I Love Freckles!

Oh this Grey of mine!!! She has me hook, line and sinker!!
About three weeks ago, I had a real scare at my house......creosote fire in the woodstove chimney.....all is well, no damage other than seriously shaking me to the bone. When it started, the first thing I grabbed was Freckles.....stuffed her in her travel cage and my neighbors had come to help.....so one took her to their home, right away. Later that evening, when things had quieted down and she was back home, I thought for sure I'd get the "cold shoulder, stink eye, etc." for unceremoniously grabbing her like I did......but I was amazed, she wanted to be in my lap, asking for a head scratch......seemed like she knew and was just as happy as me to be safe and sound. The next morning I heard sirens that sounded close to our neighborhood......well guess who???? Now, most mornings, she greets me with whistles, whatcha doing's?, and sirens. Her intelligence is almost scary.....every day, it's something new. I learned recently that she is not keen on strangers in "her" house.....she ruffles her feathers, glares and then turns her back. An acquaintance was visiting and poor LeeAnn thought for sure she could win Freckles over......not a chance. I've noticed this with her and other visitors.....she's not nasty......just to the point......turns her back. Last weekend, I took her in to have her beak and nails trimmed. The woman was wonderful, but once home, Freckles became a "Velcro" bird......wouldn't let me out of her site. I know there are many in this community that feel the same......it's that moment when you know the bond is there, we're buddies and then you wonder (...or I do), what you did to deserve such a feathered friend.

Yes you have been "greyed." They are wonderful! So smart, so sweet.

Wow what a scare!! Glad you and Freckles made it out safely!!!

Jackie.....my neighbors came running.....one helped with Freckles, another got my dogs into their outdoor kennels and I had the cats in my car! Everyone needs an emergency game plan.......the firemen kept telling me how impressed they were that I handled things the way I did......and then they left and then I crumbled....and then Freckles cuddled in, as did the rest of my crew and everything was right with the world again.

LeakP......had many folks tell me I was taking on a potential nightmare.....35 year old bird, strong bond with former owner.....I was more than a little wary, but then something said, "you can do this". She bloodied my hand the first night home......that was the weekend before Christmas.....I told her, "No...we don't do that Freckles".....she's not tried since. She'll push my hand away, and I respect that. I love her very much.....she's a true gift.

I'm so happy to hear of this wonderful connection. Greys are amazing and even older ones, as your situation has proved, adapt with understanding and boundaries. Can't wait to read more!

I'm in total agreement. I was torn on getting a pet, I don't believe in having a dog if you're gone all the time, cruel to the dog, cats could give two craps, they would probably pay the bills if it meant owner would stay away longer. When I thought about a bird I had no idea that they would be so intimate and so interested in a bonded relationship. Owning a parrot requires more work and time (especially at yong age IMO, from my limited experience) but the pay off is far greater too.

I wouldn't trade my Perjo for any animal or 20 times my investment. I was having a conversation with a friend about some increases in home breaks ins in our general area in the past year. A neighbor had their dog injured from an intruder break in. I told my buddy I've bonded with my CAG so strongly that I would probably hunt someone down if they did that to her. A true member of my family.

I love my fids..there have been times where life in general SUCKED!

Amy seems to know too when I'm down and/or hurting,and on more than one occasion,she has come to ME,and be clingie ( not a usual thing for her) and just wanted to sit on my lap,or shoulder,and a few times she would gently beak my cheek and mumble amazon stuff in my ear..and ALWAYS at the right time...like she knows..I really don't know what I'd be like without her...nearly 30 years...she IS my "soul mate"

Jim

Nigel is the same. My three grown kids and grandson (another grand on the way!) live around the world and there are moments that tears flow. Nigel will come and just sit, preen my hair, put his beak on my cheek for as long as I'll let him.

Nothing like these babies.