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Tumblr Users Share Hilariously Unbelievable Encounters That Prove Parrots Have Sense Of Humor
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Tumblr Users Share Hilariously Unbelievable Encounters That Prove Parrots Have Sense Of Humor

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Pet owners have all laughed at their pets at one point or another, but who has had their pet intentionally make them laugh? Well, one Tumblr thread, along with a 30-year-long research study, shows that there is one species that may be capable of demonstrating a sense of humor.

It was the late 1970’s when Dr. Irene Pepperberg began her study of African Grey Parrots. Her goal was to see if these birds, said to be the best of all their species at mimicry, were displaying an emotional intelligence past repeating learned phrases. The birds were proven to have the ability to develop and learn to a five-year-old human’s intellectual level. Through extensive work with her test subject ‘Alex’, she found he could not only mimic words but actively participate in conversations with his handlers. Alex’s abilities even developed to a point where he could understand how to emote language, using phrases such as “I’m sorry!” and “Calm down!” In Pepperberg’s 2008 memoir “Alex & Me” she talks about how the parrot displayed a sense of humor and would play pranks.

With a learning potential of up to about 2,000 words, the African Grey is definitely a one-of-a-kind bird. Alex was not unique in his capacity for humor, in the thread below you will see multiple stories of humorous encounters people have had with these notorious pranksters. (Cover image: Tracey R)

We all know that parrots have the ability to mimic words and sounds, but they are actually way more intelligent than you might think

Here are a few stories that prove they are not only capable of repeating words but know just how to use them too

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bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keeping parrots is not for amateurs. You need skills and knowledge: Check out >>A message from our executive director<< http://chloesanctuary.org/ Otherwise you might be committing cruelty without even knowing it.

onemessylady avatar
Aunt Messy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People should pay attention, and whoever downvoted you needs a smack on the head with a dead salmon. ALL birds are relatively fragile pets, but parrots are particularly demanding. I've known people who had them, and they're a terrific amount of work.

Load More Replies...
johanna_10 avatar
Lucida
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

African greys are extremly talented in mimicking sounds, words and voices. A friend of mine had an African grey and I couldn't tell the differnes between my friends voice and the bird. Many times I thought I was talking to my friend from another room but it was acctually the bird talking.

sallyapple7 avatar
Sally Appleton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My aunt had a devil bird that used to call the dog by it's name. The dog would get so excited for friendship she'd jump up against the cage. Then a human would come in to yell at the dog and the bird would join in.

edc_82 avatar
bea_hettlage avatar
MauKini
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friends parents have a "non-verbal" parrot, hes great at sounds though and doesnt like visitors. So whenever they have guests over you hear every possible appliance from the kitchen, ringing mobiles and the odd flushing of the toilet. Also if my friedns dad doesnt let the bird shower with him every morning, hess cross with everyone for the whole day.

didonzenith avatar
Didon Zenith
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom's friend had this parrot and they would keep a window open a little bit so it could hear outside and get some air. As a result, the parrot would stand at the window all day and catcall women passing by and even give then compliments and then laugh when they turned around and slapped the poor guys walking behind them. He also had a very foul mouth according to what I hear

janinesteam avatar
Janine B.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The two African Greys living at my vet clinic are also pretty cute. They live in the huge waiting room in a separated area with plants and stuff and can fly whenever they like . They really like cats and if you don't pay any attention to them they will walk up to you and meow like real cats. At night (they have a 24h service) they often get bored and imitate the phone ringing until the doctor comes running to pick up the "call". And the birdies just sit there and have a good time. :)))

shanake_ avatar
Shana
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom's MIL had an african grey too. He would always call the cats to the kitchen "here kitty kitty kitty" and when they approached; "you want a treat kitty? good kitty, wants a treat". But he said it just like the humans did ofcourse, so the cats would start yowling for their treat :p

gurgitoy2 avatar
Ben Churchill
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to live with a family that had an African Grey, and it was pretty funny. They didn't actively train the bird, unfortunately, but he picked up lots on his own...which included mimicking the husband who used to sit in front of the TV drinking beer, belching, and cursing. The parrot had the belching and cursing down exactly! It was like a mini Barney Gumble from the Simpsons! He always did it at the funniest times too.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get how people can talk about how intelligent and wonderful these birds are, while simultaneously keeping them in isolation, away from their own kind, in captivity.

tiari avatar
Tiari
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Two African Greys in the distant family always meow at dogs, driving them completely insane.

