Buster's routine every night is inviolable! No matter what else goes on in the house he knows at 5:30 or if we finish dinner earlier, it is time for him to be let out of his cage.
All I hear is, "Time to watch TV!", "Are you ready?", "Are ya comin'?", "Wanna play?" over and over again. Sometimes I get mad because I am trying to finish something and he insists and insists until my hair sort of stands on end.
Last night after dinner I was searching on-line for my son's Christmas present which needed to be ordered to get it in time. Buster thought otherwise!
I kept telling him to wait, I'd be done in a few minutes. Of course he nagged and nagged and nagged!
Finally I finished and went to get him out of his cage and get new seeds. He came out briefly but wouldn't come to me. Then he went back inside his cage. I thought, "Here comes the waiting game." Buster makes me wait about as long as I made him wait.
Tonight, however, he waited and waited and didn't come out. Finally I thought, good grief, he wants an apology first.
So...I said, "Buster, mommy's sorry. I'm sorry I made you wait." He came up to the top of his cage and started to moon me with his red feather butt (he does this when he's mad at us). I stopped him and said, "Buster, I said I was sorry." After I said this, miraculously he turned around and came to me!
You have no idea what it is to deal with a very intelligent bird! Humbleness helps.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
BUSTER TAKES A WALK!
The only reason Buster stays in his cage during the day is because he needs to be monitored constantly! He chews on everything. I worry he'll chew on an electric cord and fry himself! He love furniture and rugs too. We had to get a new dining room set because Buster "decorated" all the chair legs. Good grief, my house would be destroyed.
Parrots sense lots of things through their beak so Buster touches everything, rapping on it a few times to see what sound it makes. I often take him around the house and let him tap on glass, metal, wood, plastic, etc. announcing the name as he taps. He hasn't said anything after tapping but he probably will surprise me one day.
Well, Buster usually gets out of his cage after we eat dinner. It just so happened my husband, Dennis, was getting ready for work in his bathroom all the way at the other end of our home. Involved in cleaning up the kitchen I forgot Buster was out and he walked all the way to Dennis' bathroom.
Note: Buster walks pigeon-toed and more or less "oozes" across the floor, stopping to look at this and that. He only flies when falling off his cage. I don't think he knows how to fly but he enjoys playing "excellent flier" when I twirl him around the room. When he's had enough he grabs my finger with his beak hard but not hurtful.
You know how it is when a person is getting cleaned up, they are in their own little world where no one else exists. Dennis was shaving when he heard someone "knock" on the bathroom door three times. Thinking I was the knocker, he opened the door and heard a great big "HI!" from Buster.
Shocked describes his reaction best! Sometimes when Buster has done this he also asks Dennis, "Takin' a shower?" or "Go work?"
Parrots sense lots of things through their beak so Buster touches everything, rapping on it a few times to see what sound it makes. I often take him around the house and let him tap on glass, metal, wood, plastic, etc. announcing the name as he taps. He hasn't said anything after tapping but he probably will surprise me one day.
Well, Buster usually gets out of his cage after we eat dinner. It just so happened my husband, Dennis, was getting ready for work in his bathroom all the way at the other end of our home. Involved in cleaning up the kitchen I forgot Buster was out and he walked all the way to Dennis' bathroom.
Note: Buster walks pigeon-toed and more or less "oozes" across the floor, stopping to look at this and that. He only flies when falling off his cage. I don't think he knows how to fly but he enjoys playing "excellent flier" when I twirl him around the room. When he's had enough he grabs my finger with his beak hard but not hurtful.
You know how it is when a person is getting cleaned up, they are in their own little world where no one else exists. Dennis was shaving when he heard someone "knock" on the bathroom door three times. Thinking I was the knocker, he opened the door and heard a great big "HI!" from Buster.
Shocked describes his reaction best! Sometimes when Buster has done this he also asks Dennis, "Takin' a shower?" or "Go work?"
Monday, November 9, 2009
BUSTER AND THE WATER MACHINE
Should have learned my lesson and not purchased anything the sounds interesting to Buster. We bought a machine that makes water from the air using all sorts of filters and UV lights to maintain purity.
However, when the machine is turned off or on, it makes a strange "chirping" sound. Three strange "chirping" sounds let's me know there's a leak.
Well, after finishing cleaning the machine yesterday I anxiously waited to see if there were any leaks. Twice it "chirped" three times and twice I raced into the dining room to fix the "leak" and twice realized it had to have been Buster. But I had been busy with other things and the sound was so perfect I wasn't sure.
This morning before Buster's cage was uncovered, I heard those three "chirps" again, raced over to the machine and the light bulb went off over my head, "It's Buster!".
Buster thought of a new way to get my attention! The little devil.
