African Grey Parrot

Family Affair

2010-12-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

Rosie and Percy insisted upon helping build the yearly gingerbread house. Rosie throwing all the candy from the dishes on the floor, even taking a few bites out of the house. Percy was content just sitting and watching.
When we were done, candy and icing coated all of us! What a fun family affair.

If you are interested in Rosie's book, check out sites below

www.amazon.com

www.luckypress.com

Who Knew

2010-11-14T16:05:00.001-08:00

Who knew a simple cardboard box could be so much fun! Rosie played with this box for well over an hour on the kitchen floor. Rosie, talking, saying, play box, fun and mess. Goofy Bird!

If you are interested in Rosie's book please check out sites below

www.luckypress.com

www.amazon.com

Oatmeal YUM

2010-10-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Rosie eats all three meals with us, including snacks. Rosie does have her own dish that we fix up for her including all the foods. However, Rosie's favorite is eating out of our plates and bowl s. It ends up beiung a mess however alyays lots of fun.
I think her favorite meal is breakfast, oatmeal or a bowl of cereal.

If you are interested in Rosie's book "Rosie Red Bottom"
www.luckypress.com
www.amazon.com

Parrots Magazine

2010-08-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

What a great day for our famly! Marcus, myself, Rosie and Percy were chosen for a four page spread in Parrots Magazine. Full of fantastic pictures and stories. Check it out! Thank You so much Parrots Magazine.
http://www.parrotmag.com/component/content/article/73-whats-in-magazine-152/349-living-with-rosie-red-bottom-and-percy

If you are nterested in Rosie Red Bottom check out
http://www.luckypress.com
http://www.amazon.com

Molting

2010-08-01T15:10:00.001-07:00

Rosie and Percy are both molting, we are drowning in feathers!

If you are interested in Rosie's book check out both sites mentioed below, Rosie Red Bottom.

www.amazon.com
www.luckypress.com

Trouble Time

2010-07-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

Rosie loves wandering the house looking for things to get into. One of her favorites is the dog dishes. Rosie will throw the dishes and drag them out in the living room. If the water dish is full she is unable to lift the dish, so instead takes a bath!

Daily, we are tripping over dog dishes or slipping in the!

Goooooo Rosie. Rosie, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you are interested in Rosie's book, check out the two sites below.

http://www.luckypress.com/
http://www.amazon.com/

My Buddies

2010-07-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

I was on my way to a book signing and the birds would not leave me alone! How lucky am I!

If you are interested in Rosie's book click on links below.

http://www.luckypress.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

Best Buds

2010-07-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Percy just loves to whistle the theme song from the Andy Griffith show; it did not take Rosie to learn the same song. Percy and Rosie will whistle back and forth haply in their own bird world.
Rosie sleeps with us in the bedroom on her hanging perch, Percy sleeps in his covered cage in the dining room.
This morning Rosie woke me up at 4:30am whistling the Andy Griffith theme song obviously trying to gain Percy’s attention.
It wasn’t long before Percy chimed in and both birds were whistling AT 4:30AM.
I had no choice but to get up and join the birds together. Their friend ship is moving right along and has come a long way!
If you are interested in Rosie’s book check out link below.

http://www.luckypress.com/

Friends

2010-06-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

I cannot say Percy and Rosie are the best of friends. (Percy likes everyone) However, it is interesting to observe Rosie changing and tolerating Percy at her best.
We have noticed jealously on Rosie’s part. If we are giving Percy attention or take him for play Rosie will start screaming.
Percy spends more time on Rosie’s cage crossing the highway to Heaven Bridge. I have caught them eating together only once. Rosie tolerates Percy climbing all over her cage and tree. They never get very close, Rosie will puff up and Percy changes his route quickly.
Percy continues to serenade us in the morning, very playful and game for anything. It is equally as interesting watching Rosie loosening up. Go Rosie!

http://www.luckypress.com/
www.amazon.com/

Ice cream for two

2010-05-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKVduMjnmW0&feature=channel

Camping trip a big success

2010-05-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

First camping trip of the year was a total success! I am not really sure how that happen? I do have suspicions. Rosie tolerates Percy however I think she enjoyed the company.
We started the trip with Percy in a camping cage in the truck, this did not work out for very long. He started screaming so we opened the door to the cage. Percy happily climbed out and perched himself on the head rest singing his way to Anchor Point. Both birds camped in the trailer just as happy, singing and no signs of stress.
The pictures show both birds riding on the headrests of the truck and the camping setup in the trailer.
Two adults, two dogs and two birds in a twenty one foot trailer. It can be done and can be fun!
The drive was beautiful sky full of bald eagles flying along the coast line. Plenty for our birds to watch.

If you are interested in Rose’s book please check out the URL below. Book is also on Amazon
www.luckypress.com

Camping Time

2010-05-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

We are headed for Anchor Point Alaska where good friends are and plenty of bald eagles. We are taking both dogs and both birds in a twenty one foot trailer.
Although Rosie has been camping many times, typically the first camp trip of the year is not so smooth for her. Perhaps Percy will help her along this time, or not.
Will write up a full report with pictures after arrivng home. Happy Trails

www.luckypress.com

Who Knew

2010-05-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An0lpneNntU

Dinner tme up-side-down

2010-05-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZaQOtsAiNY

Percy Singing

2010-05-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6Kveo5FsvI

Rosie and Percy

2010-05-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well much has happened in the last week with Percy and Rosie. First week was pretty brutal watching Rosie eye over Percy doing everything and anything possible to ignore him. Acting as if Percy was a disease she wanted nothing to do with. Percy, on the other hand was curious about everything. Rosie is now showing curiosity towards Percy keeping a sharp eye and sharing things. However, keeping a safe distance. The singing and noise has started back up and is welcomed.

