Let me introduce myself. I am Denise Mouroux, the Parrot Lady of Mercer Island (Seattle), Washington. At least so I am
called by many of my friends, clients and acquaintances. I have also been referred to as the Bird Lady, the Birdbrain, and a
few other not-so-flattering, but accurate, titles. Why? Because I am an exotic bird lover, a Certified Avian Specialist, and a
bird behaviorist. I individually hand raise and sell all species of domestic exotic parrots, or, as I prefer to think of them --
"feathered little children. "
I want to introduce you to the wonderful world of exotic birds, and especially domestic, hand-raised parrots. Where do
they come from? What is it like to own and interact with a parrot? How do you care for a parrot? Are they truly the
ultimate companion pet? And, of course, can they really talk? Without wandering into technical and confusing avicultural
jargon, I will answer these questions and more with just plain talk about these fancy birds and wonderful companions.
Speaking from experience, there is no greater pet than a bird. They are loving and endearing; they bond with you and your
family; they are comical, adorable and relieve stress (rather than cause it); they can go almost anywhere with you; AND you
do not have to watch them grow old. With proper care, your parrot will be with you always.
Parrots come in a variety of sizes and colors, from large macaws and cockatoos, up to three feet in height, down to
mini-macaws and Budgerigars, only five inches tall. All of the colors of the rainbow are available, sometimes even in the
same bird. However, I never recommend that a prospective owner choose his new bird companion based on its plumage.
There is so much more to a parrot than its appearance!
Perhaps most important parrot quality is their bonding ability with humans. These birds have very long life spans, some living
more than 80 years. The bond that develops between owner and bird is much deeper than with other pets. It is close to that
of a human mate, and almost impossible to describe. Caring, loving, understanding and nurturing, a sense of emotional
intimacy is established between owner and bird. Highly intelligent, parrots sense your emotions as well as communicate their
own to you. The parrot literally grows up with the family, eating, bathing and sleeping on very much the same schedule as its
human companions; and the bird often is passed on to the next generation in the family.
Parrots are easy to care for -- they do not need to be walked outdoors in the rain and snow. Any "mess" is contained to
some newspaper in their cage; and if you decide to let them roam the house (which should only be done with supervision)
most birds can be potty trained. They eat human food -- fruits, vegetables, cooked beans, pasta, rice, cereals and
occasional nuts -- not odd smelling dog or cat food. Contrary to the old concept of a box of bird seed, our birds need and
enjoy almost all the same foods that we eat. Supplemented with commercial pelleted food, parrots easily receive a balanced
meal.
As with humans, mealtime is one of the most social times for your bird, and a lot of fun for the whole family. Have you ever
watched a parrot hold corn on the cob in his foot--hand--and relish every morsel? Or have a baby bird taste every item on
your dinner plate, with great curiosity, then let you know its food preferences? They delight in their food almost as much as
they enjoy being snuggled, hugged and kissed by their humans. Oh, but watch out for those really affectionate kisses just
after your feathered friend has consumed a nice Jalapeno pepper!
Now, not all birds are snugglers, and not all are talkers. Just as our children have unique personalities, so do parrots.
However unlike children, we can predict certain behavioral characteristics in certain species of birds. Because the species
and personalities vary, it is very important to learn all about your intended feathered family member before making a choice.
After all, this wonderful companion is most likely going to live with you the rest of your life, so wouldnīt you like to be sure
you select a good roommate? Fortunately, thatīs where people like myself fit into the picture. I help educate my clients, and
match the right bird to their lifestyle.
Obviously choosing the right bird is the most important element of adding a parrot to your family. And with over 300
species to choose from, that can be overwhelming. So I generally guide my clients by grouping parrots into just three basic
categories. Sounds simple? Itīs not. But at least this makes the beginning of the process manageable for the bird-novice.
Just as we select our friends and mates very carefully, so should we choose our fine feathered friends. And the reward is
well worth the effort.
First, there are the "Talkers & Independents"-- these are the more independent, extremely intelligent species which includes
Amazons, African Greys, Eclectus, Ring necked Parrots, and more. Then there are the adorable, fluffy "Cuddlers &
Lovers"--the Cockatoo family: Moluccans, Umbrellas, Sulpher Crested, Rose Breasted, Goffinīs, as well as other less
known species. And then we have the "Mischievous Children"--the Macaws, from the large Hyacinth, Green-winged and
Blue & Golds down to the tiny miniature Hahnīs Macaws; also under this category might be Conures, Pionis and more.
Delightfully playful personalities with fair talking ability, Macaws are among the most colorful of the parrots.
Click and Read on for a more detailed and interesting overview of The Talkers & Independents -- The Cuddlers & Lovers
-- The Mischievous Children.
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