The Commitment

"THE COMMITMENT*"
*This may be reprinted for your use in the placement or sale of birds.

A BIT OF PARROT TRIVIA

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From a bird's point of view, the following should be noted and taken as an oath of commitment to adopting one of these intelligent, emotional, empathetic, beautiful creatures. Whether you intend to provide a pet home or a breeder environment for a bird, you must be aware of the pros and cons of exotic bird ownership - be it a budgie or a macaw.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW & TAKE THE OATH

READ "RESCUE ME" BEFORE BUYING A BIRD

"I'm available....I like to play and cuddle and need alot of attention. I also want to be the center of attention or I'll sure scream till you come and get me. I'm also pretty messy and need a subservient type of owner who won't mind some scattered food and fine white powder all over everything. I need someone who will love me to pieces and make me part of the family even though I might walk through your dinner plate to get a tasty little morsel. I'm a grain eater by nature, so enjoy spray millet, some smaller seed and large nuts in the shell. I also thrive on fresh fruits and veggies and maybe some rice or mashed potatos once in a while. I like to chew and need good chewy safe wood toys to satisfy that need once I've become a mature bird. I will get very neurotic and pull my feathers out if I'm ignored or covered when I'm noisy, so if you don't have time for me, please pass up my sweet disposition for someone who does.

"Psssst, c'mon over here and check me out.....while I take a good look at you. If I don't like something about you (your hair color, your outfit, your b.o.), I'll let you know. Watch my eyes dilate and my feathers puff up. Then...RUN! If you're a happy singer and don't care too much about the cuddly stuff, then we might get along. I'm a pretty independent type so long as my atmosphere is stimulating. I can do a good job at amusing myself some of the time. You'll be pleased with the way that I can learn to speak so clearly. I do love some freedom and love to fly around or I'll get fat real easy. I love going places. I'll protest when you clip my wings, but will still love you and get to travel with you. Now don't get all bent outta shape when I get a little older and my hormones start to flow a couple times a year. I can't help it if I get ornery or nasty then. One thing I have to warn you about is the kiddy thing. I always wanna be the kid of the house. If you intend to have any new kiddies of your own, don't get mad when I scream and bite out of sheer jealousy as your attentions turn to the new addition (brat!). I don't want to have to get used to a new home all over again."

Mexican Redheaded Baby Amazon Photo by Lasandra of Hookbill Haven Aviary.

"Hi....check me out. I am sooooo soft and sweet, playful and cuddly. Watch....I'll do the craziest tricks and antics for you. Look at me lay on my back in your hand. Keep watching....I'll fly like a little helicopter or zoom back to you like a little boomerang. I'll wait eagerly each day to be with you, on you, around you. I can talk in in the softest little nasally voice and even sometimes answer you intelligently. Don't wanna brag, but I am awfully smart. Trouble is, sometimes I must vocalize in my native conure chords. Sure hope that won't turn you off. I can be pretty shrill and might even disturb the neighbors. If so, you might want to check out some of my smaller conure friends over here like the Greencheeked in the lower picture. They're pretty quiet."

"Hello....attracted to my sensational body of colorful splendor? My size is pretty awesome too, don't you think? Oh, don't be afraid of my proboscis. I'm soooo gentle with it even though I can crack a Brazil nut with no problem. If you're gentle with me, I'll be good to you and just nibble at you with my leathery smooth tongue. I will even preen your eyelashes very gently. I can talk pretty well too, but I tend to mimic deeper voices better. I love to play. Don't be alarmed if I get excited and sometimes start to play rough. If I hurt you, just let me know and I'll stop. I might get embarrassed and blush for being reprimanded, but I'll still love you. You won't get mad at me if I yell real loud when you leave to go somewhere without me, will you? After all, I tend to get very attached to my owner and feel that I have the right to be with you. I would be very sad if I were to be neglected or left out of routine family activities."

"Hmmmm....don't think I'm not interested in you. I'm just a little reserved and shy. I'm not the most trusting sort, but being a young'un, I'm more apt to warm up to you in a short time. Please don't treat me too much like a little child. I am a more complex individual than my counterparts - a tad more sensitive too. Upsets, change of environment, new visitors or guests, new birds can sometimes totally unnerve me to the point of anxiously pulling out my beautiful powdery feathers. Then the embarrassment of being nude makes me even worse. Don't plan to plunk any amount of moolah down on me unless you intend to give me a very secure home with alot of love, stimulation (can even be a dog or a cat that I can torment by calling them for dinner when there really is none <snicker>), and attention. Also don't forget that some of us are not too keen on strangers and don't do well entertaining them. Maybe we'll be ok if you teach us that they won't hurt us, but will instead be interested in our intelligence and outrageous vocal quality. Don't forget that you are probably choosing me because of the fascination in that asset of mimicry. Please do not get wired when I ring like a phone, beep like the microwave, flush like the toilet, and burp or make excretory sounds like you do. I will pick up many sounds that I consider normal, but that you might consider embarrassing. Be careful!"

