Hezz

Thanks nubbly5 and Kaz for your timely replies, I'm not really sure when his cere turned brown but I feel that it must have been over a period of time as I didn't really notice that it had changed until one day looked and went hey, Bluey's gone brown! I had just assumed it had been a gradual thing. I was aware of the testicular cancer thing - that's what has me worried, but didn't know they could have other more benign hormonal issues. When I think about it, others in the animal world do, so why not birds? Next question - how do I look into this, besides a trip to the vet, and what are my options there? (Sorry, that's two questions) I will try again with photos but his mate keeps sticking her beak into things when we are trying to focus in on Bluey. Cheers' Hezz Sorry, forgot to add, I had looked at the early photos of Bluey and in some his cere looks pink (earlier ones) and others blue but the photos aren't close-up or really focused on his face. Hezz

I'm hoping one, some, or all the experts out there can help me with my confusion. Bluey is now 5 years old and has a brown cere. As a young bird, went through the pink then blue cere (not sure of the age- maybe 12month, 2years) and also became very attached to me. To the extent of trying to mate with my big toe. Made me think he was male as the only other active sexual behaviour I've seen from other domestic animals comes from the male of the species with the females being very passive. But Bluey's behaviour - regurgitating seed, pin-point irises, wing possessively wrapped around my toes and rubbing his/her vent area onto my foot to the extent of leaving a small puddle of milky liquid at the end. It was really just like he had jacked off on my foot. Can someone set me straight? I understand that he is a cock then we may be in trouble with his health. I'm trying to get some better photos while the light is good but as yet haven't got them loaded. I'm starting to get a little concerned now as the bird is the most beautiful pet, such a sweet, gentle nature. Thanks, Hezz

Thanks guys, I think so too, but then again I'm biased!

Hello fellow budgie-nuts. This is my first time attempting to post photos. Cross fingers and hope it works. Hezz, Bluey and Smudge (who has black eyes, red-eye didn't work for me) Hope the size is right

Sorry l did not see your question. The airbrushing is not hard to do with the right software program I loved the picture of Jasper!! The cougar is great too but I have a soft spot for bird ....... well, nearly everything, but pictures was what I started to write, Hezz

Hi Hezz, I use the good oil. Not sure if it does anything, but I still use it. I coat oats and sunflower in it and then mix the coated seeds with silverbeet, corn and carrot. Works for me. Cheers PT Thanks PT, It was recommended to me when I had a problem with my young budgie Smudge, who was just going through her first moult and also on antibiotics (what a mistake that was - made her go off her food completely when there wasn't anything really wrong in the first place, but I panicked thinking she was very thin). I've been giving it to my two since (about 3 months) and it certainly isn't hurting. The older one Bluey, hasn't had an off day in his life I don't think, but then I get the second and start to become a worry-wart. I haven't seen anyone mention it on the forum and wondered whether I had been had (although I do trust this vet). Nice to know I'm not alone!! Totally apart from that, any reason I can't see my original post under Health Q'tions and Tips? Oops, found it!!!!

This is one for the more experienced members. I have had this recommended to me by a vet. It's called just that: "The Good Oil". Has anyone had any experience with it? I'd be interested in your comments, both good and bad. Thank you, Hezz

I have been (as someone else described themselves) lurking around the forum for quite some time, picking up valuable info and interesting tidbits all the while. Finally plucked up the nerve to sign up to introduce my two - Bluey (named by my then 10yo son) who is now 5yo and Smudge who is nearly 1yo. I refer to them as my middle-age office worker and my over-active teenager. Most people will know what I mean. I don't have any experience to contribute but enjoy the gossip. Hezz