Sean's Quest for Parrots – what I've learned so far

Question:

> I make a simple analogy of how the commitment to your parrot should be > taken seriously like the commitment to have a child and it is totally > dismissed as irelevant because one aspect of owning a parrot is different.

First – Jack has some sort of anal retentive irrational fear of analogies. Second – There are many (not just one) aspects of parrot ownership that differ greatly from having children. > Lighten up, Jack.

If he gets any lighter those loafers will need airport clearance for take-off. — –Jynx– Do something about ‘yourattitude’ to reply via e-mail

Response:

> The point being made to you I think is "A parrot IS a lifelong > commitment." Not unlike the decision to have a child (something I know A > LOT about – I’ve got 7 kids). > They are destructive loud, messy, stubborn & infuriating but if you > share your life with the right one you will develop a companionship and > bond unlike that with any other living creature.

The commitment in having a child is lifelong? Like the commitment to owning a bird? The relationship to a child may be lifelong (I would hope) but the responsibility for the child’s wellbeing ceases when the child is no longer a child but an adult. Then the adult person should take responsibility for himself/herself. Not that we don’t help our adult kids from time to time…. The responsibility to the bird, however, continues because it will always be dependent on it’s owner for its wellbeing. — Winnie Lind

Response:

Oooops!  Wish you’d warned me.  ;-)

him that he is – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> TOTALLY SAFE from being bitten by one of my ‘tiels (or the budgie), LOL! > (For those of you who don’t know, I’m his new "SO", and have been work- > ing at getting Sean to "connect" with my three "Birdie Girls" for nearly > two years now!) > "Big Mama Bird"

Response:

> In no particular order: > * Parrots are very complicated. > * They’re harder to care for than dogs or cats. >ETC.

Gosh, Sean. After reading this, I am going to get rid of all my birds today. What have I been thinking? (says Dr. Phil in my head) It must be my imagination – all this love I get from them, all their cute antics, my lack of bandages all over my body. Janet Levy P.S., don’t stress it so much. Get a bird and join the crazy, wonderful world of bird lovers.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hm…..i see each individual line extracted from a post on a bird > usegroup at one time or another > All i can say is WRONG WRONG WRONG…….(though some *nearly* true! – > though not the parakeet  or cockatiel bite….ask my husband! > I must say all in all the way it was written is a SCREAM – had to > laugh and laugh. Would make a good script for a stand-up comedian on > the Animal Planet. > It would be IMPOSSIBLE to write a response to every line written – > though I – amongst others – ARE TEMPTED…..so one more ‘nibble’ and > we will BITE > see www.tobynet.com > though there isn’t much there – i plan on adding biographies of 5 > greys, 1 bare-eyed cockatoo, 1 goffins cockatoo, 1 umbrealla cockatoo, > 1 blue-fronted amazon, a grey cheek parakeet (small parrot), conures, > cockatiels, parakeets, a hard boiled egg that looks like Bill > but look there. I, personally, having been around cats, dogs, iguana, > rabbits and the spider in my bathtub named Albert – and parrots (to > me) are *ultimate* in what they have provided for/to  me. I cannot do > it justice by putting into words. > still, though, almost as funny as what one of my parrots would write >:-) > (oh! how does one NOT respond to what you have written and still write > so much?) > thanks for the smile and the laugh – i’ll go give my babies a kiss – > yes, on the beak. they’ll even put their beak inside my mouth – a few > of them will even regurgitate for me and *forcefully* attempt to feed > me……is that love, or what? > leicarose > www.tobynet.com > are 100%. > Regurgitate?  Wow… that is true love! > Todd

Oh Todd – even my decades older grey will do the same. She will sit on your hand and resort to ‘dancing about and gurgling baby talk’ then regurgitate for me. (and my husband!)….Sometimes there is a lot there, too! (takes some people some time to get used to! Choose Tsunami’s food carefully – you’ll be eating it again yourself – guaranteed! leicarose www.tobynet.com

Response:

> > > In no particular order: > > * Parrots are very complicated.

True. They are complicated emotional creatures like us. > > * They’re harder to care for than dogs or cats.

I find they are easier than dogs, well because i dont like dogs lol. They may be messier than cats and dogs, but i get more love from a  bird then i wuold with any dog. > > * If I get a parrot the chances of getting bitten sooner or later > > are 100%.

Any animal can bite. I have not been bitten by every bird/cat/fish i have handeled. I have yet to be bitten by my tiel, (she has never bit anyone), but i have alot been bitten by tiels ive known for 10 minutes. > > * Any parrot bigger than a cockatiel can draw blood when it bites. > > The bigger the bird, the more stitches I’ll need.

ANY bird can draw blood in my personal opinion. I think that a female budgie bite hurts more than anybite ive gotten from a tiel, when they bite they grind lol. > > * Cockatoos are very affectionate but need a lot of attention. > > Otherwise they’ll go crazy and pluck their feathers out or scream > > all day, making me REAL popular with the landlady.

Every bird needs attention. Larger birds need more, having a 2 is like having a 2year old for the rest of your/its life. They are an a expensive upkeep considering a GOOD toy for them can cost well over $100.00 and will eventually be dimolished. > > * Hand raised baby parrots at the pet store are gentle and > > affectionate but can turn into demons when they grow up.

Depends how the owner is the bird. its the same with any animal, some have dentancies to become more nippy in old age. > > * Love birds and quakers tend to bite off the toes of any other > > birds walking on top of their cage.

ANY bird can try to bite off the toes if they wanted to, some just may be more successfull than others. Some are more terratorrial than others as well. > > * African grays are among the most intelligent. That means that > > they’re much more creative about getting into mischief.

They have proven that African Greys are among the more intellegent of the birds, i was watching animal planet the other day and they have taught a AG to use a computer!! > > * Any parrot caught in the act will be absolutely brazen about it. > > They have no conception of conscience.