We have found Percy to be very loving, sings, curious and gets right up to our faces for any talking. (a bit of a close talker I would say).

As you can see from the picture the cages are about three feet apart. I have put up a ladder between cages so both birds can go back and forth, visiting. We call the cross-way Percy’s "Highway to Heaven" he is visiting Rosie constantly. When Percy decides to go back to his cage, Rosie will pull the ladder off on her end and just laugh and laugh! Just once that I know of Rosie crossed the Highway to Heaven visiting Percy and I found Percy clinging to the kitchen curtains, screaming.
Not only is Percy a wonderful addition to our family, it has proven to be a fascinating experiment for observing both birds. Much better than TV any day.
We have a camping trip planned in a few weeks , all of us going in a 21 foot trailer. Sounds like fun to me.

If you are interested in Rose's book please check out link below. Also available on Amazon.
www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Rosie Scratching like a chicken

2010-04-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDR9TQzHtHM

New Family Member

2010-04-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

New Family Member:

We have decided to bring another bird into our family flock. It was not without plenty of talking out the pros and cons. Percy is his name, a beautiful male cockatiel . He serenades us in the morning with a song and loves to talk also making the cutest kissing sounds.
We have made it through the first week without much trouble. Percy’s cage is next to Rosie's with a few feet between them. The first few days Rosie would sit as far away as possible from her cage hanging out in her tree stand. Rosie would not go in her cage for food instead badgering us for something. In the morning we could see her bring food up from her crop to eat. This went on for three days. Slowly Rosie started going in her cage to eat and will tolerate Percy sharing the tree stand. (this is monitored)
Rosie will now hang out at the very top of her trapeze rope eyeing over all from above! It has been very quiet around here. We shall see what the second week brings.
We are being careful, making Rosie feel like top bird and giving each separate play times.
I miss all the noise!

Percy has no fear. If he gets to close for Rosie's taste, Rosie will thump him in the head. Right now they are both napping on the arm of the couch a foot apart.

If you are interested in Rosie’s book please check out link below.
www.luckypress.com/rosie/

also available on Amazon

Marshmallow who knew?

2010-04-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Marshmallow who knew?

I had been given an assignment of making a birthday cake with marshmallow icing. The marshmallow seemingly being the most important part of the cake.
As usual Rosie was on the counter helping with all, getting in to everything! Rosie seemed fascinated with the marshmallow jar. Once the jar was emptied for the recipe, Rosie took over.
Crawling on top of the jar, licking, tasting and becoming a gooey marshmallow mess.
I can always count on Rosie making the most mundane things fun!
When the icing was made and spread on the cake, it was bath time for the grey one. Even that was fun, water all over the place Rosie and I soaked!
What a goofy bird!

If you are interested in Rose’s book check out the link below.

http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Big Announcement

2010-03-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

Rosie’s book "Rosie Red Bottom a Comedian with feathers" is now available though Barns and Noble for special order at more than 800 stores and on line at, Barns&Noble.com.
This is a major achievement for the book!

www.barnesandnoble.com
www.luckypress.com/rosie/
www.amazon.com

Dinner Anyone

2010-03-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

Meal times at our house are always fun and messy when Rosie is around. Rosie is well aware of cooking that is going on in the kitchen and our attempting to sit down and eat. When we are in the kitchen cooking Rosie will make noises like the stove top or the microwave while threatening us with flight.
Rosie loves to eat with the kids at any meal or snack time, she can be relentless until the kids give in and share.
Most of the time the kids ask if Rosie can enjoy mealtime with them, plenty of laughter and food flying occurs.
Rosie is a complete crack-up and joy no matter what we are doing.

If you are interested in purchasing Rosie’s book please check out link below. Also new on the link is my interview about the book " Rosie Red Bottom" through The Author Show.

www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Long Winter for Rosie

2010-02-21T16:42:00.001-08:00

Rosie is longing to be outside. She will slide down her pole waddle over to the window and stare outside while saying “play” Alaska winters are very long, there are a few cold months left before Rosie can enjoy some warm sun. Hang in there Rosie; we are all longing to be outside my gray feathered friend.
If you are interested in ordering Rosie’s book, check out site below.
www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Happy Valentines Day Rosie Style

2010-02-13T15:44:00.001-08:00

Rosie as usual loves helping with holiday activities. The kids were busy packing little Valentines bags for their big party at school. Rosie was insisting on being involved, crawling on the back of the chairs, and saying over and over. “Help”
Once Rosie was put on the table the fun and mayhem began! Rosie threw all the candy she could reach on the floor. Then the dogs would fight over whom was going to reach the candy first. Rosie ripped up the bags of candy, unrolled the ribbon and chewed up the list that contained all the students’ names.
We were all so busy laughing (including Rosie) before we knew it the table was a mess!!!!!!! We did manage to get all done correctly and Rosie had a ball. Happy Valentine’s Day you goofy parrot!

If you are interested in ordering Rosie’s book please click on the link below.
http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Book Signings

2010-02-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

I am finding book signings so informative and lot's of fun frankly. Each book signing I do the information I gather it so very helpful! Several book signings planned in the near future. Rosie has joined me for a few of the signings.

