Einstein the Talking Texan Parrot

The Drawer

2011-11-27T19:51:00.000-08:00

My drawer has become very popular these days. Ever since it made its appearance on YouTube in March of 2008 I've received a lot of questions and comments.

Marcia used to keep kitchen towels in it. When I decided this was my drawer she found a new place for the towels. Then came the toys. In the cabinet below she used to store boxes with Christmas dishes. I started chewing the boxes, so those dishes found a new place too.

A drawer in the kitchen might not be for every parrot. Some parrots would destroy a wooden drawer. For some reason I've never chewed hard wood. I prefer the softer woods and soft plastic. A lot of you ask the "poop" question. Well, I have never pooped on the drawer or in the drawer. I am always given "poop" breaks and taken off the drawer and put on my perch to take "care of business".

I would spend all day on the drawer if my humans would let me. But they don't. I am only allowed when they let me. The rest of the time I'm either in my cage or on a perch somewhere in the nest. I really enjoy talking on the drawer too. Visit my YouTube movies and take a look!

Many of you have asked, how do you keep the drawer open without it closing and squishing me! The answer is: Unigrass 6600 Drawer Slides. You can find them on the internet, hardware stores, even eBay! They are inexpensive too. They are installed on all the drawers in my nest.

Slide mounted on Drawer

Slide mounted in cabinet

Here is a video showing how the slide works.

If you and your human decide that a kitchen drawer might be fun, please remember that safety and supervision must be kept in mind at all times. Please be aware of electrical cords and remove them from the area. Kitchens are not the safest places for parrots, so please be careful!

Einstein and the Great State Fair of Texas

2011-09-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

Today is Opening Day at the State Fair of Texas! If you’re planning to go, be sure and check out the Creative Arts Contests because a portrait of YOURS TRULY has won FIRST PLACE!!!

Dallas has been home to the State Fair since 1886 and it is the largest state fair in the United State by annual attendance. People come from everywhere to just have a great time! I am so excited to be a part of this years fair, even if it is in a small way!

First, a little background information- Earlier in the year Jeff was talking to a friend at work and this friend mentioned his son is a talented young artist and is interested in drawing birds. He asked Jeff if he had any pictures of Einstein that his son could take a look at and possibly use to create a drawing. “We only have about a MILLION!!!”, Jeff said! Jeff took a few favorite pictures to work with him and one was chosen by Hunter, the young artist. Marcia knew nothing about this as Jeff wanted to surprise Marcia for her Birthday in June with the completed work. One day, Marcia had been working around the house when Hunter, his mom, and Jeff surprised Marcia with the completed masterpiece! WOW! What a surprise!

Marcia, Hunter, & Me

It was VERY GOOD! So good in fact, that Hunter’s art teacher thought it should be entered in the 2011 Texas State Fair!!! So off it went to be framed and judged as we waited and waited for a decision.

On September 4^th we got the Good News!

Hunter’s drawing won FIRST PLACE!

Hunter, Thank You! for your Amazing Talent!

Jeff, Thank You! for giving Marcia one of the Best Birthday gifts EVER!!!!!!

If you can’t go to the State Fair to see the portrait in person, then the next best thing is get it as Wallpaper for your phone or computer! It is available for $1.50 on Myxer and 100% of all profits will go to benefit avian organization involved in rescue, conservation, and research.

Myxer: Privacy Policy | Terms - More from Einstein Parrot

Marcia and Jeff went to the State Fair to view the portrait on display. Here it is displayed with the winning Blue Ribbon!

I'm so proud of Hunter and the good job he did! I learned to say "Blue Ribbon!"
Watch the video!

I've Been Sent To A Secure and Undisclosed Location!

2011-09-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

I had a little excitement at the nest last week! Last Monday Marcia walked into the family room to do a little dusting. While doing so she didn't know she would have to fetch my birdie boots and a rowboat! The faucet connection under the wet bar had sprung a leak and water was everywhere! I just couldn't resist saying this!

She quickly grabbed a bucket & put it under the sink. She immediately put me in the cage. Called Jeff for back up and fetched the wet vac. It was quite a night of activity! Our neighbor came over with his wet vac and helped too! Carpets started to get ripped up! OH! NO! You all know how I hate that!!!

The damage... The major concern is about 200 square feet of wood flooring and the saturated base of an 18 foot built in cabinet that houses the wet bar. A team of water mitigation experts were on the scene the next morning! Joe and Aaron were great and explained to Marcia and Jeff what was going to happen in the next 3 days. Basically, they were going to have to live inside their home with the noise that only a 747 can make! Seven huge fans and three very large dehumidifiers were set in place to dry everything out.

