This forum is made available to the general public. This means that not all information contained within is completely accurate. No one posting on the forums should be assumed a professional, and all information should be used in addition to an avian vet's opinion. Talk Budgies shall not be held responsible for the accuracy or validity of any posts made by any members.

All messages posted on these forums express the views of the respective author. Talk Budgies is not responsible for the information posted. Information may not necessarily be accurate, complete, valid, or necessary. By accepting any information given, you hereby agree that Talk Budgies is not responsible for any damages made as a result of the information posted on this website.

We respect your privacy. Any personal information requested from you will never be used, sold, or in any other way distributed to third parties. Both members' and guests' IP address are stored for the sole purpose of security and moderation. Your IP address is only available to administrators and will never be given out. In addition, your e-mail address is also stored on the website. Your e-mail address will be added to the Talk Budgies mail list automatically when you register, unless you choose otherwise. If you wish to unsubscribe from our mailing list, go to your User Control Panel, click on Edit Options, and uncheck the "Receive Email from Administrators" field. Also, you may wish to receive e-mails from other forum members. If you wish to enable this feature, check the "Receive Email from Other Members" field. Your e-mail address will never be given out, sold to, or distributed in any means to any third parties.

By using this website, you also agree to allow the administration access to edit your information, view your information (including private fields, but excluding passwords), and edit your postings made on the forums. In addition, the administration has access to view your Private Messages, should there be any reason to do so.

Please see our full privacy statement here.

These are just some basic rules you should follow so we can all enjoy our time here! Rules apply both on the forums and in all other areas of the website (profile pages, PMs, etc.).

You must have a full understanding of all the rules. If you are unsure of any rule, do not hestitate to ask a staff member. If you receive an infraction and are unaware of the rule, it is assumed you falsely agreed to the rules during registration, which could result in a ban.

• Staff have the final say. A moderator's decision can be overruled by super moderators and/or administrators. A super moderator's decision can be overruled only by the administrators. Finally, an administrator's decision can only be overruled by the owner (Dave). The owner's decision, should it be called upon, is final. This is the order any staff decision should be appealed.
• Staff have the right to close any thread they feel is getting off-topic or out of hand, as well as delete any inappropriate posts. Furthermore, bans can and will be taken against anyone who breaks a rule or causes "drama."
• Do not send PM's to anyone asking budgie-related questions about your budgies. If you have a question, post it in the forum so everyone can try to help you out. Of course, if someone requests that you PM them about a question, this is allowed.
• When posting a new thread, use a descriptive title. Don't use titles such as: "Question", "Help me!", etc. Titles such as "Question about budgie behavior" or "What should I do if my budgie is..." are good examples of thread titles.
• Don't post in ALL CAPS or use excessive punctuation!!!!?!?!??!! It's distracting and annoying.
• Post in the proper forum. Don't post a question about budgie diseases in the training and bonding forum. If you do post in the wrong forum (we all make mistakes), the thread will be moved to the proper forum.
• While not required, spell checking your post is recommended. This will make you and us look more mature. Just click the button. You might need to install a program called ieSpell to use this feature. Don't worry, it's not spyware or adware. It's also completely free and takes up little space.
• If you ever notice a post has broken a rule, feel free to let the staff know! To do this, simply click the button located at the top right of the post. Remember that staff are not always on the site at all times, so you help in stopping problematic members is greatly appreciated!
• The administration reserves the right to search any member's profile information, past post history, private messages, or any other forum-based information if the need should arise.

• Do not post large pictures. Basically, any picture that distorts the forum tables can be considered large. If you have large picture that needs resizing, ask for some help or simply provide a link to the picture instead.
• Post in English only. In addition, do not post in netspeak, leetspeak, etc. (For example, type "like" instead of "lyke", "cause" instead of "cuz", etc.) This will make your posts easier to read, and will help members understand your posts if English is not their primary language.
• Don't bump threads (making posts in a thread just to bring it to the top of the list).
• In addition, don't post multiple times in a row. If you make a post and forget to put something in it, edit it. Don't make another post directly after it. Also, don't do this to increase your post count. This is considered rude and disorganized to other members and should be avoided.