I dont know about this.. if my lovebird is trying to hurt my tiel by chasing after her if i say my loveibrds name shell stop in her tracks. Ill go get her, pickher up, scold her for being a meanie, put her back down and more often than not she wont go near my tiel..IF she doesnt i show her my approval and give her some cuddles, if she continues, ill give her lttle scolding episodes until she stops…she seems to know what she is doing wrong, and she does hae this "puppy dog" look after i scold her about it lolol. > > * Any bird that bonds to me is liable to attack my other friends > > (human or animal).

NOT true. It totally depends on who handels the bird, and how the bird is treated. for example: I have said on here that my lovebird will go to no one, it was not always the case..Whenever i worked in my store we received 4 PFLB to sell and this one little female would not let us goin the cage atall!! she would bite and scream..So i took her out of the cage from her siblings, did up her own little cage with toys and what not and had her stay there to sell her, i handeled and trained her everyday more than the other birds because she obviouly had dominance complexes or something. Eventually she would not bite me, but would bite other workers/customers no matter how much other people handeled her.. So i bought her and brought her home. she has a huge cage, tons of toys, would go to my SO with no problem, cuddled with both of us. Then we had 2 male roomates move in. *ugh* "Oh you have birds, do they talk??" *sticking fingers in acges* *poking at birds* "do they fly?" "can they do tricks?"(i eventually moved the birds into my bedroom) but until then..everyday poking at them through the bars, my tiel never had a problem with it, she to this day will go to anyone with no problem, my lovebird on the other hand will scream at new people coming in the house, run her beak on the bars, and willbite EVERYONE except for me including my SO. Its very frustrating becuase she is the sweetest bird in th world, but she was harrassed and went back to having this complex. No matter how much i train her, how much i love her no one else cna go near her. (its hard to find people to train wiht me becuase of the insessent biting ).. But my tiel..You could be wearign a Jason mask and have a chain saw and she would stillgo to you lolol. > > * If I get two birds at the same time to keep each other company, > > neither one will be a good companion to *me*.

If you are gone all day and the only people the birds have are each other, there is a good chance they will choose each other over you, but if you make a schedual since they are small, taking them out a few hours at the same times e v eryday, feeding rituals, then you woudlnt have as big as an issue and you would have if they were like two budgies ina  cage that never get handeled. > > * If I get only one bird and leave it alone all day it will get > > bored and can end up screaming and pullings its feathers out.

When i used to have jemmie (my tiel) alone, she was the only bird i had, i worked during the day. I bought her cds of bird calls or used to leave the tv on low until i got back, she always had a ton of toys, interesting food to play with (fruit etc..) i would weave white computer paper through the bars of the cages before i left, this would take up a good chunk of her day just playing wiht the paper..It relaly depends on how much quality time you spend with your bird with you ARE home, and what you do for it when you do go out, or go to work. > > * If I let a bird fly around the apartment to get exercise, I’ll > > have splotchy white droppings everywhere. Also my furniture > > will get demolished.

Bird poop is water soluble. if you have a smaller bird, you can tap it with a paper towel and it will clean up mess free or a couple sprays of water and its gone. > > * Once I make a mistake with an African gray, the bird > > will hate me for life. (There goes a $2000 investment).

Heres a little story my boss at the best store told me about when she was a child: Friends of the family owned a UC2.. She(my boss) used to think it was funny to wave quickley in the face of the C2 and watch it freak out, until one time where the C2 grabbed her thumb and dislocated it. Everyone ran to the bird to make sure she was ok.. After that it took the 2 6 months to regain the trust of my boss before she would go near her again. My boss is the best "bird lady" i have ever met, ive gotten more intformation form her than on the net. > > * I’m bound to make a mistake due to inexperience.

Its like raising a child, were human we make mistakes. > > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds is probably sick. Vet bills > > alone will more than use up any money saved.

When people are trying to give away birds, the bird is probably sick, when they are trying to sell a 4 year old grey tiel for 120.00…to "get back the money theyve put into it" the owners are probably sick. > > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds will feel betrayed and > > emotionally disturbed on being sold (rejected from its flock). > > If this happens enough times the bird will end up incurably insane. > > Therefore every bird-for-sale ad in the classifieds is a tragedy.

Anytime anyone sells thier animals its a tragedy, for the owner (somtimes) and deffinatly more so for the animal. It really depends how you look at it, no matter what the animal is going to have an emotioal tie to the person that owned it before, and there must be a period where the bird feels rejected..but its something you have to work through together, think of it this way..you know that you are going to do everything in your power to give this animal the best life you can, maybe the last person that owned him/her didnt. You have a chance to make a better life for this animal. But yes, every ad in the paper about animals is a tragedy to me. > > * It’s going to cost me a small fortune to keep any bird larger > > than a cockatiel.

Bigger birds mean more money. Its like the differnece between getting a miniature toy poodle, and a great dane, which is going to cost you more? > > * Any cage I get will be too small.

Birds are not ment to be in cages, but we have domesticated birds so that they adapt well in them, some better than others. The only thing you can really say about cages is, the BIGGER the BETTER!! > > * Lories and lorikeets consume sweet liquids and produce large > > quantities of watery droppings which they spray as far as possible.

HAHA Yes! and lovebirds too!! Dont ever lean down to a lovebirds level unless your totally sure it peed 4 minutes before, they can spray several feet! i know!! lol > > * Parrots are extremely conservative. Once a daily routine is > > established, the bird will go ballistic at the slightest change.

I woudlnt say ballistic is the right word, if i come home early from work ym bird tent ot be a bit more loud, i think they are just surprised i am home. > > * Never put one’s fingers in front of a birds face. I did this > > with a baby Senegal hen, lightly playing with its beak, which > > it seemed to like, gently nipping my fingers in return. But then > > the pet store lady rushed over, saying, "Never do that!"

When they are babies you dont want your hands in thier mouths too much, youwill have them learn that beak on fingers/hands/arms/face is ok. And they may "never bite" you but what happends if you have a … read more »

Response:

> hm…..i see each individual line extracted from a post on a bird > usegroup at one time or another > All i can say is WRONG WRONG WRONG…….(though some *nearly* true! – > though not the parakeet  or cockatiel bite….ask my husband!