However, when the machine is turned off or on, it makes a strange "chirping" sound. Three strange "chirping" sounds let's me know there's a leak.
Well, after finishing cleaning the machine yesterday I anxiously waited to see if there were any leaks. Twice it "chirped" three times and twice I raced into the dining room to fix the "leak" and twice realized it had to have been Buster. But I had been busy with other things and the sound was so perfect I wasn't sure.
This morning before Buster's cage was uncovered, I heard those three "chirps" again, raced over to the machine and the light bulb went off over my head, "It's Buster!".
Buster thought of a new way to get my attention! The little devil.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
BUSTER, THE COMMANDER, BECOMES MORE SUBTLE
Usually when Buster wants something he keeps repeating his request until I'm motivated to shut him up by doing what he wants. He has me trained, I admit.
Lately he's changed his approach in two instances.
In the mornings I listen to my radio show, tweet, blog and sometimes get carried away and forget to get the birds up. I don't get them up until around nine when I'm more awake to feed them but on two mornings I forgot all about them.
Out of the blue I heard Buster say, "Well......?" Of course I dropped everything, took the covers off the birdcages and apologized for being a "bad mommmy". His communication said it all with on word!
Then the other night the birds and I were watching TV and Buster loved getting his head and neck rub. BB, my little blue parrotlet, kept poking me trying to get my attention to play with her. A minute or two after I stopped rubbing Buster's head so I could play with BB, I heard "Well....?" There was that one word again!
He's approaching twenty years old now...maybe he's still learning new ways to get his way!
Lately he's changed his approach in two instances.
In the mornings I listen to my radio show, tweet, blog and sometimes get carried away and forget to get the birds up. I don't get them up until around nine when I'm more awake to feed them but on two mornings I forgot all about them.
Out of the blue I heard Buster say, "Well......?" Of course I dropped everything, took the covers off the birdcages and apologized for being a "bad mommmy". His communication said it all with on word!
Then the other night the birds and I were watching TV and Buster loved getting his head and neck rub. BB, my little blue parrotlet, kept poking me trying to get my attention to play with her. A minute or two after I stopped rubbing Buster's head so I could play with BB, I heard "Well....?" There was that one word again!
He's approaching twenty years old now...maybe he's still learning new ways to get his way!
Friday, October 9, 2009
BUSTER FEATURED ON VIRTUALPERCH.COM!
I was really excited to find out VirtualPerch, an outstanding bird website, featured Buster in a really well-written article about him and this blog. Check it out!
Monday, October 5, 2009
WATCH BIBI AN AFRICAN GRAY PARROT LIVE!
Though we'd all like to watch another African Gray parrot named BiBi. She's an incredible talker. I'll have to figure out how to have Buster on-line live too!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
BUSTER LIKES PEACE AND QUIET
My husband works nights and comes home at all sorts of strange hours. Buster seems to be irritated with the intrusion into his peace and quiet while sleeping.
As soon as my husband enters the living room where the birds sleep, Buster often lets out with a low groan. When my husband turns on the TV sometimes Buster will holler, "Big Buddy, take a snooze!"
If this doesn't work the next command is "Buddy, time to go night!"
He keeps this up until my husband goes to bed. Unless, my husband falls asleep on the couch and I get up and hear Buster trying to get my husband to turn off the TV and give Buster the peace and quiet he wants during sleep-time.
As soon as my husband enters the living room where the birds sleep, Buster often lets out with a low groan. When my husband turns on the TV sometimes Buster will holler, "Big Buddy, take a snooze!"
If this doesn't work the next command is "Buddy, time to go night!"
He keeps this up until my husband goes to bed. Unless, my husband falls asleep on the couch and I get up and hear Buster trying to get my husband to turn off the TV and give Buster the peace and quiet he wants during sleep-time.
Friday, October 2, 2009
BUSTER'S FAVORITE BIRDCAKE
Coffeecake...Buster's favorite breakfast! Of course it's not just a regular coffeecake but one I devised over the years after reading about what another bird owner prepared for her bird to make sure he got enough vitamins, etc.
Here's how I make Buster's (I know it's a bit absurd, but what can I say ( :
I mix 3 eggs, shells broken up, together
then I add 1 15 ounce can crushed pineapple in its own juice
1 cup or so of regular raw oatmeal
1 baked sweet potato, mashed
Sometimes I add leftover potatoes, rice, vegetables, macaroni, etc
It should resemble a cake batter. I pour it into a 13 x 9 pan sprayed with cooking spray and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or so. I just want the coffeecake to pull away from the sides of the pan so it is a little underdone rather than overdone. When it's cool, I cut it into about 10 squares, put each in a zip lock bag and freeze them.
Serving: I break off about a tablespoon of coffee cake, add a little water to make it more soupy, then I add a tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce, some chunks of cooked egg, a few chunks of fruit and maybe a few chunks of cooked rice crackers.