I had to leave!!!

I was packed up and whisked away to a friends house as the mitigation experts unrolled yards and yards of plastic sheeting. A drying chamber had to be set up to dry the place up. Then the dust was going to fly! All of the wet wood flooring had to be removed! Here is what the nest looked like on day 3.

I liked being on vacation with my friends in their home. I am very lucky to have good friend's who are very nice and let me stay with them. I Thank them SO very much!!! I hope all you birdies have a safe place to go if an emergency ever happens in your nest! Please discuss this with your humans, it's very important. There was no way I could have stayed during these days of upheaval. It was just too scary! The off gassing from the plastic, the deafening noise, the very low humidity in the house, and all the dust was very dangerous for me!

I was able to return back to the nest on Saturday afternoon when every thing was all dried out. I did miss Jeff and Marcia! It was so fun to see them again! I think they were happy to see me too! When they came to get me I was on my perch watching TV. Marcia stuck her head around the corner of the room and with a big smile on her face, said "Hi! Sweetie!" I made a loud whistle, made a poop, and lifted my foot up for her to pick me up! Then a few moments later Jeff came in the room and we all sat on a sofa and I perched on Jeff's knee! Flock was together once again! YAY!!!

The repairs will be made soon. There are lots of people to talk to and decisions to be made. I will probably get to go on vacation again when workmen come to fix everything. Marcia tells me not to start reading the travel section of the newspaper. I shouldn't get any ideas; it will not be any place exotic!

Bon Voyage!

Einstein’s Ringtones to Benefit Avian Charities!

2011-08-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to announce a new project! I hope to help a lot of other birdies less fortunate than me! Yup! That’s right! Now you can listen to me whenever and wherever you want! You can even assign a ringtone to that special human in your life!

I have selected Myxer.com as the place to sell and distribute the ringtones. They are well known and been in business since 2005. Each ringtone will cost $1.50. 100% of all profits from the sale of these ringtones will go to benefit avian organization involved in rescue, conservation, and research.

This is how it works. You and your friends go to http://www.myxer.com/EINSTEINPARROT , or text EINSTEINPARROT to 69937 (MYXER)* to get Einstein Parrot 's content directly from your phone. You may also use the Myxer gadget located in the column to the right --->

Once every 3 months, Einstein will have a drawing and randomly choose the organization who will receive the donation. A video of the drawing will be posted on the Blog and the winner will be notified via email.

The avian organization must meet the following criteria to enter the drawing:

* Be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
* Be listed at GuideStar
* Have a PayPal Account for funding purposes.
* Be solely an avian organization. (No combined dog, cat, horse, wildlife, etc.)
* Have a website.

If you belong to an avian organization, or know of an organization you would like to register, send this information to: einsteinparrot@yahoo.com.

Name of Organization: __________________________
Email Contact: ________________________________
Website address: ______________________________
(This information will NOT be shared.)

The organization will remain registered for 1 year, and then it must register again.

*Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Compatible with most handsets and carriers including AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, and TMobile. Text STOP to 69937 to opt out, or text HELP to 69937 for help.

I need some HELP for some Texas Friends!

2011-07-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

There is a small town south of Dallas, called Red Oak, Texas. Located in Red Oak is a parrot rescue with a heart as BIG AS TEXAS!!! It's called the Wings of Love Bird Haven. On July 11, 2011 the Wings of Love rescued 35 parrots from a hoarder. The parrots were kept in total darkness, food and water was far from adequate. The filth was beyond description not to mention the vermin infestation. These parrots are now under strict quarantine until testing for communicable diseases can be completed. They are getting clean shelter, clean water, and adequate nutrition. They are also getting blood tests and being seen by Avian Veterinarians. All of this is not without cost. Funding is needed to accomplish all that needs to get done. Blood tests and examinations will cost $100.00 per bird. Then there will be aftercare for some of the birds. Food, Toys, etc. will be a continuing cost. Ultimately, the goal is to place these wonderful birds in Forever Homes with humans who will care for them and give them the love the deserve.

I don't often ask for help, but I'm asking you to GIVE to these birds. Please put $1.00 in an envelope, address it to Bird Haven PO Box 182 Red Oak, TX 75154. (If everyone sent just $1.00, the Wings of Love would get over $2,500.00 to help these birds!!!) Please give more if you can. You can also send funds though PayPal via the Wings of Love Donation Page.

Rescued were 2 Macaws, 8 Eclectus, 5 tiels, 1 Quaker, 4 Amazons & 19 Meyers and Senegals.

