Living with a chatty parrot is akin to having an additional child under your roof. They can be raucous, untidy, authoritative, defy instructions, and act as though they have the liberty to do and say whatever they please. This truth has been evident in my family, as for almost five decades now, my parents have shared their home with one such parrot who, to me, feels more like a sibling than a mere pet.
Meet Cruz, an African Grey parrot endowed with a vast vocabulary. In a particular video that circulated recently, Cruz opts to utter only a single word that is bound to tickle your funny bone! In the footage, Cruz perches atop the cabinets while his caregiver tries to engage him in conversation. Be sure to have your sound turned on to catch what he has to say. According to his caregiver, Cruz seems to think he holds a position of authority, which could explain his current obstinacy!
“What?!” you might exclaim. Is this not reminiscent of the antics children employ to aggravate others? Regardless of the dialogue directed his way, Cruz simply replies with a nonchalant “what?” It appears evident that Cruz is well aware of the effect he is having and exerts his dominance unapologetically!
Observers were thoroughly entertained by Cruz’s impish behavior as well. @Charlotte remarked, “The dash for cover gets me every time LOL!” @lynninpa highlighted, “Endearing and sassy!!” @Cherry quipped, “I was fully convinced by his plea for help myself!” @Amy Duggin chimed in with, “YES!!!! ‘WOT’ IS MY FAVE!”
On a related note, an African Grey parrot Mimics Her Mom’s Conversations from Start to Finish, Resulting in Hilarity.
Are Parrots Ideal Companions?
Reflecting on my own upbringing with a pet parrot, Otis, a Yellow-Naped Amazon, comes to mind. Residing with my sibling, who is of a comparable age at 48, Otis boasts an extensive vocabulary, mimicking a variety of sounds and engaging in song and dance routines. Despite his charm, Otis can be loud, disorderly, and persistently entertaining… unless you seek a moment of peace; he comprehends this but willfully disregards it!
In my opinion, parrots indeed make splendid companions. They are astute, curious, and possess a penchant for socializing. Greeting you upon entering a room and bidding farewell as you exit, calling out not just your name but those of all household members, pets included, they truly make for lively household additions! African Greys and Amazon parrots rank among the most loquacious avian species, but in terms of aesthetics, the Amazon parrots stand out with their vibrant plumage.
While keeping a conversational bird can be delightful