The first thing he grabs is the egg chunks! Do you have any special treats for your bird?
Here's how I make Buster's (I know it's a bit absurd, but what can I say ( :
I mix 3 eggs, shells broken up, together
then I add 1 15 ounce can crushed pineapple in its own juice
1 cup or so of regular raw oatmeal
1 baked sweet potato, mashed
Sometimes I add leftover potatoes, rice, vegetables, macaroni, etc
It should resemble a cake batter. I pour it into a 13 x 9 pan sprayed with cooking spray and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or so. I just want the coffeecake to pull away from the sides of the pan so it is a little underdone rather than overdone. When it's cool, I cut it into about 10 squares, put each in a zip lock bag and freeze them.
Serving: I break off about a tablespoon of coffee cake, add a little water to make it more soupy, then I add a tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce, some chunks of cooked egg, a few chunks of fruit and maybe a few chunks of cooked rice crackers.
The first thing he grabs is the egg chunks! Do you have any special treats for your bird?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
BUSTER HATES TO SAY GOOD BYE!
When anyone leaves the house Buster throws a fit. Of course there are the usual questions, "Goin' to work?" or "Goin' shoppin'? or "Goin' for a little swim?"
Often he will instinctively know which one is appropriate by watching for signs of what we are about to do. Most often he is right.
When we leave the house, he demands water and the music on (the radio-he loves rock and roll). Then as we go out the door Buster lets out with the most pitiful squeal.
On day Buster was in his outside cage on the porch and I was daydreaming on the glider. An older gentleman named Shelly came by on his way to the pool. He stopped by Buster's cage to say hello. Buster didn't say a word but looked him over very carefully. He noticed the straw hat, swimming trunks and a towel thrown over Shelly's shoulder. Then he said very distinctly, "Goin' for a little swim?" Shelly's mouth dropped open, he looked at Buster, then at me, shook his head in disbelief and continued on his way to the pool!
Note: I've had several people write to me who also have talking birds. I invite you all to tell everyone about your bird's antics by writing in the comment section below. I would love to hear all about your bird! Please share your stories with me!
Often he will instinctively know which one is appropriate by watching for signs of what we are about to do. Most often he is right.
When we leave the house, he demands water and the music on (the radio-he loves rock and roll). Then as we go out the door Buster lets out with the most pitiful squeal.
On day Buster was in his outside cage on the porch and I was daydreaming on the glider. An older gentleman named Shelly came by on his way to the pool. He stopped by Buster's cage to say hello. Buster didn't say a word but looked him over very carefully. He noticed the straw hat, swimming trunks and a towel thrown over Shelly's shoulder. Then he said very distinctly, "Goin' for a little swim?" Shelly's mouth dropped open, he looked at Buster, then at me, shook his head in disbelief and continued on his way to the pool!
Note: I've had several people write to me who also have talking birds. I invite you all to tell everyone about your bird's antics by writing in the comment section below. I would love to hear all about your bird! Please share your stories with me!
Friday, September 18, 2009
PARROT JOKE AND UNUSUAL STORIES
The insulting parrot.
A man buys a parrot, only to have it constantly insult him. He tries everything to make the parrot stop, but nothing works. Frustrated, the man puts the parrot in the freezer. After a few minutes the insults stop. The man thinks he might have killed the parrot, so he opens the freezer and takes the parrot out. The parrot is shivering. It stammers, “S-s-sorry for being r-r-rude. Please f-f-forgive me.” Then, after a moment, the parrot softly asks, “W-w-what exactly d-d-did the turkey do?”Lost Parrot Talks Way Home
Police rescued a parrot from a roof two weeks ago near Tokyo, Japan. The parrot didn’t say much to the law enforcement officers, but it couldn’t stop talking once passed on to a veterinarian.“I’m Mr. Yosuke Nakamura,” the parrot reportedly told the vet. Yosuke also provided his home address down to the street number and sang songs to entertain the hospital staff. Once the address was checked, officials found a Nakamura family indeed lived there.
The Nakamura’s had been teaching their parrot its name and address for two years. It paid off, and the bird was returned home.
Parrot mimics owner's voice to boss around her other pets
A parrot that learned to mimic his owner's voice is using the skill to issue orders to her other pets.
Margaret Sullivan: 'Barney's a really bossy parrot. He even chats back at me and swears when I'm talking sometimes ? he's so cheeky'
Barney, an African Grey Parrot, calls Margaret Sullivan's three dogs – Harry, Tilly and Bluey – by name.
The bird, 10, squawks out orders like "come here" and even offers praise to his favorites such as "good dog".
Mrs Sullivan, 65, who lives in Tredworth, Gloucestershire, with partner Ken Kersey, 62, admitted that Barney has a "very high opinion of himself".
