Friday, September 28, 2007
Body Language - Parrots Speak Louder Than Words!
Some parrots have wonderful speaking abilities for the most part. Some can even converse in context! More is being discovered about the parrot brain by the likes of Dr. Pepperberg and a few others. Many go beyond just the ability to mimic.
I have found in my own home and through running the parrot rescue that bird’s can and do ask for many things they want by using words. I have over and over been asked for things by some of the parrots here at the rescue. Some can say "want a drink" or "water". With some of the others, it can be a little more subtle and they will make the sound of water. I hear many others say "want a peanut", "want a apple", “wanna go outside” or many variations and have learned that they can see the item or feel thirsty and make a request for the item or ideas. I have taught several parrots how to differentiate colors and one of them knows 5 colors and would pick a particular color by random choice.
There intelligence can be astounding for those that take the time to find out what abilities their own parrot might have.
What I find just as intriguing is there body language. Parrots can and do communicate through the use of body language even more than they do with words!
Body Language
Parrots can show joy and fear and happiness without having to say a word! The use of body language plays an even more important part in understanding our parrots need then the use of words. They communicate using their bodies much more frequently than they do with words. Also for those parrots that do only speak to mimic or who have not “found their voice” they continue to communicate with us through their bodies.
I watch Oliver at Tim Horton’s if you happened to read that story on my Blog about my Blue Front Amazon that has his own addiction to Tim Horton’s. He runs to the window and his wings flap and his head leans forward in a begging motion. He is showing both excitement and begging for his food!
If we start paying attention to our birds body and learn to understand its little idiosyncrasies we will learn that they really ARE communicating with us.
I can walk up to almost any bird and determine if I am going to be able to step up the bird or get bit long before I reach my hand in the cage! Some will come running to the front seeking me out and some will cower to the back in fear. Some will also just sit there and observe for themselves. Mind you I don’t stop although I know I am going to get bit. Taking a parrot bite is part of the process and will teach the bird that I am not afraid of it. I do not show fear to the parrots as I am certain they read our body language too!
Anyone can learn to read their parrot’s body language by observing their parrot during the course of daily events. Parrots know when food is coming, you will see when they are hungry by a little flutter of their wings showing excitement that a treat is on the way. They will lean towards something they want and in some cases if we aren’t aware they will walk over and help themselves!
They show excitement not jus t with food but with excursions, baths, toys and play as well. Depending on whether they enjoy their bath or not you should be able to tell just by their stance. Some will try and run away even at the look of your spraying device, others show indifference by sitting there and not moving and some will flap around with joy and spread their feathers for the water to seep into every crevice of their bodies!
It is those times we know for certain when our parrots are either enjoying themselves or are not crazy for bath time.
There are still move subtle body language movements that can teach us to communicate with our parrots even more effectively.
Much can be discovered through play. You should observe your parrot during moments o f playtime and watch how they react to their toys. You can see a bird that is fearful of something as their body automatically moves away from it. Their feet may remain still but they lean away from the object. This tells us there is at least a sense that they are aware of this new thing but that they are leery of it.
At this time we should go a bit slower at introducing the item to give the parrot time to adjust to the new item. Let them touch it if they are comfortable and show it to them with your hands so they can see it doesn’t hurt you. Let’s use a toy as an example. You just picked up a little ball. You bring it to the parrot he backs away or leans back away from the ball. He is showing us that he is at least a little nervous of the new ball.
Take the ball and show him up close so he can see it. Roll it in your hand and make some happy sounds like you are enjoying playing with the ball. See if you can touch his beak with it. More than likely this small introduction to his new toy will change the stance of the body to curiosity and they eventual play!
Not all birds will communicate the same way using their bodies. It does take an observant eye to watch and learn what your bird is communicating to you through their body but you and he will be the better for it as it will open up an area of communication you didn’t know existed!