Here are pictures of some of my new Texan Friends.

This is Angel. Angel has severe club-foot. She scoots around on her belly and can’t walk at all. She was found in a nestbox with 30+ eggs in it. (all infertile, as she did not have a mate.) Imagine just how calcium depleted this little girl is.

Close up of Angel's feet.

This is Spice. You can’t tell from the angle but her top and bottom beak are both overgrown. The top beak so much so that it has grown into and split open the bottom beak. It is a miracle she can even eat.

This is Rainbow, a 29 year old Catalina Macaw.

This is Ally. Her top beak is so overgrown that it has actually prevented her bottom beak to grow as normal. It is either broken off--- or at least “stunted” from growth. Again, How can this little girl still be alive? I dare say she wouldn't be alive much longer if we hadn't intervened.

The pictures below show the filth and devastation that these birds were living in. It was much worse that the pictures show because at least with the pictures, you see “light”. These birds were living in total darkness. Also keep in mind that in these pictures you aren't seeing the cockroaches scatter as you move around. This is indeed a “censored” version of what was seen that day.

$1.00

Bird Haven PO Box 182 Red Oak, TX 75154

Thank you for caring and for helping!

Tiptoo's Newspaper

2011-07-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

So who is Tiptoo and why does he have a Newspaper?

It just so happens that Tiptoo is a Grey Parrot featured in an old book of short stories, “Little Red Riding Hood and Other Stories”. Marcia has had this book for a very long time, the book originally belonged to Marcia's Mother. The book has no copywrite date in it, (the page may have been lost) you can tell it is VERY OLD! My guess would be the early 1900’s. The publisher is McLoughlin Brothers, Inc. We search on the internet for any information and did not find a thing! We did learn the publisher went out of business in 1920.

The other day, Marcia was dusting shelves and noticed the book in disarray. She carefully picked it up and started turning the very old and tattered pages when all of a sudden she found an illustration of a parrot perched on a ladies shoulder! She looked closer and WOW! It was a Grey Parrot! Just like me!!! She had read the book as a child, but never remembered this story! It is a fictional story about a very clever Grey Parrot and his canine friend, named Tramp. Tramp was not available to go to the store one day to buy a newspaper, so Tiptoo did the job for him! It clearly demonstrates how smart we are and how parrots have been loved and kept as companions for hundreds of years!

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Tiptoo’s Newspaper by Mary A. Sawyer

My 14th Hatchday Celebration!

2011-06-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

Humans are "Birthed" or "Born" so they have "Birthdays". Not so for the birds! We are "Hatched" and therefore, we have "Hatchdays!" I was hatched on June 15, 1997. I've been to some human Birthday Parties and they have been a lot of fun! Lots of fun things to eat and lots of people celebrating! I've never had a big Hatchday celebration. Until this year!!!

Every party needs a theme. You all know how much I LOVE Corn! So Corn was the theme and we had LOTS of it!!!

What’s the deal with all this Corn Talk?

Actually "Corn" is a word that I use instead of "Food". It was the first “food” word I learned, all food was called "corn" when I first started talking. It wasn't till later that I learned other food words, like "sweet potato". However, I continue to use "Corn" as my word of choice when I am being served my meals. When I first learned "corn", I said it so much that a two young neighbor girls took a pottery class in 1999 and made me a plate!!!

To this day I still cherish this plate from my friends "K" and "K". ♥

The party was posted on Facebook and quite a few people stuck their faces in to see what was going on! Marcia made 6 videos and you can see the whole party in its entirety on the Event Page.

If you are more included to watch shorter, more condensed versions, then YouTube is probably what you will want to watch. I call it My Hatchday Trilogy!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

For the record, nothing went to waist. Marcia ate most of the popcorn that day! The 14 ears of corn were cooked and put in the freezer for later, and the cornbread cut up into smaller servings and frozen too!

It must of been the best Hatchday ever!!! I had so much fun!!! Thanks to all of my Facebook Fans who participated and came to watch!

Road Trip - Memorial Day 2011

2011-06-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

♫ ♪ ♫ On the Road Again! ♫ ♪ ♫

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

Back to my favorite destination, Marble Falls, Texas! Right in the heart of Texas! ( Click here to read about a previous Road Trip I took to this area.)

This time... I got to stay in the La Quinta Hotel!

We arrived and got used to the accommodations! Very Nice Room! Love the art work and soft beds, but actually I prefer my perch and the "Art" I make on the floor when I eat! I slept in my travel cage, but Jeff had to put it on the desk. It was more sturdy than the bed and I slept very well!