   Thanks for making that point — hopefully, it will "undo the damage" that may have been caused by someone earlier insisting that budgies and cockatiels DO bite hard enough to draw blood! LOL! (Otherwise, I’ll NEVER get this baby guy trained properly, so he can look after my three birds when I’m off  gallivantin’ around! <mischievous grin> ) > <snip> > leicarose > www.tobynet.com

"Big Mama Bird"

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hm…..i see each individual line extracted from a post on a bird > usegroup at one time or another > All i can say is WRONG WRONG WRONG…….(though some *nearly* true! – > though not the parakeet  or cockatiel bite….ask my husband! > I must say all in all the way it was written is a SCREAM – had to > laugh and laugh. Would make a good script for a stand-up comedian on > the Animal Planet. > It would be IMPOSSIBLE to write a response to every line written – > though I – amongst others – ARE TEMPTED…..so one more ‘nibble’ and > we will BITE > see www.tobynet.com > though there isn’t much there – i plan on adding biographies of 5 > greys, 1 bare-eyed cockatoo, 1 goffins cockatoo, 1 umbrealla cockatoo, > 1 blue-fronted amazon, a grey cheek parakeet (small parrot), conures, > cockatiels, parakeets, a hard boiled egg that looks like Bill > but look there. I, personally, having been around cats, dogs, iguana, > rabbits and the spider in my bathtub named Albert – and parrots (to > me) are *ultimate* in what they have provided for/to  me. I cannot do > it justice by putting into words. > still, though, almost as funny as what one of my parrots would write >:-) > (oh! how does one NOT respond to what you have written and still write > so much?) > thanks for the smile and the laugh – i’ll go give my babies a kiss – > yes, on the beak. they’ll even put their beak inside my mouth – a few > of them will even regurgitate for me and *forcefully* attempt to feed > me……is that love, or what? > leicarose > www.tobynet.com > In no particular order: > * Parrots are very complicated. > * They’re harder to care for than dogs or cats. > * If I get a parrot the chances of getting bitten sooner or later > are 100%. > * Any parrot bigger than a cockatiel can draw blood when it bites. > The bigger the bird, the more stitches I’ll need. > * Cockatoos are very affectionate but need a lot of attention. > Otherwise they’ll go crazy and pluck their feathers out or scream > all day, making me REAL popular with the landlady. > * Hand raised baby parrots at the pet store are gentle and > affectionate but can turn into demons when they grow up. > * Love birds and quakers tend to bite off the toes of any other > birds walking on top of their cage. > * African grays are among the most intelligent. That means that > they’re much more creative about getting into mischief. > * Any parrot caught in the act will be absolutely brazen about it. > They have no conception of conscience. > * Any bird that bonds to me is liable to attack my other friends > (human or animal). > * If I get two birds at the same time to keep each other company, > neither one will be a good companion to *me*. > * If I get only one bird and leave it alone all day it will get > bored and can end up screaming and pullings its feathers out. > * If I let a bird fly around the apartment to get exercise, I’ll > have splotchy white droppings everywhere. Also my furniture > will get demolished. > * Once I make a mistake with an African gray, the bird > will hate me for life. (There goes a $2000 investment). > * I’m bound to make a mistake due to inexperience. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds is probably sick. Vet bills > alone will more than use up any money saved. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds will feel betrayed and > emotionally disturbed on being sold (rejected from its flock). > If this happens enough times the bird will end up incurably insane. > Therefore every bird-for-sale ad in the classifieds is a tragedy. > * It’s going to cost me a small fortune to keep any bird larger > than a cockatiel. > * Any cage I get will be too small. > * Lories and lorikeets consume sweet liquids and produce large > quantities of watery droppings which they spray as far as possible. > * Amazons are domineering tyrants. > * Parrots are extremely conservative. Once a daily routine is > established, the bird will go ballistic at the slightest change. > * I’m going to have to learn whole new ways to "play" with > a bird (see next item). (Note: no one had to give me lessons > on how to play with the toy poodle upstairs.) > * Never put one’s fingers in front of a birds face. I did this > with a baby Senegal hen, lightly playing with its beak, which > it seemed to like, gently nipping my fingers in return. But then > the pet store lady rushed over, saying, "Never do that!" > * Always hold a bird close to your body. If held at arm’s length > it will think you’re being stand-offish and take offense. > * A parrot is liable to take offense at just about anything. > * I’m _still_ trying to figure out why I want one. > Regards, Sean > ps. The poodle upstairs is very affectionate. She always greets > me happily when I get home. She never bites, except playfully. > She doesn’t get startled out of her mind if I bring a large object > like a lamp stand into the room. She doesn’t run away if I take her > outside off the leash. And she never sits there glowering at me > like some gargoyle on the roof of Notre Dame cathedral!

Regurgitate?  Wow… that is true love! Todd

Response:

> Very funny, are you sure you are not talking about husbands?

<good stuff snipped> Wish I hadn’t been taking a drink when I read this. Thanks for the laugh!!!! — Debbie, Dusty (CAG) and Casperella (U2) www.picturetrail.com/pinecreekfarm

Response:

