Solomon--a REAL birdbrain.
The saga of the parrot named Solomon, from a ball of fuzz with no feathers to a feathered tape recorder.
When we first got him he was about 4 weeks old and had to be hand fed with a syringe. He was a messy eater so he needed a bath after every feeding, and the bathroom sink became his bathtub.
It took a couple of months for his feathers to grow in, and he didn't start talking until six months or so. He was slow learning for his first year, but now he picks up words rapidly.
He likes to ride on my husband's shoulder, and nibble on his glasses. Brian kept telling him "Stop it!" and that was one of the first things Solomon learned to say. Then Solomon started nibbling on Brian's ear and learned to say "Ouch" One day Brian told Solomon "Stop it!" and Solomon cocked his head to one side, looked Brian in the eye and told him "Speak up!"
Solomon also imitates our dogs and me. He calls the dogs in my voice, whines like Isaiah does when he wants to go out, and barks along with the dogs when people come to the door. He was yelling "Nancy" frequently, so Brian taught him to yell "Brian" also--equal time you know. When I told a friend at work that Solomon was calling me in Brian's voice, he asked if I could tell the difference between the two of them. When I said sometimes I wasn't sure who was calling, he suggested that I ignore them both.
Solomon' s Sayings
Be careful what you say around a parrot.
Whatcha doin'?
Wanna go out? (Heard anytime you're letting the dogs out)
Come on (When you're trying to get the dogs to come back in.)
Stop it!
What are you looking at? (Said accusingly)
Stop staring at me! (Doesn't matter if you're looking in the opposite direction.)
NANCY!!!
C'mon Jessie. (One of the dogs)
Birdbrain!
And now he's even learned to whistle "Dixie"--quite an unusual accomplishment for a birdbrain owned by a Cranky Yankee.
Other songs: Old McPherson had a Farm, Mary had a Little Lamb, I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Solomon being helpful: I opened the sliding glass door to let the dogs out. When they didn't move right away, Solomon told them "Go on! Outside!" and they went. I didn't have to say a word. And when it comes to calling the dogs back in, Solomon whistles for them--a lot louder than I can.
We never know what he'll pick up that we don't actually teach him. One day he was on Brian's shoulder, grabbing at Brian's glasses. When Brian told him "Stop it!" Solomon cocked his head to one side and told Brian "Speak up!"
Books on birds
Learn how to keep YOUR bird happy and healthy.
The Complete Pet Bird Owner's Handbook
Amazon Price: $25.51 (as of 08/30/2008)
First Aid For Birds: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet
Amazon Price: $7.94 (as of 08/30/2008)
The Simple Guide to Bird Care & Training (Simple Guide to...)
Amazon Price: $11.96 (as of 08/30/2008)
The Bird Care Book
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 08/30/2008)
Birds for Dummies
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 08/30/2008)
Toys for YOUR bird
Spiked Pinata Small 10in Natural Bird Toy
Amazon Price: $3.19 (as of 08/30/2008)
Super Bird Creations Whiffle Balls 6 Pack Bird Toy or Bird Part
Amazon Price: (as of 08/30/2008)
Feathered Phonics The Easy Way To Teach Your Bird To Speak Volume 1: 96 Words and Phrases
Amazon Price: $7.59 (as of 08/30/2008)
Super Bird Creations Rope Curl Small 1/2in X 52in
Amazon Price: (as of 08/30/2008)
Brand New Parrot Bird Play Gym Stand Stands 22D x 48H
Amazon Price: $99.99 (as of 08/30/2008)
(by 4 people)