She said: "Barney's a really bossy parrot. He even chats back at me and swears when I'm talking sometimes – he's so cheeky.
"He's always tried to learn how to speak in my voice but he has got better and better at it ever since I bought him.
"Barney's got a really high opinion of himself and he certainly likes to think he's my favourite out of the pets. He's not – but I would never tell him that."
Mr and Mrs Sullivan own three dogs, Alsatian-Collie cross Harry, 12, Cairn terrier Tilly, three, and her son Bluey, eight-months.
Mrs Sullivan, a grandmother-of-seven, bought Barney as a young parrot in 1998 and he has been perfecting her voice and accent ever since.
His favourite games is calling out to a cat named Shadow. He then praises him when he does as he is told and sits on top of Barney's cage.
Mr Sullivan said: "He always says 'come here', 'come on' and 'good dog' to the pets and gives out orders to all the animals in Margaret's voice.
"It's uncanny. He mimics her perfectly and when the dogs come over to the cage as if they are following his orders.
"The animals all think he's Margaret when he speaks. He loves ordering them around and commanding them – it's very surprising. He's not frightened or scared of them at all."
Barney, an African Grey Parrot, calls Margaret Sullivan's three dogs – Harry, Tilly and Bluey – by name.
The bird, 10, squawks out orders like "come here" and even offers praise to his favorites such as "good dog".
Mrs Sullivan, 65, who lives in Tredworth, Gloucestershire, with partner Ken Kersey, 62, admitted that Barney has a "very high opinion of himself".
She said: "Barney's a really bossy parrot. He even chats back at me and swears when I'm talking sometimes – he's so cheeky.
"He's always tried to learn how to speak in my voice but he has got better and better at it ever since I bought him.
"Barney's got a really high opinion of himself and he certainly likes to think he's my favourite out of the pets. He's not – but I would never tell him that."
Mr and Mrs Sullivan own three dogs, Alsatian-Collie cross Harry, 12, Cairn terrier Tilly, three, and her son Bluey, eight-months.
Mrs Sullivan, a grandmother-of-seven, bought Barney as a young parrot in 1998 and he has been perfecting her voice and accent ever since.
His favourite games is calling out to a cat named Shadow. He then praises him when he does as he is told and sits on top of Barney's cage.
Mr Sullivan said: "He always says 'come here', 'come on' and 'good dog' to the pets and gives out orders to all the animals in Margaret's voice.
"It's uncanny. He mimics her perfectly and when the dogs come over to the cage as if they are following his orders.
"The animals all think he's Margaret when he speaks. He loves ordering them around and commanding them – it's very surprising. He's not frightened or scared of them at all."
Friday, September 11, 2009
BUSTER AND THE BABY
Buster was only about 4 years old when baby Taylor came into his life. I wasn't sure what he thought about this new addition brought in the house by my daughter until one day the following happened:
My daughter worked for us in our home business and because she couldn't afford a babysitter she brought her new baby to work every day. Baby Taylor was NOT a happy baby, screaming during his waking hours. This went on for several days with Baby Taylor in the kitchen where Buster was.
One day apparently Buster had enough of the crying and tried to solve the problem himself. First, he asked, "Are you thirsty?" After a few minutes of more crying, he tried, "Want treats?" When that didn't work his last try was (in a really loud voice), "Gotta go!"
At that point when nothing happened Buster just went back in his cage and ate some seeds.
My daughter worked for us in our home business and because she couldn't afford a babysitter she brought her new baby to work every day. Baby Taylor was NOT a happy baby, screaming during his waking hours. This went on for several days with Baby Taylor in the kitchen where Buster was.
One day apparently Buster had enough of the crying and tried to solve the problem himself. First, he asked, "Are you thirsty?" After a few minutes of more crying, he tried, "Want treats?" When that didn't work his last try was (in a really loud voice), "Gotta go!"
At that point when nothing happened Buster just went back in his cage and ate some seeds.
Friday, August 28, 2009
BUSTER SILLINESS
Buster's sense of humor is outrageous. He loves to tease us and laugh when we screw up!
"You''re silly!", he'll shout then waiting for a response which we will reply, "I'm not silly! You're the silly one!". He then repeats his silly statement followed by "Neenerneenerneener." Then he laughs. One time he responded by saying, "No, I'm the bird!"
My husband Dennis plays poker on the computer and Buster is in his cage right behind him. When he wasn't doing too well one day, he decided to go all in and lost. Buster commented, "That was stupid!" Didn't do much for Dennis' attitude!
"You''re silly!", he'll shout then waiting for a response which we will reply, "I'm not silly! You're the silly one!". He then repeats his silly statement followed by "Neenerneenerneener." Then he laughs. One time he responded by saying, "No, I'm the bird!"