lanza130 avatar
Melody Lanzatella
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In another true sign of intelligence, parrots love to "prank" other parrots as well! LOL

edc_82 avatar
Lola
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a small, neighborhood clothing shop that I frequent. The lady there keeps a parrot. She has trained him to whistle at every woman who walks in the store. If you get close to him he says “Cabo”, that’s his name. He is the cuttest thing.

p-sapirstein avatar
Pearl Sapirstein
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL My parrot likes to pretend to want to kiss guests who visit and then bites them. She finds it hilarious and starts laughing hysterically... she only does a hard nip to surprise them, but needless to say we don’t let her go to strangers anymore. She also likes to whistle to the dogs and watch them run around looking for my stepdad🙄

freyathewanderer_1 avatar
Freya the Wanderer
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of Alex the African Gray that not only knew words but understood their meanings and could count up to seven. More info here: http://www.african-grey-parrot.com/Alex-The-African-Grey-Parrot.aspx Then there is this story from The Oatmeal about an undead African Gray (warning: strong language). http://theoatmeal.com/comics/grump

p-sapirstein avatar
Pearl Sapirstein
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do agree with the person who says “bird people are insane.” Sometimes I doubt my insanity too... pretty crazy amount of commitment (but totally worth it as long as you know what you are getting into)

elizabethlordcary avatar
Elizabeth
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This post makes me want to get a parrot, then again I like that my animal can't tell people what I do when home alone.

p-sapirstein avatar
Pearl Sapirstein
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol. Parrots are also like feathered toddlers... unless you can spend 4+ hours with them a day and can handle VERY LOUD animals all the time, and stand to be bitten, they are not good pets :)

Load More Replies...
norsepaw avatar
Sivi
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Two of my aunts have owned parrots. One parrot started to mimic my aunt everytime grandma came for a visit and here is what he told grandma: "You again!" Sometimes he would add a ugh or sound really frustrated. Sad enough her kids got allergic to him so he had to be rehomed. My other aunt had a macaw, her kids also got allergic to the macaw, who was very gently and did not scream either.

benfancomplex avatar
Daja Lindeman
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

birds are life.! I love every single bird I have... all 8 of them. Smart little buggers that make me laugh every single day.

leannemariedantoni avatar
Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my great aunts was the first to leave her estate to her pet and the "house boy" who looked after--he was an African Grey.

betsybraddock avatar
BetsyB
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a grey that pulled some ofthe same things as Loki. He'd lure my friends' kid to the cage by calling her like a cat, so that he could bite her finders if she got close enough. He'd also make a tent out of his newspapers and try to sound like Darth Vader. A lot of things were funny to him & he loved to dance. We babysat a different kind of parrot once & I've gotta say my grey was a lot smarter & funnier.

alexiscope avatar
Alexis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love about all animals but unless you're saving it from extinction or it was hurt and can no longer fly... please let it be and do what it was born to do!!

ryu_bakura avatar
Ryo Bakura
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My parents have two African Greys, although one is a Timneh. The full AG is a noisy S****. He chirps, whistles, and clicks. He mimics my sister quite a lot, and he calls out to their dog. However, he's either yet to notice, or is just stupid, but he still calls out to the dog that my parents had to have put down a while ago.

louise_brigance avatar
Louise Brigance
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a kid a neighbor had a parrot, not sure what kind though. It spoke Spanish. We spoke Spanish, so did our neighbor and the lady with the parrot. She'd put the bird in the window so he look out, but he'd yell curse words in Spanish at every body. You could hear that bird all the way down the street, and probably a couple of streets over. Finally she gave him away. Nasty piece of business!!

flaviaslag avatar
Flavia Slag
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Friends had a gray and they went on vacation for a week and a friend cared for the bird. When my friends came back they let him out and would talk to him and offer him treats. He would just turn his back to them and not even look at them for a few days. He was really mad they left him.

louwow avatar
Lou Wow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My African Grey will make an annoying screech and then tell herself to be quiet. She will also give me a nip and then say "don't bite". The cutest thing is when she says "what's this?" followed by "oooooooo!" when you offer her a treat. She has a British accent which is sweet.

lanza130 avatar
Melody Lanzatella
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many birds are extremely intelligent! Crows make and use tools! They also prank other crows!

katiefinwall avatar
Katie Finwall
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandma had a parrot she inherited from her ex mother in law aka the "one eyed whore". He was so crusty. He had to have been 60 or 70 years old

shaynameidela avatar
Carol Harrison
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love parrots, at one time wanted one. Then a visit to the pet shop we regularly visited that ended with me being bitten on a finger by a "tame" parrot changed my mind. Still have the scar.

