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Oh, I don't know if any human is truly suitable to own birds, unless they really like subservience! A bird expert put it quite nicely to me once: dogs have been domesticated for about 10,000 years. They know exactly what's expected of them, and are happy to comply. Cats have been domesticated for about 5000 years - they know what's expected, but don't always care. Birds, being evolved dinosaurs, have been doing what THEY want for over 350 million years. Think they care about what YOU think?
No, my birds don't speak to each other in English. Only 1 of my 3 can speak English. I got the other 2 as adults - I rescued them from an abuser, and it took quite close to 20 years to get one of them to warm up to us! The other's still hostile, though sort of handleable now. They just make wild bird noises (quite loudly, too!)
You're so sweet! Btw, I just realized you live in Brooklyn, I'm there almost 2X a month. Do you ride at Jamaica Bay? I went there a couple of times but most of the time I rode in Forest Hills Queens. Haven't been going lately except maybe two times a year or so.
Actually, when you hear birds outdoors singing to each other, they're practicing this "where are you - I'm over here" custom. Also, in springtime, when male birds sing those lovely songs, they're really saying, "this is my nesting area, stay OUT if you're not a lady bird!" Another rule - eating is social. If you eat, your birds must share. They'll TELL you about it LOUDLY if you ignore this rule!!
Bird rules - when you enter the flock (ie the room the flock is in), you're acknowledged by one of the birds saying HELLO to you. Nothing else will be said to you until you officially join the flock by answering the HELLO. It's rude not to answer, and you may be screeched at if you ignore this rule. When your mate-bird is not in the immediate room, he may sing half a song phrase, which is actually a request to know where you are. You should identify your location by finishing the song phrase. Those are just 2 of the many rules by which birds live!
Oh, are you a school teacher? it would be nice if we could arrange like a lunch meeting, or something, before the end of the year, and whoever we could get to come, we could all talk about a bigger meeting next summer! There are ranches in the Lake George area, wonder if they might be lesss expensive? I'm trying to get pics of my horses on so you can see them, having a lot of trouble with my computer :(
Thx 4 yr message!! Yes, my African Grey talks - the issue is actually shutting him up! We raised him from bappy-hood so English is his primary language, tho he does use bird sounds as well. The cool thing is that he uses language appropriately, and has taught US some of the etiquette of the bird world! Yes, they have behavioral rules, which can be stricter than human rules!!
Oh, that would be fun! I asked Manfred Mom what she thinks, too. She says she is working most weekends til after the holidays, and I will be working weekends til after Thanksgiving. I don't mind doing things on weekdays (actually, sometimes its better going places on weekdays!) But my son is Plasticat, and he is 13 and has school, and if there is a cheezmeet he will want to go...I wonder if the rance might work out better as a summertime meet? I wish there was a quicker way to discuss this!!
It's nice to be friends with some one who likes horses and cats! Is there times/places that would be good for you for a cheezmeet? I'm not sure how much/far you'd want to travel...and now, getting into winter travel can get interesting!
Iz nots unyushual for NYC peeps to b fwens wif Upstayters??? Purrhaps we hab fun discushin at NY Cheezmeet!
Would you be interested in a New York cheezemeet? I asked Manfred Mom, she said she would be interested. It would be fun!
I meant to tell you before, I lived in Pleasantville many years ago,working at a boarding stable. Most of the horses there were owned by people who lived in NYC. We used to ride on the Rockefeller estate. We would go into NYC sometimes, it was a little scary for this upstate girl! I hope to bring my son down there someday...
thnks Jajeh - aih keepz tryin to maek new frens an hoeps they givez my lolz a chance to get to the front page. iz such fun. the kitteh on my profile pic is my little girl named duchess. she is a spoiled gurl - liek she shud be! luv, widjitz
hai - thnks fur bein my new cheez fren. Ai lieks yer lolz! hoep yew liek mien too! luv, widjitz
It's great to have you as a new friend. My cat on the other hand thinks she is the queen of england. She strolls around like she owns the place but I love her just the same
I never knew he had Basenji's that is so cool. They are supposed to be barkless but he makes a wide variety of sounds. He is quite clever and the love of my life.He's hoing to be 12 this year .