I will also be on new on the New Authors radio show. Do not know the date for the airing yet, however will post when I know.
If you are interested in ordering the book “Rosie Red Bottom” it is on Amazon and on the following link.
http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Home Wrecker

2010-01-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

Around Christmas we all decided to build a ginger bread house from scratch. Of course, Rosie was in the middle of everything. Icing, candy and gum drops were all over the place. Rosie had icing stuck to her beak, feet and some feathers. The ginger bread house itself kept falling apart, we were all a mess and laughing. Including Rosie! Once the house was assembled it was time to decorate. The kids would stick on a candy or gum drop, Rosie would pull them off. We were all having so much fun; I am surprised the house was ever finished. One all dried and hardened Rosie would do her walk around, checking for anything loose.
Goofy Bird!
If you are interested in Rosie’s book, click on the link below.
http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Rosie up-date

2009-12-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

Rosie is healing nicely and back to her old self. Feathers are just starting to pop out around the area she plucked. The scab is now small and starting to fall off.
I personally have never seen an injury like this. Rosie reinjuring the same area was very frustrating. This was also Rosie’s first visit to the vet.
Thanks for everyone’s support and concerns.

If you are interested in Rosie's book check out link below
www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Rosie's Holiday Boo Boo

2009-12-20T20:12:00.000-08:00

Rosie pretty much has the run of the house. Because we choose to keep her wings carefully clipped Rosie has many ways to get around. Ladders, poles, slides and big plastic pieces that hook together making a chain.
In this case this case Rosie decided to fly and clipped the top of a chair breaking the skin on her chest bone. It started out as a very small area that fortunately Rosie left alone. Rosie re-injured the area and I called the vet. It was suggested to keep her quiet and make a paste of cream of tarter and put on the wound area. Theory being, would dry up the wound and has a bitter taste so the bird would leave it alone. NOT ROSIE! Within fifteen min she plucked out every feather on and around the area that had cream of tarter on it. In the mean time re-injuring the area yet again.
I decided it was time for a vet visit. Rosie was tenderly examined. Her breast bone was all right but the wound area was squishy and raw. At one point the vet discussed stitching the wound, I almost passed out at the thought!
Rosie was put on an antibiotic once a day dose. It seems the medication makes her tired, so I give in the evening. This requires toweling her avoiding the injured area.

Today as the pictures show it was all scabbed over looking good.
Rosie got mad at me tonight after the toweling and ripped off some of the scab and there was some bleeding.
We will make it through this. I miss her singing, roaming and just being goofy Rosie.
I want to thank all my Facebook friends for their caring and advice!

Simply Having A Wonderful Parrot Time

2009-12-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ROSIE RED BOTTOM

Tips on Keeping our Feathered Friends Safe During the Holidays

2009-11-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

The holidays are joyous and active times for people and their pets. Our feathered friends partake in many of the seasonal festivities with us which makes the holidays that much more special. However, many of the decorations and objects we have around the household during the holidays may be dangerous to our birds. By taking a few precautions, we can make this wonderful time of year a safe one for our pets.

Toxic Foods- Avocado Caffeine Chocolate
Dairy (in excessive amounts) Mushrooms (potentially toxic) Onions (in excessive amounts)
Rhubarb Salt (in excessive amounts) Sugar (in excessive amounts)

Food Preparation -. Birds have a very effective respiratory tract and coupled with their relatively small size are susceptible to toxic elements in the air. During cooking if food burns or smoke is produced, any birds nearby the kitchen could be at risk of fatal smoke inhalation, remove bird from area, offering fresh air. A vet visit may be in order.
Keep your bird out of the kitchen when oven and stove are on. The potential of the bird being burned, stepped on or spilled on are high risks.

Christmas Tree - Keep birds away from lights, electrical cords, ornaments and tensel.
The trunk of a live tree is often coated with chemicals, such as fertilizer or insecticide. When the tree is placed in the stand and watered, the chemicals from the trunk contaminate the water. If your bird drinks it, they may become sick.

Poisonous Plants
Many homes are decorated each year during the holiday season with poinsettias and mistletoe. These plants do represent the season; unfortunately they are toxic for our feathered friends.

Holiday Decorations/Packages
Many people place decorations throughout the house including lights, evergreen branches, holiday knickknacks and other assorted objects to provide a festive environment. Lit candles can burn a curious pet or could be knocked over and start a fire. Icicles and tinsel draped on a mantle are as dangerous as tinsel on a tree. Monitor your pets and watch out for any evidence of chewing on these objects.

Have a wonderful Holiday season with your feathered friends, I know we will with our African grey," Rosie Red Bottom."

The Cupboard Grey One

2009-11-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

Rosie's cage is always open, making her roaming the house easy. If Rosie is issuing an undesirable behavior her cage is used as a timeout, with the door shut.

When we are in the kitchen cooking, hot stove, hot oven or hot food, it is not the place for Rosie and her roaming. Because the closed cage is used as a time out we really do not want to put the grey one in there for roaming.

Instead, Rosie has her own cupboard in the kitchen. We emptied out the cupboard only putting in canned goods that she cannot harm or hurt her.

The only bad thing for us is, she rips off the labels having so much fun. We are sure to write the name of the ingredients on the top of the can.

Rosie seems very pleased in her cupboard that is in the middle of all the kitchen action and out of harms way.

One time, I forgot she was in the cupboard and shut the door. Soon I could hear a mysterious knocking coming from the kitchen. It was Rosie, knocking with her beak from the inside of the cupboard ( in parrot Morse code I am sure) saying "get me out of here."

If you are interested in Rosie's book, please click on the link below

http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Happy Parrot Halloween

2009-10-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year for decorating and carving pumpkins. As usual Rosie must impose her critiques and help with carving. Rosie's help consisted of ripping the guts out of the pumpkin and flicking seeds all over the table and floor. There are several beak holes in the nose and eye holes that are hard to see. Rosie in fact had a great time and there was plenty of laughter! BOO

If you are interested in Rosie's book, please click on the link below.

http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Rosie's Tea Party

2009-10-22T21:44:00.001-07:00

As I have mentioned so many times before Rosie roams the house, looking for action of any kind.

