invalidusername

I didn't say they were vegans ;-), but I appreciate what you say, m8. I don't think they are going to be as common where Vic is though. I think he should enjoy his squirrel until there's trouble. There might not be.

Good for you Vic for taking an interest in the squirrel. We had a squirrel in our garden for about a month or two (a couple of years ago). I didn't actively encourage it or feed it, it just used to come onto our bird table and 'steal' their food. Not many squirrels spotted around my way either, and it was fascinating watching it. Highly intelligent. At the end of the day, they're survivors, and have adapted quickly to the UK from the US. I think it was mainly the Duke of Bedford who is to blame for introducing them here. Reds are my favourite, but Man, viruses, etc are seeing to them one by one :-( Squirrels are vegetarian, so just keep your feed secure, Vic and enjoy your squirrel and your birds.

That sounds awful. I worry if a cat is in the vicinity! I've heard of some terrible things in the sport caused by jealousy/threat, but have never experienced it. Edit: Lennut - wish I'd said that !!

Let 'em carry on doing the talking. People say the sport is dying. Please don't help it on its way. Your experience cannot be replaced.

;D ;D ;D You have to be in the right place at the right time ;D ;D

Anyone leaving the sport is a total loss. And I'm not even in the sport!! If you have an affinity with your birds (which you must do), try to ignore the human politics and keep on going

Well, as Frankie Howerd would have said, please yourselves ;-)

A man walks into a chemist shop owned by two elderly spinsters. One of the women says 'and how can I help you?' The man's cheeks flush with embarassment. 'Oh, sir, please don't be embarassed. After 60 years owning a chemists, there's nothing we haven't heard'. He clears his throat and say 'well, I have a constant sexual arousal, and wondered if you have anything for it'. The woman and her sister go out the back and after a few minutes come back out. 'Well, my sister and I have discussed your problem, and the best we can do is £1,000 a week and half the shop.' Boom Boom

Pidge and his hen are settling in well together. I collected her a week ago today. She's a bit hesitant with me, but they're now sharing a shelf (mostly). Cooing noises regularly. She was lying down (well, sitting with legs tucked in) whilst pidge was preening her last night. They like splashing about in their bath! Am trying to put aside time to erect the fly-out from the panels Phil gave me. Thought I'd post a few pics for interest: "I'm ignoring her. Stay off my shelf!" "OK then - you can stay on here with me!"

These stories are all too common from reading various threads here. Very disturbing and some twisted individuals about :-(

Susan - you're making a habit of this ;-) Well done :-)

Yet!! ;-)

Yes, I absolutely accept that, which is why they feel justified to have a stinking attitude about this. Good luck :-)

This is boll*cs, Phil. They can't even string a proper sentence together, let alone make a judgement on this case. Whether or not the driver had any intention of crashing is totally irrelevant. The fact remains that it happened, and this had a direct affect on these birds. Do they seriously think that someone is going to use their service to send birds who only have a few days to live? Of course not, but that's what's happened due to them. It's totally down to them and their delays. I'm fuming for you now!

This is absolutely disgusting, Phil. There is no way they can wash their hands of this. They have a duty of care with all of the items they deliver, particularly where live birds are concerned. It's just not acceptable for them to walk away because the birds were alive when delivered. They need to be in the same condition as when they left the exporting depot (or wherever they came from). The additional time those birds were in that van, and the fact that this led to lack of food and water is totally the responsibility of Amtrak. Surely no question about it. How can they claim that the birds weren't stressed out after the extra time and the crash! They need publicity. If going through them again and then going to CAB doesn't do the trick, how about approaching the BBC (Watchdog?). It might not be big enough for them to feature, but I'd certainly give it a go. Hope that this gets sorted, but whatever happens this is terrible for those birds and for you guys. Watchdog: http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/watchdog/contact_index.shtml Have plenty of pictures taken for evidence!

Thanks for being concerned about this pigeon. I was in your position about a month ago, but that's a long story! Fresh water is a good thing, but it needs to be a few inches deep (they suck water a bit like through a straw). If the bird won't take water, it might be a good idea to waggle your finger in it and splash about. Might encourage him. Are his feathers flat and smooth, or is he puffed up? Flat and smooth is good! If the pigeon is not moving around much, I'd really advise you to ensure he can't be got at by cats, etc. Partlcularly at night. If you're able to post a pic, that would be helpful as there's a lot of knowledge on this forum. Hopefully it just needs food, water and a good rest before going home. Please keep us informed :-)

I think pjc had my circumstances in mind with his reply. With only 2 pigeons, and with only a little grit in a small pot, it's not going to break me to change it regularly. Thanks.

Super - thanks Phil! It was short and sweet, but packed with advice, and great to meet you too. Thanks for the panels - I'll be busy!

Is it necessary to mix grit with food, or in a bowl next to the food? Will birds know what to do with it if seperate? Many thanks.

Welcome Jojo. The people on this forum have so much experience, and very different ideas which is great. Very nice people and I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay.

Good grief! Absolutely fantastic, and plenty of inspiration for others *thumbs up*

Beautiful bird, and as you say, quite some going with all those releases.

DOVEScot - Billy must be thanking his lucky stars that you're around. What excellent support you've given him. Brilliant.

I have been quite busy, and it's still a work in process of course. I'm being sent a hen in the next day or so which will give pidge some quick company, but am totally grateful to Stuart for his offer - and will see how it goes over the next few weeks. I might then be ready for a few more Will post some pics of the shed when I get a bit more time. Cheers :-)

That is absolutely beautiful - a real work of art. Am really envious of your craftsmanship - I can hardly stick up a shelf ;D I prefer it in the white too