Color Me Grey+ wk3

[Jayd]

Hope you don't mind, I've added a little coloe today, it still relates to our wonderful Grey's

 

Psittacus (parrot) erithacus (a solitary bird which can be taught to speak}

 

One of the interesting parrots facts for kids to remember is that they are the most variably sized bird order. Most parrots nest in enclosed spaces, either tree hollows or cavities dug into cliffs, banks or the ground, in which they lay white eggs. Only the Monk Parakeet and five species of agapornis lovebird actually build nests in trees. Three Australian and New Zealand ground parrots nest on the ground.

 

Some Parrots May Outlive You

The average life expectancy of an American is 78. African Grey parrots can live for 50 to 60 years, Cockatoos typically live to be 65, and Macaws can live to be 80. It's very likely that any of these three birds will outlive your ability to care for them.

If you buy a baby Macaw when you are 40 and lose your ability to care for it at age 75, you'll be willing that bird to someone else when it is only 35 years old. That bird may outlive the next owner, and possibly even the owner after that. Parrots don't take a change of owners well; most parrots bond very closely with their owners and grieve the loss of a human friend. Make sure you will your bird to someone who will be a good owner and will give your parrot the level of love and attention you would have provided.

 

Parrots Vary in Temperament

If you've been intimidated by parrots because you had a bad experience with one, you'll be relieved to know that not all parrots are wired to interact with people in the same manner. For example, an African Grey is sensitive, shy and usually bonds only with one person. A Quaker Parrot will gladly socialize with everyone in your family, and possibly with strangers as well. Amazons are known for their erratic temperaments, while Pionus are known to be calm and steady. Macaws and cockatoos enjoy entertaining crowds, whereas Ecclectus would rather hide from the stage and perform only for trusted and well-known humans. If you're entranced by rainforest parrots but don't know if you could handle owning one, you can talk to parrot owners to determine which parrot would suit you best.

Jayd

[judygram]

Very good advice Jay, you are wise beyond your years and thanks so much for posting it.

[JillyBeanz]

Thank god I'm not American! I'm planning to stick around and annoy people way past 75!!!

 

I am 35 years old and realise that Harvey will probably outlive me (I try my best to give him the best health and happiness afforded to him) and also have a problem - I am sure the kids don't want him. Although he is only 17 months old and the kids are 16 and 18, Harvey hasn't bonded with either. He will happily "sit" on them (as he does with everybody in the world) but as soon as they try and touch him he will bite! I understand why the kids haven't formed a bond with them - they have a life outside of the house - not as much contact etc, but I seriously don't think that they would have him, should the inevitable occur.

 

I am actually pinning hopes on my 2 year old niece. At the moment Eva is fixated with Harvey. It's her first question about him when I see her, and when she fivists it is her first question about where he is and what he is doing! She isn't bothered about anything else!!!

 

Brilliant post Jay - absolutely highlights the position we all hold as "caretakers" of our greys (and other long living parrots). Thank you for this "wake up call"