My husband Dennis plays poker on the computer and Buster is in his cage right behind him. When he wasn't doing too well one day, he decided to go all in and lost. Buster commented, "That was stupid!" Didn't do much for Dennis' attitude!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
THE WATER FAUCET
My husband and son bought a new kitchen faucet. When they came home with their purchase, they put the box on the table and we all gathered around to open it. I hadn't seen it and Buster couldn't see it because he was behind us.
We got the box open and while we were admiring it, Buster, apparently frustrated that he couldn't see it said loudly, "WHAT...IS...IT?" He really got our attention!
Of course we had to take it over to him so he could see it and touch it with his beak.
African Grays intelligence is unbelievable. He was never taught to say this. He learned to talk by observation, not us drilling words into his head. This is why his speech is so appropriate and why he can make up his own sentences. Sometimes the sentences are very basic, other times they are fully complete with correct verbs, etc. He continually shocks us with what he knows and what he says!
We got the box open and while we were admiring it, Buster, apparently frustrated that he couldn't see it said loudly, "WHAT...IS...IT?" He really got our attention!
Of course we had to take it over to him so he could see it and touch it with his beak.
African Grays intelligence is unbelievable. He was never taught to say this. He learned to talk by observation, not us drilling words into his head. This is why his speech is so appropriate and why he can make up his own sentences. Sometimes the sentences are very basic, other times they are fully complete with correct verbs, etc. He continually shocks us with what he knows and what he says!
Monday, July 20, 2009
IS IT BUSTER?...OR THE PHONE, THE MICROWAVE, ETC.?
African Grays don't squawk. They whistle and make all sorts of sounds ranging from sawing and hammering to snapping sounds to old car squeals and car alarms. We never taught Buster to speak. Because of his intelligence he is able to observe situations, body language and tone of voice. He is never wrong in his response.
African Grays are masters of imitation. When we start to fry something, Buster starts the "smoke alarm" sound. This would be bad enough but then a real one goes off and then our second one. We then have three smoke alarms sounding off at once!
Most times when we use the microwave, even though Buster can't see us he can hear the microwave door. Just as we push the first number, Buster makes the "microwave beep". Now we aren't sure if we pushed the number or not. I once set a mug of coffee to heat for 444 seconds instead of 45. I had quite a mess to clean up.
He loves to answer the phone and imitating the answering machine. One day he said, "Hello, this is Carol and Dennis"...and he added, and the bird!" He follows up with undetermined jabber as though he is leaving a message.
Our son birdsat only once. Because he worked nights, he slept during the day or at least he tried to do so. When we came home, our son greeted us with bloodshot eyes. Apparently Buster "hammered and sawed" so loudly each day along with all his other sounds and talking, that our son hadn't slept for three days. He never agreed to birdsit again!
Another time our son tried to take a nap on our couch. Next to the couch was a lamp with a copper shade. Well...unfortunately on the other side of the lamp was Buster on top of his cage. As soon as our son put his head down on the pillow, Buster leaned over and starting tapping on the metal shade. No nap for our son that day!
African Grays are masters of imitation. When we start to fry something, Buster starts the "smoke alarm" sound. This would be bad enough but then a real one goes off and then our second one. We then have three smoke alarms sounding off at once!
Most times when we use the microwave, even though Buster can't see us he can hear the microwave door. Just as we push the first number, Buster makes the "microwave beep". Now we aren't sure if we pushed the number or not. I once set a mug of coffee to heat for 444 seconds instead of 45. I had quite a mess to clean up.
He loves to answer the phone and imitating the answering machine. One day he said, "Hello, this is Carol and Dennis"...and he added, and the bird!" He follows up with undetermined jabber as though he is leaving a message.
Our son birdsat only once. Because he worked nights, he slept during the day or at least he tried to do so. When we came home, our son greeted us with bloodshot eyes. Apparently Buster "hammered and sawed" so loudly each day along with all his other sounds and talking, that our son hadn't slept for three days. He never agreed to birdsit again!
Another time our son tried to take a nap on our couch. Next to the couch was a lamp with a copper shade. Well...unfortunately on the other side of the lamp was Buster on top of his cage. As soon as our son put his head down on the pillow, Buster leaned over and starting tapping on the metal shade. No nap for our son that day!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
MR. MANNERS
As I wrote last time, Buster is the Commander in the house. He also picked up on appropriate manners.
He is not friendly to visitors, especially the cleaning ladies and their vacuum. My husband rescued him the last time the cleaning ladies were vacuuming around his cage because he was screaming in fear like a small child. When the cleaning ladies stepped out the front door to leave, Buster said "Thank you!". The boss cleaning lady came back in to collect her check and turned around to step out the door, Buster, again, said "Thank you!" The ladies laughed knowing Buster was glad to get rid of them. (Remember, last time I wrote about how Buster gets people to leave.)