Sean: I suspect you got most of your information from this group, huh?  About half of what you’re listing is either not true or only true in certain circumstances.  Perhaps the only FACT regarding parrots that you can count on is that they’re each individuals.  So much of how a parrot behaves depends on how it’s treated and trained to behave; the good news about that is that parrots can and do continue to learn throughout their lives. I liked your list, though, it made me laugh because I imagine this is what a lot of humans think/learn before they bring a parrot into their home and their heart. PS: Cockatiels and budgies CAN and do draw blood if they bite hard enough. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > In no particular order: > * Parrots are very complicated. > * They’re harder to care for than dogs or cats. > * If I get a parrot the chances of getting bitten sooner or later > are 100%. > * Any parrot bigger than a cockatiel can draw blood when it bites. > The bigger the bird, the more stitches I’ll need. > * Cockatoos are very affectionate but need a lot of attention. > Otherwise they’ll go crazy and pluck their feathers out or scream > all day, making me REAL popular with the landlady. > * Hand raised baby parrots at the pet store are gentle and > affectionate but can turn into demons when they grow up. > * Love birds and quakers tend to bite off the toes of any other > birds walking on top of their cage. > * African grays are among the most intelligent. That means that > they’re much more creative about getting into mischief. > * Any parrot caught in the act will be absolutely brazen about it. > They have no conception of conscience. > * Any bird that bonds to me is liable to attack my other friends > (human or animal). > * If I get two birds at the same time to keep each other company, > neither one will be a good companion to *me*. > * If I get only one bird and leave it alone all day it will get > bored and can end up screaming and pullings its feathers out. > * If I let a bird fly around the apartment to get exercise, I’ll > have splotchy white droppings everywhere. Also my furniture > will get demolished. > * Once I make a mistake with an African gray, the bird > will hate me for life. (There goes a $2000 investment). > * I’m bound to make a mistake due to inexperience. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds is probably sick. Vet bills > alone will more than use up any money saved. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds will feel betrayed and > emotionally disturbed on being sold (rejected from its flock). > If this happens enough times the bird will end up incurably insane. > Therefore every bird-for-sale ad in the classifieds is a tragedy. > * It’s going to cost me a small fortune to keep any bird larger > than a cockatiel. > * Any cage I get will be too small. > * Lories and lorikeets consume sweet liquids and produce large > quantities of watery droppings which they spray as far as possible. > * Amazons are domineering tyrants. > * Parrots are extremely conservative. Once a daily routine is > established, the bird will go ballistic at the slightest change. > * I’m going to have to learn whole new ways to "play" with > a bird (see next item). (Note: no one had to give me lessons > on how to play with the toy poodle upstairs.) > * Never put one’s fingers in front of a birds face. I did this > with a baby Senegal hen, lightly playing with its beak, which > it seemed to like, gently nipping my fingers in return. But then > the pet store lady rushed over, saying, "Never do that!" > * Always hold a bird close to your body. If held at arm’s length > it will think you’re being stand-offish and take offense. > * A parrot is liable to take offense at just about anything. > * I’m _still_ trying to figure out why I want one. > Regards, Sean > ps. The poodle upstairs is very affectionate. She always greets > me happily when I get home. She never bites, except playfully. > She doesn’t get startled out of her mind if I bring a large object > like a lamp stand into the room. She doesn’t run away if I take her > outside off the leash. And she never sits there glowering at me > like some gargoyle on the roof of Notre Dame cathedral!

Response:

This is a very amusing list or parrot attributes I must say. I think what you are seeing Sean is that many bird owners want to insure that you are fully educated to the downside of sharing your life with a parrot BEFORE you purchase one.  As you are now probably aware there is an epidemic of parrots being passed from home to home to home and the shelters are full to the point of bursting.  Since we care so much about these intelligent creatures we tend to re-enforce the negative in our zeal to prevent the start of another ‘hand-me-down’ bird scenario. The point being made to you I think is "A parrot IS a lifelong commitment." Not unlike the decision to have a child (something I know A LOT about – I’ve got 7 kids). They are destructive loud, messy, stubborn & infuriating but if you share your life with the right one you will develop a companionship and bond unlike that with any other living creature. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > In no particular order: > * Parrots are very complicated. > * They’re harder to care for than dogs or cats. > * If I get a parrot the chances of getting bitten sooner or later > are 100%. > * Any parrot bigger than a cockatiel can draw blood when it bites. > The bigger the bird, the more stitches I’ll need. > * Cockatoos are very affectionate but need a lot of attention. > Otherwise they’ll go crazy and pluck their feathers out or scream > all day, making me REAL popular with the landlady. > * Hand raised baby parrots at the pet store are gentle and > affectionate but can turn into demons when they grow up. > * Love birds and quakers tend to bite off the toes of any other > birds walking on top of their cage. > * African grays are among the most intelligent. That means that > they’re much more creative about getting into mischief. > * Any parrot caught in the act will be absolutely brazen about it. > They have no conception of conscience. > * Any bird that bonds to me is liable to attack my other friends > (human or animal). > * If I get two birds at the same time to keep each other company, > neither one will be a good companion to *me*. > * If I get only one bird and leave it alone all day it will get > bored and can end up screaming and pullings its feathers out. > * If I let a bird fly around the apartment to get exercise, I’ll > have splotchy white droppings everywhere. Also my furniture > will get demolished. > * Once I make a mistake with an African gray, the bird > will hate me for life. (There goes a $2000 investment). > * I’m bound to make a mistake due to inexperience. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds is probably sick. Vet bills > alone will more than use up any money saved. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds will feel betrayed and > emotionally disturbed on being sold (rejected from its flock). > If this happens enough times the bird will end up incurably insane. > Therefore every bird-for-sale ad in the classifieds is a tragedy. > * It’s going to cost me a small fortune to keep any bird larger > than a cockatiel. > * Any cage I get will be too small. > * Lories and lorikeets consume sweet liquids and produce large > quantities of watery droppings which they spray as far as possible. > * Amazons are domineering tyrants. > * Parrots are extremely conservative. Once a daily routine is > established, the bird will go ballistic at the slightest change. > * I’m going to have to learn whole new ways to "play" with > a bird (see next item). (Note: no one had to give me lessons > on how to play with the toy poodle upstairs.) > * Never put one’s fingers in front of a birds face. I did this > with a baby Senegal hen, lightly playing with its beak, which > it seemed to like, gently nipping my fingers in return. But then > the pet store lady rushed over, saying, "Never do that!" > * Always hold a bird close to your body. If held at arm’s length > it will think you’re being stand-offish and take offense. > * A parrot is liable to take offense at just about anything. > * I’m _still_ trying to figure out why I want one. > Regards, Sean > ps. The poodle upstairs is very affectionate. She always greets > me happily when I get home. She never bites, except playfully. > She doesn’t get startled out of her mind if I bring a large object > like a lamp stand into the room. She doesn’t run away if I take her > outside off the leash. And she never sits there glowering at me > like some gargoyle on the roof of Notre Dame cathedral!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Sean: I suspect you got most of your information from this group, huh? >  About half of what you’re listing is either not true or only true in > certain circumstances.  Perhaps the only FACT regarding parrots that > you can count on is that they’re each individuals.  So much of how a > parrot behaves depends on how it’s treated and trained to behave; the > good news about that is that parrots can and do continue to learn > throughout their lives. > I liked your list, though, it made me laugh because I imagine this is > what a lot of humans think/learn before they bring a parrot into their > home and their heart. > PS: Cockatiels and budgies CAN and do draw blood if they bite hard > enough.

