INDIAN RINGNECK PAREKEET
by Maria Andress
I was breaking up with my boyfriend and had gone to the mall to give him time to move. As I was walking in the mall I passed a pet store and saw people hovering around the transaction counter. I was curious and went in and saw this beautiful bird, yellow with red beaks. I said "hello pretty bird" and to my surprise she grabbed hold of my shirt sleeve and walked on to my shoulder and I said to the bird "you are going home with me". I spent over $1000.00 for her and all the equipment to give her a comfortable home. She was very territorial and bit me a lot, but eventualy she allowed me to handle her. I named her Charlie, because I did not know her sex and I felt this name will fit both sexes. I had her for 22 years. During this time we learned each others wants and needs and eventually she became less noisy and more affectionate. If I fell asleep while watching TV and woke up she would be there by my neck snuggling. I had a koi pond in the back yard and would sit out there crotaing and would take her with me. A hummingbird took interest in her and built her nest on a Rooster wind chime I had hanging from the patio cover. I have experienced the wonders of nature I would have never experienced if I did not have her in my life. I gave her freedom to go as she pleased and I always offered her food when I was cooking. I had fruit always in a basket on the counter but she never touched it. One time she took a bite out of a avocado and about 4 days later she dies. Had I known it was poisonus to her I would have never left it in her reach. She was 22 years old when she died. I had a Koi pond and buried her on top and placed a Rose bush at the head of the grave. It has been 3 years and I still miss her. She was a very unusual but very loving companion. I never thought such a little thing would have such enormous impact on my life, and I am very grateful to have been given such a special gift to help me through a very painful and difficult time in my life.
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