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Two years ago, If I would have been asked the question "what is your favorite animal?" I wouldn't have been able to give a honest answer; although I probably would have said a cat. At that point, it was the only animal that I had any real experience caring for which made my ability to answer the question limited. I was hired on to the Pet Care team at my local Pet Smart two years ago and have since gained a vast amount of knowledge concerning the animal world. I've cared for hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, rats, lizards, snakes and numerous more. There is one animal; however, that completely changed my life. It's an animal that most people find intimidating and an animal who is severely under appreciated. Working with birds has opened up a world that I never knew existed and has presented me with the absolute joy of my life; my baby Cinnamon Green Cheek Conure.

Housing birds as pets is a relatively new concept to most pet owners; bird breeding has only been around for about a hundred years. Most owners consider them to be loud, messy and unintelligent animals who are more a bother than a joy to have in their home. I find it a true shame and loss that these stereotypes are defining a birds personality and character, especially when the majority of these judgements are false.

My bird, Jasper, undoubtedly has his own set of flaws; but this is ultimately why I love him so much. He is part of the conure species known as the Pyrrhura; a species that is typically very quiet and suitable for apartments. He doesn't screech and holler like the Cockatoo, but rather chirps and sings like a parakeet. (Although he does have the ability to talk.) I bought my bird when he was just seven weeks old and hand fed him myself for another three weeks. Doing this formed a bond between him and I that simply cannot be explained with words. What most people do not realize is that when you take a bird away from his flock, we as humans, take on that role ourselves. My bird does not view himself above me (like a cat) or below me; (like a dog) but rather as an equal to me. Birds in general will do anything in their power to please their human companion; even going as far as singing, dancing and acting downright silly. A bird's personality and intelligence is highly underrated.

Many people consider one of the best things about having an animal for a companion is they are always there to listen. How would you like a pet that not only listens, but talks back? This is exactly what a parrot will do for you. A birds intelligence is phenomenal and unfortunately, very well hidden. They not only have the ability for form relationships between actions and words, they are also able to fully comprehend these actions; while a dog or cat understands actions through memorization. You can teach a bird to dance, roll over, jump through hoops and talk in full sentences; try doing that with your pet dog!

While I love my cat more than words can ever truly express, my bird Jasper will forever remain close to my heart. He recognizes my smell, my look and even the way that I walk. At only nine months of age, I've bonded with him more than I've ever bonded with any animal I've had the pleasure of owning. I can only hope that someday, birds will not be so overlooked and ignored because they are truly the most amazing animal anyone could ever hope to own.

Learn more about this author, Jeannine Miles.
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