   Hey, don’t tell him THAT — I’d just about convinced him that he is TOTALLY SAFE from being bitten by one of my ‘tiels (or the budgie), LOL! (For those of you who don’t know, I’m his new "SO", and have been work- ing at getting Sean to "connect" with my three "Birdie Girls" for nearly two years now!) "Big Mama Bird" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In no particular order: > * Parrots are very complicated. > * They’re harder to care for than dogs or cats. > * If I get a parrot the chances of getting bitten sooner or later > are 100%. > * Any parrot bigger than a cockatiel can draw blood when it bites. > The bigger the bird, the more stitches I’ll need. > * Cockatoos are very affectionate but need a lot of attention. > Otherwise they’ll go crazy and pluck their feathers out or scream > all day, making me REAL popular with the landlady. > * Hand raised baby parrots at the pet store are gentle and > affectionate but can turn into demons when they grow up. > * Love birds and quakers tend to bite off the toes of any other > birds walking on top of their cage. > * African grays are among the most intelligent. That means that > they’re much more creative about getting into mischief. > * Any parrot caught in the act will be absolutely brazen about it. > They have no conception of conscience. > * Any bird that bonds to me is liable to attack my other friends > (human or animal). > * If I get two birds at the same time to keep each other company, > neither one will be a good companion to *me*. > * If I get only one bird and leave it alone all day it will get > bored and can end up screaming and pullings its feathers out. > * If I let a bird fly around the apartment to get exercise, I’ll > have splotchy white droppings everywhere. Also my furniture > will get demolished. > * Once I make a mistake with an African gray, the bird > will hate me for life. (There goes a $2000 investment). > * I’m bound to make a mistake due to inexperience. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds is probably sick. Vet bills > alone will more than use up any money saved. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds will feel betrayed and > emotionally disturbed on being sold (rejected from its flock). > If this happens enough times the bird will end up incurably insane. > Therefore every bird-for-sale ad in the classifieds is a tragedy. > * It’s going to cost me a small fortune to keep any bird larger > than a cockatiel. > * Any cage I get will be too small. > * Lories and lorikeets consume sweet liquids and produce large > quantities of watery droppings which they spray as far as possible. > * Amazons are domineering tyrants. > * Parrots are extremely conservative. Once a daily routine is > established, the bird will go ballistic at the slightest change. > * I’m going to have to learn whole new ways to "play" with > a bird (see next item). (Note: no one had to give me lessons > on how to play with the toy poodle upstairs.) > * Never put one’s fingers in front of a birds face. I did this > with a baby Senegal hen, lightly playing with its beak, which > it seemed to like, gently nipping my fingers in return. But then > the pet store lady rushed over, saying, "Never do that!" > * Always hold a bird close to your body. If held at arm’s length > it will think you’re being stand-offish and take offense. > * A parrot is liable to take offense at just about anything. > * I’m _still_ trying to figure out why I want one. > Regards, Sean > ps. The poodle upstairs is very affectionate. She always greets > me happily when I get home. She never bites, except playfully. > She doesn’t get startled out of her mind if I bring a large object > like a lamp stand into the room. She doesn’t run away if I take her > outside off the leash. And she never sits there glowering at me > like some gargoyle on the roof of Notre Dame cathedral!

Response:

hm…..i see each individual line extracted from a post on a bird usegroup at one time or another All i can say is WRONG WRONG WRONG…….(though some *nearly* true! – though not the parakeet  or cockatiel bite….ask my husband! I must say all in all the way it was written is a SCREAM – had to laugh and laugh. Would make a good script for a stand-up comedian on the Animal Planet. It would be IMPOSSIBLE to write a response to every line written – though I – amongst others – ARE TEMPTED…..so one more ‘nibble’ and we will BITE see www.tobynet.com though there isn’t much there – i plan on adding biographies of 5 greys, 1 bare-eyed cockatoo, 1 goffins cockatoo, 1 umbrealla cockatoo, 1 blue-fronted amazon, a grey cheek parakeet (small parrot), conures, cockatiels, parakeets, a hard boiled egg that looks like Bill but look there. I, personally, having been around cats, dogs, iguana, rabbits and the spider in my bathtub named Albert – and parrots (to me) are *ultimate* in what they have provided for/to  me. I cannot do it justice by putting into words. still, though, almost as funny as what one of my parrots would write (oh! how does one NOT respond to what you have written and still write so much?) thanks for the smile and the laugh – i’ll go give my babies a kiss – yes, on the beak. they’ll even put their beak inside my mouth – a few of them will even regurgitate for me and *forcefully* attempt to feed me……is that love, or what? leicarose www.tobynet.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > In no particular order: > * Parrots are very complicated. > * They’re harder to care for than dogs or cats. > * If I get a parrot the chances of getting bitten sooner or later > are 100%. > * Any parrot bigger than a cockatiel can draw blood when it bites. > The bigger the bird, the more stitches I’ll need. > * Cockatoos are very affectionate but need a lot of attention. > Otherwise they’ll go crazy and pluck their feathers out or scream > all day, making me REAL popular with the landlady. > * Hand raised baby parrots at the pet store are gentle and > affectionate but can turn into demons when they grow up. > * Love birds and quakers tend to bite off the toes of any other > birds walking on top of their cage. > * African grays are among the most intelligent. That means that > they’re much more creative about getting into mischief. > * Any parrot caught in the act will be absolutely brazen about it. > They have no conception of conscience. > * Any bird that bonds to me is liable to attack my other friends > (human or animal). > * If I get two birds at the same time to keep each other company, > neither one will be a good companion to *me*. > * If I get only one bird and leave it alone all day it will get > bored and can end up screaming and pullings its feathers out. > * If I let a bird fly around the apartment to get exercise, I’ll > have splotchy white droppings everywhere. Also my furniture > will get demolished. > * Once I make a mistake with an African gray, the bird > will hate me for life. (There goes a $2000 investment). > * I’m bound to make a mistake due to inexperience. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds is probably sick. Vet bills > alone will more than use up any money saved. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds will feel betrayed and > emotionally disturbed on being sold (rejected from its flock). > If this happens enough times the bird will end up incurably insane. > Therefore every bird-for-sale ad in the classifieds is a tragedy. > * It’s going to cost me a small fortune to keep any bird larger > than a cockatiel. > * Any cage I get will be too small. > * Lories and lorikeets consume sweet liquids and produce large > quantities of watery droppings which they spray as far as possible. > * Amazons are domineering tyrants. > * Parrots are extremely conservative. Once a daily routine is > established, the bird will go ballistic at the slightest change. > * I’m going to have to learn whole new ways to "play" with > a bird (see next item). (Note: no one had to give me lessons > on how to play with the toy poodle upstairs.) > * Never put one’s fingers in front of a birds face. I did this > with a baby Senegal hen, lightly playing with its beak, which > it seemed to like, gently nipping my fingers in return. But then > the pet store lady rushed over, saying, "Never do that!" > * Always hold a bird close to your body. If held at arm’s length > it will think you’re being stand-offish and take offense. > * A parrot is liable to take offense at just about anything. > * I’m _still_ trying to figure out why I want one. > Regards, Sean > ps. The poodle upstairs is very affectionate. She always greets > me happily when I get home. She never bites, except playfully. > She doesn’t get startled out of her mind if I bring a large object > like a lamp stand into the room. She doesn’t run away if I take her > outside off the leash. And she never sits there glowering at me > like some gargoyle on the roof of Notre Dame cathedral!

