Well, it's been a long 5 months since I brought my new babies home, but it seems they're finally happy and settling in well.

Things were looking a bit iffy for a while, as Josh was adamant they remain outdoor birds (we have a HUGE garage that doubles as a house-extension. It houses my art room, too , and they were living in there for a bit). But he made the mistake of going away for the weekend and they've been living inside ever since .

They now sit next to my chair in the lounge, so they have to be next to me every single day and night, and the arrangement seems to be just what they needed. They've gotten to the point now where they watch what I'm eating, and make little cooing noises when they want to taste it. And they now watch Tiana calmly from the top of the cage when she "shares" her food, knowing that her little hands can't reach any further than the very bottom door . (Anyone know a way to lock a birdie-door against a child? Apparently, they can open pegs )

Another great thing is their response to toys. I bought some act-balls today (the round ones with the bells inside) and as soon as I left the room, all 3 ventured down to find out what I'd left for them . I also caught Piper swimming in the new water dish, but that wasn't there as a toy!

I will get some new pics for you guys in the morning, when there's better light. They're looking great, and are starting to imitate the occasional whistle, now. Mickey's still mumbling occasionally, mostly when I'm in here, and he can hear but not see me though the doorway. He is also answering when I call, and they each look when I say their names .

Oh, and Mickey's decided that, winter or not, he's going to help Piper get some eggs going for Jess and Ruby . So Piper's getting extra calcium, and JubJub's getting more "bottom of the cage" treats when they chase him away... Which is only once a day, then they're all fine again .

Sorry for the essay again, I'm just happy they're coming along so well! I had thought it would take months longer for them to settle around us, especially the way they were when they came here

YIPPEEEEE!!! We love eggs! ha! and...we love essays!!! You should write a book. I know what you mean about hubby being gone...we have a little saying here "when the cats away the mice will play!" and we do! Sounds like everybody is being spoiled as they should be. Good work!

Actually, Jess, I AM writing a book . It's just about finished now, I'm just trying to get the final reading done (I need to find someone with the spare time to sit and read the thing, looking for any mistakes, but everyone here is just so busy these days!)

And as for Josh's trip: he wasn't as upset when he got back as I'd thought . I guess he secretly likes having them indoors, too, since he came home from shopping the other day with 4 new toys and feeder-treats and I often catch him whistling when he thinks no one's watching!

They're quite spoiled here . You should have seen Bud, visitors were always amazed at how well that little rascally budgie lived and now I'm doing the same with these guys!