katana600

This little one is just adorable. Java is trying to mimick the song after hearing it one time. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2191518/Introducing-Sunny-cockatiel-sings-The-Addams-Family-theme--does-finger-snaps.html

It is as much my fault as theirs because I mentioned it when I made the appointment but then Java was sick and I was so worried about her and whether Gilbert had the same thing that the gender issue just fell under the radar. I called as soon as we got home and they said it was in the request. Then when I called, they told me the paperwork wasn't back and they would call when they received results. I think it is just a matter of who is working at the desk just made assumptions. I won't make that mistake again and it does open my eyes to the path of miscommunication so I will insist on speaking to the vet directly if we have any real health issues that I am not willing to get sidelined and will have this in my reserve to be more bold and not take advice from receptionists. She also miscommunicated when I said Java was looking out the window to Java flew into the window and when I heard her repeat that to the vet tech, I told her that was not the case but when the vet read the report it was still in there. I'm sure she is well-meaning but I have learned to take names and to be more selective. On Gilbert's part, after this much time if they told us we had a she instead of a he, not much would change. It would definitely be an issue if there was an egg binding issue, but I watch closely and would mention that he was not DNA tested male if he has any health issues. In fact, I do that anyway and that is why the DNA testing discussion came up. The vet is really good at handling all of our parrots, I have great faith in him, but will be a lot more wary and more difficult to handle with phone calls etc.

It is always good to have confirmation that things are going just fine. You are right on top of things for keeping track of her weight and having vet support. I love when other people adore their greys as much as we do. There is just no way to describe this relationship to someone who just can't understand. They are more than pets, they are companions and integral members of our family.

Our man of mystery will remain so for the next year unless he has a vet visit before his annual. I finally called the vet's office again to inquire about that DNA test in July. There was a mixup and his blood was not sent for DNA testing. I am not about to take him in for a blood draw just for that reason, so it will have to wait. His gender isn't going to change in the next year, so I will just embrace the mystery and enjoy him just the way he is. He continues to sing and give Rachel all his love. We are all going on an RV trip in less than a week, and then she is leaving for her first job. She is already expressing concern that Gilbert will miss her and is afraid he will be mad at her for leaving. I know that he will be my sidekick when I drive a U-Haul to Texas to take her furniture for her apartment, so he will still very much be a part of her life, even from a distance.

You are off to a really good start with Virgil. It is awesome that he stepped up for you. We have a rehomed grey about ten or eleven years old. At first when he would step up, I could tell he was nervous so I would ask if he wanted to go back and he was in a big hurry to do so. He has taken a really long time to build trust. It seems like Virgil does remember you and that is good. You really have an advantage with that. I am so glad you joined us, we will learn a lot from you as you and Virgil become best friends.

I love Biscotti bird. He has such a delightful way of expressing himself. He certainly was rattling off his list of foods he loves. I heard about sweet corn and sweet carrots, sweet potato, artichoke, watermelon, cashews, grape, peanut and vegetables. Good work mommy, he really encourages you to serve him up a healthy breakfast doesn't he? As much as I am smiling after watching him twice on a video, you must be over the moon with loving this little boy. You are great together.

I am so sorry for your loss. The waiting, planning and joy of seeing a little one grow and get ready to come home really brings them into our hearts. The loss is almost unbearable. I am so sorry you are suffering from his passing.

I loved seeing the two of you having fun together. He really is having a good time.

Awww, that is just precious. There is something primal within our greys that seeks to understand us. Maybe we just have to slow down and sit still for them to get close and investigate and maybe they really do have empathy and caring and are able to read our deepest thoughts. The time I stayed up late and fell asleep next to Gilbert he came over and felt my face all over with his beak. It was scary but when I realized he was just checking me out, it was very sweet. Sorry to hear your back is troubling you though.

He is loving and accepting to her no matter what changes she makes. I think he picked up on her grief over her wedding being cancelled at the last minute and the process of moving on. She had come and gone from our home before that and he payed her little attention at all. When she moved back in, he has just gone out of his way to solicit her attention. He won't graciously step up for anyone else, but he has his little foot waving around to her from the time she gets out of bed until she finally comes down to give him some attention. Right in the beginning when he came here, he was like that for me, but I think you are right about the braces. He is standoffish but he still does let me give him a head scratch and get close to him. He will come from Rachel's hand to mine happily. He is always showing me something new. It has been the best medicine for Rachel that Gilbert has been giving her daily affirmations.