Photos by Kim Thomas, African Grey & Amazon breeder. Visit Kim's Aviary website.

"Hi there! Bet you've never seen an Eclectus before! You won't be surprised to learn that we are known as the most beautiful birds in the world! Not only that, we are among the top three parrots for talking ability, so watch what you say because we are quick studies! Now don't be fooled by the way we "freeze" when a new person or situation appears. It isn't because we are "slow". We're just too sophisticated to go flying willy nilly like some birds that we have met--ahem--calling no names! We LOVE attention and we're the champs of snuggling, but if you want to work a few hours a day to buy us food treats and toys, that's no problem! Just be sure to rotate our toys once a week, and don't forget the ropes and swings. We play hard! Before you take us home, please be sure that we are fully weaned; otherwise, many problems may "crop up." We'll be ready to go home with you when we can feed ourselves, at three or four months of age, and even then, we still would like a warm snack at bedtime. We need lots of fibrous veggies and Vitamin A foods to help us stay beautiful! Just look for the red, orange, and deep green stuff at the market. We count the days until the pomegranates ripen, and papayas and mangos were created especially for eclectus! Better visit the Land of Vos for that corn/bean/rice recipe that we all love, and don't forget the sprouts! Oh, yes, prepare to be showered with love--AND bath water--we love bathing and would be happy to have a shower a day with you and spritz baths in between! Now, are you ready to be owned by the most beautiful birds in the world"?

Photos and text by Carolyn Swicegood, Eclectus breeder. Visit her website, The Land of Vos

"Come ooover here" and check me out.......I am a White Cap, one of 8 basic species of Pionus Parrots. I am not brightly colored but have attractive jewel-like hues in my plumage, particularly in the sunlight, and a triangular patch of red feathers under the tail that is characteristic of our species. All of us Pionus make delightful pets and excellent apartment dwellers as we have a quieter voice than the Amazons and are talented mimics. We sometimes breathe noisily, a normal reaction to stress/fear and are often nervous, protective parents. Best not look in our nest box too often. I have a mild, gentle temperment. Just as Lovebirds and Conures are fast paced and busy, I am slow and mellow and peaceful toward other birds. I like to be handled but can busily entertain myself with toys inside my cage. We all love to eat so watch my diet and do not let me get too heavy. Just because I am not noisy and do not attract attention to myself does not mean I do not need any. I am naturally curious and observant, often tiltng my head and studying you with one eye, and will make an enchanting pet for your family.

Photos and text by Lasandra Walter, Pionus breeder. Visit her website, Hookbill Haven Aviary.

Yo!!! Want an energetic chattering clown???.......then I am for you. I am a Lovebird with a full-sized parrot personality packed into a brightly colored, tiny body. Blessed with boundless energy and great agility I never stop moving unless I am asleep. The rest of the time is spent playing with toys, playing with you, and getting into mischief! No plant or piece of paper is safe within my reach. Since I am a handfed I thrive on human attention and love to cuddle inside your shirt pocket. However, if I am frightened or feel threatened as some of my friends that were not hand fed do, I will bite and scream and fly away. Watch your fingers as I am also very aggressive when raising my family. Even though we are not very expensive birds, please don't think that I have any less heart than a larger parrot. I have the same feelings as they do and will try my best to keep you entertained for as long as you care for me, which I hope is forever.

Photos and text by Lasandra Walter, Lovebird breeder. Visit her website, Hookbill Haven Aviary.

Hi! I am an American Yellow Mutation Pacific Parrotlet. I am cute and quiet and small. Ahhhhhhh.... but I do BIG things like, I eat as much as a larger bird. Parakeet seed won't do it for me. I need a regular large bird diet including veggies, apples, birdie bread, pellets, millet, cuttlebone, and cockatiel seed of gourmet quality. I need toys to play with, a shower now and then, and lots of fresh clean water. In return I will give you lots of love and many hours of pleasure.

Photos and text by June DiCiocco, Parrotlet breeder. Visit her website, Hideaway Farms Aviary.

Lean over closer so that you can hear my cute little nasally voice. I'll converse with you quite well. Yes, I'm a good little talker. I can also chatter pretty loudly too. That's for attention and just happens to be my nature. Though in my native habitat I'm a social critter, I form a bond mostly with 1 person. I don't appreciate being handled by anyone else. I'm not afraid of other animals - they probably think I'm really an eagle! My menu preferences are that of a larger parrot - I eat parrot mix, some pellets, and fresh fruits and veggies. I demand attention, and in return will be very loving. My head is more sensitive than other parrots, so I might twitch it when you try to scratch it or preen my feathers there. Please be sure that you're willing to keep me lovingly forever. I'm afraid of new places - even new toys and certain colors sometimes.

This is just a sampling of the myriad species available in this big wide world. Each species has its own charm and its own detrimental quirks. Please take the time to inquire about them before making an impulsive choice that would wind up being very sad for the bird.

