What is it about birds that we love so much?

[Amie]

Someone asked me why I was such a parrot geek yesterday. And I honestly couldn't answer.

Because what do you say? There are, of course the standards, but they don't apply to me (and I'm sure they don't for most of you)


They're beautiful!! Yeah, my Scarlett plucks herself naked and is looking really rough lately with a molt and especially (I believe) because both Mama and Daddy are a little stressed planning a wedding and a move.

They talk! No. . ..Scarlett says about 6 words. She makes lots of noises and most at appropriate times, but she's not really talkative.

They are intelligent. . .well, yes. Scarlett is very intelligent. But she also does some REALLY dumb things. Like fly right into walls if she gets too excited about hearing a shower running without her.

They are always loving. . . .Yeah, you show me a bird that is always loving, and I'll show you one yet to hit puberty.

She's also expensive, takes up a lot of time, demands my attention constantly. And of course, I have no problem with any of those things. I knew them taking her on. And 11 years later, we're quite happy. . .although I'm sure I could have had a better car or afforded a better house without her Of course, you can't blame her alone, we spoil all of our animals.

So what is it? I love my plucky, nudist, non-talking, sometimes dumb and clumsy redhead more than I have ever loved any other animal. And I honestly couldn't give you a definitive reason.

Other than "She just gets me. And I get her."

And nobody "gets" that!!

Any thoughts?

[Lisa B]

I get it. Emma doesnt talk...she doesnt have to . How many people would be disappointed in a grey who DOESNT TALK?

Sydney, who is supposed to be a member of the smart club, is well a few crayons short of full box.

Stirling is moody and has his set rules..... isnt it supposed to be the other way around?

however, the unconditonal love that comes from them, is what has kept me living with birds for 32 years. Each one has a special place in my heart.

[Chico's Mom]

I love most animals, and have had dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, fish and birds.
Dogs love you, they are always around dying for your attention.
Cats love you when you are reading the newspaper or sweeping, or doing anything that makes something move.
Rabbits, hamsters and fish are there.
Birds on the other hand, talk to you, even if they're not really talking. They tweet their "oh you're home, take me out take me out!!!, they grind their beaks to tell you they are so comfy on your shoulder, they call you from another room if you're gone too long, they waddle across the room like miniature charlie chaplins looking for you, they reward you by letting them give skritches and rub their bellies, and it means so much more from a bird than from a dog...dogs are indescriminate...they'll take lovin' from anybody, but a bird, well, that's something special. I've had many dogs, and loved them, and several cats and loved them, but my little tiel and greencheek have grabbed my heart in a whole new way. Your're right though, it can't be put into words. It just is!

[Courtzrocks]

I think its the same reason other people like dogs and cats...it's their personality, they are very smart and so funny at times and then other times can drive you crazy, but that's why you love them...well...thats why i do..like so many people ask me why did i get an alexandrine if they dont like being patted? Cos she is funny and smart and can make me fuming with anger and laughing in tears all in about 5 seconds.

[Ashling]

haha All very true! I have so much to write about this... but I'd be here all day. Just to add something different, I think we are honoured to have such incredible wild creatures live with us and interact with us at such an intimate level! Great post! I look forward to reading more responses!

[Jannabellsmom]

I think Chicos Mom pretty much summed it up for me.

[Amie]

I think I just figured it all out. . .

I'm in the back room watching opening day of the Astros' season, and Scarlett was sitting with daddy watching tv. . . .

And she started screaming "UP UP!!! UP UP MAMA!! UP UP!!!" when she heard me and the Astros in the back room. She is now perched on the foot of the bed, watching the game, and making very appropriate "Huh?"" noises every time I get upset with something on the television. Like "What are you doing?!?!?!? My Mama likes the guys in red!!! The ones who look like me!!!"

We do this every year for 180 (hopefully 180+) games. I swear she'll be calling squeeze plays in just a few more seasons!

[Maxlovesboating]

personality!!!!!!!!!!!! and so much more. to put it in a nut shell. Plus how many dogs or cats talk to there human Moms and Dads???

[KDK241]

I love my birds mainly because they're happy if I'm just here. They can be demanding at times, and annoying, and MESSY but everytime I'm having a bad day and Zeke starts whistling Old MacDonald to me because he knows it will make me laugh or Sophie gives me kisses and preens my hair I forget all about the bad things. I've had all animals from dogs to lizards and sometimes I sit and wonder how I went so long without birds...and wish I would have realized earlier how great they are.

[gottahaveart2]

I'll had the pleasure of many animals in my life....but my birds make me laugh and I never know what they will say or do....
This morning when I opened the door to my Military Macaw's Sleeping Room and said my cheery Good Morning!!! I was greeted with a deep harsh voice saying... WHAT!!!! and as I gently uncovered his cage, lifted him from within, he looked right into my eyes and said, "WELL!" It just cracked me up.....I find myself laughing more since I have feathered boarders.