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I knew before I got them that the birds would wreck stuff. And they have! Here's my list (after just seven months): Chewed through the internet connection (lovebirds) Chewed through the iPhone charger (Grey) Removed up-arrow key on my laptop (Grey) Dug big holes in the hood and shoulder of my winter coat (Amazon) Chewed ceiling molding above pantry (ongoing project by Amazon) Chewed dining room window frame (ongoing project by lovebird) Chewed up the plastic recycling box (ongoing project by Amazon) Inserted talon and beak holes in living room blinds (Grey) Chewed big holes in backs of three bookcases (Amazon) Chewed spines of several books (Amazon) Nibbled edges of my entire tickler filing system (lovebirds) Chewed coat closet door molding (Amazon) Ate edges of antique makeup box from the '30s (Amazon) Knocked antique camera off bookcase, which dented hand-crafted chair (Amazon) Shredded a $25 gift certificate (lovebirds) Shredded a lab test requisition form (lovebirds) Killed umbrella plant (community project) I think that's about it for me. What have your little friends destroyed for you?

My Amazon has chosen my boyfriend, and my Grey and lovebird have chosen me. I'm happy one of them adores him because it makes him feel much more involved and committed to the bird population here.

I love Marcus!

My next bird will be a rescue.

Simon cost $1500 as a hand-fed baby from a breeder here in Ottawa, Canada. I don't like answering that question to non-bird people either, because they think I must be insane. (Especially since I'm unemployed.)

Wow! That's exciting news about the possible new Grey. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

I'm wondering if this is a good sign. Kazoo (my Amazon) just went into Simon Grey's cage and had a good look around. They've been living in opposite corners of the same room for almost three months, but she's never done that before. (Simon was in the other room, sitting on a boing, looking out the window, so he never knew.) I really want Simon and Kazoo to be friends. They're not enemies, but they both avoid coming into close proximity of one another. Any time it happens, it's by accident, and then they both seem kind of freaked out by it. Do you think it's a good sign that Kazoo went and checked out his cage?

P.S. That's a very good looking bird.

Wow. Congratulations! I really like that you're looking for quality advice on how to take care of your new birds. I'm pretty new at this myself, so I'll leave it to the more experienced bird folk to answer your questions. I just wanted to say welcome, and it sounds to me like you're doing all the right things so far by paying attention to body language, giving them a little space, and doing research.

My amazon pins way more often than my grey. She does it whenever she finds something interesting or exciting.

My boyfriend sees him and talks to him every day. Mind you, he doesn't handle him much, because he's leery of getting bitten again. I'm trying to encourage him to be the one to put Simon to bed each night, and to give him an almond while doing it, just so Simon will associate him with something good.

I got goosebumps reading that! I'm really happy for you.

Woohoo! I'm thrilled for you and for Jimpster!

We were together when we got both of them. The Amazon was a rehome seven months ago. She likes us both, and trusted me first, but she adores him. We got the Grey as a hand-reared baby just two months ago. He adores me and barely tolerates him. There appears to be no reason for either one of them to bite either one of us. Except that I spend more time with them and do all the feeding and caretaking, so maybe that's why the Grey has chosen me.

I'm so very sorry your bird died.

No she's totally in love with him.

My Amazon has only bitten me once. I was misting her, and she tried to bite the nozzle of the mister - my finger, on the trigger, was too close to the nozzle, and she chomped down hard enough to draw blood and leave a scar. I was shocked by how much it hurt, but I didn't want to upset her, so I didn't tell her she hurt me. I just carried on spraying her. In truth, though, I was actually VERY happy that she was able to bite so hard. It made me feel that she stood a chance if the cat ever went after her. She seemed pretty defenseless until then.

Hi Rick. My Simon is the same age as Sunny, and he makes similar noises. A month ago he didn't make those noises, so I guess it's part of their vocal development?

She's so pretty! Congratulations.

Simon's only five months old. He hasn't bitten me yet, but he does sometimes bite my boyfriend.

Alright Murphy! (I'm still waiting for Simon's first word.)

It's normal. It's even got a name: the interramal space or interramal region.

Do you think he's depressed?

Aww, I'm very sorry. I worry about Oboe doing that too. We're careful, but he's so fast. Don't assume the worst - a budgie once flew INTO my house through an open balcony door. I never did find his owners, so he got to stay. Put up signs, contact your local animal shelter, and place notices on your local Craigslist, Kijiji and other free online services. Good luck!

Good for you, starting with the vet. At least now you know it's nothing medical (or at least nothing obviously medical). Have you tried asking him what's the matter? (Okay, that was a joke, but I'm sorry...I know it's not a joking matter.) How about doing something that will give him something to talk about? Maybe take him for a ride in the car, go to the beach or the forest. Maybe he's just got a case of the doldrums.