Two Parrots Talking

George with Rose in background

Meet Rose and George, two spectacular African Gray parrots. These stunning talkers are, apparently, very rare because of their capacity to mimic thousands of sounds, including “I love you.” The joke between Frank and me is that they express the phrase more than we do.

It is our great pleasure to be sitting these two lovelies at this current house sitting engagement.

This morning, Rose and George are chirping, beak cracking, making clicking sounds, spitting, growling and talking.

“What’s your problem?”

“Want an almond.”

“Yummy. Yummy.” 

Sweet Rose

Their owners have housed them in a luxurious large aviary. It is set up in a bright corner of the living room and is filled with climbing branches of various lengths and thickness, a water dish and two food containers. They’ve hung thick ropes and a large bell from a heavy chain. 

At first glance, I was surprised to see a large shop-vac beside the birdcage but learnt soon enough that it was absolutely necessary to clean up the mess of birdseed and feathers strewn about by the birds.

Curious George

“What’s happening Rosie, girl?”

“Shorty, go lay down.”

“Wow!”

African Gray ~ distinct red tail feathers

Throughout the day, George clutches the metal bell and flings it about. It crashes against the back of the birdcage and his eyes widen with enthusiasm. He repeats his action over and over. Rose sits quietly. They have distinct personalities and we consider George a bit of a bully. Rose only has to make a curious peep sound, almost under her breath, to advise George that he’s gone too far.

“Get out of there.”

“What do you want?”

“Woof.”

Beautiful plummage

In the evening, it becomes pitch black outside and the owners have set up a nightlight near the cage. It was explained to us that the birds are frightened easily when it’s dark, and the low-watt light helps the birds see where they are.

“Meow.”

“Hello.”

 “See you later.”