JillyBeanz

Not that any of us get the chance to watch much TV, I think I can safely quote, but what's your favourite TV show. I can categorically, absolutely, undoubtedly say my fave at the minute is Flash Forward! What I love is that it is being played on both sides of the pond at absolutely the same time (well, that's what us Brits have been led to believe and if it's not so, don't tell me what happens)! What programmes do others advidly watch and why? Oh, my reason for loving Flash Forward is obviously the great story line - the obviously very dishy, gorgeous, easy on the eye Mr Fiennes just helps me understand it a little better

Fab pictures as usual! Coco is so beautiful!

A baby grey is the most sweet, loving, caring creature when you bring them home. Have you got the right equipment? I'm not talking about the cage or the toys, I'm talking about the hand held hoover, the extra washing up liquid, the alarm clock? If you work you have to take into consideration that at least 20 minutes of your time in the morning is making their breakfast and preparing their food and entertainment for the day ahead. So, if like me you have an early start anyway, you need to set that alarm earlier. Your house changes - are you house proud? Yes, you can certainly train them to "go poop" in the correct places - but accidents still happen - do you have carpet cleaner for those incidents? Unless you live in a plastic/metal palace - everything is chewable. I mean everything. Do you enjoy sitting watching TV quietly, seeing a full film with surround sound, HD quality - but no interruption? Well, having an AG won't fit in with your lifestyle! Unless you lock it in it's cage - there is no peace. Cleaning - it's constant. To keep your parrot healthy and germ free it is an effort to clean the cages and stands your parrot occupies. I am not joking - set asides at least 2 hours for a cage and a stand. Do you have this time. Cages also need changing daily, stands need cleaning - you don't want poop lying around, and neither does your parrot. I seriously could go on and on and on and on - but for potential parrot owners it is PARAMOUNT that the above is taken into consideration. I read too many threads about "naughty this, and naughty that" - but they are parrots. They are wild birds. They mature - they develop, they test their boundaries. They test your patience. It's not a hamster - it won't just go to sleep and be quiet. Imagine life with a two year old toddler, that never grows up. Still want one?

Well done to you for taking on an older bird! There's so many need good homes. Welcome to our family. I hope you will enjoy it here and gain experience from our knowledgeable members. Any questions you have, please do not hesitate to ask them. I'm learning things all of the time in order to offer Harvey a healthy and happy life - I hope you do too

OMG! That's great Robin! What a clever little boy he is! Mind you, be careful what you wish for in developing his speech. As you know, I thought Harvey was a mute - but clearly he isn't! His favourite at the moment is to say "Yo Harve" - which is something Michael's always said to him, over and over and over and over again! He even changes it to lengthen the Yo - Yoooooo Harve etc! WHERE'S THE OFF BUTTON!!!

I use a reed diffuser (as advised by my avian vet). They are available all over the place, but don't give off the "vapour" that candles and sprays do. Judy - do you mean boil some water and add cinnamon? I'd love to try this - I love the smell of cinammon!

I too, like Crossfit, have seen an array of parrots in the wild in a few different countries - but they have to forrage for their food, they have to fight for survival - Harvey doesn't. I am of the belief, as you quote, that they were hand reared and wouldn't survive in the wild, and neither would most of the animals we call "pets". Humans have had "pets" for zillions of years and there are more and more animals becoming "trendy" that perhaps shouldn't be destined for our homes, but I can only offer the full care, love and attention needed to ensure that Harvey develops mentally and physically as near to the "wild" circumstances as possible.

I think Sunshine loves you! Harvey's a bit like that at the minute - but I'm relishing in it - because I know that a good old bite is probably round the corner! Harvey would happily sit and press his beak into my cheek all day - he just sits there! The head thing is a pain - I swat Harvey off before he has a chance to land!

It's a little unnerving! He's still as nice as pie! I'm not used to it! I know this sounds ridiculous, but the days are much longer now - it's 7pm and still nice and sunny - perhaps the added daytime is putting him in a better mood! I think I'm less grumpy too!!!

Mine's is through photobucket - it's sized at "large" and I just use the IMG link - but there is a little glitch in the new technology - don't worry about it - but I do understand for some that "size is everything"

Great photo Janet! Ana Grey is loving those straws! Harvey loves them too - I tie them in knots and he likes to unpick them! It keeps him quiet for ooo, 5 minutes!

Hi Paul & Murphy ~ Welcome to our Family! Murphy's gorgeous - I do love the baby pictures! Cherish it - it doesn't last long!!! I hope you receive as much enjoyment and satisfaction as I receive from Harvey - it's something new each day!

