How I keep my parrots happy

ASET of official needs are included in the Animal Welfare Act of 2006. Sixteen years later, I still try to comply with them although my circumstances have changed due to age and widowhood. This year, I have rehomed or sold my mixed flock of various species of parakeets, but everything I learned from them still applies to the two macaws, Mina and Solo, and to Casper grey. Casper has lost his current grey companion, so I am looking for an elderly retired African grey.

The DEFRA headings are:

■ The need for a suitable environment

■ The need for a suitable diet

■ The need to exhibit normal behaviour patterns

■ The need to be with, or apart from, other