On this particular day the kids had the brilliant idea for a tea party. As you can see from the picture the kids managed to find pieces of this and that for a table cloth. I can see the T Rex has a skirt on, Brat the Cat sits in the middle and Long Neck finishes out the trio. I could hear the kids giggling and decided to investigate. As I stood there in amazement with a big smile, I could hear Rosie clickety clacking down the hallway. Rosie not wanting to be left out of anything entered the bedroom, eyed things over and climbed up on the table, using the long corner of the tablecloth. Rosie just stood there on the table as if thinking "now what."

I could not resist taking a picture!

And then there was a foursome for the tea party. :-)

If you are interested in ordering Rosie's book, please click on link below.

http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Grocery Bagging Bird

2009-10-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

One of Rosie's favorite things to do is help us un-pack after a shopping spree at the grocery store.

Rosie enjoys picking through all the bags, pulling items out, nibbling on what she can and of course, listening to items hit the floor.

Once all is un-packed, we will pile all the empty bags up on the counter. Rosie will play with the empty bags, climbing in and out, seemingly enjoying the crackling sound they make.

Once The Grey One is done, the kitchen is a mess as usual!

Listening to Rosie laugh while having all the fun is well worth it! We wouldn't want it any other way.

If you are interested in purchasing Rosie's new book, please click on link below.

http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Iguazu the Conure

2009-09-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

The following story and picture of Iguazu the conure was sent to me by a Facebook friend. I thought the picture and story was cute enough for a post on Rosie's blog.

Iguazu the Conure

Iguazu on occasion eats with us, plucking food from our plates and drinking from our glasses. One day after lunch, we opened the dishwasher preparing to load the dirty dishes, Iguazu had other ideas. As always Iguazu wants to be part of everything, he flew in the dishwasher and remained then until we were done loading. All the while seemingly wondering what we were doing.

I started to close the dishwasher wondering how Iguazu would react., he would not move! Finally I had to ask him to come to my shoulder because he would not leave on his own. He definitely loved the dishwasher!

By Matnilde/France

Silly Rosie

2009-09-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

Rosie just loves playing games just as much as we like watching and interacting. Most of the game playing is made up by her, her rules, her way! If we try to elaborate the game she at times will get mad and show her distaste. So, we go with the flow and follow her lead.

One of Rosie's favorite game is playing in the dog food container. Rosie is always delighted to see the plastic bin sitting on the counter and will make her way to the area. Rosie loves throwing dog food, laughing and running around the edge of the container. There is a little tin cup in the bin used for measuring. Rosie love throwing the cup on the floor and yelling "yea" when it hits the floor. Rosie will say "come over here"wanting us to pick up the cup bury it in the dog food so she can dig it out. Rosie will climb in the bin scratching at the food like a chicken until the cup is unburied. Once again throwing the cup on the floor! Rosie certainly enjoys herself and the dogs like cleaning up the mess. Silly Rosie

If you are interested in ordering Rosie's book please click on link below.

http://luckypress.com/rosie/

Roaming the House

2009-09-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

Rosie pretty much owns the house, directing us and the dogs on a daily basis. Luckily, Rosie and the dogs get along very well!!!! If I had to venture a guess, the dogs are afraid of Rosie.

Our grey one loves roaming the house, walking down the hallways looking for action. Typically, Rosie will roam looking for the kids or us if we are in the back of the house. We can hear her peeping and clicking on the floor and she gets closer.

Her newest pay ground seems to be the dogs water and food dishes. Rosie slides down her pole from cage to floor aiming right for the dishes. As Rosie is laughing she will yank the dishes out of the holders banging and rolling the dishes on the floor. Once she has completed the empty food dish mess, she will take a bath in the water dish. Once she has emptied one dish she heads for the second, water all over the floor and cupboards. Keeping in mind Rosie is laughing, burping and sneezing the entire time.

Rosie also enjoys walking along the bottom of the kitchen cupboards ducking down and running along this space. Around our house you always need to look before stepping! Goofy Grey Bird!

If you are interested in ordering Rosies book, click on link below.

www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Dishes Anyone?

2009-08-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

Rosie loves to be included in everything! My husband and I are always thinking of new ways to include Rosie so all is challenging for her.

Doing dishes in our house is always fun for Rosie and us! Not only do we include her, we make it a learning game teaching Rosie new words.

If we have forgotten to include her, it isn't long before we hear her clicking on the kitchen floor waddling up to us and saying "step up"

Rosie enjoys sitting on the dish-strainer or on the pulled out rack in the dish-washer.

My husband washes and I dry. Each item I dry, I say the name of the item to Rosie such as, pan, glass, ladle, spatula, fork, knife, plate, etc. As I put items away Rosie will walk along the counter and say "here"

We continue the same routine if we are loading the dishwasher. Rosie will hang upside-down on the pulled out rack laughing and saying the words she has learned.

Rosie seems to enjoy the interaction with us the most and she surly makes the task of doing dishes allot more fun.

When Rosie starts rambling, she runs all the words together and starts us all laughing. Rosie sounds like a futuristic kitchen appliance commercial.

Goofy Grey Bird!

