gbird ~ November 2007

[Lisa B]

How did you become involved with Birds?
My first birds were 2 Finches, Rock & Roll. This was many many years ago. That was my first experience. About 2 years ago I started working at Petco. I fell in love with the Keets. I would stand there and watch them for hours. (not much work got done then) We got in a baby Sun Conure, and I learned how to hand feed him, and we became best friends. I never thought you could have that bond with a bird. I fell in love, and Pita came home with me a year ago.

What made you want to share you life with birds?
If you would have told me 2 years ago, I would be head over heels in love with a bird, I would have said....sorry, wrong. I live alone, and everyday at work after I'd spent the whole day getting snuggles & kisses from Pita, I began to do research on owning a parrot. At first it was overwhelming, but, I fell in love, and couldn't imagine him going home with someone else. The bond is unbreakable, and forever. He makes me laugh everyday, even when he's being a brat...I mean bird...lol


How long have you been an avian caretaker?
Pita is 1 1/2 years old. I brought him home in August of '06, so over a year....and still learning, but everyday I love him more.

What species do you currently care for?
Pita is a 1 1/2 year old, male Sun Conure.......but he thinks he's a Macaw

What do you love most about your birds?
The fact that these are basically wild animals, and they allow you into thier world. They trust you completely, they love you unconditionally. Pita doesn't care what I look like, as long as long as I love him back. He has become part of my heart & soul. He is my reason for waking up every morning. Until you have been snuggled by a bird, you just won't understand.

Do you have a favourite bird book and why?
I have a couple of books that I haven't read yet. I recently bought the DVD & book of Parrots of Telegraph Hill. I've watched the movie, and am looking forward to reading the book.

Which bird magazines do you buy/subscribe to?
Bird Talk, and I enjoy reading it cover to cover

Do you belong to any bird clubs?
Not bird clubs per say. I do volunteer once a week at The Gabriel Foundation, a parrot rescue/rehab. Plus I sponsor 2 Cockatoo's there, Ricky Roo & Jasper

Do you have a special story of a feathered one you would like to share?
I guess my favorite story is about Pita. Around a month after I got him, I was on the computer, and he was sitting on the top of the desk. All of a sudden, the screen went black, and smoke starting coming out of it. I looked at Pita and said "you just pooped didn't you?" He looked at me with "that face" and said "I'm a good boy" It was there and then I came up with his name PITA (Pain In The Ass)

What is the best piece of advice you can offer new parronts that you have learned through trial and error?EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION Do your research. Make sure the bird you want is the right bird for you. Be aware they have moods, good & bad. They are loud. They are messy. Be patient, they have to get used to you just like you have to get used to them. And never ever try to stop them from being what they instinctly are, a bird. If after you know the basics, and still want one. Take your time. The bird will pick you, and all the negatives will be enormously outweighed by the positives & the love & the joy of being owned by a bird.

Care to share who else shares your life? Pets/Family?
Just a male Beta fish - Spot....he's very quiet.

Any closing thoughts?
Please don't jump into bird ownership. I see the results of people getting a bird without doing research first at TGF. They may not talk when or as much as you'd like, they may not learn the tricks you want, they may get on your nerves, but once they trust & love you, they always will. Also thanx to everyone on here for the knowledge I've gained and continue to gain. And thank you to Pitas Godmommie, Bee, for always being there, like she was after my car accident in March, she dropped everything to come and get Pita and kept him for 2 months. Be prepared, make arrangements, and please get an Avian vet.

[jimpierce7]

congratulations!!!! Woo hoo!!!

[Kevin]

Congrats gbird!

[Busguy]

Woohoo!! Congrat's, very well deserved.

[gbird]

Thanx everybody. I must say I didn't expect this. I feel as I'm a new bird owner, and forever learning. But the help I've gotten on this forum, and the people I have met personally thru it, have been a huge help.

Geez, this sounds like I'm accepting an Oscar or something....LOL

So from Pita & me.....thank you, and I will continue to learn, and continue to try and educate.

[Zoe's Mom]

Congrats!!! Perhaps we can get a photo of our winner... with Pita in it of course .

[birdlady49]

Congratulations! You're a wonderful contributor to this board and you certainly deserve to be member of the month, if not the year!

[GlendaNS]

CONGRADULATIONS Miss November!!!!!! Start working on that pin up photo!!! ROTFL!

Well deserved!

[catschair]

Three cheers for Pita's Mom!

[Kiwi1224]

Congratulations!!!!