You relationship will improve as your parrot learns that you understand him and he will develop trust towards you and others. He will understand that new toys are not something to fear but to enjoy. I have found that once we communicate through body language and through context that biting also lessens. The parrot will be more relaxed and not so fearful of things he doesn’t know
I have found in my own home and through running the parrot rescue that bird’s can and do ask for many things they want by using words. I have over and over been asked for things by some of the parrots here at the rescue. Some can say "want a drink" or "water". With some of the others, it can be a little more subtle and they will make the sound of water. I hear many others say "want a peanut", "want a apple", “wanna go outside” or many variations and have learned that they can see the item or feel thirsty and make a request for the item or ideas. I have taught several parrots how to differentiate colors and one of them knows 5 colors and would pick a particular color by random choice.
There intelligence can be astounding for those that take the time to find out what abilities their own parrot might have.
What I find just as intriguing is there body language. Parrots can and do communicate through the use of body language even more than they do with words!
Body Language
Parrots can show joy and fear and happiness without having to say a word! The use of body language plays an even more important part in understanding our parrots need then the use of words. They communicate using their bodies much more frequently than they do with words. Also for those parrots that do only speak to mimic or who have not “found their voice” they continue to communicate with us through their bodies.
I watch Oliver at Tim Horton’s if you happened to read that story on my Blog about my Blue Front Amazon that has his own addiction to Tim Horton’s. He runs to the window and his wings flap and his head leans forward in a begging motion. He is showing both excitement and begging for his food!
If we start paying attention to our birds body and learn to understand its little idiosyncrasies we will learn that they really ARE communicating with us.
I can walk up to almost any bird and determine if I am going to be able to step up the bird or get bit long before I reach my hand in the cage! Some will come running to the front seeking me out and some will cower to the back in fear. Some will also just sit there and observe for themselves. Mind you I don’t stop although I know I am going to get bit. Taking a parrot bite is part of the process and will teach the bird that I am not afraid of it. I do not show fear to the parrots as I am certain they read our body language too!
Anyone can learn to read their parrot’s body language by observing their parrot during the course of daily events. Parrots know when food is coming, you will see when they are hungry by a little flutter of their wings showing excitement that a treat is on the way. They will lean towards something they want and in some cases if we aren’t aware they will walk over and help themselves!
They show excitement not jus t with food but with excursions, baths, toys and play as well. Depending on whether they enjoy their bath or not you should be able to tell just by their stance. Some will try and run away even at the look of your spraying device, others show indifference by sitting there and not moving and some will flap around with joy and spread their feathers for the water to seep into every crevice of their bodies!
It is those times we know for certain when our parrots are either enjoying themselves or are not crazy for bath time.
There are still move subtle body language movements that can teach us to communicate with our parrots even more effectively.
Much can be discovered through play. You should observe your parrot during moments o f playtime and watch how they react to their toys. You can see a bird that is fearful of something as their body automatically moves away from it. Their feet may remain still but they lean away from the object. This tells us there is at least a sense that they are aware of this new thing but that they are leery of it.
At this time we should go a bit slower at introducing the item to give the parrot time to adjust to the new item. Let them touch it if they are comfortable and show it to them with your hands so they can see it doesn’t hurt you. Let’s use a toy as an example. You just picked up a little ball. You bring it to the parrot he backs away or leans back away from the ball. He is showing us that he is at least a little nervous of the new ball.
Take the ball and show him up close so he can see it. Roll it in your hand and make some happy sounds like you are enjoying playing with the ball. See if you can touch his beak with it. More than likely this small introduction to his new toy will change the stance of the body to curiosity and they eventual play!
Not all birds will communicate the same way using their bodies. It does take an observant eye to watch and learn what your bird is communicating to you through their body but you and he will be the better for it as it will open up an area of communication you didn’t know existed!
You relationship will improve as your parrot learns that you understand him and he will develop trust towards you and others. He will understand that new toys are not something to fear but to enjoy. I have found that once we communicate through body language and through context that biting also lessens. The parrot will be more relaxed and not so fearful of things he doesn’t know
Labels: behavior, body language, ontario parrot rescue, parot, parrot behaviour, parrot care, parrot speaking
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The Importance of Socialization
One of the most common problems we run across in a household is a parrot that is unsocialized. The fact that a bird can not be handled by more than one person, or in some cases, not at all, is detrimental to a bird's behaviors. I hear people say "Oh I wouldn't touch him if I were you, he only likes so and so", as the bird lunges at you in an attempt to remove some appendage or another. In other instances, a bird owner will tell you not to approach the animal, or it will crawl to the back of the cage and remain there, shaking and afraid.