• No flaming/bashing. This means you cannot make fun of someone for any reason.
• No spam. Spam is considered making many useless (and annoying) posts for whatever reason. Just don't do it.
• Don't use bad language. People will take you more seriously if you don't curse or swear. Even if something is considered non-offensive in your area, it might be offensive to someone else. Also keep in mind that this is a family-friendly forum.
• Be respectful and polite to other members and staff. Re-read what you type before you submit your post. Could what you wrote be offensive? Could it be taken the wrong way? Is it degrading or disrespectful in any way? These are questions you should think about before submitting posts, especially in a heated discussion.
• Be sure that any pictures/articles you post aren't copyrighted before you post them!
• Posting pictures of your budgies, or other pets, in a potentially dangerous/harmful situation is prohibited. Photos of birds outdoors, without a harness or without the protection of a secured cage, will automatically be deleted. Additionally, thread discussions of birds outdoors, without appropriate protections, will likewise be removed. Due to the inherent risks, Talk Budgies cannot advocate the practice of co-mingling prey/predator species. Therefore photos depicting birds with natural predators (such as cats and dogs) are prohibited. Talk Budgies reserves the right to make decisions on a case-by-case basis when photos of questionable content are posted.
• Talk Budgies also does not support violence-related pictures or videos on the forums even if they are not your pets such as videos or pictures of animals being abused or attacked in a non natural habitat off the net from video/photo hosting sites. Any threads, pictures or videos of this nature will be deleted without warning.
• Posts of a slanderous or defamatory nature are unacceptable. This includes any type of post which might damage someone's professional or personal reputation. Specific names need not be mentioned to be considered slanderous or defamatory. In addition, the person does not have to be a member of this website to be protected by this rule. Posts made toward members and non-members alike are unacceptable. Posts of this nature will be edited and the member will be warned.

• No advertising of competing sites/forums.
• Only one account per user! Do not create multiple accounts. If you do, all your accounts will be banned. If you attempt to create another account to bypass a ban, your IP address will be banned.
• Threads created about leaving the forum because of forum-related problems is strictly prohibited. (Threads about vacations, etc. are fine. Threads about "drama," "advice," etc. are prohibited.) Anyone creating a thread like this will be permabanned, as well as IP banned. If you are saying goodbye permanently, we'll help you out there.
• You are responsible for your account. If someone hacks into your account, or if someone goes on your computer and uses your account, you are still responsible. Any and all disciplinary measures taken against your account due to another person's actions will stand, no exceptions.
• If you intend on re-posting copyrighted information (including, but not limited to, text, pictures, and videos) found on another website or any printed material, you must receive express permission from the author(s). If permission is obtained, you must state so in your post submission. If permission is denied, you are not allowed to re-post the information.

In order to make the browsing experience an enjoyable one for all members and guests, more extensive signature guidelines are being set into place.

With the addition of several new features, including social groups and thread tags, comes new permissions. We had included these new permissions under each usergroup.

Please abide by the following simple rules of your current post status, so we can all enjoy browsing the forum easily:

• Signature Image Limit: 300x150, 60 KB (unchanged)
• Max Characters in Signature: 10000 (5000 not including markup)
• Max Number of Lines in Signature: 3
• Max Number of Images in Signature: 3
• Can Have Custom Title: No
• Can Have Links in Signature/Posts: No
• Can Join Social Groups: Yes
• Can Create Social Groups: No
• Can Tag Own Threads: Yes
• Can Tag Others' Threads: No
• Can Delete Tags on Own Threads: No
• Can Customize Profile: No

• Signature Image Limit: 300x150, 60 KB (unchanged)
• Max Characters in Signature: 10000 (5000 not including markup)
• Max Number of Lines in Signature: 3
• Max Number of Images in Signature: 3
• Can Have Custom Title: No
• Can Have Links in Signature: Yes
• Can Join Social Groups: Yes
• Can Create Social Groups: Yes
• Can Tag Own Threads: Yes
• Can Tag Others' Threads: No
• Can Delete Tags on Own Threads: No
• Can Customize Profile: Yes

• Signature Image Limit: 400x250, 60 KB
• Max Characters in Signature: 10000 (5000 not including markup)
• Max Number of Lines in Signature: 5
• Max Number of Images in Signature: 3
• Can Have Custom Title: No
• Can Have Links in Signature: Yes
• Can Join Social Groups: Yes
• Can Create Social Groups: Yes
• Can Tag Own Threads: Yes
• Can Tag Others' Threads: Yes
• Can Delete Tags on Own Threads: Yes
• Can Customize Profile: Yes