If your are interested in ordering Rosie's book, click on following link.

http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Book Review for "Rosie Red Bottom"

2009-08-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

5.0 out 0f 5 stars Especially recommended to the attention of anyone contemplating having a pet parrot of their own! August 8, 2009

By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) http://www.midwestbookreview.com/
go to site punch on "whats new on this site" and type in "Rosie Red Bottom"

Parrots make fascinating pets in general, and African Grays are particularly beautiful, intelligent, and engaging parrots in particular. In "Rosie Red Bottom: A Comedian With Feathers, Alaskan author and parrot owner Donna Mann tells the story of how one very special parrot became an active and integral member of the Mann family. But "Rosie Red Bottom" is so much more than just an utterly charming and personal story of a family and their parrot companion, it's also 81-pages packed with solid and usable information relevant to the challenges and concerns of raising parrots. Readers will learn of the environmental stimuli and variables that affect parrots, along with the routines, physical set-up, diet, and training techniques appropriate and essential for healthy parrots. Of special note is an appendices with 150 references and web sites for further research and study on parrots and parrot care, including import/export regulations. Entertaining, informed and informative, "Rosie Red Bottom" is especially recommended to the attention of anyone contemplating having a pet parrot of their own!

If you are interested in ordering "Rosie Red Bottom" please visit the following link
http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Outside Deck Fun

2009-08-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

As I have said before Rosie loves being outside with family in the afternoons. The sun shines on the back deck and she surly enjoys the warmth. Typically Rosie likes sitting up in the rungs of the deck umbrella, where she is up high and can see all. "feeling safe as well, I am sure"

However, she is not in the sun or getting the natural vitamin D she needs. If I leave the umbrella down so she can run on the deck table, she keeps starring upward looking for the umbrella and screaming her dislikes.

On this particular day I did not give in, instead leaving the umbrella down and perched Rosie on the back of a deck chair. Rosie clearly not happy at first, ended up inventing a new game and we both had a ball.

I had popped popcorn for the kids earlier in the day and the empty dish was left on the deck table. This dish ended up being of great interest for Rosie filled with un-popped seeds. As Rosie was perched on the back of the deck chair, I tossed an un-popped seed in the seat of the chair just to see what she would do. As the seed rolled around in the chair Rosie scurried down inspecting the seed then tossed down on the deck. Rosie began laughing and indeed wanted more fun. We played this game together until the seeds ran out. Rosie insisted on inspecting the dish repeating the word "seed" and laughing like crazy, ending with throwing the plastic dish down as well. Goofy Bird!

Please check out Rosie's new book, ordering information on following link

www.luckypress.com/rosie/

Game On

2009-07-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

Rosie loves playing games, some made up by her, some made up by us, some purchased to heighten her intellectual level. It really doesn't matter; it is a fun time for all of us to be together.

In these pictures, shows one of Rosie's favorite games. The game is a simple concept of putting the right shape in the box through the right size slot on top of the box. Playing this game with Rosie has taught her to say the words red, green, yellow and blue. However as of right now Rosie cannot tell the colors, only says the word.

Rosie tries so hard to put the shapes in the slots, she seems delighted when one goes in listening to them fall inside the box hitting the table.

When Rosie is tired of playing the game she gleefully throws each piece off the table laughing when they hit the floor. Once the table is cleared, game over!

Late Night Madness

2009-07-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

Nightly Rosie sleeps on a hanging perch in the bedroom with us. On some occasions before falling asleep we will play with Rosie for awhile in bed. Rosie enjoys the hiding under the blanket game, hanging up-side down and running the length of the bed while laughing. Typically she stays on the night perch starts her beak grinding and sleeps through the night.
Last night Rosie clearly did not want to go to bed or sleep! Rosie was relentless, climbing down the perch peeping, screaming and jumping on the bed.
Typically when Rosie has bad behavior she is timed out in her cage. After trying everything, we decided to put her in the cage for the night. There was no peeping or screaming, instead beak grinding and sleep.
In the morning upon opening the cage door and saying good morning Rosie had attitude! Rosie acted like a little imp, biting, throwing anything she could get her beak on and acting superior.
Shortly after breakfast she seemed to calm down and started acting like the Rosie we all know and love!
Wonder what will happen tonight?

Bird of the Week

2009-07-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

Rosie has made Bird of the week on My Domestic Birds!!
My Domestic Birds approached me with the idea of Rosie being their first Bird of the Week. After collaborating, sharing ideas and pictures Rosie is now the cutest Bird of the week EVER!
Please check it out!
http://www.mydomesticbirds.com/index.php

Way to go Rosie

Rosie Red Bottom "a true comedian with feathers"

2009-07-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

Rosie Red Bottom “a true comedian with feathers”

Rosie’s book Rosie Red Bottom “a true comedian with feathers” is now available for ordering. The book was ready for ordering on July 1st the predicted date. All in all this has been a fantastic experience!
Thank You Lucky Press :-)
It’s all so magical and scary at the same time. Rosie continues to sit on the back of my office chair cheering me through this process.
Please share with other bird lovers you may know.

The book can be ordered through Amazon site below

Rosie' tag="luckypressllc-20&linkCode=" camp="1789&creative=" creativeasin="0977630080">Rosie'>http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0977630080?ie=UTF8&tag=luckypressllc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0977630080">Rosie

Also through Lucky Press site below

http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

If ordered through the Lucky Press site a trade discount is available for bookstores and libraries. This discount info is posted on the Lucky Press site.

If you are interested in an autographed book, you can order through me personally. US ONLY
contact me at hybrid52@gci.net I will e-mail cost and shipping details. ( we can go from there)

Happy ordering and reading. Rosie says, Thank You

Goofy Bird

2009-06-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

Rosie is a goof ball, what else can I say! Rosie loves playing on her tree stand and picking on Sponge Bob for some reason? She seems to take great delight in hanging up-side-down and talking at the same time. She has this look in her eye as if saying “I am a superior parrot and I know it” Then she loses grip an falls! It's a short fall and we have the area cushioned.

Nine times out of ten she lands on her feet just like a cat! Luckily she falls very seldom. Now, the new trick is, hanging from one foot. This has got trouble written all over it, I can see it already. Hang on Sponge Bob!
Goofy Bird!