Response:

Why is it that some people feel compelled to resort to disrespect other posters in newgroups?  I’ve never really understood this mentality. I make a simple analogy of how the commitment to your parrot should be taken seriously like the commitment to have a child and it is totally dismissed as irelevant because one aspect of owning a parrot is different. I point out that even this aspect is not that different and now I am "…one with whom reasoning is impossible." Lighten up, Jack. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>>The point being made to you I think is "A parrot IS a lifelong >>>commitment." Not unlike the decision to have a child (something I know A >>>LOT about – I’ve got 7 kids). >>It’s NOTHING like having children.  Birds can be bought and sold as >>circumstances change. >And children can (unfortunately) be pawned off to an ex-spouse and >ignored as situations change – what’s your point? > You’re obviously another one with whom reasoning is impossible. >                            Jack

Response:

And children can (unfortunately) be pawned off to an ex-spouse and ignored as situations change – what’s your point? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->The point being made to you I think is "A parrot IS a lifelong >commitment." Not unlike the decision to have a child (something I know A >LOT about – I’ve got 7 kids). > It’s NOTHING like having children.  Birds can be bought and sold as > circumstances change. >                            Jack

Response:

Well gee I guess that makes it NOTHING like having children….. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->The point being made to you I think is "A parrot IS a lifelong >commitment." Not unlike the decision to have a child (something I know A >LOT about – I’ve got 7 kids). > It’s NOTHING like having children.  Birds can be bought and sold as > circumstances change. >                            Jack

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Very funny, are you sure you are not talking about husbands? > In no particular order: > * Parrots are very complicated. > So are husbands. > * They’re harder to care for than dogs or cats. > That’s for sure. > * If I get a [HUSBAND] the chances of getting bitten sooner or later > are 100%. > You got that right. > * Any [HUSBAND] bigger than a[nother husband] can draw blood when it > bites. > The bigger the [husband], the more stitches I’ll need. > Ouch! > * [HUSBANDS] are very affectionate but need a lot of attention. > Otherwise they’ll go crazy and pluck their feathers out or scream > all day, making me REAL popular with the landlady. > Exactly! > * Hand raised baby [husbands] … are gentle and > affectionate but can turn into demons when they grow up. > Not even in dispute. > * [HUSBANDS] to bite off the toes of any other > [MEN] walking on top of their cage. > Jealous little guys, aren’t they? > * [Some HUSBANDS]  are among the most intelligent. That means that > they’re much more creative about getting into mischief. > Must be genetic. > * Any [HUSBAND] caught in the act will be absolutely brazen about it. > They have no conception of conscience. > What idiots, as if we didn’t know. > * Any [HUSBAND] that bonds to me is liable to attack my other friends > (human or animal). > More jealousy. > * If I get two [HUSBANDS] at the same time to keep each other company, > neither one will be a good companion to *me*. > Must be a bonding thing. > * If I get only one [HUSBAND] and leave it alone all day it will get > bored and can end up screaming and pullings its feathers out. > No comment. > * If I let a [HUSBAND] fly around the apartment to get exercise, I’ll > have splotchy white droppings everywhere. Also my furniture > will get demolished. > Gotta watch them every minute. > * Once I make a mistake with a [HUSBAND], [he] > will hate me for life. (There goes a $2000 investment). > Of course, WE never forget either. > * I’m bound to make a mistake due to inexperience. > Sure enough. > * Every [HUSBAND] for sale in the classifieds is probably sick. Vet bills > alone will more than use up any money saved. > Little babies. > * Every [HUSBAND] for sale in the classifieds will feel betrayed and > emotionally disturbed on being sold (rejected from its flock). > If this happens enough times the [HUSBAND] will end up incurably insane. > Therefore every [HUSBAND]-for-sale ad in the classifieds is a tragedy. > Gotta be careful of those classifieds. > * It’s going to cost me a small fortune to keep any [HUSBAND] larger > than a[nother HUSBAND]. > Idiots. > * Any cage I get will be too small. > Why do they like SUV’s anyway? > * [Some HUSBANDS] consume sweet liquids and produce large > quantities of watery droppings which they spray as far as possible. > At least put the toilet seat down! > * [HUSBANDS] are domineering tyrants. > Sure enough. > * [HUSBANDS] are extremely conservative. Once a daily routine is > established, the [HUSBAND] will go ballistic at the slightest change. > Creatures of habit, I suppose. > * I’m going to have to learn whole new ways to "play" with > a [HUSBAND] (see next item). (Note: no one had to give me lessons > on how to play with the [boy] toy … upstairs.) > He-he-he. > * Never put one’s fingers in front of a [HUSBAND'S] face. I did this > with a baby [HUSBAND], lightly playing with its beak, which > it seemed to like, gently nipping my fingers in return. But then > the [HUSBAND's mother] rushed over, saying, "Never do that!" > Bee-ach! > * Always hold a [HUSBAND] close to your body. If held at > arm’s length it will think you’re being stand-offish and > take offense. > So sensitive… > * A [HUSBAND] is liable to take offense at just about anything. > Just WHAT do you mean by that? > * I’m _still_ trying to figure out why I want one. > YOU’RE trying to figure it out, we all are! > Regards, Sean > Regards, Sue > :>)