Often when Buster gets his food, seeds or water he also says "Thank you!"
The other day when Buster asked, "Are you ready to watch TV?", and I replied, "Yes.", Buster said, "Thank you!"
His speech is always appropriate to the situation. He also adds the emotion he picked up at the time he learned it. We only taught him to say one thing, "Neener, neener, neener." hoping he would say this to our son but he hasn't so far. We carry on simply conversations with Buster often the instigator. Birds love to interact with each other and us so to not respond is cruel. Sometimes the conversation is the same one we've had many times with some variations but we respond anyway.
He is not friendly to visitors, especially the cleaning ladies and their vacuum. My husband rescued him the last time the cleaning ladies were vacuuming around his cage because he was screaming in fear like a small child. When the cleaning ladies stepped out the front door to leave, Buster said "Thank you!". The boss cleaning lady came back in to collect her check and turned around to step out the door, Buster, again, said "Thank you!" The ladies laughed knowing Buster was glad to get rid of them. (Remember, last time I wrote about how Buster gets people to leave.)
Often when Buster gets his food, seeds or water he also says "Thank you!"
The other day when Buster asked, "Are you ready to watch TV?", and I replied, "Yes.", Buster said, "Thank you!"
His speech is always appropriate to the situation. He also adds the emotion he picked up at the time he learned it. We only taught him to say one thing, "Neener, neener, neener." hoping he would say this to our son but he hasn't so far. We carry on simply conversations with Buster often the instigator. Birds love to interact with each other and us so to not respond is cruel. Sometimes the conversation is the same one we've had many times with some variations but we respond anyway.
Monday, June 22, 2009
THE COMMANDER
Buster, my seventeen year old African Gray parrot, knows how to get people to do what he wants. He never gets bored repeating his commands so he can keep it up forever if he chooses. If you don't comply he gets even by biting, refusing to come out of his house where he sits pouting on his perch or if he is out of the cage he spins around and moons me with his red butt! Often I get the "raspberries" sound when he is disgusted.
When he decides to go to sleep for the night he says, "Time to go night!" If that doesn't work, he either repeats that or says, "Gotta take a snooze! If I still haven't covered him up, he repeats these phrases and gets louder and louder until I comply. I am completely trained.
He demands I get him out of his cage to "watch TV". "Time to watch TV!", he screams over and over, adding, "Are you ready?"...Wanna come?...Wanna play? and on and on until I come and let him out. He is quite the task master.
Buster will even tell me to "take a break" sensing when I am working too much and is always accurate. If I yawn he tells me to "take a snooze".
He also decides when people have stayed too long or he doesn't particularly like them. Usually he starts off with, "Gotta go!". After saying that a few times he adds "See ya later!" He keeps this up until the people say they have to get going and as soon as they step out the door Buster says, "Thank you!" Very effective, indeed!
When I was having some flooring tiled, the workman always shared his burrito lunch with Buster. However, one day the workman came after lunch. Buster insisted on his treat by repeating "treat...treat....treat...etc." until the workman, dropped what he was doing, went and got a burrito and shared it with Buster!
While Buster's persistence makes everyone a bit crazy at times, he shows me how to not give up on what I want and to just hang in there and it will show up!
When he decides to go to sleep for the night he says, "Time to go night!" If that doesn't work, he either repeats that or says, "Gotta take a snooze! If I still haven't covered him up, he repeats these phrases and gets louder and louder until I comply. I am completely trained.
He demands I get him out of his cage to "watch TV". "Time to watch TV!", he screams over and over, adding, "Are you ready?"...Wanna come?...Wanna play? and on and on until I come and let him out. He is quite the task master.
Buster will even tell me to "take a break" sensing when I am working too much and is always accurate. If I yawn he tells me to "take a snooze".
He also decides when people have stayed too long or he doesn't particularly like them. Usually he starts off with, "Gotta go!". After saying that a few times he adds "See ya later!" He keeps this up until the people say they have to get going and as soon as they step out the door Buster says, "Thank you!" Very effective, indeed!
When I was having some flooring tiled, the workman always shared his burrito lunch with Buster. However, one day the workman came after lunch. Buster insisted on his treat by repeating "treat...treat....treat...etc." until the workman, dropped what he was doing, went and got a burrito and shared it with Buster!
While Buster's persistence makes everyone a bit crazy at times, he shows me how to not give up on what I want and to just hang in there and it will show up!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
THROWN OUT BY A BIRD!
African Gray parrots can be very commanding and Buster is no exception.
Whenever we have company, Buster apparently makes an assessment of them and makes a decision about whether or not he likes them. He also assesses how long they stay and has some kind of measurement that determines when they have been here long enough.
