my pal Cleo

sleeepy2 · #1 05-14-2003, 11:48 PM

This is Cleo with my grandmother in August, 1969 (before I was born) and with me May, 2003. I'm looking for older pic's of him.

#2 05-14-2003, 11:52 PM

OH How beautiful is that? How awsome. Now how old is cleo? What a beauti! And I just love her name! Was she your Grandmothers first? Or is she still hers? Oh so many questions! Gail

sleeepy2 · #3 05-15-2003, 12:05 AM

Cleo was my grandparents first and only bird. As far as I know, they got him in 1960 (when my mom was in highschool). When my grandfather recently passed, no other family members wanted him, so I jumped at the chance to take him. He's happy to be here, and yells my name (and my grandfathers) regularly.
Actually, I just found out 2 weeks ago (through DNA) that Cleo (short for Cleopatra) is a He. It had been a family mystery for decades.

#4 05-15-2003, 12:15 AM

Thats' one good-looking amazon! You are very lucky you inherited him! That's so strange to think that some of our birds were living before we were even born! Do you know what Cleo was fed way back around 1969? Well, all I can say is that you made a very smart decision deciding to adopt him!

sleeepy2 · #5 05-15-2003, 12:39 AM

As far as I know, Cleo had a largely seed diet with supplements of spaghetti and tomato sauce. Sadly, he was kept in a small (by todays standards) cage and not given much personal interaction and few if any toys. I guess in 1960 people didn't understand how complex these creatures were. Cleo and I are having some squabbles (biting, he snaps viciously at my wife) but we're in it for the long haul. That's why I really appreciate this forum and all the advice I've been getting.

Mrs.Birdy · #6 05-15-2003, 07:10 AM

Cleo is so beautiful! You have such a heartwarming story there. You should send your story to BirdTalk magazine with photos.

Cleo must still miss his "father", and is still getting used to you. He/she is very lucky you adopted him, you seem to be really trying hard to find the best way to care for him. Kudos.

Please tell us more and post more photos if you have,

#7 05-15-2003, 07:50 AM

Send your story into bird talk. It is sucha good story. Please tell us more. We love hearing stories.

#8 05-15-2003, 10:05 AM

Yes,Please tell more storys. I loved hearing about Cleo. I just love that name. Its okay if you found out later that she is a he. They don't know the difference about names,I don't think? How long ago did you adopt her? She is so beautiful,what ever she was feed it agreed with her. Her feathers are so pretty and you would never know she is that old. Please show more pictures. Does she talk and how many words does she say? I have to wonder where in the 60's did they even have or sell birds? I am from the 60's I don't ever remember my family ever having birds. Which is sad, I would probably know more then I do. I really love this forum too, I have learned so much,thanks to my friends here. Nice to meet you.Gail

birdgirl · #9 05-15-2003, 12:49 PM

wow what a pretty bird

I wish all birds could live that long. please do tell more stories

#10 05-15-2003, 01:49 PM

I agree, you should at least send in the old and the recent pictures of Cleo to BirdTalk! I know everyone would think that was very interesting to see those. It's sad to think how Cleo was obtained back in the 60's, since almost all were wild-caught and not treated very kindly at all.

Have you ever read "My Parrot, My Friend"? I think the advice would really help with Cleo's biting problem, especially the "PRPT" training steps.

JSimko · #11 05-15-2003, 02:35 PM

Do you have any idea how old Cleo actually is? Cleo looks really healthy and happy.

**dlaura** · #12 05-15-2003, 02:38 PM

I think that is so great that you took Cleo in when no one else in the family wanted him! It is sad that so many people miss out on these great friends.

Our son (24)got us into birds - and he will take over being owned by our two birds (green cheek conure / goffin) when we can no longer be with them.

It is so great to arrive home and be greeted by all four birds. Never an angry chrip (well almost never) when arriving home as they are soooo happy to see us. I just ignore my spouse when he is in a grumpy mood and interact with the birds - in a little while Bob comes around as how can anyone remain grumpy when they're surrounded with love.

sleeepy2 · #13 05-15-2003, 04:07 PM

I'll post any older pictures if I find them. I have a list of parrot books to get and "My Parrot, My Friend" is on it. Does anyone know an internet site that teaches stick training? Cleo is doing well with the step up, step down commands and I think stick training may be valuable.

We have always treated 1960 as Cleo's birth year, since we have no info from before then. We don't even know how old he was when brouhgt home, but probably under a year. His leg is not banded, so I can't get any info there.

Thanks for everyones really nice comments!

#14 05-15-2003, 07:09 PM

I am looking so forward to see more pics and to hear more storys about cleo! Thanks again!

#15 05-15-2003, 07:12 PM

I don't know if you have it or not but the parrot who owns me is a great book to read if you have a bird or love birds. It is an excellent book to read. Not really care info but an excellent memoir.