Camping with a parrot

2009-06-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

Camping was introduced to Rosie at age four months. Rosie has a camping cage and a mini hanging sleeping perch. During the day she climbs in and out of the cage that has a perch on top. I also made a perch ring made out of a coat hanger filled with cloth tied in knots. Rosie loves sitting in the ring during the day picking at the cloth. At night the ring is replaced with the hanging perch.
Traveling, Rosie loves to sit on M’s shoulder talking away. On long rides I feed her snacks and she drinks water from a bottled water cap. It is a long time routine Rosie seems very comfortable with. Most of the time Rosie sharing M’s space with the two dogs that must look out the window smearing nose prints so thick it is hard to see. I have a lap and window as well however all pets seem to prefer M’s side. I assure you the window is closed and Rosie is safe in the cab of the truck.
If we need to make a short stop Rosie stays in the locked truck happily sitting on the head rest and the dogs go in the camper.
On this particular trip Rosie encountered a potential threat. We had stopped for breakfast in Anchor Point, Alaska and picked a table by the window so we could see Rosie in the truck. I peaked out and noticed Rosie was not on the head rest as usual? I went out to investigate and could hear Rosie screaming on the floor of the truck. As I looked to my right there was a bald eagle sitting in a tree right in front of the truck, front window height about twenty yards away. Although Rosie was perfectly safe she surly seemed to know the eagle was a threat. I wonder what the eagle was thinking?

Book Cover

2009-06-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

The book cover just came out today, it is all so exciting!!!! Just look at Rosie on the cover! She is a true star!

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

2009-06-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

Rosie typically follow’s us around the house helping with all chores, getting dressed or whatever is going on that she finds interesting.
This morning she was more than usual “insisting” on being involved with anything!!!! I was attempting to clean the bathroom, clean being the operative word. I put Rosie on the counter for her assistance with the cleaning.
Rosie quickly started playing with all on the counter, chewing, breaking or throwing on the floor seemed to bring her great glee! I could tell because of her laughing.
Rosie soon noticed a roll of paper towels on the counter; she started repeating the word paper, paper, paper!!!!!!!!! I sat her on top of the paper towel roll and she discovered her reflection!
All cleaning stopped and I grabbed the camera. Rosie played in front of the mirror for about thirty minutes. I might add, calling herself a “ pretty bird.”

Got Juice

2009-06-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

Rosie loves the kids! I mean just loves them! She can be relentless trying to get their attention, following them around the house or sharing a meal.
Rosie can mimic all the children’s separate laughs and certain words they say.
On this particular sunny day the kids were having a picnic on the back deck. Rosie indeed wanted to be part of this summer happening. Rosie crawled down from her tree waddled to the back door and announced she wanted “OUT!” (we are working on out please)
Rosie joined the kids for lunch sampling everything. However, she really went for the foil juice container! Rosie took complete delight in pulling out the straw then poking holes in the container and sipping the juice. All the while laughing and showing off!
What a picnic indeed!

Visitng Rapping Eddie

2009-05-28T17:54:00.001-07:00

Rosie went visiting over Memorial weekend. Rosie does have several bird friends however seems enjoy visiting Eddie the most.
When we travel with Rosie we always bring her floor stand containing a food and water dish. We will set the stand up by Eddie so both parrots can visit and share parrot stories. We can comfortably leave the room and can hear Rosie and Eddie whistling together and copying noises.
Eddie loves to show off for Rosie however she seems unimpressed. During their visits they always share a little head nuzzling together and a few glancing kisses.
Rosie is on the left.

Camping

2009-05-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

Rosie just had a fun filled weekend camping up in Sutton, Alaska. Luckily the weather was gorgeous and Rosie was able to spend much time outside in the sun with us.
Rosie loves to travel in the truck looking out the windows, mostly out the back window. Apparently she likes to see where we have been.
If we are pulling the trailer Rosie is delighted to say “camping” over and over. Once we get home I can hear the word camping in my sleep!
Rosie has her own set up in the trailer complete with a mini hanging perch for night time. Rosie seems to particularly love mealtime enjoying all the special camping foods that are prepared.

Fishy Fish

2009-05-13T09:57:00.001-07:00

Rosie considers the kitchen counter as her personal space! Because Rosie is so demanding and thinks she needs stuff, all in reach has been chewed, broke, ripped, mashed or broken. If we are on our game all is cleared and only items that are safe for Rosie to destroy remain.
However, our beta fish “fishy fish” is forever faithful sitting on the end of the counter in a protective tank. If Rosie has destroyed everything on the counter the fish is her next target. Rosie will climb on the top of the tank bending over and watch Fishy Fish inside the tank swimming round and round. Fishy Fish seems to enjoy this game now, swimming all around the top teasing Rosie. Often we catch the fish and Rosie looking at each other, like a show down
It is a fun show lasting as long as we allow. Lately Rosie will say….. Fish or I see you.

Piñata Bird Toys

2009-05-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

Anyone that owns a bird of any size knows they all love to rip and tear up paper. There is a variety of bird toys out there that are designed with ripping and tearing in mind for our feathered friends.
I do find most of these toys to be fairly expensive only to be ripped up! However, the joy our birds show while doing the ripping seems to be worth the money spent. Even the mess is worth it!
I do most of bird shopping after holidays picking up holiday toys for over half off or more. Homemade toys are also lots of fun to make, saving money.
I found myself in a department store the day after a major holiday and came across a basket full of birthday Piñatas for 1 or 2 dollars. Rosie loves the larger tissue paper –toys! The larger Piñatas also seem to be far more durable unlike the bird piñatas and they last longer.
Give it a try your bird will love you even more for it.

