African Grey 'Bill of Rights'

[August 2007] Owning birds is a huge responsibility to take on. Read this article by Tracy Gerard, local resident and owner of an African Grey who has drafted this ‘Bill of Rights’ to give you an insight into what it takes to raise a bird.

1. Learn about all parrots before you bring me home

I am not a domesticated pet like a dog or cat. I still have the spirit of the jungle in me. I have special needs, which you may find it hard to fill. Please don't learn these too late for my well-being and please don't acquire one of my cousins wild from the jungle, it will jeopardize his survival and well-being, and that won't be a party for you either!

2. Give me the largest home possible

I am used to flying through rainforests or savannas. I have given up this great gift for your pleasure. At the very least, give me enough room to flap my wings and exercise. And I need toys for my amusement and wood to chew, otherwise I might confuse your home with the forest.

3. Give me a nutritious diet

I need a wide variety of fresh and nutritious foods, even if they take time to prepare. I cannot survive on seed alone.

4. Let me have a "social life"

I am a gregarious flock animal. I need lots of socialization to learn how to act with you and with my siblings. I also need to have adequate quality time with you every day-no matter what your schedule is. I am a living, feeling creature. Above all, I need to be able to have complete trust in you, and count on your predictability in looking after me every day.

5. Let me be clean

I may like to drop food or even throw it, but I need meticulous cleanliness to be healthy. My skin itches without frequent showers, the barbs of my feathers won't seal if they become oily and, worst of all, I may become ill if my food or water is not always sanitary.

6. I need my own doctor

You may not understand my physiology and therefore you may not recognize it when I get sick. And it may be too late when you do because I hide my illnesses (remember, I normally live in the jungle, where there are lots of predators). I need an avian vet, a specialist and if you can't afford one, perhaps you shouldn't have taken me home.

Tracy recommends Avian Vet, Dr de Beer at the Klapmuts Animal Zone, Tel No: +27 (0)21 875 5063.

7. Please don't punish me

Just as I don't always understand your peculiarities, you may not understand mine. I don't try get in trouble, but if I do screw up, don't yell at me and never hit me. I have sensitive ears and I may never trust you again if you strike me. Hands are sometimes scary things to us. Even more importantly, we don't learn by punishment, we are gentle creatures who only strike back to protect ourselves. We learn through patience and love.

8. Speak my "language"

I know you get upset with me when I knock over my water bowl, throw food, scream or pluck my feathers. I don't do these to annoy you, I am probably trying to tell you something - perhaps that I am hurting, lonely, or sad. Learn to speak my (body) language. Remember that I alone of all creatures on this planet, learn to speak yours!

9. See me as an individual

I am a unique and sensitive being, no two of us are alike. Please don't be disappointed in me if I don't talk like you wanted, or can't do the tricks that your friend's parrot can do. But if you pay close attention to me, I will show you a unique being who will give you so much more than talking and playing. Give me a chance to show you who I am.

10. Share your love with me

Above all, please remember that you are my Special Person. I put all my trust and faith in you. We parrots are monogamous (no bar-hopping for us!). So please don't go away for long periods or give me away. That would be a sadness from which I may never recover. If that seems to be asking a lot, remember you could have learned about my needs before bringing me home. Even having a baby or taking a new job isn't a fair reason, you made a commitment to me first! I may live to a ripe old age, so make sure you provide for me in your will and ensure I'm looked after by someone who'll love me like you.

11. Your rights

You have lots of rights, but I can only assure one - and that is, if you treat me the way I described above, I will reward you with unwavering love, humor, knowledge, beauty, dedication-and a sense of wonder and awe you haven't felt since you were a child. You are my Flock Leader, my entire universe — take care of me.