One of the best things we can do for our pets is to socialize them. It will help them during times of stress or later in an emergency. There are many ways of doing this and the benefits are tremendous!
We see, and all too often, birds that will only go to one person and are terrified of others, which includes other family members, and strangers alike!
What will happen on that sad day when you are no longer able to keep your pet or God forbid something happens to you!
The bird suffers.......
The Art of Socialization
You new arrival
From the beginning of your pet arriving or even NOW after a number of years! It is never too late to start this process and your bird will thank you in the long run!
Make sure that when your pet first arrives that all family members spend time with your pet. Even small children can participate under the supervision of an adult. It can start with giving the new arrival small treats such as sun flower seeds or almonds. Try to find his absolute favorite food and save it as a treat! Make sure that everyone spends time with your parrot and once the parrot is comfortable with you try to pet him on the head. Not all parrots like to be petted so don't feel too discouraged if this is the case. Hopefully he has already been taught the basic step up command. Let everyone in the home take turns stepping up the parrot.
If you find that he is becoming too attached to one individual, have that individual back off for a while and let the other family members warm up to him. That may mean you should leave the room as even the sight of the favorite person could get them excited enough that they won't respond as well to the others.
Ouside influences
Take them out with you. Get them used to being in a carrier, in a car and handled by strangers.
You can walk around the block or down to the corner store. The more exposure to outside influences the less and less traumatic the experience will be!
It will make trips to the vet less traumatic. Have people come to your home and spend time with you bird.
Try trading with a bird friend for weekends with their birds. Over nighters are a good way to get your bird used to others and he will only benefit from it in the long run.
This will help later down the road for any traumatic events that might take place. In the event something did happen or you need to utilize a bird sitter for a vacation.
A bird sitter is another source for socialization. They work with many birds and can spend time with your bird. Without his comfort zone birds tend to respond well within a day or two.
The more we can help our birds adjust to a changing environment the easier it will be for them to adjust during times of emergency!
Join a bird club, and bring you bird with you. Others at the club are experienced and more than willing to lend a helping hand in holding your bird which will help the socialization process.
Just taking him out in the back yard or front yard will attract neighbours and can be a benefit as well. Exposing him to different environments and people will teach him to feel more comfortable with others. Just make sure they are respectful of your bird and go slow! Make sure there is only one or two people at a time.
I should also point out that it is always best to have people that are willing to work with your bird as not everyone is comfortable. I am giving many examples of places that could benefit you by their experience as well as inexperienced ways. Use what ever you have available to you. My best suggestion though it to join a bird club as these people do have the experience of working with birds and do not
**Most importantly that his wings are clipped! NEVER TAKE A BIRD OUTSIDE WITHOUT A WING CLIP! Remember some can still fly with a clip. You need to know your bird and his capabilities.
The Benefits
You parrot will start to feel comfortable around other people and will probably start to enjoy the company of others!
He will enjoy getting in the carrier for your next exciting adventure!
Trips to the vet or the bird sitter will be less traumatic and he will adjust much quicker upon returning home!
If there ever comes a day when you are no longer able to keep your parrot he will adjust that much easier to a new environment.
Having worked with many birds over the years I see the benefits of socialization regularly and how well the birds respond to it.
They are calmer, happier and well adjusted.
One of the best things we can do for our pets is to socialize them. It will help them during times of stress or later in an emergency. There are many ways of doing this and the benefits are tremendous!
We see, and all too often, birds that will only go to one person and are terrified of others, which includes other family members, and strangers alike!
What will happen on that sad day when you are no longer able to keep your pet or God forbid something happens to you!
The bird suffers.......
The Art of Socialization
You new arrival
From the beginning of your pet arriving or even NOW after a number of years! It is never too late to start this process and your bird will thank you in the long run!
