Jerry: young Standard Budgie from a pet store

Sarah - I remember the day you posted on another board about Jerry's first words. I was searching for my 'perfect bird' & was looking at all the birds ~ trying to avoid the Budgie! You were so excited, I had to reply. I am glad I did & got to know you & Jerry et al.

PS - you mentioned Lulu but didn't say anything about her. How you got her - why & how Jerry reacted when he first met her.

Maybe you could start chapter 2 with a focus or cross-posting even on his pals & his interactions & photos.

I was trying to keep it short but keep the main details, so yeah, I glossed over a lot But a Chapter 2 is a good idea - I could go on and on for many chapters

Yes, I was so excited about Jerry talking. When I first got him I had no idea that budgies could even talk. And when we heard him making really funny sounds, that didn't sound like "bird sounds" I just knew he was trying to talk.

Jerry is always so special.

Its good to know there are others who take great care of the "smaller" parrots. It sounds like he has a GREAT home with you. I totally understand that when a budgie is clipped they act miserrable and so sad. And you'll never see the difference untill you actually let them fly! They truly enjoy flying, and you wont see how sad they were untill you actually see their joy when they fly, now THAT is joy! GREAT JOB with him!

Thanks for your kind words. I, too, understand how much budgies love to fly and seeing the difference in Jerry clipped vs. flighted was just astounding. His whole body posture is different when flighted - simply "proud."

Discussing Clipping I find it difficult to talk about this with those who clip on a regular basis. Clipping is an issue we all have seen discussed in many boards with disastrous results. I am only sad that they do not have the opportunity or time to give this to their pet. Maybe they will try it out later.

Bird Proofing & having Fly Times To have birds free flighted takes a lot of thought & proper living arrangements. Sarah's solution to have flying times where her other pets are not around takes thought.
In a house with more people maybe this would be impossible (with children running in & out & forgetting doors), unless they had an area in the home that was isolated.
I love to see them fly.

Clipping to tame Many believe that clipping at first is a necessary evil to help hurry up the taming process. I have to agree with them that it is effective. My young Budgie is not so tame & has always been flighted. He is getting tamer.
So for a first time owner it might not be the end of the world for them to both go thru the 2 scenarios. Laker came to me older & flighted. I didn't think about clipping him - I can't remember if it crossed my mind. I was impressed with his wing flapping inside the cage tho!
Sarah learned a lot & Jerry still loves her.