pighampton06 avatar
Johnny Frostbite
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagining a parrot grumbling "you need to vacuum" made me laugh like a maniac.

adsoyad avatar
Bored klavyeli
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One more story let me tell you. I worked at a small manufactoring shop and there was a parrot whose was boss. This animal was used to mimic alarm sound of the elevator on work. People who were in charge at elevator making panic. Because that work was out of their control and they wanted to stop elavator working... I thought the parrot had fun by this way in the little cage..

rhemore1 avatar
Suzanne Haigh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why, Why, why do so many Americans cli their parrots wings? they may as well clip their kid's legs.

laurentesta avatar
Laur 24
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

African greys are intelligent animals, and in the future, i will own one. They have been known as one of the top smartest birds! All birds are smart though, like my green cheeked conure named Sunny. she can speak a variety of words and phrases: Hi sunny, come here, baby, yes, give kiss, and she can also make clap noises to if you're happy and you know it. She can say other things to, like Hi, and when she was a baby she made a noise that sounded like "widget" which was interesting. BTW if anyone wants to see african greys and other parrots on youtube follow Marlene Mc'Cohen she is my favorite youtuber and has inspired me to keep my bird "engaged not caged"

felicia_3 avatar
Felicia Dale
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a little red bellied poicephalus (an African species from around Senegal, about a quarter the size of an African Grey) and we have DOZENS of stories about him, his ability to understand and use words appropriately and his sense of humor. He was primarily what we like to call a "foley" bird (like the foley artists who do sound for movies) because he was incredibly good at hearing random noises and repeating them. He was an amazing person in a bird suit and we were devastated when he died at the age of only seven from complications due to Proventricular Dilation Disorder and inept vet care. We will never have another bird. We love them and bird sit for friends now and then but they are super high maintenance, incredibly easy to kill and they can go mad from lack of proper care and affection. Amazing creatures, though. If anyone wants more neat parrot facts check out Dr. Irene Pepperberg's website and her work with Alex: https://alexfoundation.org/about/dr-irene-pepperberg/

mearz67 avatar
why not
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to want a parrot. Used to. Now I want a friend with a parrot.

xiaotingzhu avatar
Xiaoting Zhu
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

furryfelines avatar
Alexandra Perry
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of people don't realize that when you adopt a parrot (and other types of birds) you are taking on a lifetime commitment. Much longer than a dog or a cats lifespan so you better be prepared for the amount of work and attention you will have to be able to give out. I've seen so many poor birds get shuffled from home to home for the lamest of reasons like He's too noisy, or he scatters his seed all through my house, or he's mean and bites me. They need a ton of attention and training and you have to know you are taking on a 5 yr old for life! Do you really want to deal with a 5 yr old for 50 yrs or more? Saying all that, I do love cockatiels as they tend to be a bit quieter than the bigger parrots and are more easily trained. Even parakeets are a better bird for those with lesser skill handling birds.

macawmama avatar
Kashmir Csaky
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The story about Paco and Bongo Marie is incorrect. What she said was, " Oh, Nooo! Paco."

bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keeping parrots is not for amateurs. You need skills and knowledge: Check out >>A message from our executive director<< http://chloesanctuary.org/ Otherwise you might be committing cruelty without even knowing it.

onemessylady avatar
Aunt Messy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People should pay attention, and whoever downvoted you needs a smack on the head with a dead salmon. ALL birds are relatively fragile pets, but parrots are particularly demanding. I've known people who had them, and they're a terrific amount of work.

Load More Replies...
johanna_10 avatar
Lucida
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

African greys are extremly talented in mimicking sounds, words and voices. A friend of mine had an African grey and I couldn't tell the differnes between my friends voice and the bird. Many times I thought I was talking to my friend from another room but it was acctually the bird talking.

sallyapple7 avatar
Sally Appleton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My aunt had a devil bird that used to call the dog by it's name. The dog would get so excited for friendship she'd jump up against the cage. Then a human would come in to yell at the dog and the bird would join in.

edc_82 avatar
bea_hettlage avatar
MauKini
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friends parents have a "non-verbal" parrot, hes great at sounds though and doesnt like visitors. So whenever they have guests over you hear every possible appliance from the kitchen, ringing mobiles and the odd flushing of the toilet. Also if my friedns dad doesnt let the bird shower with him every morning, hess cross with everyone for the whole day.

