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Conference 7.286::pet_birds

Title:Captive Breeding for Conservation--and FUN!
Notice:INTROS 6.X / FOR SALE 13.X / Buying a Bird 900.*
Moderator:VIDEO::PULSIFER
Created:Mon Oct 10 1988
Last Modified:Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:942
Total number of notes:6016

662.0. "TV special on African Grey" by DELNI::WERBER (Rejoice for the Steps...) Thu Feb 13 1992 10:17

    Did anyone see the special on cable last night (not sure which
    network) about the animal trainers, specifically the african grey
    parrot?
    
    That parrot was amazing.  He would identify shapes, textures,
    color, and differences between objects when asked.  The trainer would
    hold up a yellow key, ask "color?" and the parrot would say "yellow".
    Then she would hold up a blue object and a similar yellow object,
    then ask "difference?" and he would say "color".  Each time he would
    get to briefly hold the item and feel it with his mouth.
    
    She would give him a block and ask "texture" and he would say "wood". 
    Then she put about 8 objects on a board, different shapes, colors,
    textures, and asked the parrot "square blue" and he went right to the
    blue square object.  I never really did believe when owner of these
    intelligent birds state they do sometimes know what they are saying,
    but this bird really seemed to know his stuff.
    
    That's also the first time I heard a bird talk when I could hardy
    distinguish it's voice from the owner's voice.  No wonder many grey
    owners are so happy with their birds.
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
662.1HYEND::C_DENOPOULOSFantasiesFullfilledWhile-U-WaitThu Feb 13 1992 10:336
    Are you sure it wasn't just trained to respond to certain words with
    certain responces?  For instance, will the bird say "Yellow" everytime
    he hears the word "color"?  Did the owner try these tricks several
    times with different objects/colors using the same keywork?
    
    Chris D.
662.2Alex ?ROYALT::PULSIFERI GOT SMART/QUIT AT 12 YEARS OLDThu Feb 13 1992 11:014
    Was the birds name Alex ?  If so he has been written up in Nat'l
    Audobon and Bird TAlk.
662.3Alex he isSALSA::DEFRANCOThu Feb 13 1992 14:2917
    Yes indeed, the bird is the famous "Alex" .  He is a student (sort of)
    here at the University of Arizona in Tucson.  He often goes on tours in
    town (sponsored by the local bird clubs) to show  off his stuff.  Next
    time he's out on tour I plan to attend.
    
    This bird really is smart and I believe he knows what he is saying and
    doing.  In a newspaper article written about him a year ago they
    explained how he will sometimes ask for certain foods and will by no
    means accept something he did not ask for.  So, if he wants a grape,
    don't bother giving him an apple or he will just throw it down and say
    "No, want grape".  I think this is pretty smart!
    
    I just wish he would get a new groomer. 
    
    Jeanne
662.4He really is special!CSOA1::DIRRMANMon Feb 17 1992 10:196
    
    I say the special and it was special. He also pointed out blue and
    square - You had to see it! That bird really is smart - and I agree
    about the groomer. I have seen hime 3 different times on 3 different
    specials and he always looks a though he is molting - or maybe a
    feather picker!
662.5Please, Tell Me Someone Taped It...SWEETP::EAGERMon Feb 17 1992 14:076
    
    Didn't anyone tape it? I missed it and would love to see it, having
    heard about him before.
    
    
    							Mark
662.6Will it be on again?GUCCI::BBELLThu Nov 12 1992 17:228
    I have heard of this program and would love to see it also.  If anyone
    learns of it coming on again, please post a note!
    
    I have a double-yellow-head and he never says "bye bye" unless someone
    is leaving the house.  (Just one example)
    
    Bob