Nice TV too! Can we take this one home?

This is the kitchen! Small, but adequate. Microwave, sink, and refrigerator! That's all Marcia needs! See my Sprout container? I brought it so I could have fresh sprouts with my meals!

Here I am by the window on my perch. There was a lovely view of Lake Marble Falls. Also, a nice balcony, but I didn't have a chance to go out there. We were too busy because...

we were in Marble Falls for a very special Birthday Party! My Cousin "P"'s 2nd Birthday Party! The Party was about to begin! So we better go! Weeeeeeeeee! Party! Party! Party!

The party was being held at my Uncle's Lake house on Lake LBJ. I've been there many times before. I call him my, "Gunkle Mark!" Here is a video of me talking about him!

Marcia and Jeff loaded up all my stuff and headed to the Lake House. It took them about 2 trips each time. Jeff carried the perch and packed it in the car, Marcia carried the box of stuff I needed. Then they came back for me in my cage and other stuff they needed. It was very much like traveling with a baby, only worse! I think I require more stuff!!! (They did this several times over the course of the weekend! They got a good work out! Ha! It's so much fun watching them work on my behalf!)

Here I am at the Lake House all set up on my perch. The party had started!

There were 28 adults, 11 kids of all ages, and my dog cousin, Harley. Harley is a cute Jack Russell Terrier. Harley and I had to be kept apart. I liked all the people and they liked me. Marcia and Jeff kept a close eye on me and made me feel safe around so many people. I must say, all those people made a lot more noise than me!!! Whew! Give me some peace and quiet!

My new cousins are so cute!!! Actually, "P" is my 1st cousin , once removed. "P" is the daughter of my cousin, "K". (Aren't you glad you know that!) This is also the first time I got to meet "P" and her new brother "D"! Family! Gotta Love it!!! Both of them are as cute as Buttons!!!!

Birthday Girl! Ms. "P"

Master "D"

After a while, all the humans went down to the water and I had a chance to catch up on current events and watch some TV.

My favorite place was on the patio, visiting with all my friends and family! The weather was nice, windy at times, but the nice breeze kept it cool and the mosquitoes away! I must have gone out onto the patio 4 or 5 times over the weekend!

Oh! I almost forgot! There were a few other guests at the party! Some kind of bird built a mud nest on the front porch of the house! The eggs must of just hatched! Here is a picture of the nest full of babies!!!

That night we pack my stuff up and headed back to the hotel. Here I am perched on the shower rod waiting for one of my humans to take a shower.

While at the hotel I met a nice dog who was staying in the room next door. Her name was "Sophie" and she was a Yorkie. She heard us every night when we can into our room. We could hear her as she would welcome us by saying, "Yap, Yap, yap, yap!" Then she would be quiet! Nice doggie!

The next morning, we packed up again for another day at the Lake. While Marcia and Jeff got things packed, I perched on the shower rod and talked.

It was a fun trip and in case you are wondering... NO! I did not destroy anything in the hotel room and NO! I did not steal a towel!

It was good to be home again!

Wishing all of you safe travels! Maybe I'll see ya on the road sometime!

To Catch A Thief!

2011-05-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Humans might call me a Pack Rat! I beg your pardon!!! A hoarder? I don’t think so! Me? Stealing? A Thief! Never!!!! But officer, it was a misunderstanding, I was just BORROWING IT!!!

Marcia uses a dish drainer in addition to the dishwasher. Items we use everyday get put in the dish drainer. Other things go into the dishwasher. One item that Jeff uses everyday is his coffee mug. He fills it up every morning as he gets ready to leave the house for work. He puts on the special lid so that it doesn’t slop and spill everywhere. (I understand this is an act performed by many people in their need to satisfy their caffeine addition.) In the evening, he or Marcia washes the mug and lid and places it in the dish drainer to be used the next morning. I’m quite smitten with the lid too! I like to take it out of the dish drainer and throw it on the floor, just like the rest of my toys.

This particular day, I had other plans. I never intended to enter a life of crime, but the coffee lid treasure was just too hard to resist! There it was in all of its radiant black plastic loveliness!!!!

Watch the video and pay attention to my quick thinking and stealth action!

Fast forward, the next morning. Jeff gets ready for work, time to fill his mug… no lid? Where’s the lid? “Marcia, have you seen my lid?” he asks. “No, it should be in the drainer” she replies. Just so happens there is another similar type container in the cupboard (not his favorite) and he reluctantly fills it up and off to work he goes. I secretly hoped that loosing the lid would keep him home with me, alas that idea did not work. Several days go by, searching for the lid continues. Jeff concludes it was the best coffee mug lid he had ever had and will just have to go and buy a replacement.

