Comments on: Being Bennie: Life with a Wise-Ass Parrot

By: Kerry Slavens

Kerry Slavens — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 04:17:35 +0000

Thanks for you comment, Michael. The funny thing about Bennie is that she mostly responds when you are not trying to get her to respond. I understand lots of African Greys are like this. They are very coy and strategic about their communications. I have watched Bennie size someone up, wait until their back is turned, then level a low wolf whistle at their back, or tell them she loves them…or…if she’s in a bad mood, something rather cheeky.

I love hearing everyone else’s stories about their parrots too.

By: Michael Houseman

Michael Houseman — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:03:03 +0000

This is an amazing story. My experiences with parrots have not been as joyful as this but I haven’t had the oppurtunity to have one in my home. There was a pet shop in my community with a very grumpy grey at the entrance. I tried to communicate with him but didn’t have much luck. I think he was lonely in the cage by himself and I know they are social beings. For Bennie to have loving people around her is a blessing to her.

By: Barb

Barb — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:35:36 +0000

Thank you for the great story about Bennie! The emotions Bennie shows is incredible, it sounds like you and your family have a great time with her.

I check the articles daily on Life as a Human, what a great website! Enjoying all of the stories and loving the variety!

By: Donna L

Donna L — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:23:49 +0000

I loved the story Kerry. Having a parrot really suits you, in a totally good way. Life as A Human is wonderful place. I am enjoying it so much. Take care
Donna

By: Kerry Slavens

Kerry Slavens — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:05:06 +0000

I am really enjoying reading everyone’s comments. Thank you! This just confirms for me how darned smart these funny birds are. I love how Elizabeth’s African Grey just takes charge….And kudos to you, Patty, for your volunteer work at World Parrot Refuge! I got a kick out of the story about the birds lying…it says a lot about how they are able to foresee consequences.

By: patty Lea

patty Lea — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:27:04 +0000

I had an African Grey and had very similar experiences. Although I would stumble over the names of my five sons, she announced each one clearly. We also had a Blue and Gold Macaw and they would lie about each other. \yelling in the house was discourage with a small squirt from my water pistol. The grey, who named herself by one day announcing ” I am a widget, a noisy little Widget, would yell then say “It was big bird.”
When my husband would come from work, she would say ” Mommy is a bad bird, get the gun”.
She imitated the phone and I would find myself answering the dial tone while Widget was still ringing.
She would have one sided conversations consisting of \ \yes, \ok, huhu… thats right… \ok have a nice day. All eloquently spaced like a conversation.
They are extremely intelligent and mischievous.
I have not got my babies now, but when I am need of feathered love I volunteer as a friend at http://worldparrotrefuge.org/

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:15:07 +0000

African greys are pretty wonderful. Mine yells at the other birds (I have six) by name when they’re screaming and tells them, “Tony, be quiet!” or “Calm down, Koko, you’re okay.” Even when she can’t see it, she can smell the food I’m cutting in the kitchen for their breakfasts and will say things like “Mmm, corn!” Sometimes when I’m wiping the spattered fruit juices off the bars of her cage, she’ll mirror my thoughts with “Oh, what a terrible mess! I’m a messy bird.” And, when she wants to go to bed at night, she says, “Ready for bed. Tired.” She’s not too interested in the dog, though; the cockatoo keeps a closer eye on the four-legged member of the tribe. And it’s my Indian ring-neck who watches the clock: he’ll start squawking if I oversleep or don’t cover the cages at the appropriate time. And one of the amazons keeps the rest of us entertained by singing spirituals and show tunes. By the way, I must say that I think amazons have the best sense of humor of the birds I’ve known; they often like to play practical jokes and then laugh at you when you fall for them, like dropping a treat and them complaining that it “fell down!” till you pick it up and hand it back to happy avian giggling–five or ten times in a row.

By: coffeewithjulie

coffeewithjulie — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:09:21 +0000

Oh, Bennie sounds like a real hoot! She must make you laugh soooo much! I am amazed that she can connect the words with meanings. I thought birds just “parrotted” words. Funny how her favourite song is Oh McDonalds at the moment — it’s my toddler’s too!

By: Kerry Slavens

Kerry Slavens — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:35:57 +0000

An update: Last night as I was reading the story about Bennie to my daughter, Bennie piped up with, “Yup, Bennie, whooohooo.” I think she likes being a minor celebrity. We are considering running for her political office!

By: Joan Namur

Joan Namur — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:03:23 +0000

Too funny Bill .:-) You gave me my morning laugh.
Kerry, Benny is probably jealous so maybe if your husband pecks right back? Oooops…!
Joan.