More Toys and Some Training

Now, as promised, I am going to share some silly tales about the two bigger bottles in the picture.

Gussie is a pretty mild mannered parrot but she does have a side that is quite excitable which is seemingly linked to something in her past. Evidently, spray bottles, like the one pictured were used for training and discipline. We innocently followed that "tip" from her previous owners but it didn't take long to determine that the practice was quite useless. To this day, after having her with us for more than 8 years, she still reacts to the sight of a spray bottle. But that's not all. When I ask if she wants to do laundry with me she practically jumps off her perch to get onto my shoulder. She knows it has to do with bottles!

We have bottles for spray starch, bottles for fabric softener, bottles for stain remover and most every other thing you might want to keep handy while you do laundry. The minute she gets on my shoulder she assumes "attack mode" as we step towards a very eclectic collection of bottles! I dare say I'd have to replace a good half dozen every time she "helped" if she had her way.

The reaction is the same every time without fail. I am still not sure whether she is retaliating for those times she was squirted after misbehaving, or whether she is just playing with intensity. Either way, it is always entertaining for me and besides the fact that I forget about her "passion" and occasionally get my fingers in between her and the bottle, I enjoy the exchange. It is always good for a laugh.

Now, if you go back and inspect those bottles in the picture you may notice some parts missing or some puncture marks. One has a canning ring around it to draw her attention because I shake it when I am playing with her. She responds accordingly and even though she is not much bigger than the bottle is, she can never be accused of backing down.

By the way...she also reacts the same way to rubber gloves (any color) AND, of all things, the ironing board. I don't think I will ever figure that one out!

Blog About Birds

If you are a bird owner, or someone who wants to be a bird owner, or perhaps someone who wants the inside scoop about what it's like to own a bird, you have come to the right place.

It is my desire to unite bird people with an opportunity to shed light on what it's like to live with a bird. I have been a bird owner for at least 8 years. Gussie is a female blue and gold macaw who came in to our lives after a very short courtship and has trained us well since that first meeting. I had no previous experience, although my husband had.

Did I have a clue what was ahead for us? Absolutely not.

Would I go about it the same way? Probably not.

But to say I have regrets is far from the truth. The rewards have outweighed any challenges I have had in learning how to share our home with a bird. You see, it didn't take very long to cancel the cable broadcasting and view our bird as alternate entertainment. Friends came over with the soul purpose of seeing her. She is charming, personable, loves most people and steals the show. What more could any parrot owner ask for?

I have come to a point in my life, however, where I would appreciate being bird-free. As much as I love having Gussie here I recognize that I have some things to accomplish for myself and they aren't compatible with having a bird in the house. At least not for the time being. My concerns about relocating her are many and will consume a number of conversations yet to come in this blog.

I welcome any thoughts or questions you might have with regard to life experiences in living with a bird.