The less desirable guests or those who have dared to stay too long in Buster's estimation are treated to the following commands:
"See ya later....gotta go...see ya later...gotta go...and on and on."
Finally the guests will start to feel uncomfortable and says "I guess I better be leaving." I try to tell them not to listen to Buster but they leave anyway.
Then to top it all off, Buster says, "Thank you!" when their first foot crosses the doorway outside!
Whenever we have company, Buster apparently makes an assessment of them and makes a decision about whether or not he likes them. He also assesses how long they stay and has some kind of measurement that determines when they have been here long enough.
The less desirable guests or those who have dared to stay too long in Buster's estimation are treated to the following commands:
"See ya later....gotta go...see ya later...gotta go...and on and on."
Finally the guests will start to feel uncomfortable and says "I guess I better be leaving." I try to tell them not to listen to Buster but they leave anyway.
Then to top it all off, Buster says, "Thank you!" when their first foot crosses the doorway outside!
Monday, June 8, 2009
THE PLAN
When my daughter moved to California she stayed with us for a week until she could get into her new place. She brought her small "mop" dog, named Sandy. with her who found Buster fascinating. I casually watched Buster and Sandy interact from the kitchen table.
One morning my daughter and I sat at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee. I saw Buster's cage door was open and Buster stood at the bottom of the cage in the open doorway eating. A newspaper collected the food he dropped. Sandy ran over and gobbled up the dropped food. Then she went under the kitchen table and stared at Buster hoping he'd drop more food.
Well, Buster didn't like being stared at and soon he started rocking back and forth and whirling around nervously. I watched Buster, after pausing for a moment, he went over to his food dish, grabbed some food in his beak, ran over to the opening and dropped the food on the newspaper.
Sandy immediately ran over and bent her head down to grab the food. Instantly, Buster reached down and pulled a wad of fur off the top of Sandy's head! Sandy let out with a big yelp and that was the last time she tried to eat food off Buster's newspaper...and...she stopped staring at Buster!
Buster, only three years old at the time, determined what the problem was, who caused it, figured out what else dog's did, planned out how to get the dog to come to him and then what the punishment would be. He carried out his plan perfectly solving his problem!
Determining and executing a plan shows the African Grays' incredible intelligence. Their owners must be on their toes because their African Gray has all the time in the world to out-think them! We have had many a battle of wits with Buster. Usually he wins or gets bored with the whole thing. When we do win, we celebrate!
One morning my daughter and I sat at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee. I saw Buster's cage door was open and Buster stood at the bottom of the cage in the open doorway eating. A newspaper collected the food he dropped. Sandy ran over and gobbled up the dropped food. Then she went under the kitchen table and stared at Buster hoping he'd drop more food.
Well, Buster didn't like being stared at and soon he started rocking back and forth and whirling around nervously. I watched Buster, after pausing for a moment, he went over to his food dish, grabbed some food in his beak, ran over to the opening and dropped the food on the newspaper.
Sandy immediately ran over and bent her head down to grab the food. Instantly, Buster reached down and pulled a wad of fur off the top of Sandy's head! Sandy let out with a big yelp and that was the last time she tried to eat food off Buster's newspaper...and...she stopped staring at Buster!
Buster, only three years old at the time, determined what the problem was, who caused it, figured out what else dog's did, planned out how to get the dog to come to him and then what the punishment would be. He carried out his plan perfectly solving his problem!
Determining and executing a plan shows the African Grays' incredible intelligence. Their owners must be on their toes because their African Gray has all the time in the world to out-think them! We have had many a battle of wits with Buster. Usually he wins or gets bored with the whole thing. When we do win, we celebrate!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
AFRICAN GRAY CHILD SPEECH
Many people believe the African Gray merely "parrots" words, phrases,sentences and sounds. They disbelieve references to these birds carrying on a conversation or making an observation and then commenting appropriately or making up their own meaningful sentences. These disbelievers haven't lived with an African Gray. Even some who have their own African Gray proudly announce the number of words their
parrot can say...not stories of appropriate responses to many situations.
Many other birds, including parakeets, Quaker parrots, yellow nape parrots and more, do "parrot" and have impressive word counts. I once had a Quaker parrot named Barney who could recite the whole "This Little Piggy" rhyme including the "wee, wee all the way home". I used to marvel how the small bird with it's corresponding small brain could do this!
My African Gray parrot, Buster, often observes situations and people and then comments on the situation. For example, we sat out on our front porch one summer day and Buster was in his outside cage. A neighbor, dressed in a swimming suit with a towel thrown over his shoulder obviously going to the pool, walked up to Buster's cage and said "Hi, Buster!" Buster looked at the man from top to bottom. The he said clearly, "Goin' for a little swim?" The man, speechless, turned and continued on his way to the pool. Since he hasn't seen this man again in the same dress, he has NOT ever said it again, even when he is just jabbering whatever comes into his mind.