Piñata
Hispanic a decorated papier-mâché container of candy or small gifts that is hung from the ceiling and is hit and broken by blindfolded people with sticks, traditionally during Latin American festivals. It is often shaped like a donkey or a cartoon character.

Let the sunshine In!

2009-05-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

Rosie just loves the sun! All of us that are owned by a parrot know vitamin D is so very important for our feathered companions.
Rosie loves sitting on the back deck catching the afternoon rays of Mr. Sun. Often I set a dish out so she can play in the water and supply her with plenty of ice cubes. Rosie loves chasing the ice cube around in the water dish and delights herself with throwing them off the table listening to them hit the deck. Rosie will play the ice cube game with the kids until they are all melted.
When it is not warm enough to be outside Rosie loves sitting in the afternoon sun coming in through the window. Although the sun shining in through the window does not provide the vitamins needed, Rosie loves the warmth.
Don’t forget the parrot sunscreen. Just kidding.

Rosie the Kitchen Helper

2009-04-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

If there is ANYTHING going on in the kitchen, Rosie must be involved! I must admit it is fun having her company and her expertise in choosing just the right ingredients. However, Rosie will make the biggest messes, tipping all over or throwing on the floor. In the long run it is all worth it, that’s for sure.
Now I just need to find a little cooks hat and matching apron for a goofy grey!
In this particular case Rosie and I were making apple pie, cheating using canned apple filling instead of fresh apples. Rosie delighted herself in licking the filling off the cans, tipping over the bowl and spilling extra cinnamon in the mixture. Rosie even put her beak impressions in around the crusts edge.
The pie turned out yummy!

Sweet Beak

2009-04-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Rosie surly has a sweet beak! Rosie is well aware of the sounds in the kitchen and what particular sound means something sweet! Rosie likes all sweets! Syrup and honey on the morning pancakes, jelly on toast, cinnamon rolls, pudding, whip cream, pies, ice cream and sweetened cream cheese on bagels! Rosie is insistent on getting what she wants, waddling in the kitchen looking up at us as if she is starving. Rosie always ends up on the counter sharing whatever sweet treat is being devoured at the time. I am so very grateful the kids are willing to share there goodies with a goofy bird. In these pictures Haley is trying to enjoy some vanilla pudding with whip cream and sprinkles. Rosie has other ideas.

Gracie

2009-04-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed having small pet birds for many years now. After years of research and experience with smaller birds, I was ready to purchase a larger parrot. I bought a baby Senegal parrot from a breeder. I was hoping to form a lasting bond with this bird. However, he or she has decided that my husband is the center of his universe.A good friend of mine works for a bird hospital in my city. She was aware of my situation. She contacted me about a seven year old Timneh named "Gracie" that was a patient at the hospital. Gracie had been through a very traumatic experience. The owners had a small child that did not get along with the Gracie so it was kept outside on a patio most of the time. I don't believe she ever had time out of her cage. Somehow, a wild raccoon got her out of her cage and carried it across the yard until someone threw something and the raccoon released her. That resulted in many injuries and months of treatment and recovery at the bird hospital. Gracie became very frightened of towels and people from the constant handling from the staff who were treating her. Gracie was not expected to live. After that incident the owners felt like they could no longer care for the bird.When I heard the story, my heart went out to this bird. I was told that she would probably never be able to be tame or trust anyone again. My husband and I agreed that we could at least give her a safe home. Gracie was very angry and upset when she was put in a carrier to come home with us. She was silent for the first few days. We soon discovered that she did speak a few words. She called the dogs and mimicked some outdoor sounds. Each day we would open her cage door and let her come out on her own. She seemed to love that. I would sit on the couch (not too close) and speak softly to her. After just a week she began to take treats out of my hand. She soon began to trust my husband and I, enough to let us get close. This progressed into stepping up on a stick. Each week we would accomplish new things. Now, after 4 mos. of having her, she steps up on our hands and loves to get a head scratch. She has learned many phrases and words. She talks up a storm. I can't imagine life without her now. I've learned to have patience and to never give up.
By Lisa Johnson

Anita

2009-04-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

My CAG is Anita. She will be 5yo July 1st. I have had her since she was 3 months old. She says everything, bosses around all the animals in my house by name, and loves to ride in the car. My favorite story about her is her musical ability (she is a legend in her own mind). CAG's cannot really carry a tune. In fact the breeder tried to talk me out of a CAG as she knew I loved to sing and thought I would be disapointed in a bird that could not sing. Despite all this Anita loves to make music. She makes finger snapping sounds on time to any song carrying a good beat and then whistles and dances and shouts "WooHoo" if she likes the song. "The Bird Song" by the doodlebops is her favorite. She can actually sing the Vonage woohoo song for minutes at a time. She can do the "woodstock" whistle from Charlie Brown. And the last year or so has started singing ooooohhhh with a strong vibrato to any ballad she hears. Now this may not be musical to some, but she loves music every bit as much as I do, and proudly will show anyone what a great singer she is."

By Joyce Campbell

Making Bird Toys

2009-04-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Rosie loves the homemade birdie toys I make. Most of the time, Rosie is in the office watching me as I make the toys. Rosie will open up her wings threatening flight, attempting to get down to where the action is.
The toys are easy to make and fun for the bird. I use toilet paper rolls or a paper towel roll cut in half. The paper towel rolls cut in half are great for larger birds. I stuff the roll with bird treats or toys. “Rosie loves the little cat toys”

Next, punch two holes at each end and tie with twine. “Keeping goodies inside” If I am feeling really creative, I will then wrap with tissue paper and tie at both ends. Rosie has fun ripping the paper off and making a big mess as usual.
I make these bird toys for Rosie often and share with other friends and their birds.
Happy Toy Making!