   What a hoooooooooot!!! ROTFLOLOAOA ("rolling on the floor etc. laughing etc. over and over again")! <gasps for breath> . . .BTW, this guy Sean is MY "SO" — and the shoe DOES fit! Thanks for some real good tips on handling him! <mischievous grin> "Big Mama Bird"

Response:

>Very funny, are you sure you are not talking about husbands?

LOL. Good one!!!!!!! Regards

Response:

> Very funny, are you sure you are not talking about husbands?

[hilarious stuff snipped] ROTFL! Sean

Response:

> In no particular order:

Always, never, generalities and stuff for humor’s sake probably need rewording. Gee, I think that’s everything. Bottom line:  Birds aren’t for everyone but no particular animal is. And, for some, no animal at all is the best choice. As much as I think I’d like to visit Africa and South America, I’d be whining about the bugs and snakes, heat and humidity in no time.  Animal Planet is really the best choice for me. And just to clarify a misconception about CAGs, they are very intelligent but the least mischievous of all my birds.  The cockatoos win the prize for mischief. — Sincerely, Joanne If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! Play – http://www.jobird.com Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

Response:

<snip!> > * I’m _still_ trying to figure out why I want one.

It’s only because they’re sooooo irresistable. I also had trouble deciding on which species I wanted, and only after months of websurfing and advice from the kind souls of this ng did I finally get my RSE. Take your time. > ps. The poodle upstairs is very affectionate. She always greets > me happily when I get home. She never bites, except playfully. > She doesn’t get startled out of her mind if I bring a large object > like a lamp stand into the room. She doesn’t run away if I take her > outside off the leash. And she never sits there glowering at me > like some gargoyle on the roof of Notre Dame cathedral!

Yeah but my RSE doesn’t hump the throw pillows on the sofa the way my toy poodle did. B^) — —Stash "Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present  generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make good  use of it!"            John Adams, letter to Abigail Adams, April 26, 1777

Response:

Funny!!!!! ROTHLMAO But you do realize people are going to flip out….get ready for the reasons you are wrong. AND how many misconceptions you have ect..ect…ect… and don’t even start about the "biting the finger off" thing. Hehehehe. Thanks for the laugh. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > In no particular order: > * Parrots are very complicated. > * They’re harder to care for than dogs or cats. > * If I get a parrot the chances of getting bitten sooner or later > are 100%. > * Any parrot bigger than a cockatiel can draw blood when it bites. > The bigger the bird, the more stitches I’ll need. > * Cockatoos are very affectionate but need a lot of attention. > Otherwise they’ll go crazy and pluck their feathers out or scream > all day, making me REAL popular with the landlady. > * Hand raised baby parrots at the pet store are gentle and > affectionate but can turn into demons when they grow up. > * Love birds and quakers tend to bite off the toes of any other > birds walking on top of their cage. > * African grays are among the most intelligent. That means that > they’re much more creative about getting into mischief. > * Any parrot caught in the act will be absolutely brazen about it. > They have no conception of conscience. > * Any bird that bonds to me is liable to attack my other friends > (human or animal). > * If I get two birds at the same time to keep each other company, > neither one will be a good companion to *me*. > * If I get only one bird and leave it alone all day it will get > bored and can end up screaming and pullings its feathers out. > * If I let a bird fly around the apartment to get exercise, I’ll > have splotchy white droppings everywhere. Also my furniture > will get demolished. > * Once I make a mistake with an African gray, the bird > will hate me for life. (There goes a $2000 investment). > * I’m bound to make a mistake due to inexperience. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds is probably sick. Vet bills > alone will more than use up any money saved. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds will feel betrayed and > emotionally disturbed on being sold (rejected from its flock). > If this happens enough times the bird will end up incurably insane. > Therefore every bird-for-sale ad in the classifieds is a tragedy. > * It’s going to cost me a small fortune to keep any bird larger > than a cockatiel. > * Any cage I get will be too small. > * Lories and lorikeets consume sweet liquids and produce large > quantities of watery droppings which they spray as far as possible. > * Amazons are domineering tyrants. > * Parrots are extremely conservative. Once a daily routine is > established, the bird will go ballistic at the slightest change. > * I’m going to have to learn whole new ways to "play" with > a bird (see next item). (Note: no one had to give me lessons > on how to play with the toy poodle upstairs.) > * Never put one’s fingers in front of a birds face. I did this > with a baby Senegal hen, lightly playing with its beak, which > it seemed to like, gently nipping my fingers in return. But then > the pet store lady rushed over, saying, "Never do that!" > * Always hold a bird close to your body. If held at arm’s length > it will think you’re being stand-offish and take offense. > * A parrot is liable to take offense at just about anything. > * I’m _still_ trying to figure out why I want one. > Regards, Sean > ps. The poodle upstairs is very affectionate. She always greets > me happily when I get home. She never bites, except playfully. > She doesn’t get startled out of her mind if I bring a large object > like a lamp stand into the room. She doesn’t run away if I take her > outside off the leash. And she never sits there glowering at me > like some gargoyle on the roof of Notre Dame cathedral!