Now, Buster does imitate phones, smoke and car alarms, answering machines, microwave and timer beeps and a large assortment of sounds accurately fooling us in many ways. He also likes to whistle since African Grays don't squawk like other parrots.
Don't be surprised if you come to visit us and Buster doesn't like you or he thinks you have stayed too long. I have no idea what criteria he uses but he will say "Gotta go", "See ya later", and repeat these phrases until you leave. The minute you step out the door, he says, "Thank you!". We apologize, but Buster gets his way!
Next time I'll write about how African Grays can size up a situation, plan a response and then carry out the plan to get the results they want. Incredible to observe!
parrot can say...not stories of appropriate responses to many situations.
Many other birds, including parakeets, Quaker parrots, yellow nape parrots and more, do "parrot" and have impressive word counts. I once had a Quaker parrot named Barney who could recite the whole "This Little Piggy" rhyme including the "wee, wee all the way home". I used to marvel how the small bird with it's corresponding small brain could do this!
My African Gray parrot, Buster, often observes situations and people and then comments on the situation. For example, we sat out on our front porch one summer day and Buster was in his outside cage. A neighbor, dressed in a swimming suit with a towel thrown over his shoulder obviously going to the pool, walked up to Buster's cage and said "Hi, Buster!" Buster looked at the man from top to bottom. The he said clearly, "Goin' for a little swim?" The man, speechless, turned and continued on his way to the pool. Since he hasn't seen this man again in the same dress, he has NOT ever said it again, even when he is just jabbering whatever comes into his mind.
Now, Buster does imitate phones, smoke and car alarms, answering machines, microwave and timer beeps and a large assortment of sounds accurately fooling us in many ways. He also likes to whistle since African Grays don't squawk like other parrots.
Don't be surprised if you come to visit us and Buster doesn't like you or he thinks you have stayed too long. I have no idea what criteria he uses but he will say "Gotta go", "See ya later", and repeat these phrases until you leave. The minute you step out the door, he says, "Thank you!". We apologize, but Buster gets his way!
Next time I'll write about how African Grays can size up a situation, plan a response and then carry out the plan to get the results they want. Incredible to observe!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Funny Bird Video
Here is an African Gray named Einstein...he is an excellent example of the high intelligence with the ability to show humor. I think you will enjoy watching him as much as I did!
Introduction
This site is under construction...you can look forward to experiencing bird mentality especially of the African Gray parrot.
These parrots have been studied extensively by various universities to determine their intelligence which is considered the highest of all birds. One African gray in England named Alex showed his examiners during testing, the intelligence of a five year old child and the mental maturity of a two year old child! I will expand about this in a later blog.
I have had an African Gray parrot named Buster in my family for about seventeen years. Let me say just this...he is perhaps the funniest being I have ever met AND the most frustrating being in the world! There is no compromise with Buster...it is ALL his way!
This blog will be devoted to his antics and how to cope with a bird who is not only very smart but has the emotional development of a two year old! This blog will also express lots of information about raising birds, how to enhance their development, making sure they stay healthy and many other aspects.
I will also share videos of special birds and their hilarious antics and give readers a chance to include their bird stories for everyone to enjoy. You won't want to miss a single day because you will never know what funny story may have been posted since you last visited!
At one time I published "The Spotlight" whose readership included lots of senior citizens and their families. The section they all enjoyed most was Buster's column which was sent to friends and family all over the world! One man even cut out every column and displayed them all on the wall over his workbench and showed them proudly to everyone!
I am so excited to write this blog and am looking forward to your comments!
These parrots have been studied extensively by various universities to determine their intelligence which is considered the highest of all birds. One African gray in England named Alex showed his examiners during testing, the intelligence of a five year old child and the mental maturity of a two year old child! I will expand about this in a later blog.
I have had an African Gray parrot named Buster in my family for about seventeen years. Let me say just this...he is perhaps the funniest being I have ever met AND the most frustrating being in the world! There is no compromise with Buster...it is ALL his way!
This blog will be devoted to his antics and how to cope with a bird who is not only very smart but has the emotional development of a two year old! This blog will also express lots of information about raising birds, how to enhance their development, making sure they stay healthy and many other aspects.
I will also share videos of special birds and their hilarious antics and give readers a chance to include their bird stories for everyone to enjoy. You won't want to miss a single day because you will never know what funny story may have been posted since you last visited!
At one time I published "The Spotlight" whose readership included lots of senior citizens and their families. The section they all enjoyed most was Buster's column which was sent to friends and family all over the world! One man even cut out every column and displayed them all on the wall over his workbench and showed them proudly to everyone!
I am so excited to write this blog and am looking forward to your comments!
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