It's Easter Time

2009-04-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hippity Hoppity Easter On It's Way

Rosie Red Bottom would like to say Happy Easter to all her fans.

On Easter Rosie will enjoy her suprise Easter basket full of bird goodies, egg hunt with the kids, followed by a big ham dinner with all the trimmings Rosie loves!

Announcement

2009-04-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Announcement:

I am posting my new web page with Lucky Press. Containing more information on my book, publisher, author, content, ordering info and release date.
http://www.luckypress.com/rosie/

What it is all about

2009-04-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

Rosie enjoying some sun African Grey Parrot is a new blog. First and foremost this blog was started to advertise publication of my new book, Rosie Red Bottom.
My hopes for this blog is, for others to send me short stories and a picture on their parrots so I can post. I would also like to post answers to questions that are asked on the blog. In turn helping other parrot owners.
As the publication process continues on my book, information will be posted.
So send in those questions, short stories and a picture.

Rosie's Friends

2009-04-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

Rosie and Twister

Ozone

Tater Tot

Whenever we go out of town, Rosie stays with her friends Ozone, Tater Tot and Twister. We are so very fortunate to have such good neighbor “Norma” that is a fantastic babysitter and owns three beautiful birds.
Twister is a lovable African Grey that loves to talk. The first time I went over and knocked on the door, Twister greeted me by saying “you will be assimilated resistance is futile” After Rosie leaves it is followed by a week of Twister chanting “Where’s Rosie”
Tater Tot is a goofy blue and gold Mc Caw. He loves hanging up-side-down by one foot clinging on to anything. Tater adores Norma and will do just about anything to get her attention. He even allows Norma to carry him in her arms like a baby. Really silly!
Ozone is a blue and gold Mc Caw who loves music and being sung to. He will look at you with his big eyes pinpointing as you sing, all the while rocking back and forth on his swing. Ozone also loves the grand kids! It is charming to watch Ozone with the kids being so gentle and loving.
What a crew Rosie has for friends!

Phone Call

2009-03-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

Rosie just loves kids, listening to them laugh, watching them play and mimicking their sounds. Often Rosey will trek down the hallway to the kid’s bedroom just to enjoy their company, play and games.
Last night the kids called to say hello and check in. I just happen to be standing by Rosie’s cage and she could hear their voices on the phone. Rosie immediately showed excitement and clearly wanted the phone. I held the phone up to her and she listened with glee pinpointing with her eyes as the kids were saying, “hi Rosie” Once the phone call ended, Rosie continued to mimic the phone ringing and saying “hi Rosie”
What a Goofy Bird

Mt. Redoubt

2009-03-24T16:37:00.001-07:00

Right now Alaska is making the news over the erupting volcano Mt. Redoubt. Although the winds are blowing what little ash there is in other directions, Rosie is not experiencing any side effects from the volcano.
However, Rosie is equipped with a filter mask in her size, just in case there is any volcano trouble!

Rapping Eddie

2009-03-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Rosie Ignoring Eddie

Rosie went for a visit with us over the weekend, perching herself on the headrest of the truck, talking all the way to our friends house in Eagle River. It was cold outside, so I carefully put Rosie in my coat until we got inside the warm house.

Our friends have a male grey parrot named, Eddie. Eddie is three months older than Rosie, very entertaining and a beautiful dark gray color. When he miss behaves he is addressed as, Edward.

Eddie spent most of the afternoon showing off for Rosie, hanging up-side-down, talking, rapping and trying to be noticed. Rosie, unimpressed pretty much ate all day, not even glancing in Eddies direction.

Did I say rapping? Yes! Eddie opens up his wings, bobs his head, stomps his feet and makes rapping noises. Funny stuff!

Eddie is a plucker unfortunately. Eddie's owners have tried many suggested solutions.... cage placement, diet, baths, medications and hundreds of dollars at the avian vets office. Eddie was diagnosed with a liver dysfunction and put on medication for that. Recently Eddie's owners decided to put up a avian UV light. It has been three weeks and Eddie's feathers are growing back in and there is a noticeable difference in his behavior. Let's just hope this fantastic change continues!

Hey Ed, wouldn't it be something if you are a plucker because you are vitamin D deficient? Keep rapping Ed!

ROSIE RED BOTTOM

2009-03-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

A charming, nontraditional approach to raising an African Grey parrot.
Written in plain, straightforward language for all readers, Rosie Red Bottom, African Grey Parrot takes the true-life--and sometimes humorous--experiences of the author and helps to simplify the problems and worries of raising parrots.
Rosie Red Bottom, African Grey Parrot has the perfect recipe for parrot care: One part preparation, one part common sense, and stir in lots of love. Whether you are thinking about bringing a bird into your home, or already live with one of these beautiful creatures, this book is a down-to-earth, realistic approach for care of an African grey.
All birds are different, just like human babies. But most books on the subject of caring for an African grey tend to be complicated, stringent, scary, scientific, threatening, and very clinical. Some refer the owner to seek veterinary assistance for every little problem. The author brings together useful information on different techniques for raising an African grey parrot.
Taking a different approach on the subject, Rosie Red Bottom, African Grey Parrot encourages bird owners to think creatively and understand that, as with human nature, there is no classic textbook situation described in traditional reference books that is certain to solve the problems of an individual bird.
Rosie Red Bottom, African Grey Parrot encourages parrot owners to understand the many stimuli and variables that exist with parrot problems and to use common sense and the process of elimination to resolve the issues that they may have with their bird.

Donna Mann

Please come back and visit in June for further information on ordering this fun book! Please feel free to comment or ask questions on blog.