Countless of hours have been spent staring at the computer screen with nothing coming out of my head and onto the keyboard. Thankfully someone named M, has suggested that I talk about my recent adoption of Kasuku. It has been months since I have posted about her.
Meet Kasuku. She's in her early 20s. And a temperamental Congo African Grey parrot.... However, temperamental is a given when referring to this kind of parrot species. Before the adoption, I brushed up on my knowledge of these birds. Reading many things about how they are the "most behavioural challenged", "most destructive" and "most aggressive" parrot species really made me think, "what the heck am I doing?". But I knew what I was getting into when I accepted to take Kasuku into our home. At least I think that I knew what I was doing.
Since adoption it has been a roller-coater of adorable moments to hardcore bites resulting in battle scars. I don't want to sugar coat it... It's been hard. Most likely, it has also been hard for her as well. Being passed along to a new family after 20-some years of a familiar home would be difficult.
But I'm learning (the hard way) that things like 1) crazy eyes, 2) nesting-like behaviours and 3) all puffed out are all good indicators to not attempt to cuddles. Sometimes there isn't observable warning signs. Those are the times that I have to be more in tune with my own agitation levels and the atmosphere.
Thankfully, Hercules and Kasuku have become good enough friends. There isn't any competition or fights between them. Which was my biggest relief as Hercules is the size of Kasuku's head and wouldn't stand a chance in a fight.
She loves open windows and being outdoors.
The closest I'll ever get to dressing Kasuku up in hilarious costumes.
Crazy eyes, puffed out and Mohawk-do = a chunk out of my pointer finger... this is was worst day ever, taking Kasuku and Hercules to the vet was not a fun experience but necessary.
Always escaping the scene of the crime when the camera comes out.
One day I hope that she will be a cuddle-bug like Jake and Hercules. It's sometimes difficult for me to have a pet that doesn't cuddle on command, but she's still adorable. Even if she chews holes through my clothing and skin.
13 comments:
your bird seems fun! and she's really beautiful!
First time on your blog, and I'm hooked! What an interesting post!
I don't have the mettle to have a pet like a parrot, it must be a real challenge sometimes!
Awww, she's pretty! I'm sure a total character/diva too:-) xoxo
It's hard to remember that these creatures have lives separate from ours, but they do. And their perception of "reality" differs greatly from ours. That said, I think it's a wonderful project for you to care for such a difficult animal. Hard, yes, but worthwhile.
Aw, I love her!! She's gorgie. Sometimes the extra challenging pets teach us a lot about ourselves and life. Well, all pets do! She's lucky to have found such a happy home with you! She obviously has tons of personality and a penchant for theatrics. Better than watching TV! :)
Thanks Everyone for your kind comments. Kasuku is adorable and a character!
Shybiker Im learning that Greys are very much survival diven, pack mentality and still very wild. Kasuku is only a generation or two from the wild and isn't that domesticated like a cat or dog. She requires attention daily and appropriate stimulation, which can be hard to figure out at times. However, when The nice moments happen they are even more special because of the challenges.
I love her red tail feathers- what a beauty! Did she eat that banana? What a little rascal! You are such a good animal mom- she is lucky to have you and C! :)
OMG she's so beautiful!!! My husband loves birds and though I prefer having more "cuddly" pets I love the personality they have :)
Since you let her out freely does she poop everywhere?
it's like having a baby, she's a handful but super adorable
Awesome, you took my suggestion! I've always been a big fan of Greys, Congos and to a slightly lesser extent, Timnehs. Only because the Timnehs that passed through my hands were generally wild and kind of unsuitable outside of an aviary. "Most destructive"? Ha. I beg to differ. Whomever wrote that hasn't ever seen a room where a bored Cockatoo has been mistakenly left unattended. By the way..a good trick/technique for engaging the bird's attention without spending an arm and a leg on overpriced items from the pet shop is a "toy box". Simply take a cardboard box small to medium sized and fill it with old paper towel cardboard rolls..scrap hardwood is excellent ... knotted lengths of non-toxic rope passed through holes in the side..etc etc and just let her go to town. It's a superior alternative to her taking chunks out of the trim molding and furniture.Anyway, don't feel discouraged at the occasional mishap or flare of temper.Many respond to a change of surroundings by feather-plucking themselves to the point of bleeding and infection, you've obviously provided good conditions which have met with the bird's approval.What else..anyone teach you how to towel a bird? When you need to subdue the bird and it's not cooperating and you wish to retain all the fingers you were born with, take a doubled towel and wrap her quickly from behind , keeping the wings gently but firmly compressed to the body.You don't want the bird thrashing around and possibly breaking a wing. Good for getting her into a travel container or when you need to do wing and nail clips. Ok ,long enough comment.Last thing. Her wings are clipped, right? You don't want to be one of the people who have one of those horror stories. Flew into a mirror..tried to fly through a closed window..flew off never to be seen again when it managed to slip past someone going outside. Always keep it clipped, it's not difficult to learn, or pay someone if you're not at that comfort/skill level yet.Good luck ,they're great birds.Personally I hope you continue to include the occasional picture or anecdote. I'll be looking forward to it.
aww she's so cute! i lvoe birds but i cant keep any as pets, too many cats are neighbours. i have two dogs though, they are cuddly :)
natalie
http://lucyandtherunaways.blogspot.com
I bet he is smart! :D
Omg she is so cute! love the photo of her and the sock ahahaha
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