April 2008

Dear Humans, Birds and Elephants,

Judy Braun's Grey Parrot,"Talulahbelle," has real conversations with her and tells her Molluccan cockatoo, "Sammy," to stop using inappropriate language. Lori Rothchild shares her breakfast with her Grey, "Zulu," when he asks her if she is making him his bagel everyday. Debbie Napolitano must feed "Sammy," her blue and gold macaw some of eveything she eats. Ann Marie's grey, "Gandolf," is her mother's constant companion, following her around the house and sharing everything she does. Her Goffin cockatoo, "Frodo," keeps Gandolf in check. Matt's "Harry" has an unnatural love affair with his partner, Alan. Alan can tie Harry into a knot and Harry loves it.

These birds lead an interesting existence. They are out of their cages, when their owners are home, and lead interactive lives. We cannot replicate the stimulation to the mind and body the life that these parrots would find if they were wild and free. However, we can make sure that their lives are as full and varied as possible while they live with us. Keeping a parrot confined to a cage all the time, especially when their humans are home is a terrible cruelty. These are intelligent beings that need regular physical and mental exercise. Please write about your interactions with your birds and we will gladly publish them.

Tonight's meeting should be very interesting. I hope that some of you have gone to Steve Baldwin's website to acquaint yourselves with the work he is doing for the quaker parrots in Brooklyn. I wish I could be there, but I have a commitment in Florida and I will see everyone next month when Juan Romero will present us with a parrot training session. Our friend, Dr. Lonnie Kasman, will be with us in June and he is always informative and entertaining.

I wish everyone a great month. Love your birds, hug them and don't get bitten.

Be well and happy,

With love from Aristophanes, Emma, Zeke and Fritha,

Richie