Response:

Sean: You’ve come to too many wrong conclusions for me to attempt to address each one individually.  I think it’s safe to say you don’t have enough of a positive attitude to have a successful relationship with a parrot.  Get yourself the poodle – they’ve been genetically programmed over the course of many thousands of years to like you and to be a good companion. Bill – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > In no particular order: > * Parrots are very complicated. > * They’re harder to care for than dogs or cats. > * If I get a parrot the chances of getting bitten sooner or later > are 100%. > * Any parrot bigger than a cockatiel can draw blood when it bites. > The bigger the bird, the more stitches I’ll need. > * Cockatoos are very affectionate but need a lot of attention. > Otherwise they’ll go crazy and pluck their feathers out or scream > all day, making me REAL popular with the landlady. > * Hand raised baby parrots at the pet store are gentle and > affectionate but can turn into demons when they grow up. > * Love birds and quakers tend to bite off the toes of any other > birds walking on top of their cage. > * African grays are among the most intelligent. That means that > they’re much more creative about getting into mischief. > * Any parrot caught in the act will be absolutely brazen about it. > They have no conception of conscience. > * Any bird that bonds to me is liable to attack my other friends > (human or animal). > * If I get two birds at the same time to keep each other company, > neither one will be a good companion to *me*. > * If I get only one bird and leave it alone all day it will get > bored and can end up screaming and pullings its feathers out. > * If I let a bird fly around the apartment to get exercise, I’ll > have splotchy white droppings everywhere. Also my furniture > will get demolished. > * Once I make a mistake with an African gray, the bird > will hate me for life. (There goes a $2000 investment). > * I’m bound to make a mistake due to inexperience. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds is probably sick. Vet bills > alone will more than use up any money saved. > * Every bird for sale in the classifieds will feel betrayed and > emotionally disturbed on being sold (rejected from its flock). > If this happens enough times the bird will end up incurably insane. > Therefore every bird-for-sale ad in the classifieds is a tragedy. > * It’s going to cost me a small fortune to keep any bird larger > than a cockatiel. > * Any cage I get will be too small. > * Lories and lorikeets consume sweet liquids and produce large > quantities of watery droppings which they spray as far as possible. > * Amazons are domineering tyrants. > * Parrots are extremely conservative. Once a daily routine is > established, the bird will go ballistic at the slightest change. > * I’m going to have to learn whole new ways to "play" with > a bird (see next item). (Note: no one had to give me lessons > on how to play with the toy poodle upstairs.) > * Never put one’s fingers in front of a birds face. I did this > with a baby Senegal hen, lightly playing with its beak, which > it seemed to like, gently nipping my fingers in return. But then > the pet store lady rushed over, saying, "Never do that!" > * Always hold a bird close to your body. If held at arm’s length > it will think you’re being stand-offish and take offense. > * A parrot is liable to take offense at just about anything. > * I’m _still_ trying to figure out why I want one. > Regards, Sean > ps. The poodle upstairs is very affectionate. She always greets > me happily when I get home. She never bites, except playfully. > She doesn’t get startled out of her mind if I bring a large object > like a lamp stand into the room. She doesn’t run away if I take her > outside off the leash. And she never sits there glowering at me > like some gargoyle on the roof of Notre Dame cathedral!

Response:

In no particular order: * Parrots are very complicated. * They’re harder to care for than dogs or cats. * If I get a parrot the chances of getting bitten sooner or later are 100%. * Any parrot bigger than a cockatiel can draw blood when it bites. The bigger the bird, the more stitches I’ll need. * Cockatoos are very affectionate but need a lot of attention. Otherwise they’ll go crazy and pluck their feathers out or scream all day, making me REAL popular with the landlady. * Hand raised baby parrots at the pet store are gentle and affectionate but can turn into demons when they grow up. * Love birds and quakers tend to bite off the toes of any other birds walking on top of their cage. * African grays are among the most intelligent. That means that they’re much more creative about getting into mischief. * Any parrot caught in the act will be absolutely brazen about it. They have no conception of conscience. * Any bird that bonds to me is liable to attack my other friends (human or animal). * If I get two birds at the same time to keep each other company, neither one will be a good companion to *me*. * If I get only one bird and leave it alone all day it will get bored and can end up screaming and pullings its feathers out. * If I let a bird fly around the apartment to get exercise, I’ll have splotchy white droppings everywhere. Also my furniture will get demolished. * Once I make a mistake with an African gray, the bird will hate me for life. (There goes a $2000 investment). * I’m bound to make a mistake due to inexperience. * Every bird for sale in the classifieds is probably sick. Vet bills alone will more than use up any money saved. * Every bird for sale in the classifieds will feel betrayed and emotionally disturbed on being sold (rejected from its flock). If this happens enough times the bird will end up incurably insane. Therefore every bird-for-sale ad in the classifieds is a tragedy. * It’s going to cost me a small fortune to keep any bird larger than a cockatiel. * Any cage I get will be too small. * Lories and lorikeets consume sweet liquids and produce large quantities of watery droppings which they spray as far as possible. * Amazons are domineering tyrants. * Parrots are extremely conservative. Once a daily routine is established, the bird will go ballistic at the slightest change. * I’m going to have to learn whole new ways to "play" with a bird (see next item). (Note: no one had to give me lessons on how to play with the toy poodle upstairs.) * Never put one’s fingers in front of a birds face. I did this with a baby Senegal hen, lightly playing with its beak, which it seemed to like, gently nipping my fingers in return. But then the pet store lady rushed over, saying, "Never do that!" * Always hold a bird close to your body. If held at arm’s length it will think you’re being stand-offish and take offense. * A parrot is liable to take offense at just about anything. * I’m _still_ trying to figure out why I want one. Regards, Sean ps. The poodle upstairs is very affectionate. She always greets me happily when I get home. She never bites, except playfully. She doesn’t get startled out of her mind if I bring a large object like a lamp stand into the room. She doesn’t run away if I take her outside off the leash. And she never sits there glowering at me like some gargoyle on the roof of Notre Dame cathedral!

Response:

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