February's Featured Pet Article

"Living with Mr. Mom"
As told by Patty, the African Grey Congo
Carol DeLong©

It's not easy being a bird and living with humans, I tell ya! It can wear a girl out training the ways of a bird's life.

My Mom had to go away for a bit, and left Dad in charge of Heidi, my K-9 sister, and I for three weeks. Something about my Grammie breaking her wrist in Ohio. We were left in Dad's capable hands. We weren't worried at all, but it sure was different with him in charge!

Have you ever seen a Dad folding paper to fit in the bottom of a bird cage? No, Dad, the paper does NOT go on your head! Doesn't go around your arms either. AND, you don't fold it in a triangle! I chuckled more than once when he had to spray clean the paper holder tray when I did my best to make it messier than normal for him. I had to remind him that's my job. Besides, he needed something to keep him occupied with Mom gone, ya know. He learned very quickly the right way to fold the paper, and I assure you I was not left without entertainment while he lovingly took care of us.

The first morning, he woke me up at 5AM! He knows I sleep in until 8! Man, its cold that time of morning when the jams (my cage cover) were ripped off! He mumbled something about I had down feathers that would keep me warm. That was the hardest thing to adjust to - going to sleep before 9 and getting up at 5. I didn't realize he was THIS strange, but I got used to the hours and kind of liked them. I just didn't have enough time to talk and sing under my covers before he left for work. I made up for it when he talked to Mom on the phone though. Neat trick I learned - I squawked and talked loudly while he was trying to talk on the phone and he'd give me a millet sprig. Cool!

Under my direction, he did very well making my breakfast. He sure mumbled a lot though... something about Mom never fusses over his breakfast like mine. There was an extra treat each morning too - a grape! Mom never cuts it in half, but Dad did and I really liked that. He followed the written directions Mom left really well.

Then he'd go away to work and be gone all day. He only forgot to leave the radio on a couple days, but we managed. The best part was when he came home and would say 'Hi, Girl!" I knew Heidi and I wouldn't be left alone forever then. He did very well making and serving my dinner too. I promised not to tell Mom he gave me lots of peanuts, and Heidi extra treats for guarding the house while he was gone.

My absolute favorite bowl in my cage is my foraging mix. Mom puts all kinds of goodies in it for me to munch on throughout the day. Panic struck about two weeks after she was gone though - Dad ran out of my foraging mix! OH NO - we were both in a panic! He called Mom and carefully wrote down everything she said to put in it. He hurriedly went to the store and soon he came back with lots and lots of bags. He set out to mix everything together and I think he should have his own cooking show of FOOD TV! I loved the way he explained to me what he was doing. Heidi loved it when he was stirring it all together because she had lots of treats to eat off the floor. Good going, Dad!

Then my fresh sprouts ran out too. What a panic!! We didn't know Mom would have to be away so long helping my Grammie! What to do? What to do? I MUST have my sprouts, Dad! I sent him to the store and he brought home a package of sprouts to make do until he could learn to make them in the jar like Mom does. The store-bought ones were yuck and I let him know it! Heh...heh...heh... that made cleaning my cage fun! Finally, after a few days, he grew the most beautiful and tasteful sprouts I've ever had. I told him he'd have to teach Mom how to make them like that.

Mom finally returned from her trip and boy were we all glad to see her! Not that we didn't like having Dad all to ourselves, because we did kind of miss her. She was so happy to see all of us, and was very impressed that my cage was so clean and there was water and food in Heidi's dishes. I promised Dad I wouldn't tell her it took him two hours to clean it all before she arrived home. I promised not to tell that Heidi was allowed to lick his dinner dishes while she was gone too. I think he left extra goodies for her too. I didn't get jealous though - remember I got extra peanuts!

Yeah, I'm glad Mom is home and we are all back to our normal routines. However, BIG THANKS, Mr. Mom, for a job well done!! Hmmmmmm... I wonder how I can get him to sneak me more peanuts now. Such are the worries in a bird's world.

Note from Carol: I am more than fortunate to have John in my life. Our mutual love of our pets knows no boundaries, so I knew Patty and Heidi were in good hands. A VERY special THANKS to you, John! You truly do make our world complete and we three love you muchly! By the way - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY FEBUARY 14TH!!