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Whoever coined the phrase "bird-brain," didn't know much about parrots. The brainy birds have been valued since the days of the ancient Greeks. Their intelligence, dexterity, and ability to mimic the human voice continues to captivate humankind.
And, while the parrot is demanding and loquacious, it is the third most popular American pet, after dogs and cats. Many parrot lovers aren't content with just one bird -- some turn their homes into indoor aviaries.
Ray Datz, vice president of the Real Macaw Parrot Club, has five parrots and he has taught them all tricks. While recovering from a back injury, Datz had the chance to put in extensive time with the birds.
"I had long experience in training dogs. Working with the parrots was good therapy for me and it continues to keep me busy," he said. "Training takes patience. I work step by step with the parrots, but, no matter how tedious, I really enjoy training." Datz uses verbal commands and gestures to teach his birds the tricks. Four of his birds have become seasoned performers. His parrots can play basketball, ride a toy bicycle, drive a miniature car, work a custom-made wheel barrow, jump through hoops, and play a little piano on a little piano
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All his birds talk, but his smartest bird, Peanuts can do nine tricks. Datz puts on avian circuses for birthday parties and other occasions. Datz said the birds are all hams, and truly enjoy performing -- especially Peanuts, the star of the show." Children especially enjoy watching them" he said. "Training the birds has been a lot of work, but very rewarding, especially when I can share their intelligence with others."
Another officer of the Real Macaw Parrot Club, Diane LaFleur, has been dubbed the "Bird Lady" because of her avian rescue work. She has fifteen birds of her own. "These are my babies. They are a diversion and a hobby," she said. LaFleur, who is pastor of the West Essex Christian Church and a religious teacher, said she began keeping parrots as pets by chance. "I lived in an apartment that didn't allow dogs or cats, so I bought a parrot, and that started my interest in the birds," she said.
After a bout with cancer, LaFleur found working with the birds was a "kind of therapy." Now, I am very content and happy and I have fun talking to my birds. One of them has a 500 word vocabulary," she confides. Over the past five years, LaFleur has amassed a library on parrot care and points out that proper nutrition is a key to good health. A carefully cared-for bird can live to be 60 years old. "The birds cannot tolerate chocolate or caffeine. They must have a balanced diet of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and avian supplements," she emphasizes.
In addition to tending her own brood, LaFleur rescues birds and finds good homes for them. She runs the adoption arm of the club and she tries to locate missing birds whenever possible. "Unfortunately, if a parrot flies away, there is always a chance that a hawk (their most serious avian predator) will kill the bird," she warns.
Because of their longevity, parrots are a big responsibility. LaFleur suggests that people interested in owning a parrot deal with a reputable breeder or a reliable pet store and find a good veterinarian who specializes in birds. And, get ready for a long relationship. "They are affectionate and bond with their owners," LaFleur said. They are worth all the effort it takes to keep them healthy and content."
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