Parrots as Pets

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by CaptainsWench

We never had a DNA test by a VET to determine his sex which is the only way to find out his gender for sure, but everything we read regarding size implies he is a Male.

Might be interesting to do (only costs about $20).

My Grey informed me of her gender (no kidding). We thought it was he, but it informed us "I'm a Girl!". We got the DNA test and sure enough, she was correct! Greys are scary smart.

[CaptainsWench]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Might be interesting to do (only costs about $20).

My Grey informed me of her gender (no kidding). We thought it was he, but it informed us "I'm a Girl!". We got the DNA test and sure enough, she was correct! Greys are scary smart.

Your Grey must be smarter than FRED. I asked him if he was a BOY or GIRL Parrot and he didn't answer.

[abh]

Suddenly I want to crew my boat with parrots. What type would be most suitable?

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Something this reminded me of is that parrots are gender conscious. They tend to bond to humans of the opposite gender (not always but tend to).

Your Orange-Wing was probably a female. The OP's "Fred" is probably female too.

I have a female African Grey and no one can touch her but me.

You are correct on all 3 points.

Maya has been happy with her new friends for 10yrs. She is 16yrs old.

[s/v Beth]

Originally Posted by abh

Suddenly I want to crew my boat with parrots. What type would be most suitable?

Being from Iceland, I would say parrots with fur coats would be the first characteristic.

I wonder if you could get them to work together to trim a sheet??

[abh]

The parrot would work so hard he would never be cold.

[Jeannius]

Originally Posted by abh

Suddenly I want to crew my boat with parrots. What type would be most suitable?

Norwegian Blue...

Monty Python - Dead Parrot - YouTube

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by CaptainsWench

HA HA, I can try. He is pretty smart.

Would be really handy on Sept 19th.

The Official site for International Talk Like A Pirate Day - September 19

[Cheechako]

My friends have lived aboard with a parrot for many years. He's part of the family. I dont see any issue if you are used to him at home. You really cant just get rid of him can you?

[CaptainsWench]

Originally Posted by MarkSF

Would be really handy on Sept 19th.

The Official site for International Talk Like A Pirate Day - September 19

Thanks. I enjoyed the video, now I will have that song in my head all day.

[CaptainsWench]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

My friends have lived aboard with a parrot for many years. He's part of the family. I dont see any issue if you are used to him at home. You really cant just get rid of him can you?

My best friend has offered to take him. We would get visitation rights IF we decide to part with him.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by CaptainsWench

Your Grey must be smarter than FRED. I asked him if he was a BOY or GIRL Parrot and he didn't answer.

We didn't even have to ask. We had always referred to the Grey as a male ("good boy" etc), but did not know gender for sure. We also lived aboard with cats (male and female). The Grey heard us refer to the cats as "boy" and "girl" and apparently figured it out. One day she piped up "I'm a girl !" and would not shut-up...over and over again...for days. Finally we said "OK, OK, enough" and had her DNA'ed. Sure enough, "Jack" was a girl. I read the results of the DNA test to her...she listened intently and immediately quit her insistent repetition of "I'm a girl"!

No BS, 100% true story.

Greys are intelligent enough to learn and use language. She has synthesized her own phrases many times, but this was certainly the most dramatic!

[oldjags]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

We didn't even have to ask. We had always referred to the Grey as a male ("good boy" etc), but did not know gender for sure. We also lived aboard with cats (male and female). The Grey heard us refer to the cats as "boy" and "girl" and apparently figured it out. One day she piped up "I'm a girl !" and would not shut-up...over and over again...for days. Finally we said "OK, OK, enough" and had her DNA'ed. Sure enough, "Jack" was a girl. I read the results of the DNA test to her...she listened intently and immediately quit her insistent repetition of "I'm a girl"!

No BS, 100% true story.

Greys are intelligent enough to learn and use language. She has synthesized her own phrases many times, but this was certainly the most dramatic!

So, did she start insisting you call her Jackie?

I'd love to have a parrot, but probably not on the boat. I think I'll wait till we get moved and settled in back on land.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by oldjags

So, did she start insisting you call her Jackie?

I'd love to have a parrot, but probably not on the boat. I think I'll wait till we get moved and settled in back on land.

No she kept calling herself by the same name and so did we.

Yes, pets are really better ashore.

[bobconnie]

Our parrot died of what the vet said was just plain old age !! we buried him at sea with full honors small cannon ball and all !