Hi TheAntiPam, thank you for your response to my posting. It has been wonderful hearing from you. I think it will become the highlight of my day (after I have put my son to bed just after 12.00 am that is)logging into pet talk and hearing from you all. We have only just installed our computer, so I am still finding my way around. So if you find I could be doing things a little differently, or have some hints please do not hold back. All help would be appreciated .

My wee ducklings are doing fine and growing rapidly by the day. Though they had me on the run yesterday when trying to pick them up (and I mean on the run! lol). My partner just stood there laughing. But then it was my turn to laugh at him as he chased around the backyard after them! What a sight we must have made! I hate to think what it will be like when they reach adult hood. I am a firm believer that our pets own us heart and sole! Well mine certainly do! I have only found out today that my Cockatoo (a gift from my partner earlier this year)may have an incurable virus that has been with him since he was born, and ultimately causes the breakdown of his immune system. We will find out for sure today when we take him the vet. I do hope he will be okay, because the thought that he may be or is suffering breaks my heart. We became concerned for him when his beak begain to grow out of shape and he started losing feathers. We call him "Max", he is the most loving little character you could ever imagine meeting in a bird. At first when we got him home, he would not have a bar of either of us! I took both of us to feed and change his water - one of us would destract him while the other (in an extreme rush) would feed and water him. The fear was that he would take of all our fingers, if he could get a hold of them! And boy did he try!!!!!!!! The all of a sudden he became so friendly to the point he would cry to be close to us and want to be cuddled like a child. If he got down on the floor he will find where ever you may be in the house and follow you until you pick him up and give him a cuddle. He is just wonderful. So keep your fingers crossed that we have good news today and it not be the virus they suspect it to be!

Thank you again for your reply and I look forward to hearing from you soon about yourself and your cats.

Take Care.