[Epona]

Dan, I know how you feel.
Because I just moved house and am in complete turmoil, my parents are looking after my birds for the time being.

Titus, my budgie, doesn't care one way or the other, he is getting along fine with my mum's budgie and just gives me a 'who the hell are you?' look when I visit. I don't worry about him because I know he is happy.

Jasper, my Senegal Parrot is a different kettle of fish entirely. He thinks of me as his bonded mate (parrots mate for life) and misses me dreadfully when I am away. Even when I leave the room he will scream, wondering where I've gone, since parrot pairs rarely go out of sight of each other. And leaving him for two weeks is hard on both of us. He makes do, and begs for scritches and kisses from my parents and brother, behaves quite well, but sometimes he pulls some of his feathers out because he misses me and is distressed. I am going to pick him up tonight and bring him home. I know when I go in the room he will scream and scream (he will probably start when he recognises the sound of my feet on the path outside), dance on his perch in joy, and won't leave my side all evening. I really think parrots are the most dedicated and loyal of pets.

I hope Choc greets you with similar joy when you return, Dan.