 34) - all had wings, all could fly (imagine that). They all enjoyed time out of the cage - they picked at my mam's wallpaper (when that blow and vinyl stuff was fashionable, whilst sitting on a wall light) - but we never, ever thought (or indeed knew) about stopping a bird from flying. Like Dan says, some are very passionate about the subject of clipping and I'm not afraid to stick my hand in the air and say I am one of them - and I'm not going to get into a debate about it - I've had many before so I think people well know my views! The alarming factor in this post was the way it was laid out "He took off from my bed like a helicopter, straight up. It will soon be time to clip his wings". Exact text - he flew, so I'm going to stop him! I may not have a degree in quantum physics, but I have an absolutely perfect grasp of the English language!! So, if there is a "legitimate" reason for clipping, I too would be interested to know

This is great for people with baby babies - it's not too hard for us with "grown up" birds - they only alter normally by a gram or two! I am sure that people hand rearing will find this beneficial and helpful - thank you for sharing this x

What a great picture! I love that Jolly Ball thingy! Harvey would love one of those!!

Oooh! Didn't think about that one!!! It is "less the saliva, no spit" - just nice clean breath! Is there anything we are allowed to do!!!

Ha Ha! Excellent Jill - can you imagine the scene in the courtroom! Unbelievable!!!

Ha Ha! They are very picky! Harvey never used to like certain things, but I revisit foods after a few months and he loves them! His favourite at the minute is mashed potato - which he wouldn't touch a couple of months ago! Keep on with it - I'm sure you'll find something!!!