• Signature Image Limit: 500x350, 60 KB
• Max Characters in Signature: 10000 (5000 not including markup)
• Max Number of Lines in Signature: 5
• Max Number of Images in Signature: 3
• Can Have Custom Title: Yes
• Can Have Links in Signature: Yes
• Can Join Social Groups: Yes
• Can Create Social Groups: Yes
• Can Tag Own Threads: Yes
• Can Tag Others' Threads: Yes
• Can Delete Tags on Own Threads: Yes
• Can Customize Profile: Yes

• Signature Image Limit: 500x350, 60 KB
• Max Characters in Signature: 10000 (5000 not including markup)
• Max Number of Lines in Signature: 5
• Max Number of Images in Signature: 5
• Can Have Custom Title: Yes
• Can Have Links in Signature: Yes
• Can Join Social Groups: Yes
• Can Create Social Groups: Yes
• Can Tag Own Threads: Yes
• Can Tag Others' Threads: Yes
• Can Delete Tags on Own Threads: Yes
• Can Customize Profile: Yes

If anyone has a signature that does not fit the guidelines of their current post status, they will be sent a PM. They will be given 24 hours to correct any problems. If nothing is done in this time, you will be warned and the signature will be edited by an admin/mod.

Thank you for understanding. I hope this makes everyone's time here more enjoyable.

If you have any questions about this new policy, or are unsure if your signature fits these guidelines, please send a PM to a mod/admin! Thanks.

The following list of consequences is just a general list. The staff will deal with each infraction on a case-by-case basis; however, this list should give you the general idea of what would happen should you break a rule.

The list is broken up by level (see rule list above). Each sub-list is further broken down by infraction number. For example, "1." would mean infraction #1, "2." would mean infraction #2, etc.

1. Private warning
2. Public warning
3. Up to one week ban
4. Up to one month ban
5. Permaban

1. Private and/or public warning
2. Up to one week ban
3. Up to one month ban
4. Permaban

1. Private and/or public warning, removal of offensive post(s)
2. Up to three months ban
3. Up to six months ban
4. Permaban

1. Up to three months ban
2. Up to one year ban
3. Permaban

1. PM regarding signature violations. Change must be made within 24 hours.
2. PM and staff edit of signature
3. Revocation of signature privileges

Again, this is just a rough list of how violations will be handled. Actions taken against a specific violator may be more or less than what is posted here. Staff reserve the right to take appropriate action as necessary, regardless of what is written on this list.

It has come to our attention that our procedures might be a bit unclear to our members. We feel it is only right that our members have a full understanding of the way the staff run the website. The information provided below is for your reference. These are not "rules" or "guidelines." They are our policies, and how we deal with different situations that might arise. Please read them over so you will know what to do in any case. If you have any questions or concerns, please send me a PM or an e-mail.

