Quote:
>I am fairly new to the world of birds, having purchased a budgie
>last August. I have found my interest growing by leaps & bounds and
>I am now in the process of checking out larger birds. I have a
>particular interest in the Blue-Headed Pionus. I would appreciate any
>information on temperment, talking ability etc. and any other personal
>experiences that would add to my current limited knowledge. I am looking
>for a bird that enjoys overall attention and handling and has potential
>for really bonding with it's owner I know it is never a sure thing, but
>I would like to avoid high-strung temperments. Thank you in advance for
>any info you can offer.
Jean,
I think you are considering a wonderful type of bird. I have a Maxi
Pionus (Sammy is 9 months old now) and he is wonderful. I visited him
in the pet shop every day for about an hour after I was allowed to
start holding him at 7 weeks of age. He is now a very social bird and
will allow almost anyone to hold him. Sammy has also traveled about
2300 miles by car with me when I go home for visits. I have
understood from my earlier research into Pionus that most Pionus
behave very much the same.
You might also want to join the Pionus mailing list. Email
America for more info.
With this and his early socialization in mind.....
Pionus ratings
CUDDLE FACTOR
My name is Bird
I don't go anywhere...
I don't do anything...
I don't have any fun... Cuddle Birdy!!
1.......................5.....................10
X
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NOISE
747 at takeoff Owl in flight
1.......................5.....................10
X
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TALKING
Recite Dictionary
Mute from memory
1.......................5.....................10
X (I expect something any day now......)
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POTTY TRAINING
Fowl Weather gear advised Sphincter Muscles
of IRON
1.......................5.....................10
X (at least I haven't had any luck yet)
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DUST
Dust Storms from the
Great Depression ATTRACTS DUST!!!!
1.......................5.....................10
X
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ACTIVITY LEVEL
Perch Potato Would like to enter
Iron Man contest
1.......................5.....................10
X
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OUTGOING
Can hide behind a stick Alternate host of
if someone new is seen "Tonight" show
1.......................5.....................10
X
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HUMAN ATTENTION
REQUIRED
Doppelganger[1] Can amuse self for
long periods of time
1.......................5.....................10
X
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CHEWING
Who needs a chain saw? Slurps food through
a straw
1.......................5.....................10
X
[1]
[G doppelga^:nger, fr. doppel- double + -ga^:nger goer]
(1830)
:a ghostly counterpart of a living person; broadly: DOUBLE 2