Pet-of-the-Day - Meet Aries
- General
- March 25, 2020
Aries whistles, talks and solicits to be kissed and receive head scratches!
Your name: Karen Klein
Job title/department: Associate Professor of Biology
What kind of pet do you have (dog, cat, bird, etc.)? Cockatiel
What is your pet’s name? Aries
How did you come up with this name? My son named him--he names the birds after astrological signs, so 'Aries' it is!
How old is your pet? I'm not sure--he was adopted as an adult from a bird rescue
What is your pet’s gender? Male
Describe your pet in three words: Engaging; silly; emotionally-complicated
What is the thing your pet cannot live without? I'd like to think me! But my guess is, his pita chip snacks.
Can your pet do tricks? If so, what? He talks, saying: "I'm a pretty bird, I'm a pretty bird-o!"; "Whatcha doin?"; makes kissing sounds. He plays Peek-a-Boo; he whistles the songs "If You're Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands" (complete with clicking sounds for the hand-clapping!) and the refrain from Earth, Wind, and Fire's "September".
What is the best trick your pet has taught you? How to pay attention to him when he demands it. ;)
Do you have a nickname for your pet? Sweet Birdo
You know your pet is in a good mood when he/she does this: He whistles, talks, solicits to be kissed and receive head scritches (by putting his head down or rubbing his head against my cheek)
Your pet’s favorite spot to hangout is: On top of my head, on top of his enclosure, in the house plants, and on top of the kitchen cabinets. He is rarely in his enclosure!
Favorite toy: His curly-rope toy--he hops up and down on it to make the bell ring.
One habit you would love to change: He nips when he is in a bad mood and is a bit food-protective.
Does your pet prefer to play with people, or other animals? People!
Does your pet like children? Yes
If you could ask your pet one question and they’d be able to answer it, what would it be? "Are you a pretty bird?" But, actually, he already answers that, regularly!
Can your pet read your emotions? Absolutely!
Funniest moment you’ve had with your pet: He loves to stand on my head while I'm puttering around the house, on my computer, doing stretches on the floor, and even in the shower! Sometimes I forget he is there!
What is the most rewarding aspect of owning your pet? He is a cheerful little bundle of love, and brings rays of sunshine into my day. :)
Additional comments: If anyone has ever considered having a bird as a pet, I strongly recommend visiting the bird rescue where I adopted him, called "A Helping Wing Bird Rescue" in New Jersey. They have over 200 parrots, macaws, African greys, cockatoos, cockatiels, conures, etc, waiting for a second chance and loving homes! :)
If you want to see YOUR pet in the spotlight, fill out the form and be sure to send a photo or two!
Submitted by: Patricia Canavan