• Account Deletion: We do not permanently delete member accounts. Any exceptions must be approved by an administrator. All requests for account deletion will be reviewed by the staff prior to deletion. At this point, the account will be "soft deleted." What this means is, the account is moved into a deleted users usergroup instead of permanently deleted. When this happens, the profile for the account is disabled (no one can view it), the postbit - which appears above the post - is replaced with Deleted User. In addition, the Karma and Quote buttons, which reveal the username, are removed. Finally, the option to receive e-mails from administrators is turned off for your convenience. All of this in effect makes the account anonymous. Posts are not deleted to keep the threads intact. Should you choose to return, just let us know and we will restore your account.
• Staff Selection: From time to time, we will need to add more members to our staff. While we appreciate enthusiasm to help out the website, please do not request to join the staff. When the time comes we need another staff member, we will contact the candidates we feel are qualified. To be qualified, you must be an active member who is a positive role model for other members. This means following all rules, typing legibly, providing quality posts, etc. Having knowledge in budgies is a plus, but not a requirement. If we feel you are a good candidate for a staff position, we will contact you via PM. If you accept, we will add you to our staff and make an announcement. If you decline, but might still be interested for future selection, we will contact you again during our next staff selection. If you decline and do not wish to be contacted again, we will not contact you.
• Thread Closure: It is sometimes necessary to close a thread. Going off topic, turning into an argument, and at the thread starter's request are just a few reasons we might close a thread. If your thread is closed (not at your request), you may contact a staff member to see why, if it is not apparent by reading the thread. Staff reserve the right to close any thread at their discretion, with or without prior warning. Thread starters also reserve the right to request their thread be closed at any time. Just contact any super moderator or administrator. Be sure to include the reason why you want the thread to be closed.
• Post Deletion: Staff also reserve the right to delete any post deemed inappropriate. A post that attacks another member, contains inappropriate content (including links, pictures, etc.), contains a link to a competing website, breaks any forum rule, or any other reason at the staff member's discretion, may be deleted. If your post is deleted, you may contact a staff member to see why, if the reason isn't apparent. Posts may be deleted without warning.
• Post Edit: Staff also reserve the right to edit any post. A post may be edited if only part of it is inappropriate or breaks a forum guideline, but the rest is useful.
• Account Bans: Accounts are banned when a member violates forum guidelines. Accounts can be banned with or without prior warning(s). If your account is banned, you will not be able to access the website. Instead, you will simply see a message stating the reason for your ban. If the ban is not permanent, you will be given an unban date and time. Attempting to bypass a ban by creating another account will not be tolerated, and will result in an IP address ban. If your ban is not permanent, your account will be unbanned on or about the date you are scheduled to be unbanned. Should you choose to return to our community at this point, you will be watched on a zero-tolerance policy. This means that the staff will give zero tolerance toward you. At the staff's discretion, you may be rebanned (possibly permanently) without prior warning. Warnings may or may not be given for bad behavior. Once a ban is made permanent, it will not be undone.
• Username Changes: You may request to have your username changed. Just send a PM to an administrator. Of course, please provide the new username. Make sure the name you want is not currently in use.
• Staff Decisions: All decisions made by the staff are at the staff member's sole discretion. All decisions are final, unless overruled by an administrator. Staff have the right to take action (ban, warning, etc.) against any member should the need arise. A member need not break a forum "rule" to have action taken against them. The owner reserves the right to restrict access to the website from anyone, for any reason.
• Inactive Accounts: We will periodically scan for inactive accounts. An account is inactive if it has not visited the site in a specified amount of time. This amount of time is never less than 60 days. If your account has posts to it, no action will be taken. However, if your account contains 0 posts, it will be moved to an inactive users usergroup. Once in this group, it will no longer appear on the member list. All other features of the account will remain the same. When you return, your account may still remain in this group. If this happens, you must contact an administrator to have it removed from the inactive users group. This is done to unclutter the member list.
• Inactive Accounts (E-mail Reminders): If your account is inactive (whether in the inactive users usergroup or not) for 30 days, you will be sent a reminder e-mail once per month asking you if you wish to come back. If you never want to receive this e-mail, just turn off the Receive Email from Administrators option.
• Contact Us Form: For everyone's convenience, a contact us form is in place. You can find the link to the form at the bottom of any page. When you use this form, please be as specific as possible. Also, be sure to select the appropriate subject heading. If none of the default subjects apply to your message, please check "Other" and fill in the subject specific to your message. This will aid in a faster response. If you're logged out for whatever reason, please provide your username. We do not know who you are if your username is not provided. Thus, your message will be ignored if you are logged out and you do not provide a username. Of course, if you are a guest, this does not apply. Finally, do not use the contact us form for budgie-related questions. These messages will be ignored. The contact us form is for site-related issues only.
• "Open Door" Policy: The staff at Talk Budgies employ an "open door" policy. This means you are free to contact the staff at any time. If there is ever a question or concern related to your account, the website, another member, etc., please contact us via PM. This includes questions regarding staff actions related to your account (infractions, thread closures, etc.). It is advised you contact the staff member who performed the action. However, if you do not wish to speak directly to them, you may contact an administrator. Any site-related issues should be sent to Dave. In addition, any account-related issues, such as user name change or karma adjustment, should be directed to an administrator. In any case, the staff will work with you and communicate with you to settle any problems you may have. Please note that this does not entitle you to contact the staff with budgie-related questions. This is against forum rules (to contact any member, including staff, via PM/e-mail with budgie-related questions).