Evie looked like she was sizing up the grouse on the box. I liked when you told her no and she was bobbing her head yes. Then, tap tap tap on the bottle to show you which one she would like to try. Yes, this orange flavor. Fruit is for birds, yes?

You know how our greys are notorious for the reaction they have to change? As Rachel prepares to leave for a new job, we went out and had a girl's day yesterday. She got twelve inches of hair cut to a cute little bob. She had her nails painted red for the first time I have ever seen her do that. In the car on the way home she said "Oh no. What will Gilbert think? He might not love me any more. I guess that will be good because it won't be so hard when I move away then." She came right into the house braced for the worst. When she walked up to him in his cage, he ducked his head for a scratch and then stepped up for her. Who would have thought that he would be so nonchalant about it? Well there goes my theory that he is grumpy with me because of the braces. LOL. He is a man of mystery.

She is lovely. For someone not so keen on getting a grey, her daddy sure is entranced and drawn in to be wrapped around her little talon. Congratulations on a lovely homecoming. She is beautiful.

Thanks for posting the link. I was leaning in listening and trying to catch every word and Gilbert was listening and getting very excited and laughing with me.

What an experience you have to look outside and see the beautiful parrots in the wild. I love the name Walter. He is just precious sitting there looking out his window at a potential playmate. That photo is priceless, thanks for sharing it with us.

I am so sorry. You were working so hard to get help for her. You must be shattered. She knew you loved her and though your time was short, it was filled with joy of loving her.

I bet you never knew how happy it would make you to see a good poo after being on watch for so long. We had one of those moments yesterday with our resident patient, Mick, with a herniated disk. I was doing the happy dance to see he finally made it over by the door to potty on the pad. Gilbert however was not impressed and was moved to cuss about it. That is his only swear word, but spot on. I may have to move his cage so he can't see the puppy pad until we get the little dog back on his feet. Just like Judy says though, when we think we are being snowed under, we look at the burden our friends are carrying and cheer them on as we relax our shoulders just a little and say "this too shall pass". In Oliver's case and Mick's that happens to be literal.

These milestone moments will be forever etched in your heart and spirit. I am so happy for Rosie and for your family. Something changes when they can move freely and choose where to go next. I am guessing Rosie was just as surprised by her flight as you and your son. I have great hopes that some day I will see Gilbert take that first flight. Congratulations to you and Rosie. Way to go Rosie!

Interesting how they don't accept change from us but they seem to change with the wind. They are always keeping us guessing, aren't they? Can you imagine what goes on in Timber's mind? Here he spends all this time training you and you walk right up to him "out of costume"? Congrats on learning what he expects from you. LOL.

Ruby didn't even seem to mind being on camera for her bathing. That was nice to see.

She certainly is photogenic and a real beauty. We are wondering what to do about "Gilbert" if his DNA refutes the gender identity we already have established. We are still awaiting word from our DNA. I love your pics with Banner holding up her wings. It looks like someone is robbing her. "Stick Em Up!" It is joyful to see how much she loves to be your water baby.

Oh no. It is a nightmare to get things back in working order. Glad you managed the monster and got back with us.

That face, that pose, she looks totally delighted. Love it.

Pepper is a beauty. Her cage setup is fantastic. Glad she is settling in with such a great attitude. Believe it or not, you will love her even more as time goes by. Congratulations.

Mick is doing a little better today and can walk on his own. For me, the emotional toll of the trials and illness of our companions and family are much greater than the financial ones, but I am not the one with the high pressure job and doing all the travel. When we were young, it sounded so fun and exotic. Now after more than a million flight miles and back-to-back east and west coast travels, even the nicest hotel seems like a chore to him. I am big on having an unbiased professional give us a little insight every now and again just to help keep me honest. It is a lot easier grumbling at him than to consider my contribution. LOL. Funny thing Ray, we have moved a lot during the past twenty years and it seems every time we get a new vet, they see us coming and start a major building project. On the subject of dogs, cats and other critters, Bella and Pumpkin are moving out with our girls at the end of the month. Bella has been with us for eight years and she comes and goes through college and new jobs. My girls promise they will remember our open door policy when they choose our nursing home.