Make sure that when your pet first arrives that all family members spend time with your pet. Even small children can participate under the supervision of an adult. It can start with giving the new arrival small treats such as sun flower seeds or almonds. Try to find his absolute favorite food and save it as a treat! Make sure that everyone spends time with your parrot and once the parrot is comfortable with you try to pet him on the head. Not all parrots like to be petted so don't feel too discouraged if this is the case. Hopefully he has already been taught the basic step up command. Let everyone in the home take turns stepping up the parrot.
If you find that he is becoming too attached to one individual, have that individual back off for a while and let the other family members warm up to him. That may mean you should leave the room as even the sight of the favorite person could get them excited enough that they won't respond as well to the others.
Ouside influences
Take them out with you. Get them used to being in a carrier, in a car and handled by strangers.
You can walk around the block or down to the corner store. The more exposure to outside influences the less and less traumatic the experience will be!
It will make trips to the vet less traumatic. Have people come to your home and spend time with you bird.
Try trading with a bird friend for weekends with their birds. Over nighters are a good way to get your bird used to others and he will only benefit from it in the long run.
This will help later down the road for any traumatic events that might take place. In the event something did happen or you need to utilize a bird sitter for a vacation.
A bird sitter is another source for socialization. They work with many birds and can spend time with your bird. Without his comfort zone birds tend to respond well within a day or two.
The more we can help our birds adjust to a changing environment the easier it will be for them to adjust during times of emergency!
Join a bird club, and bring you bird with you. Others at the club are experienced and more than willing to lend a helping hand in holding your bird which will help the socialization process.
Just taking him out in the back yard or front yard will attract neighbours and can be a benefit as well. Exposing him to different environments and people will teach him to feel more comfortable with others. Just make sure they are respectful of your bird and go slow! Make sure there is only one or two people at a time.
I should also point out that it is always best to have people that are willing to work with your bird as not everyone is comfortable. I am giving many examples of places that could benefit you by their experience as well as inexperienced ways. Use what ever you have available to you. My best suggestion though it to join a bird club as these people do have the experience of working with birds and do not
**Most importantly that his wings are clipped! NEVER TAKE A BIRD OUTSIDE WITHOUT A WING CLIP! Remember some can still fly with a clip. You need to know your bird and his capabilities.
The Benefits
You parrot will start to feel comfortable around other people and will probably start to enjoy the company of others!
He will enjoy getting in the carrier for your next exciting adventure!
Trips to the vet or the bird sitter will be less traumatic and he will adjust much quicker upon returning home!
If there ever comes a day when you are no longer able to keep your parrot he will adjust that much easier to a new environment.
Having worked with many birds over the years I see the benefits of socialization regularly and how well the birds respond to it.
They are calmer, happier and well adjusted.
Labels: behavior, behaviour, parrot rescue, socializing parrots
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Bird Clubs - Great Places and Great People
I would like to discuss, in this article, the importance of 'bird clubs' and why it is a good idea to join your local club.
There are many aspects to bird clubs: they provide several resources to the avian community, through education, breeding, research, shows, and aviculture in general.
Education:
Most bird clubs, over the course of the year, put on educational events similar to ours.
The purpose is to bring awareness of the joys of parrot ownership and give people the opportunity to see, first hand, how wonderful avian companionship can be. They can meet parrots and possibly hold them, ask questions and take pictures!
It also informs the community, and parrot owners, that there is a club that can offer other owners help, guidance and support for them.
Meetings:
Typically there are monthly meetings which bring in new and unique guest speakers on a range of avian related topics. It may involve breeding, pet ownership, behaviour help, what's new in the avian world and a host of other topics. It is also a wonderful social time to meet others of 'like mind' who are often more than willing to answer questions, give advice, socialize your parrot or allow you to brag about your wonderful avian companion!
It is a wonderful social evening with friends and usually there are raffles, snacks and a library of information to help everyone.
Breeding:
Although not my area of expertise, breeding is the main focal point for most bird clubs. It is a place for networking with other breeders, assisting in difficulties one may experience with some very knowledgeable help from some of the top professionals in the avian field. You may also find your next 'pet' through a club member. Some heavy discussions can be overheard on disease prevention, difficulties on breeding captive birds and almost any other topic related to breeding captive bred birds.
