We've had Gilligan, or Senegal, about six months now and he's become not only a pet but an active member of our family.
When we first got him he was a little bit fresh, and went through a period of biting extremely hard and drawing blood while ripping away flesh. It was intimidating to handle him, and some of his bites were excruciating, even though he is on the smaller end of the parrot size scale. I was tempted to give up on him after what I believe to be bites that were totally mean spirited and were especially painful. Then after some time our communication to each other beams more clear, I was able to express to him clear desires, and tries very heard to learn to read his body language. Now I understand he's not at all mean spirited, although he does have a twisted sense of humor, and does easily become frustrated if I am not understanding what he is trying to convey.
He has just started flying. His wings were clipped when we got him, and we clipped them once more while he was adjusting to us. We always intended for him to enjoy flight, and it really is a joy to watch him.
He's been talking fairly regularly, saying hi, hello, and hey as well as what. He whistles several different short tunes and makes up his win songs when he seems especially cheerful. He laughs when everyone else is laughing and chatters away when there is lively conversation in the room with him.
He lets me handle him however I chose, upside down, pulling his wings open, closed in my hands with his head poking out, all cuddled up in the arms of a sweatshirt, on my shoulder, he doesn't care, he just wants to hang out.
I really can't believe the transformation in this bird. He never bites, though he sometimes gently nibbles, but I think only to show affection.
I just wanted to give an update on put dude. We love him so much and we are so happy we had the opportunity to adopt him.
When we first got him he was a little bit fresh, and went through a period of biting extremely hard and drawing blood while ripping away flesh. It was intimidating to handle him, and some of his bites were excruciating, even though he is on the smaller end of the parrot size scale. I was tempted to give up on him after what I believe to be bites that were totally mean spirited and were especially painful. Then after some time our communication to each other beams more clear, I was able to express to him clear desires, and tries very heard to learn to read his body language. Now I understand he's not at all mean spirited, although he does have a twisted sense of humor, and does easily become frustrated if I am not understanding what he is trying to convey.
He has just started flying. His wings were clipped when we got him, and we clipped them once more while he was adjusting to us. We always intended for him to enjoy flight, and it really is a joy to watch him.
He's been talking fairly regularly, saying hi, hello, and hey as well as what. He whistles several different short tunes and makes up his win songs when he seems especially cheerful. He laughs when everyone else is laughing and chatters away when there is lively conversation in the room with him.
He lets me handle him however I chose, upside down, pulling his wings open, closed in my hands with his head poking out, all cuddled up in the arms of a sweatshirt, on my shoulder, he doesn't care, he just wants to hang out.
I really can't believe the transformation in this bird. He never bites, though he sometimes gently nibbles, but I think only to show affection.
I just wanted to give an update on put dude. We love him so much and we are so happy we had the opportunity to adopt him.
