- November 16, 2024
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Those looking for a life-long pet may be interested in a parrot, like an African Grey, whose average lifespan is 60 years. How long they live depends on many factors, their genetic health and the quality of their care.
Rosie is our African Grey, a fast learner, with an impressive vocabulary. She calls the dog and cat by their names, will inform visitors “watch out, I bite,” something my husband taught her after she bit the hand that was feeding her, answers the phone, and knows her phone number.
I took her to a humane society summer camp a couple of years ago, where of course she had little to say. Like children, she rarely performs when you want her to. However, one boy did ask me if someone in the house had “Windows” on their computer. I hadn't noticed, but she repeats the tone perfectly.
Less appealing is her imitation of a truck backing up, and the emergency broadcast signal. If the state system ever goes down, they only need to call me. She has faked us out more than once, on a blue sky day, as she makes the annoying sound, designed to get your attention, and repeats it, just like on TV.
Rosie is a rescue so we don't know her exact age, but estimate it to be about 10 years old, which means she could live another 50, outliving us.
Having a large parrot is a life-long commitment, their life span, not yours. Because of this it is important to allow for them in your will, and make plans for them after you are gone. Parrots should be with people who are familiar with exotic birds and can provide a safe home for them.
I'll admit it, I still have to do this. I had planned on my oldest son, whose first word was 'bird,' to adopt her, but things change.
I could probably teach her to say whatever I want at my funeral, but if she does anything, it will probably be the emergency broadcast warning.