These "wordy birdies" will continue in future installments to recommend their dream home housing, dietary requirements, and other special needs. Quite some time ago, I wrote an article for a bird publication titled "Birds Are People Too". If you like, you can click on the title to read it. Please feel free to use our message board to contact others in regard to your species specific questions. You may also go to our Chats/Lists page and field your questions to the expert breeders and experienced birdowners who may be accessed 24 hours a day through those channels.

Take this simple oath before you buy or adopt a bird:

1. I promise to research thoroughly the species that I am interested in.

2. I promise to be kind and gentle and never to strike my bird for any
reason.

3. I promise to learn about the health of my bird and to get medical
attention should the need arise. I will make every effort to find a good
recommended avian specialist and to have his or her number handy
in case of emergency.

4. I promise to devote the time each day that is needed to keep my
bird happy.

5. I promise to take the time to prepare the proper diet required for
my bird and to take great care in keeping its food containers and cage
super clean.

6. I promise to house this bird in as large a flight or cage as my wallet
and space will afford - and not to buy a bird until I can afford to supply
proper housing.

7. I promise to take the commitment of owning this bird seriously and
to think hard about any changes that might be imminent in my lifestyle
that would put me in the position of having to give up this bird (marriage,
travel, pregnancy, etc.).

PLANNED PARROTHOOD™ would like to know if you've taken this oath. If so, we will inscribe your name along with your new bird's name and species here to encourage others to do the same. If you are a current bird owner and have taken the oath to reaffirm your commitment, we will place your name, the name of your bird(s), and the species - space permitting.

"THE RESCUE'S SONG"

© Camilla Eriksson Will you take me home with you?
I can't promise I'll be good
No one has taught me how to act
Or behave as a parrot "should".

My first owner didn't treat me right
He said that I was "bad"
He never forgave me that first bite
After that, he was always mad.

He shoved me back into my cage
And so I started to scream
Then he hit me in a rage
And my life became a bad dream

So now I scream and yes, I bite
I'm angry and misunderstood
But please please take me home with you

Love me and I'll be good
Please let me come home with you
And spend some time with me
I can be sweet again I know
Take me home, you'll see

My next owner swore at me
I learned to say things back
So now my words are crude and rude
Please cut me some slack
If you let me come home with you
I'll learn some nicer speech
If you are kind and give me time
I'll change my vulgar screech

I'm really just a baby
And so misunderstood
Please let me come home with you
I can learn to be good.

My next owner just HAD to have me
She thought I was "way cool"
But now she doesn't have time for me
She's busy with boys and school.

That's why I began to pluck
I'm not pretty any more
I won't be much of an ornament
If that's what you're looking for.

I may never grow new feathers
My chest may always be bare
But my soul I know could heal itself
If only someone would care.

My last owner died and left me
She said that she'd made plans
But she never followed through on them
And I've fallen into bad hands

Please overlook my failings
Please end this pain and strife
Please please take me home with you
I'll be your friend for life.

Please take me home and treat me right
And let our friendship grow
Please let me come home with you
This time it will work, I know

By Judith R. Archer, copyright © 1999 - 2003
(Please contact Judith for permission to reprint this poem.)

View Judith's birds here.

PARROT TRIVIA: The World's Strangest Bird

From the Radio Program "Creation Moments"

Genesis 18:14a
"Is anything too hard for the LORD?"

One could say that the South American Hoatzin is truly a strange bird. It makes a striking sight with its blue skin and red eyes, sporting a four?inch crest of spiky feathers on its head. Young Hoatzin have claws on their wings, allowing them to climb trees just like a monkey. This bird becomes an expert underwater swimmer before if can even fly.

The Hoatzin has one more odd characteristic that scientists find the most puzzling of all. Ninety?five percent of its diet is leaves. It's the only bird known to digest its food the same way cows and other ruminants do. Just like ruminants, the Hoatzin uses bacteria to break down the plant material it eats in a special chamber above its stomach.

How do evolutionists explain this oddity? As one evolutionary scientist who has studied the Hoatzin for decades said, "Hoatzins don't seem to follow the rules of evolution." While he admitted to being creative in being able to come up with evolutionary explanations for creatures, he said that he was never able to arrive at an evolutionary explanation for the Hoatzin's digestive arrangement.

This leads us to glorify God for one more aspect of His creative work. In creating the Hoatzin, He was able to design a creature that defies any explanation humans might try to invent to deny that He is the Creator. Truly the creation declares His handiwork!

Prayer: Dear Father; I thank You that Your work bears witness to Your existence far better than could any human being. Yet You depend on us human beings who know of Your love to us in Christ to communicate the gospel of forgiveness through Christ to others in this world. Enable me to offer a better witness. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

REF.: Cowen, Ron. 1989. Alimentary, my dear Hoatzin. Science News, v. 136, Oct. 21. p. 269.

For more "Creation Moments" transcripts or audio files, go to the archives of "Creation Moments"

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