The Show:
The entire year is focused on this big event. This is the time when breeders and parrot owners alike can bring their best and show their birds in front of a panel of judges and their peers. Awards are given to the best in class. It is a wondrous time seeing birds that are rare and meeting some of the top in their field who are always willing to help and answer questions and possibly sell one of their prize winning birds!
All in all, it is a great place to meet new friends, gather information that you won't find in books! Socialize your bird and learn new things.
Join your local bird club today!
There are many aspects to bird clubs: they provide several resources to the avian community, through education, breeding, research, shows, and aviculture in general.
Education:
Most bird clubs, over the course of the year, put on educational events similar to ours.
The purpose is to bring awareness of the joys of parrot ownership and give people the opportunity to see, first hand, how wonderful avian companionship can be. They can meet parrots and possibly hold them, ask questions and take pictures!
It also informs the community, and parrot owners, that there is a club that can offer other owners help, guidance and support for them.
Meetings:
Typically there are monthly meetings which bring in new and unique guest speakers on a range of avian related topics. It may involve breeding, pet ownership, behaviour help, what's new in the avian world and a host of other topics. It is also a wonderful social time to meet others of 'like mind' who are often more than willing to answer questions, give advice, socialize your parrot or allow you to brag about your wonderful avian companion!
It is a wonderful social evening with friends and usually there are raffles, snacks and a library of information to help everyone.
Breeding:
Although not my area of expertise, breeding is the main focal point for most bird clubs. It is a place for networking with other breeders, assisting in difficulties one may experience with some very knowledgeable help from some of the top professionals in the avian field. You may also find your next 'pet' through a club member. Some heavy discussions can be overheard on disease prevention, difficulties on breeding captive birds and almost any other topic related to breeding captive bred birds.
The Show:
The entire year is focused on this big event. This is the time when breeders and parrot owners alike can bring their best and show their birds in front of a panel of judges and their peers. Awards are given to the best in class. It is a wondrous time seeing birds that are rare and meeting some of the top in their field who are always willing to help and answer questions and possibly sell one of their prize winning birds!
All in all, it is a great place to meet new friends, gather information that you won't find in books! Socialize your bird and learn new things.
Join your local bird club today!
Labels: bird clubs, bird clubs in ontario, local bird clubs, parrot clubs
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The DAS Annual Cage Bird Show
Wow what a turn out for the show today! We ran in to many old friends and a few new friends and probably made some new friends today also!
It was great to see everyone and many of the birds that we have rehomed were there also!
It was so nice to see all those birds under one roof! 4 PASO Alumni won ribbons and trophies in some of the categories and at least 2 of those came in first place!
Congratulations to all the winners!
Nancy and Brett
It was great to see everyone and many of the birds that we have rehomed were there also!
It was so nice to see all those birds under one roof! 4 PASO Alumni won ribbons and trophies in some of the categories and at least 2 of those came in first place!
Congratulations to all the winners!
Nancy and Brett
Friday, September 14, 2007
Our Own Tim Horton's Story
I visit Timmy's regularly when in town. Actually it's hard to pass a Timmy's as I think there is some sort of magnetic attraction that forces my car into their drive thru as it just can't seem to drive past a Timmy's without making it's way through the drive thru.
I also have a regular companion with me in my best bud Oliver. Well obviously Timmy's has attractions on more than people and cars. This became apparent to me one day while being pulled through the drive thru by their invisible force. Oliver ran over to my shoulder as soon as I reached the speaker and placed his own incoherent order by sqwaking into the speak in this horrible, loud, annoying squawk he does when he really REALLY wants something!
I could here the laughter through the speaker as I am sure all the employees thought I was nuts screaming into their ears with this horrible sound. I did manage through the squawks to get my order placed. When we arrived at the window Oliver jumped on the door and begged for a timbit!
I was amazed that he has realized on his own that if you speak into the speaker box that food will come out the window!
I didn't know if this was a once in a life time event or something he figured out until the next trip to the drive thru and sure enough he did the same routine again. You can actually see him flutter knowing when we are in the drivethru line up and he will wait patiently until we are at the speak before he runs over to my shoulder to place his order!
These parrots even after 30 years of working with them still amaze me every day!
