Special announcement

[Cowtown]

Antoinette, you are one in a million. To have the love yoiu have for Mishka and for birds period.
If everyone just had 10% of your patience and love them fids all over the world would be very happy.

Abby and I thank you for all the training you have given us.
The guardians must be trained also... and you have helped me a bunch.

Love ya...

Mike and Abby... and the furry ones.... Harley, Lucy and Dipsey..

 

[antoinette]

Antoinette, you are one in a million. To have the love yoiu have for Mishka and for birds period.
If everyone just had 10% of your patience and love them fids all over the world would be very happy.

Abby and I thank you for all the training you have given us.
The guardians must be trained also... and you have helped me a bunch.

Love ya...

Mike and Abby... and the furry ones.... Harley, Lucy and Dipsey..

Mike for all the kind words, means so much to me honestly.

We all have a tremendous love for our birds, spending time with them whenever possible.
As for the guardians, you all train yourselves to whatever suits you.
Sure there are many members of the forum, who have assisted you as well, without you even realizing it.

 

[antoinette]

Mishka is becoming a pro, handling all the interviews, like he was born to do it.
Today he was a show off, showing Laurelle, the reporter all his tricks, picking up a ball, and throwing it. He then proceeded to his playpen, where he displayed his ability to turn three times, on command, high five and shake the hand. THEN Mishka really took it to another level, he started dancing, and would not stop. I honestly think he knows he has achieved something, and is enjoying being a little celebrity.
Mishka posed too beautifully, he stared at the camera, at close range, turning his head upside down to see better. Laurelle took amazing pictures.
Laurelle had a fear for birds, before visiting today, Mishka changed that. Mishka went towards her, indicating a kiss, over and over again, eventually Laurelle, got the courage and kissed Mishka. Then he wanted more and more...... typical male

 

[Spiritbird]

Nice story. We need to develop a parrot oscar like in the movies.
Did you get the prizes yet??

 

[Crazy4Birds]

Mishka is becoming a pro, handling all the interviews, like he was born to do it.
Today he was a show off, showing Laurelle, the reporter all his tricks, picking up a ball, and throwing it. He then proceeded to his playpen, where he displayed his ability to turn three times, on command, high five and shake the hand. THEN Mishka really took it to another level, he started dancing, and would not stop. I honestly think he knows he has achieved something, and is enjoying being a little celebrity.
Mishka posed too beautifully, he stared at the camera, at close range, turning his head upside down to see better. Laurelle took amazing pictures.
Laurelle had a fear for birds, before visiting today, Mishka changed that. Mishka went towards her, indicating a kiss, over and over again, eventually Laurelle, got the courage and kissed Mishka. Then he wanted more and more...... typical male

Mishka probably feels like he is a king with all the extra attention he is getting! It is great to hear that he was able to chase away Laurelle's fear of birds. People don't realize what fascinating loving creatures birds can be and Mishka is changing people's negative opinions about birds one person at a time.

 

[Von1983]

This is SO lovely to read Ant, honestly!

Our little star! It's too exciting!!!

Your unbreakable bond with Mishka is available for the world to see. I'm so glad because it is so very deserving of recognition. Many people could learn so, so much from you. I am delighted they have mentioned your business also! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[antoinette]

Nice story. We need to develop a parrot oscar like in the movies.
Did you get the prizes yet??

Nice story thanks Di. I must share this with you.........
Toward the end of the interview, I told Laurelle, the sad part , Mishka did all the hard work, hours of training etc, and he has no clue what he has achieved, and I started crying. You know all know me by now, such an emotional sensitive human being.
They are soughting out the prizes at the moment. There could be a problem with customs pertaining to bringing bird food into South Africa. It was quite a large amount of food. Barbara asked me to choose a product from KATEE, and said she will chat to them. I choose this bird stand, hold thumbs they agree.

It would come in handy, I could place the stand just outside my office door, then we can chat face to face whilst I am working. Our bonding will definitely grow stronger.

 

[antoinette]

This is SO lovely to read Ant, honestly!

Our little star! It's too exciting!!!

Your unbreakable bond with Mishka is available for the world to see. I'm so glad because it is so very deserving of recognition. Many people could learn so, so much from you. I am delighted they have mentioned your business also! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Von you are way to kind, most of us have a fantastic bond with our birds, and if not, be patient, take it day by day. Treating them with love and respect, spending valuable quality time with them, and eventually it will all fall into place.

The reported mentioned that she will promote my business, in a simple way saying I am self employed, in the dried fruit and nut industry. Hopefully it will open doors and business will begin to flourish again.

 

[antoinette]

Mishka probably feels like he is a king with all the extra attention he is getting! It is great to hear that he was able to chase away Laurelle's fear of birds. People don't realize what fascinating loving creatures birds can be and Mishka is changing people's negative opinions about birds one person at a time.[/QUOTE]


I was lovely to witness, having some one stroking a bird, having never tried before.

