You have read all the books, bought your cage, toys and food. Visited your new baby parrot several times over the past 3 months at least, and at last you have brought him or her home to start a new life together, a life that will hopefully be happy, healthy and trouble free for the next 40 years or so. TOTAL PANIC ! you wake up in the middle of the night and realise you have forgotten all the little tips the breeder told you about day to day care in the excitement of bringing the bird home. Don't worry, there are only 3 golden rules to follow, and everything else will come with time as you and the bird learn together. Rule 1/ Find yourself a good Avian Veterinary Expert, either by recommendation or reasonable travelling distance.There are not many Avian specialists in the Country, and it is vitally important that you know of one, as general vets only have scant avian knowledge, and with all birds time is the most vital factor when they are sick.Take your bird, have a general check up, and decide if you can trust and depend on that vet in an emergency.Hopefully you will never need to see him again, but believe me he will be the best friend you have ever made. Rule 2/ Observation...This rule is kept by every bird / Zoo /Animal keeper worth their salt. First job on every morning is spending a few minutes looking at your pet. Is he bright and alert, happy to see you, are his droppings normal looking on the floor of the cage. If the answer is no to any of these questions eliminate the obvious....was he up late last night and hasn't had his full quota of sleep. is his neck sunk into his shoulders and his feathers slightly raised.Is he gripping the perch with his feet well apart for balance, and if you see unusual droppings, did he have something different to eat the day before that could change them. If you cannot find a explanation for any of these signs, turn up the heating, partly cover his cage,give him plenty of fresh water to drink and let him rest. If there is no change by late afternoon, ring the Vet and book an appointment for the next day, explaining that you will of course ring and cancel first thing in the morning if things are back to normal. Most Vets will be delighted to accept the cancellation,rather than treat a very sick bird days later. Rule 3/ Think Bird...this is simply applying good common sense at all times. Your Bird is out of his cage most of the day, he either follows you round the house, or travels on your shoulder.You are so used to him doing so that you forget he is there at times. The washing is almost dry on the line,the sky opens and you dash out to get the washing in, you leave the door open and the bird has flown. Spring has arrived, you are aware of the danger of open windows downstairs but forget the landing/bathroom/bedroom window the bird is on your shoulder, smells the fresh air, and again is off on his travels. I have lost count of the people who have rung Eileen and I and said but "but its bonded to me, I didnt think it would fly off" PLEASE remember its A BIRD and flying is a bird thing. Always check where the bird is when you leave the room, 2 of mine roost on top of the doors, and it is so easy to close a door on the birds toes and trapping them. Finally get used to knowing what could or could not be a danger to the bird,and a quick glance will become 2nd nature to you, and a safer life for your pet. Avril Barton avril@flyingfeathers.fsnet.co.uk Support the proposal to ban wild caught birds into the E U www.worldparrottrust.org/trade.htm