What beautiful, beautiful pictures - and how creative you and your boyfriend are! I particularly laughed at the one of "no name" in his birdy bag - another member (JoolesgreyUK) bought one for her baby Beau when she first got him and I laughed and laughed and laughed because I never thought in a million years a grey would entertain one - I don't think Beau ever did - but you've proved me wrong (soz Jooles)! I echo everyone else's concerns about the harness. As they've all said - he can catch a gust of wind - but another thing is security. If you have him in public and he gets scared and "jumps" he will crash to the ground and damage will be caused. At least if he is on a harness you can keep a tight grip and only give him enough leash to move his body freely. Good on you for taking the advice and getting one. I'm extremely impressed by the play gym - you two are too creative!!! Thanks for sharing your pictures x

Hi Rally.no - It's safer to keep your parrot in a cage. There are far too many dangers out there for a parrot that is just wandering around (electrical cords etc). What happens when you are not at home - is the parrot left to his own devices then too? Welcome anyway, please go and introduce yourself in our Welcome Room - we'd love to hear more about the two of you.

Ha Ha Ha! Oh yes, tropical it is here!! I just don't know how those floods happen! Anyway - doesn't it only snow in Vancouver - it's only famous for the WINTER Olympics!!!

Budapest is so beautiful - and STILL CHEAP TO GO TO!! So, were you on the Buda or Pest side of the river!!

Ha Ha Ha! That bird definitely needs a calender for her own birthday! I bet you wished you'd never taught her it!!!

Hi reggieroo - you have to get the harness "just right" in order that it isn't chewed to death. It's obviously a foreign object and restricting, and you will find that they will preen around them and under them in order to "arrange" themselves. Just make sure that he's not being aggravated by the clip bit at the front and it's not too tight - it's just right if you can get your finger between the harness and his chest. Persevere though - it's great taking them out in the garden in the summer, in comparison to them being cage bound whilst you are enjoying the sunshine. Make sure though that the harness you have isn't damaged so that it may snap - escape is relatively easy once once bit goes.

Hi Jeanna and welcome to our family! Get that bird a name!! Your grey will learn his name very quickly and will answer when you call him!! I hope you'll enjoy it here - there are so many knowledgeable people who can help you out. I too had a cockatiel - and sharp found out the contrast between my cockatiel and my grey - the differences are HUGE! Harvey (my grey) is far more entertaining, but equally far more frustrating in some of the things he does, but a grey will be a grey! Any questions you have - go ahead and ask them - nothing is deemed stupid. Please read through the posts of the veggies and fruits that are toxic, some things that you would never dream of. Can't wait to see some photos either! Hope you enjoy it here, and welcome again x PS. If I had another grey I would call him "Archie" !

I'm sure it's the volcanic ash! That can be the only explanation for his weird behaviour! He is being an absolute angel - it is slightly unnerving! I'm just waiting for Jekkyl to return

I allow Harvey on my shoulder, but only because I can read his body language. I don't think for one minute that I can say "my Harvey wouldn't bite me" because of course he would. You have to be ultra confident of your bird's body language if you are going to allow it on your shoulder. They might be sweet at an early age and cuddle up, but that soon changes when they start asserting their authority. You have to start how you mean to go on though.

Aww! He is gorgeous! What lovely pictures. I love the one when he's perched on the door of his cage. Thanks for sharing these x

Oh I do love a man who will admit that their wives are their better halves! Well done that man!! I agree with Jay - show Dusty everything. At that age they are amenable to change and introduction of new things. Leave it longer and you may kick yourself. Don't even risk taking him in the garden without a harness - he may not have fledged just yet, but that will be just around the corner. Harvey HATES the car with a passion! I always use a carrier in the car, it is too traumatic to both of us if he is just harnessed. I tried it once, never again. Show Dusty the windows, the cupboard his food is kept in, his cage, his stand, his toys...... You can try and introduce him to a whole load of different people, but it still doesn't mean he will ever bond with them. Harvey's had equally the same input between my husband and I, but Harvey only "tolerates" my husband. He doesn't let him tickle him or anything like that. Dusty will choose who he wants to be friends with - on the other hand, you may be lucky - he might love everyone! Good luck - it's a great time when they are babies! Enjoy it - it sharp changes

Nope! The best way I've found Julie is to save my signature to my computer and then use the "upload" button from the signature box in settings. Remember to save settings ~ it'looks like you are done, but you're not till you save it.

Ha Ha! Doesn't take long - like when the little so and so chews your door frame, your finger, your clothing....! Nah, in all seriousness, Harvey is now 16 months old, and I still don't call in anywhere else on the way home in a quick effort to get back to him! I can't ever think I'll get bored with him. He gets on my nerves, like hell at times, but you can't help love them! Rene is beautiful - good luck - you'll have a great time!!!