What Size Cage is Suitable For My Parrot?
There are as many bird cages on the market today as their are birds!
There are many things that must be taken into consideration before you purchase a cage. Bigger is not always better!
Bar Spacing is of critical importance, the space between the bars must be the appropriate width to avoid choking, strangulation, feet and toes getting caught as well as escape!
Typically the smaller the cage the small the bar spacing. However as you get into the midsize cages the bar spacing varies for the different species of birds.
The other consideration is size. We do this NOT BY what will fit in the room but WHAT WILL make the bird happy and comfortable as this will be his home for the next 30 or more years!
I have written the following guidelines to help you in your purchase. The Bar spacing should be adhered to exactly but please remember that the Cage sizes are the bare minimum that should be the home of your new bird! In this case Bigger is ALWAYS better!
Species .................................. Minimum CageSize.......... Bar Spacing
Finches ..................................18"x30"x18" .....................1/4" to 1/2"
Canaries ................................18"x24" x18" .....................1/4" to 1/2"
Budgies .................................18"x18"x24" .......................1/2"
Cockatiels .............................20"x20"x24" ......................1/2" to 5/8"
LovebirdsParrotlets ...........24"x24"x24 ........................1/2"
Ringneck Parakeets ...........24"x24"x36" .......................1/2" to 5/8"
Small Conures, Hahns
Macaws ...............................24"x24"x24" .......................5/8" to 3/4"
Large Conures, Caiques,
Pionus, Jardine's ,
Rosella's ..............................24"x24"x36" .......................5/8" to 3/4"
Amazons
Small Macaws
Goffin's Cockatoos
African Greys ....................24"x36"x48" ......................3/4" to 1"
Large Cockatoos ...............36"x48"x48" .......................1" to 1.5"
Large Macaws ..................36"x48"x60" .......................1" to 1.5"
There are many things that must be taken into consideration before you purchase a cage. Bigger is not always better!
Bar Spacing is of critical importance, the space between the bars must be the appropriate width to avoid choking, strangulation, feet and toes getting caught as well as escape!
Typically the smaller the cage the small the bar spacing. However as you get into the midsize cages the bar spacing varies for the different species of birds.
The other consideration is size. We do this NOT BY what will fit in the room but WHAT WILL make the bird happy and comfortable as this will be his home for the next 30 or more years!
I have written the following guidelines to help you in your purchase. The Bar spacing should be adhered to exactly but please remember that the Cage sizes are the bare minimum that should be the home of your new bird! In this case Bigger is ALWAYS better!
Species .................................. Minimum CageSize.......... Bar Spacing
Finches ..................................18"x30"x18" .....................1/4" to 1/2"
Canaries ................................18"x24" x18" .....................1/4" to 1/2"
Budgies .................................18"x18"x24" .......................1/2"
Cockatiels .............................20"x20"x24" ......................1/2" to 5/8"
LovebirdsParrotlets ...........24"x24"x24 ........................1/2"
Ringneck Parakeets ...........24"x24"x36" .......................1/2" to 5/8"
Small Conures, Hahns
Macaws ...............................24"x24"x24" .......................5/8" to 3/4"
Large Conures, Caiques,
Pionus, Jardine's ,
Rosella's ..............................24"x24"x36" .......................5/8" to 3/4"
Amazons
Small Macaws
Goffin's Cockatoos
African Greys ....................24"x36"x48" ......................3/4" to 1"
Large Cockatoos ...............36"x48"x48" .......................1" to 1.5"
Large Macaws ..................36"x48"x60" .......................1" to 1.5"
Labels: bar spacing, birds, cage, cage size, cages, parrot, parrots
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Stanley and Prisilla
We had completed a shed in the spring to store some of our bird cages however the cages got kicked out as we ended up rescuing a peacock out of Milbrook! We recieved a call from a family who said that one was living in their back yard and another was living in the fair grounds. They were dumped there in the middle of town and the town folk were feeding them but were very worried as they were quite close to the highway.
We managed to capture the male but the female is still on the loose. We are hoping to have her by the end of month with the help of some of the people in Milbrook. We have a possible home for them once we get them both together. As for now he is temporarily residing in the shed until we can capture the female and then work on getting them to their new home!
