For years we kept pet rats. They are fun to keep but live for a very short time. When the last one died we started to look for a new pet. One we hoped would share our lives for longer.

Then one of our dogs became very ill spending a lot of time at the vets. At this time we met a black headed caique. We researched parrots on the internet and then visited Desford Bird Park. That day we bought our first parrot, we called her Fiz. We had to wait for six weeks to bring her home, during this time we visited her and began to learn about parrots. Fiz spent the time with three other black headed caiques learning life skills.

As I learned more about parrots I became uncomfortable with hand rearing. I feel that hand reared birds are made very dependant on people. This makes them more difficult to care for, with many looking for new homes, due to this high dependency. But I wanted a second bird as a friend for my little friend. So I started to look for a rescue bird. This was not easy, I almost gave up. Then I found a caique advertised in the Parrot Magazine, his name is Buddy.

Fiz is fun, independent, active and reasonably co-operative. Buddy if difficult, bitty, not very active, very dependent and unco-operative. Possibly the reason his first owner needed to find him a new home. Why do I keep him, he is all of the problems above, but he is a wonderful character, cuddly and very loving in his own way. We keep in touch with his first owner.

Would I rescue another bird? YES I would.

Would I recommend others to do the same? Yes, if they have lots of patience.

 

Jane Hartley
A Charnwood Parrot Club Member


PS Buddy sat with me all the time I picked out his story with one finger and a lot of corrections. Fiz is downstairs calling to both of us. I feel so lucky to have daily contact with two birds that are so fun loving.