didonzenith avatar
Didon Zenith
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom's friend had this parrot and they would keep a window open a little bit so it could hear outside and get some air. As a result, the parrot would stand at the window all day and catcall women passing by and even give then compliments and then laugh when they turned around and slapped the poor guys walking behind them. He also had a very foul mouth according to what I hear

janinesteam avatar
Janine B.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The two African Greys living at my vet clinic are also pretty cute. They live in the huge waiting room in a separated area with plants and stuff and can fly whenever they like . They really like cats and if you don't pay any attention to them they will walk up to you and meow like real cats. At night (they have a 24h service) they often get bored and imitate the phone ringing until the doctor comes running to pick up the "call". And the birdies just sit there and have a good time. :)))

shanake_ avatar
Shana
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom's MIL had an african grey too. He would always call the cats to the kitchen "here kitty kitty kitty" and when they approached; "you want a treat kitty? good kitty, wants a treat". But he said it just like the humans did ofcourse, so the cats would start yowling for their treat :p

gurgitoy2 avatar
Ben Churchill
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to live with a family that had an African Grey, and it was pretty funny. They didn't actively train the bird, unfortunately, but he picked up lots on his own...which included mimicking the husband who used to sit in front of the TV drinking beer, belching, and cursing. The parrot had the belching and cursing down exactly! It was like a mini Barney Gumble from the Simpsons! He always did it at the funniest times too.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get how people can talk about how intelligent and wonderful these birds are, while simultaneously keeping them in isolation, away from their own kind, in captivity.

tiari avatar
Tiari
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Two African Greys in the distant family always meow at dogs, driving them completely insane.

lanza130 avatar
Melody Lanzatella
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In another true sign of intelligence, parrots love to "prank" other parrots as well! LOL

edc_82 avatar
Lola
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a small, neighborhood clothing shop that I frequent. The lady there keeps a parrot. She has trained him to whistle at every woman who walks in the store. If you get close to him he says “Cabo”, that’s his name. He is the cuttest thing.

p-sapirstein avatar
Pearl Sapirstein
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL My parrot likes to pretend to want to kiss guests who visit and then bites them. She finds it hilarious and starts laughing hysterically... she only does a hard nip to surprise them, but needless to say we don’t let her go to strangers anymore. She also likes to whistle to the dogs and watch them run around looking for my stepdad🙄

freyathewanderer_1 avatar
Freya the Wanderer
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of Alex the African Gray that not only knew words but understood their meanings and could count up to seven. More info here: http://www.african-grey-parrot.com/Alex-The-African-Grey-Parrot.aspx Then there is this story from The Oatmeal about an undead African Gray (warning: strong language). http://theoatmeal.com/comics/grump

p-sapirstein avatar
Pearl Sapirstein
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do agree with the person who says “bird people are insane.” Sometimes I doubt my insanity too... pretty crazy amount of commitment (but totally worth it as long as you know what you are getting into)

elizabethlordcary avatar
Elizabeth
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This post makes me want to get a parrot, then again I like that my animal can't tell people what I do when home alone.

p-sapirstein avatar
Pearl Sapirstein
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol. Parrots are also like feathered toddlers... unless you can spend 4+ hours with them a day and can handle VERY LOUD animals all the time, and stand to be bitten, they are not good pets :)

Load More Replies...
norsepaw avatar
Sivi
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Two of my aunts have owned parrots. One parrot started to mimic my aunt everytime grandma came for a visit and here is what he told grandma: "You again!" Sometimes he would add a ugh or sound really frustrated. Sad enough her kids got allergic to him so he had to be rehomed. My other aunt had a macaw, her kids also got allergic to the macaw, who was very gently and did not scream either.

benfancomplex avatar
Daja Lindeman
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

birds are life.! I love every single bird I have... all 8 of them. Smart little buggers that make me laugh every single day.

leannemariedantoni avatar
Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my great aunts was the first to leave her estate to her pet and the "house boy" who looked after--he was an African Grey.

betsybraddock avatar
BetsyB
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a grey that pulled some ofthe same things as Loki. He'd lure my friends' kid to the cage by calling her like a cat, so that he could bite her finders if she got close enough. He'd also make a tent out of his newspapers and try to sound like Darth Vader. A lot of things were funny to him & he loved to dance. We babysat a different kind of parrot once & I've gotta say my grey was a lot smarter & funnier.

alexiscope avatar
Alexis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love about all animals but unless you're saving it from extinction or it was hurt and can no longer fly... please let it be and do what it was born to do!!

ryu_bakura avatar
Ryo Bakura
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My parents have two African Greys, although one is a Timneh. The full AG is a noisy S****. He chirps, whistles, and clicks. He mimics my sister quite a lot, and he calls out to their dog. However, he's either yet to notice, or is just stupid, but he still calls out to the dog that my parents had to have put down a while ago.

