CONSERVANCY OF THE PHOENIX INC

THE LONGEST DAY


A COCKATOO'S WORK IS NEVER DONE
PHOTO BY VANESSA HIRSCH COPYRIGHT 2001

Bubba is an 8 year old, male Moluccan cockatoo who has shared my life since he was about 6 months old. He is very extroverted and especially loves men and will show off shamelessly. He tends to capture people's hearts since he is so charming and outgoing and also so beautiful. He also is very intelligent and a real troublemaker. I have to watch him closely when he is out of his cage since he loves to explore and can really move fast. He can climb my kitchen cupboards in seconds flat and knows exactly where the nuts are kept.
Vannessa


 BUBBA "RET BUTLER"

 

Bubba is a feather picker, which means he is prone to plucking his feathers out. This is a practice that is common among parrot type birds of various species. The cause is non-specific encompassing many influences of psychological and environmental origins.

Here Bubba proudly displays his "Ret Butler" vest he wears; it is somewhat effective in reducing or preventing his urge to pluck feathers.  Bubba is cooperative in allow himself to to be dressed and seems to like his vest.

A COMMENT FROM THE CONSERVANCY

SO YOU WANT TO SHARE YOUR LIFE WITH A WITH A BIRD

The suggestion is to abandon that thought until you reconsider the responsibilities of SHARING your life with a beautiful creature the likes of Bubba. Before you go out and purchase a bird because you think he cute or just because he can speak your language you have responsibility to gather all the information on the species of interest and lean about, temperament, diet requirements, and the personality traits of the species. Birds have likes and dislikes and can go temperamentally ballistic on the spur of the moment. HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THAT BEAK? The larger parrots are quite capable of removing a finger or inflicting serious bite; even the smaller birds can leave serious cuts.

Some species of birds can be or ARE very noisy. Parrots can tightly bond to a particular human companion and can become intolerant of other humans or animals when he is with his "human" best friend. Parrot type birds require personal attention with the the degree there of varying with the species. No parrot can be left in the cage and fed only seeds. Having a parrot as a companion is like having a five year old child; they are NOT pets. Many parrots have a life span of 50 to 70 years or longer in some cases; he going to be with you awhile. Parrot rescue facilities overflow with abandoned parrots no longer wanted by their owners.

If you want a parrot for a companion do your homework first. Be responsible enough to know what you are getting into; take some training in parrot care BEFORE the purchase. To companion a beautiful creature like Bubba one must develop the understanding and provide the tender love and care provided by individuals like Vanessa.