New guy from Illinois

[Callistobass]

Hey all,

my name is Ben, and I live in the far south west 'burbs of Chicago (Aurora/Naperville if you are familiar with the area).

a little about me:

I'm 23, have a beautiful Fiancé (wedding is in May 2006), and until we buy our house later this year, I live at home with my parents.. Graduated College in 2003

the fiancé and I:


I currently work full-time at a Library, and part-time I freelance as a sports writer and photographer for various Newspapers in my area. However I am applying to many Police Departments in hopes of becoming a Law Enforcement Officer.

since I am still "at home" I live with all our animals! "Zoo" appropriately describes my house! We have: 4 dogs, 1 cat, 1 horse, 1 pot bellied pig, chickens, geese, ducks, turtle, tarantula and 4 birds.

Our birds: 1 cockatiel named Beaker, whom we have had since I was 11, and three rescue parrots... all of them are in various stages of "recovery" but all are doing great.

First we have a White-Capped Pionus named Gonzo, whom is the king of the house - he had a run-in with a dog and is missing most of his beak (it is growing back, albeit REALLY slowly) so we took him in and are nursing him back to health... he is a PISTOL!

Next we have a blue-fronted Amazon named Sweat Pea. She has yet to "come out of her shell" due to years of neglect (in a tiny cage, no less) before she was seized and placed in a shelter, and then we adopted her. She has her crazy "Amazon" moments, but is generally really quiet and very shy.

Finally we have our Timneh/Congo Grey mix (we think he is a hybrid, due to his tail being a dark maroon like the Timneh, but his other feathers are very light, like a congo), named Shredder (after his love of shredding paper-products). He was given up after his previous owner "simply did not have time" for him.. which is obvious to us, a he is still very shy, but loving once he is comfortable with you. He is still hand-shy, but he is getting better.

thats it about me for now.. I am currently working with a woman who is trying to find a new home for her Congo Grey "Lola." I have a post in the Grey section regarding that!

[Willow]

Welcome! I currently have 4 Amazons (An Orange Wing, a Salvin's (?) Red Lored, and 2 Cubans. My new addition is a 17 yo Mealy, coming home on Sunday. This is an interesting board!

[CKD]

Welcome. I would love to see pics of your Timneh/Congo Grey mix .

[mamalovesrico]

Hello Callisto. Welcome to birdboard. Congratulations on your engagement. You look like a happy couple.

[Callistobass]

Originally Posted by Christy

Welcome. I would love to see pics of your Timneh/Congo Grey mix .

I'd love to post them so we know for sure (we were told it was a Congo, but he is on the smaller side, and acts more like the Timneh... in addition to the coloration)

I'll have to use up some film on them tonight :)

[kensbuns]

Hi Ben Welcome to the group. Im Barb I am currently owned by 1 B&G Named Bogart and 1 YNA named Allegra.

[The Outlaw]

Howdy, Ben. Delighted you decided to join the group. I have 10 parrots, mostly macaws.

THE OUTLAW

[LMPego]

Welcome, Ben and zoo, from a fellow Illinoisian!

[Callistobass]

I should point out that when I move out later in the year, none of my current animals will be coming with me.. I can't bring myself to remove them from the only home (or the only loving home) that they have ever had! (Personally, the cockatiel, one of the Dogs, and the cat are "mine," but they are all old and I just want them to be happy with all of their friends!)

The Grey I am currently in the process of adopting will be coming with me, however.

[greyburd]

Welcome to the group Ben. Greys are my fav, you have grey't taste!! I look forward to hearing more about Lola, she is georgous!!!