llf5696@ultb.isc.rit.edu (L.L. Fenicchia) (02/25/90)
I just started reading this newsgroup, so I hope this hasn't been asked before. I have never owned a caged bird, but have loved birds in general, and have a facination with talking birds in particular. I own two cats, one of which is a "killer" [but loyal and loveable] and both live indoors, so I will not be able to fufill my desire to get an indoor bird [for the next 10 years at least]. Also, I am a real cat lover, and when it comes down to it, I'd choose the companionship of a cat over a bird, if I had to make a choice, but... I saw this bird species [in pet shop], called Pacific Parrotlet, and fell in love. I've been to vist him and her [there are two], a few times now, and when I talk to them, they come real close to the edge of the cage, and sit and listen to me intently, with a look of understanding. They cost about $250 each, so I figure they'll be at the pet shop awhile longer. I don't know the names of various indoor bird species, or know much about their care and feeding, but the birds look like miniature parrots to me. I plan to find an indoor bird book, but in the mean time, does anyone own one of these birds or know anything about them. The two birds seem devoted to each other. Are they of the talking variety? --- Is it true that all birds can learn to talk in human terms, as I am sure IMHO, all birds communicate to each other in audible ways, we just don't understand their language. [so who's so smart?] I read an incredible but true story, in the papers a few years ago about a Robin, that had been injured. Someone brought it inside to nurse it [which is illegal I think] and the bird was kept in a cage, next to a talking bird [not sure what kind]. You guessed it, the Robin learned to talk. They had the bird on the tv show, Amazing Animals, and the authorities, cited the owner, and told them that they must release the Robin to the wild. I am not sure of the outcome, as the owners were fighting the decision. anyway, thanks for any info provided, Linda llf.henr801C@xerox.com