I should tell you his name is Stanley as he was affectionately named by the people in Milbrook and Prisilla is the female. Stanley loves blueberries but really hasn't turned down anything we have fed him to date. Now we can't be sure but it certainly sounds to us like Stanley is saying hello! My husband has been talking regularly to him and swears as do the kids that Stanley is saying hello back to them. I have not personally heard it myself but have been doing some research on whether Peacocks can talk and the only answer I have recieved is that "I wouldn't be surprised!" So if anyone knows whether Peacocks can or can not talk I would love to hear from you!
Wish us luck on reuniting Prisilla and Stanley!
Nancy
We managed to capture the male but the female is still on the loose. We are hoping to have her by the end of month with the help of some of the people in Milbrook. We have a possible home for them once we get them both together. As for now he is temporarily residing in the shed until we can capture the female and then work on getting them to their new home!
I should tell you his name is Stanley as he was affectionately named by the people in Milbrook and Prisilla is the female. Stanley loves blueberries but really hasn't turned down anything we have fed him to date. Now we can't be sure but it certainly sounds to us like Stanley is saying hello! My husband has been talking regularly to him and swears as do the kids that Stanley is saying hello back to them. I have not personally heard it myself but have been doing some research on whether Peacocks can talk and the only answer I have recieved is that "I wouldn't be surprised!" So if anyone knows whether Peacocks can or can not talk I would love to hear from you!
Wish us luck on reuniting Prisilla and Stanley!
Nancy
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Otis and Ophelia
Otis is a male eclectus and came in with his best friend a male quaker named Ophelia. Yes we do on occassion have gender issues here! It's funny to hear Ophelia say Good Boy Ophelia!
Otis came to us with metal poisoning from eating the little ringy thing inside of a bell. I am sure that little thing has a name I just don't know what it is! He has a clean bill of health now but still plucks some of his feathers on occassion.
Ophelia is one of the smartest quakers I have ever met. He has one of the greatest vocabularies of any bird that has come through the rescue and we have had alot of birds!
I was watching the two of them play the other day and I was hearing Peek a boo coming from the top of the cage.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Ophelia was running behind Otis and then would jump out in front of him and yell PEEK A BOO!
Not only was she saying the words she was actually playing the game!
These birds astonish me all the time! I have seen them make tools to scratch their heads and open things they should be able to open but to watch these two actually playing Peek A Boo just about blew me away!
Otis came to us with metal poisoning from eating the little ringy thing inside of a bell. I am sure that little thing has a name I just don't know what it is! He has a clean bill of health now but still plucks some of his feathers on occassion.
Ophelia is one of the smartest quakers I have ever met. He has one of the greatest vocabularies of any bird that has come through the rescue and we have had alot of birds!
I was watching the two of them play the other day and I was hearing Peek a boo coming from the top of the cage.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Ophelia was running behind Otis and then would jump out in front of him and yell PEEK A BOO!
Not only was she saying the words she was actually playing the game!
These birds astonish me all the time! I have seen them make tools to scratch their heads and open things they should be able to open but to watch these two actually playing Peek A Boo just about blew me away!
Onyx - Black Lory
Well I think I am going to start sharing some antidotes of the parrots here at the rescue.
Today I gave Onyx the Lory some Juice since they are nectar eaters. Well he decided that he was going to have a bath in it!
He is splashing away on my kitchen table and spraying juice within a 10 foot radius!
I ran to the sink to get him a bowl of water so he could splash in that instead but he wanted nothing to do with it!
Now my entire kitchen is covered in sticky juice and Onyx is as proud as punch and smells like Mango! He sure can make a big mess in a small amount of time!
Today I gave Onyx the Lory some Juice since they are nectar eaters. Well he decided that he was going to have a bath in it!
He is splashing away on my kitchen table and spraying juice within a 10 foot radius!
I ran to the sink to get him a bowl of water so he could splash in that instead but he wanted nothing to do with it!
Now my entire kitchen is covered in sticky juice and Onyx is as proud as punch and smells like Mango! He sure can make a big mess in a small amount of time!
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