What really opened my eyes, while on deliveries today, in a shopping centre, an old colleague called me and congratulated me on Mishka's win. Petro mentioned to me that she has an AG, has had him for 7 years. Then said do you bath Mishka. I told her he showers almost everyday, in winter about 4 times a week. Her bird has never had a bath OMG in 7 years . She told me she places a little bowl in his cage (showed me the size, probably as big as a cup) and said he dips his claws into it and shakes it around. I told her to place the bird in the bath and explained what to do. Then asked her what is his diet, she said sunflower seeds only. I explained how important a proper diet was, and how bad sunflower seeds are for the bird. She started crying, saying she trusted the guy at the pet shop, always giving her great advise pertaining to the upkeep of her bird.

I guess I will be visiting this guy sometime next week.........

 

[Spiritbird]

This is the type of thing I was talking to you very early on. Consulting in the homes of other bird lovers on behavior, care or whatever they want. You just have to be careful about your hygeine when you go home.

 

[Cowtown]

We all are so proud of you and Mishka...

Good things come to good people and you are good people.

 

[antoinette]

This is the type of thing I was talking to you very early on. Consulting in the homes of other bird lovers on behavior, care or whatever they want. You just have to be careful about your hygeine when you go home.

I only now visit Barbara my friend, who has an AG Jessie. I do not take Mishka there tho. They have had him/her for almost 17 years now. I have known Barbara for 14 years now (since I began my business). Very clean environment, cage is spotless and Jessie is healthy.
I have stopped going into pet shops, anywhere where birds are sold. The pet shops where I assisted them with the birds, cages etc as well. When purchasing Mishka's pellets, from the wholesaler, I now run in, buy the pellets and rush out. When at home, I immediately removed the pellets from packet, and re-pack them in Tupperware, throwing the packet in the outside dustbins.

One might say I am paranoid, well if this is what it takes to keep my little boy safe and healthy so be it.
I will do everything in my power to protect him from any dangers

 

[wildheart]

One might say I am paranoid, well if this is what it takes to keep my little boy safe and healthy so be it.

Only people who are not familiar with all the disease will think you are paranoid.

 

[Birdzhaven]

Congratulations!! That is awesome news!!!

 

[antoinette]

I contacted a local newspaper, pertaining to Mishka's winning the competition.
They are exactly half a mile away. They conducted the interview via the internet, I sent them all the relevant links, then received 3 e-mails from them. I sent a few pictures of Mishka.
I replied to each question below, and added on as much as I possibly could.

#1 Your lieelt bird is too precious and speaks so well!!

#2 Do you live in Randhart?

#3 When you entered Mishka, did you think he would win the competition What were his prizes

I was wondering how the article would turn out............


ALBERTON RECORD February 2, 2011

Mishka - the talk of the town




Mishka, the African grey, has become the winner of the International Bird
Talking competition and he currently resides in Southcrest with his owner, Talking competition and he currently resides in Southcrest with his owner, Antoinette Routledge. This three year old can have a proper conversation with you, and if you ask him a question, he will reply, knowing what his is being asked.


Antoinette says that she has always had a soft spot for African Grey's and loves birds, and that is why she decided to get a parrot as a pet. He started talking as young as three months old, says Antoinette. I often put together and burn CD's, with words and sentences, using my voice, that I then play for his during the day to learn from. At night, he will sit on my lap and we will chat and go over the sentences and words, he had been learning. He is such a little chatterbox and is rarely quiet.
Even though Antoinette has no other pets, Mishka gets along very well with people, whether male or female. If you want to pick him up, he will come to you without hesitation. He is such a lovable and playful bird, she explains.
Antoinette entered Mishka into the International Talking Parrot Competition only by chance. I saw the commpetition being advertised on one of the forums on an animal website. It's the only competition I have come across so far, and thought it would be nice to enter him as he speaks so well, she says. The competition included a professional and amateur parrot category. Mishka was entered into the amateur category, of which there were 60 other applicants. The competition consisted of people sending videos of their parrots, of which Barbara Heidenreich, the judge, watched every single video. Barbara has been a professional in the field of animal training since 1990. Her experience also includes consulting on animal training in zoos, and other animal related facilities. In her career she has trained animals, trained staff. and/or presented show at facilities around the world. Barbara let people vote for the video's as well, which is how Mishka became the winner. Mishka has many cute sayings that he entertains Antoinette with on a daily basis, and he spends his time asking her many questions and learning from her.

 

[Cowtown]

Great article....

 

[Spiritbird]

I really like the way this article is written. It sounds very down to earth and friendlly. I love the photo also. Like the part about Mishka, picking him up without hesitation on his part. Good job Antionette!

 

[antoinette]

I really like the way this article is written. It sounds very down to earth and friendlly. I love the photo also. Like the part about Mishka, picking him up without hesitation on his part. Good job Antionette!

Thanks Di, I was worried how it would turn out, without them having interviewed me. Only asking me 3 questions etc. Anyway it turned out okay I guess.
That picture of Mishka is one of my favorite one, and a very special one, taken on our first visit to Linky.

 

[HRH Di]

We just got our email newsletter from Barbara about the Talking Parrot contest! It was fun to watch Mishka again, and all of Freddie's videos which I some how missed before (Sorry, Sharon and Fred!).

Such wonderful guardiance we have here!

 

[antoinette]

LOL Antoinette you sounded like you could be on air every day- all calm and collected proud mommy!!!!

That is so sweet of you bells......
Calm and collected I don't know so much
Proud mommy yes