louise_brigance avatar
Louise Brigance
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a kid a neighbor had a parrot, not sure what kind though. It spoke Spanish. We spoke Spanish, so did our neighbor and the lady with the parrot. She'd put the bird in the window so he look out, but he'd yell curse words in Spanish at every body. You could hear that bird all the way down the street, and probably a couple of streets over. Finally she gave him away. Nasty piece of business!!

flaviaslag avatar
Flavia Slag
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Friends had a gray and they went on vacation for a week and a friend cared for the bird. When my friends came back they let him out and would talk to him and offer him treats. He would just turn his back to them and not even look at them for a few days. He was really mad they left him.

louwow avatar
Lou Wow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My African Grey will make an annoying screech and then tell herself to be quiet. She will also give me a nip and then say "don't bite". The cutest thing is when she says "what's this?" followed by "oooooooo!" when you offer her a treat. She has a British accent which is sweet.

lanza130 avatar
Melody Lanzatella
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many birds are extremely intelligent! Crows make and use tools! They also prank other crows!

katiefinwall avatar
Katie Finwall
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandma had a parrot she inherited from her ex mother in law aka the "one eyed whore". He was so crusty. He had to have been 60 or 70 years old

shaynameidela avatar
Carol Harrison
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love parrots, at one time wanted one. Then a visit to the pet shop we regularly visited that ended with me being bitten on a finger by a "tame" parrot changed my mind. Still have the scar.

pighampton06 avatar
Johnny Frostbite
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagining a parrot grumbling "you need to vacuum" made me laugh like a maniac.

adsoyad avatar
Bored klavyeli
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One more story let me tell you. I worked at a small manufactoring shop and there was a parrot whose was boss. This animal was used to mimic alarm sound of the elevator on work. People who were in charge at elevator making panic. Because that work was out of their control and they wanted to stop elavator working... I thought the parrot had fun by this way in the little cage..

rhemore1 avatar
Suzanne Haigh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why, Why, why do so many Americans cli their parrots wings? they may as well clip their kid's legs.

laurentesta avatar
Laur 24
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

African greys are intelligent animals, and in the future, i will own one. They have been known as one of the top smartest birds! All birds are smart though, like my green cheeked conure named Sunny. she can speak a variety of words and phrases: Hi sunny, come here, baby, yes, give kiss, and she can also make clap noises to if you're happy and you know it. She can say other things to, like Hi, and when she was a baby she made a noise that sounded like "widget" which was interesting. BTW if anyone wants to see african greys and other parrots on youtube follow Marlene Mc'Cohen she is my favorite youtuber and has inspired me to keep my bird "engaged not caged"

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Felicia Dale
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had a little red bellied poicephalus (an African species from around Senegal, about a quarter the size of an African Grey) and we have DOZENS of stories about him, his ability to understand and use words appropriately and his sense of humor. He was primarily what we like to call a "foley" bird (like the foley artists who do sound for movies) because he was incredibly good at hearing random noises and repeating them. He was an amazing person in a bird suit and we were devastated when he died at the age of only seven from complications due to Proventricular Dilation Disorder and inept vet care. We will never have another bird. We love them and bird sit for friends now and then but they are super high maintenance, incredibly easy to kill and they can go mad from lack of proper care and affection. Amazing creatures, though. If anyone wants more neat parrot facts check out Dr. Irene Pepperberg's website and her work with Alex: https://alexfoundation.org/about/dr-irene-pepperberg/

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why not
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to want a parrot. Used to. Now I want a friend with a parrot.

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Xiaoting Zhu
Community Member
5 years ago

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Alexandra Perry
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of people don't realize that when you adopt a parrot (and other types of birds) you are taking on a lifetime commitment. Much longer than a dog or a cats lifespan so you better be prepared for the amount of work and attention you will have to be able to give out. I've seen so many poor birds get shuffled from home to home for the lamest of reasons like He's too noisy, or he scatters his seed all through my house, or he's mean and bites me. They need a ton of attention and training and you have to know you are taking on a 5 yr old for life! Do you really want to deal with a 5 yr old for 50 yrs or more? Saying all that, I do love cockatiels as they tend to be a bit quieter than the bigger parrots and are more easily trained. Even parakeets are a better bird for those with lesser skill handling birds.

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Kashmir Csaky
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The story about Paco and Bongo Marie is incorrect. What she said was, " Oh, Nooo! Paco."

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