My parrot Eddie, a black-headed caique, is of a species known for clownish behavior and constant energy, not for talking ability. I knew this when I chose him, consciously deciding against a trait that many parrot lovers crave. I didn't really want a bird who always had something to say.
My initial reluctance to keep a chatty pet is why I was surprised at my delight when Eddie spoke his first words not long ago. He repeated my request to "step up" onto my finger before lifting his foot to comply. I guess there's just something about a pet who speaks the same language as we do that's undeniably appealing.
For many people, having a talking pet is one of the primary reasons for getting a parrot in the first place. From the moment someone brings home even a small parrot -- a budgie, cockatiel or lovebird -- the teaching and hoping begin. After all, you don't want to have to answer "no" to the question every parrot owner is asked eventually: "Does he talk?"
The truth is, not all parrots talk, not even those from the species known best for their mimicry, such as the double-yellow-headed and yellow-naped Amazons and the Timneh or Congo varieties of the African grays. While nearly every parrot species kept as a pet has a talker or two among its ranks, some types of birds just aren't known for their mimicry. Some species are better at sounds than words, and some are better at whistling. Eddie, for example, is mostly a whistler, with a repertoire that includes the theme from the Miss America pageant.
The larger parrots -- Amazons, macaws, African grays and cockatoos -- are usually good talkers, but don't count out all the small birds. The tiny budgie is known for its ability, with some birds acquiring a vocabulary of more than 300 words, all articulated in a high-pitched little voice. Some cockatiels are not bad talkers either. Lovebirds, however, are generally considered not that good at picking up words and phrases.
Realistically, it's best to consider talking a bonus rather than a requisite characteristic of your pet. Choose a young, well-socialized bird and love him for his many fine qualities, whether or not talking is among them. That way you're sure not to be disappointed. If you're absolutely set on owning a talking bird, buy one that talks already -- and make sure you hear the conversation before you plunk down payment.
Nothing's wrong with trying to teach your pet to talk, though. You can try to teach your parrot some words and phrases by repeating them clearly, or even by using tapes or computer programs that say the same language over and over. You can nurture communication further by using the words in their proper context, and by setting up an association your bird can grasp.
For example, every time your bird lowers his head to request a scratch, ask him, "Wanna scratch?" and then scratch him. When you give him foods or other toys, call them by name out loud. Play naming games with him. Say "toy" and then tell him "Good bird!" for taking the toy from you, and then repeat the exercise.
You may have an easier time if yours is a one-bird household. Two birds may be more interested in talking their own language with each other than figuring out your expressions. Some experts also suggest not attempting to teach your bird to whistle, at least not until he has picked up speech. Whistling birds seem to show a reluctance to use words.
What about the words or sounds you don't want mimicked? Don't teach them, for a start, no matter how funny it may be to hear your parrot be bawdy. If you think it's funny for your bird to swear in private, you'll have to live with that behavior when the minister's over for dinner. As for those nasties a pet picks up by accident, the best you can do is ignore them, providing neither positive nor negative reinforcement.
Although I really wasn't looking for a talking bird, I'm certainly not disappointed that I have one now. In fact, I'm looking forward to see what Eddie will say next.
THE SCOOP
For safety's sake, always be careful not to use your bare hands when removing ticks. Instead, use tweezers or a tick-pulling device (shaped like a spoon with a slot in it to catch the tick) to remove the pest. You can collect pulled ticks in a bowl with rubbing alcohol in it, then flush the disgusting mess down the toilet when you've collected them all. Watch each area where a tick was for a couple of days, and if you see inflammation or infection, talk to your veterinarian.
Spot-on medications available from your veterinarian will help keep your pet free of both fleas and ticks, but if you live in an area with lots of ticks, you may also need to add a tick collar. With any pest-control products, discuss the risks with your veterinarian, and be sure to follow directions to the letter for your pet's safety.
PETS ON THE WEB
The sugar glider has grown in popularity as a pet in recent years, but as with many exotics, new owners often have a difficult time finding information on proper care and feeding. Glider Central (www.sugarglider.net) aims to help fans of this pet with a site offering a bulletin board for getting questions answered and a page filled with hundreds of links to information on everything from finding a knowledgeable veterinarian to buying glider-themed art. Lots of glider pictures, too.
QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK
Q: How difficult is it to hand-feed a baby parrot? We've noticed they're sometimes sold at a discount if you take the baby newly hatched and raise it yourself. We've never hand-fed a bird, and we've never even had a parrot before, although we've thought about getting one for quite a while. One breeder we talked to says hand-feeding is easy, but we're wondering if it's really feasible for us as newbies to parrot-keeping. Also, will it be a better pet if we raise it ourselves? -- J.H., via e-mail
A: Hand-feeding involves using a spoon or syringe to give formula to a baby bird at what starts out as two-hour intervals. The basics of caring for baby birds are the same as with human babies: Keep them warm, keep them clean, and feed them when they're hungry. Socialization is an essential part of the package, too, for young birds should be exposed to gentle handling and the sounds of a human household to make good pets.
Sounds easy? It's not. Taking care of a baby bird is definitely not for beginners. Any avian veterinarian can tell you horror tales of baby birds killed by improper hand-feeding, such as by offering food that's too hot and fatally burns the baby. Although experienced hand-feeders find the work routine, for beginners it's frighteningly easy to bungle the job, with tragic results.
When you factor in the risks, the trouble and all those sleepless nights, hand-feeding your own bird isn't the bargain it may first appear to be. If you're thinking it's important for bonding, rest easy on that point as well. A healthy, well-socialized and fully weaned young bird from a reputable source will have no trouble at all bonding to you and becoming a wonderful pet.
Q: We have a new pet rabbit, just one, and we're not planning to get another. Since there won't be a problem with her becoming a mommy, is it necessary to have her spayed? We heard it's risky. -- R.U., via e-mail
A: Neutering pet rabbits is recommended both to improve health and longevity and to reduce behavior problems.
Female rabbits are at a high risk for uterine cancer, a leading killer of these pets over the age of 2. Spaying also removes the potential for common and potentially lethal reproductive-system infections. Besides extending your pet's life span, altering eliminates sex-related behavior problems. Sexually mature rabbits can be territorial or even aggressive, and may spray urine to mark their territory.
While it's true that anesthesia is generally considered to be riskier for rabbits than it is for dogs and cats, you can greatly minimize the risk by finding a veterinarian with experience in treating rabbits. The House Rabbit Society (www.rabbits.org) offers a listing of experienced rabbit veterinarians on its Web site.
Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to writetogina(at)spadafori.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.
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