JillyBeanz

Supernova wrote: Yes, I agree - you must show a little more tact and diplomacy now that this is your room!

Congratulations you've passed the test Rudy! Goodness me - that's been a hard, long slog - but obviously she wasn't ready to become a big girl! Onto potty training next

I have a cuttlebone in Harvey's cage - but not for it's calcium content, merely for the destruction content! Harvey likes to rip them to "dust" - he treats them like a toy! I offer a seed mix too - but mix it in with his pellets to "fool" him - as I'm sure if I offered a bowl of seed the pellets would be forgotten!

Well done for spelling "thumb" - could have been fumb!

Hi Joe, welcome to you and Sampson. You say that Sampson was kept "with" breeder birds, but was he part of a pair? If so, it is very difficult to "tame" a breeder bird - they rely on their partner only, and don't tend to want human companionship or tenderness. If not, and he's an "unloved" bird (up until now) then it's small steps all the way. He's in new, unfamiliar surroundings and if he has not been used to human contact then this is even more scary for him. You are doing the right thing in talking to him and letting him know you are there. Don't push it - it may take months and months until he feels he trusts you enough to handle him. Cheese is fine in moderation - but healthier "treats" should be given. Let him get used to his cage before you let him out - he hasn't been let out in years and therefore he won't know what he is doing. Clipping his wings is one of the biggest debates you will ever enter into about birds. There are various threads with the pros and cons on this forum - do a search - it's a personal choice. Just keen talking to him, telling him you are there and most of all that you are going to love him! There's tons of people on this forum who have adopted birds and will be readily available for your questions. Good luck to you and Sampson

I love the way he skulks around the frame of the top of his cage! You can clearly here him saying "come here" - very cute - thanks for sharing.

Hi David ~ we went on holiday for two weeks and left Harvey with my parents. I was worried about my return too - and I was reassured that things would be fine. I was told that Harvey would either stick to me like glue on my return, or be a bit moody, but then come round. When we went to collect him (nearly as soon as the plane landed!!) he jumped onto me and his beak was firmly nuzzled into me! They are very, very intelligent creatures and I think it would take quite a bit to make them "forget" the good and the great in their life. Harvey enjoyed his time at my parent's house, but was very happy on our return.

Hi Daveit! I can remember the anticipation and excitement of waiting for Harvey's arrival - it churns you up no end! Any questions you have feel free to ask them - there's always someone here who will try to help.

Ah he is beautiful! I had a budgie just like him when I was small - brings back so many memories - thanks for posting this

Ha Ha! His latest escapade was last night - we were watching a film and after he's chewed his toys to death, eaten himself silly and isn't quite happy he's being ignored he starts babbling on and mumbling away. I kept saying "Harvey, sshhhh" and yip, you've guessed it - after a few times he was saying "Ssssh". I give in!

Ha Ha! Debbie - you're just to like me! I'm glad I'm not alone!!

Phew! So my area hasn't infected the world! I am pleased!!

Hi anib and welcome to our family. You say that you recently acquired Jewel - she will be adjusting to her surroundings, her new family and everything is so uncommon to her. As a 3 year old Jewel will be quite set in her ways - she won't want "new, immediate friends" she wants what she knows. Give her a bit time, let her find her "wings" and explore. It sounds good that she will let you pick her up once she's on the floor - she's accepting she needs your help. It's a slow process of trust and understanding by both parties - frustrating I know, but something that you have to overcome and slowly build a relationship with Jewel. There are tons and tons of members who have taken on an older grey, not baby grey, and they have posted their trials and tribulations on this forum - mooch around - you'll find them! Do you have any photos of Jewel - we'd love to see them! Good luck and I look forward to hearing more about you and your family

Of course we wish you luck - we are with you every step of the way and I'm sure if any of us lived near we would help with the search. I jumped on this thread in anticipation when I saw you post - in the hope that Sinbad had returned. Watch out for the guy and the reward request though - I don't like the sound of him

It is such a delight that you don't have to fetch them around the house, let alone anything else! I can be in one room - upstairs even, and call for Harvey and up he comes - no need to carry him! I have had to alter my home somewhat since Harvey's arrival. I have an "uplighter" light in my lounge that now remains switched off - we sit in the darkness of the electric fire!!! It's just too hot and just too much a temptation for Harvey! Just what you have to do to make your fid safe and happy - just like having "real" kids really!

To have such a fantastic aviary for your two birds I am sure that this is a heart wrenching decision to part with them. I do wish you the best of luck in your search - and hope that you find a compatible owner for your birds.

Chris you must feel absolutely jubilant! We've followed your trials and tribulations with both Phoenix and Talula - and the progression you have made is absolutely outstanding! Karma to you for being such a patient and sweet parront! Come on Talula - let's see your full fur coat by summer :laugh:

Right - it's the holidays! Why do we feel we can drink and especially eat more than usual? I must say - I am sick of food! I never usually eat chocolates, I'm more a savoury girl, but the chocolates are there - they have to be eaten! I feel sick :sick: !!! Why do we do it? Or indeed, am I the only one????? :laugh:

Great! Love a good crash - especially when it stars the completely, un-named boat that has been promised a christening for the last six months! :laugh:

Sunshine looks so happy after her shower - she's posing as if to say "ta da". She's also very beautiful dry! Salsa's gorgeous too Jay - they are beautiful birds and I was in two minds whether to get an amazon when I chose Harvey. Perhaps my next one.... (like I could cope with two birds)!!

I forgot I was a member of that forum! My login still works! What an absolutely glorious video Steve - it gives such an insight into the love between a mother and her chicks. Karma to you for such an enlightening video x

It's part and parcel with a grey - they bite! You acted well not responding too defensively and for this Francis has realised that perhaps he shouldn't carry on the way he does. We all get bitten, then they forget! Keep up the good work!

I think it depends on your breeder. I had a very reputable breeder who did indeed issue me with said leaflets and guidelines. I researched AGs before I purchased Harvey and went with my breeder as they displayed, in my mind, the best care and attention to their babies, and older birds and are very responsible for their offspring. I could telephone them now for advice a year on - it's a service they offer. All animals should be issued with guidelines - but at the end of the day it's only the caring owners who would be bothered about any hidden dangers - whether given a leaflet or not. There's too many who don't care though

Happy Holidays to you and Maggie too Jay (and the flock). I love these cards - thanks for this - it is beautiful xx