Charlie is the result of our
trip to the pet store. Yes it's true we were thinking about
adding another family member, something a bit larger than Sydney our cockatiel.
I enjoyed our closeness but lately she was more interested in laying blank
eggs. My experience with Sydney gave me the courage to forge ahead to bigger
but not necessarily better birds.
So many authors had mixed feelings
about Amazons in general. All of which were good sound advice.
No matter how many articles you read there is NO preparing you for when
you walk in and see that innocent forlorn "take me home" look of the orphan.
Charlie was that orphan. She
sat proudly on the play set, cocking her head to watch us as we approached.
She had a few tattered feathers but for the most part she was beautiful.
If I were choosing an Amazon I preferred the yellow napes.
From what I read they were playful talkers but, as ALL amazons, they could
be rather loud. Knowing my feelings I walked away before
my heart could rule.
I was looking at toys, for Sydney,
when Jerry walked up to me. "Look at Jacob over there with the Amazon".
I knew by his voice what he was saying. "Look at Jacob over
there holding the sweet Amazon that he would love to take home".
How could I resist. The picture was right out of
Norman Rockwell. The bird melted in Jacob's hand, ruffling
her crown feathers for Jacob to pet. The next step was only natural.
*smile*
We asked the clerk where they purchased
Charlie? How old was she/he? Was she afraid of strangers?
Did she mind being handled and yes did she make much noise? There
were many other questions some he couldn't answer.
She was around the age of six months,
wild caught (loosing a toe in the process), seemed to take well to strangers,
and hardly EVER made any sounds. The clerk said that doesn't
mean he (we always referred to Charlie as a he until a sex
check proved otherwise) would be that way when we got him home. He
could become unruly, cage bound, biting viciously followed by extreme
bouts of screaming.
He also told us these bad habits could
all change once Charlie settled in to his new home. I understood
this. I read several articles on the homecoming of your baby parrots.
Of course me being the novice chose to remember the cute ramblings on about
tricks, talking, and just stealing your heart with a good morning
kiss. I could almost picture her riding on the bicycle as she recited
Mary had a little lamb. Well, even I. knew it would be awhile
before she could recite the Gettysburg Address! *smile*
We decided to give the purchase a little
more thought over lunch. This was going to be an even larger expense
than Sydney. Larger cage, larger food, larger toys, larger bird,
larger mess, larger obligations, everything was larger except our apartment
(townhouse). It doesn't take much to figure out Charlie came home with
us that afternoon. I think the missing toe and all she had
been though out weighed the size of our home.
The ride home was uneventful except
for the choosing of a name. Charlie sat regal in the new cage as
we tried to think of something appropriate. Don't ask me how we came
to the conclusion that Charlie was appropriate but somehow it just fit.
She didn't give us any complaints so I think she approved of the
choice.
We planned exactly what we were going
to do when we arrived home. How we would move the furniture making
room for the cage. Who would cut up some carrots and fruit and who
would explain this new addition to Sydney. Jacob took the task of
Sydney and Jerry chose the carrots and fruit. I on the other
hand somehow managed to get the privilege of moving the furniture.
Nothing new about that.
When we opened the front door Charlie
came alive with enthusiasm. It was like kick off my shoes, throw
me a pillow, give me the remote, I am home. It was so much
fun seeing her excitement. She gave out with a whistle and
the faint sounds of laughter sending us on a real
parrot high.
We ran around trying not to run into each other getting her home
ready for her approval.
Even Sydney was being extremely vocal.
We thought it was to empress Charlie, but then remembered, they once lived
together at the pet store. Charlie arrived about a week before
we purchased Sydney. I'm sure they remember sharing conversations
when all was dark and quiet after the store closed.
Her home was now ready for occupancy.
The cute toys hanging for her enjoyment, her food dishes, and of course
a swing! It looked much larger until she entered to explore
the surroundings. They said the cage was for parrots, but it looked
more suited for Sydney. To make more room we removed a couple of
the toys and the swing. Charlie didn't seem to mind the
loss. She continued to eat without missing a beat. We soon
realized her greatest joy was eating. She ate seed, peanuts,
fruits, veggies, varieties of human food, and toys. In other words
anything put in front of her!
When bedtime approached we did not
want to cover her. We were having too much fun watching her.
Literally, just watching her as she slept in her new home.
The day was filled with so much excitement
it was hard to believe Charlie was now a part of our family. In fact,
it was so busy I forgot about our Saturday night dancing routine which
I knew pleased Jerry. We all stood quietly watching as
I pulled the sheet over her cage. "Goodnight Charlie" I whispered
as I turned out the light. "See you in the morning".