Then, one day Marcia decides it was time to clean my toy drawer. (A chore she does about every other week.) This is the drawer in the kitchen, next to my cabinet where I go to shred my toys. A nice dark place and perfect for hiding things. Guess what she found!!! OH! MY! The coffee mug lid!!! HOW DID IT GET IN THERE??? She gave me three guesses and the first two didn’t count!

Mystery solved! I had enjoyed quite a few chews in seclusion and the rubber gasket necessary to keep the liquid contents from spilling had been totally shredded. Those humans! They really should take better care of their prized possessions, otherwise they become MINE!!! Lesson Learned AGAIN!

Color My World!

2011-04-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

A friend is doing a school science project, and asked me to help. I love science! (After all my name is Einstein!!!)

She is trying to determine if parrots prefer a certain colors over other colors. She asked me these questions.

1. Do I have a favorite color? Green.
I can say green and salad is green. I love to eat salad! Most vegetables are green.

2. Do I prefer to play with toys of a certain color?
My favorite toy is a bell. They are shiny and usually silver.

3. Do I eat food pellets that are a certain color?
My pellet parrot food is all one color. It is natural yellow sort of color. I used to eat colored pellets many years ago and the color I preferred was… Green!!!

I can say Green, Red, Orange, and Purple. Green was the first color word I learned.

Marcia decided to do an experiment with me. Watch!

The results: Green was chosen first, followed by Orange, Red, and Purple. (These are all words that I can say. However, I do not say them when they are shown to me.) Yellow and Blue were last. (Words I have not learned to say.)

Now, this was not a very scientific study. Marcia tried to repeat the experiment, but I was not in the mood. You know… Scientists are very temperamental!

I hope this helps my friend and gets an A+ on her project!!!

****************************************************

Update of the school science fair project: 5/11/2011
My friend won first place and got a Blue Ribbon! YAY!!!! WAY TO GO!!! CONGRATS!!!!

To Buy a Baby Parrot or Adopt an Older Parrot? – That is the Question!

2011-04-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

I’ve been asked this question so many times! The answer is not easy, even for me, “Einstein”! Before I give you my opinion, let me tell you my story.

I was hatched in a closed aviary (A closed aviary restricts the introduction of new birds to prevent infectious diseases.) located in Garland, Texas in June of 1997. The breeder raised the chicks in her home, so my first months of life were in a home environment. The home was clean and well kept. I was held by humans and fed by the breeder’s grandchildren. I learned about the sounds of a vacuum cleaner, a dog barking, children playing, and all the other sounds and activities of a home life! By the time I was old enough to go to my new home with Jeff and Marcia, I was ready! The breeder was responsible! She made sure that Jeff and Marcia knew what getting a parrot was about! Before she accepted their down payment she told us about books to read and she told them it was like having a 2 year old child for the rest of their life!!! She did not paint a rosy picture and told Jeff and Marcia to go home and think about it! They started to read everything they could find! Remember this was 1997, and the internet was still in its early days! There was not a lot of information to be found on the internet! The rest is history; I came to live with Jeff and Marcia. To this day, they continued to read and learn about parrots and how they should be trained and raised.

It was a couple of years later that Marcia and Jeff learned about parrot rescues. These are places that are filled with birds that were not as lucky as I was! The parrots were purchased as babies and then for some reason or another, the owner did not have time for them or they developed behavior problems. It was heartbreaking to hear stories about people who could not spend time or make a commitment to their feathered friend! It was then that Marcia began my website in 2001 to educate people. To let people know that parrots need interaction and companionship to thrive in captivity! Given that, we make pretty entertaining and wonderful companions!

My opinion…
80% For the adoption of older (re-homed) parrots
20% For the purchase of baby parrots from RESPONSIBLE Breeders
100% Against the capture and importation of wild caught parrots.

It’s a fact, everyone loves baby kittens, puppies, and parrots. We live in a free society and we cannot stop people from going into business and breeding parrots. However, we can decide who to purchase those parrots from, and we should only do business with those breeders who are responsible and who look out for the welfare of the parrot. Breeders should screen prospective owners, educate the buyer, and refuse to sell to someone who is not suitable. Prospective owners should do their homework and be prepared for parrot ownership. If you are making your baby parrot purchase in an informed and responsible manner, I congratulate you!!!

Unfortunately, parrots will continue to be placed into rescues due to the irresponsible decision to purchase a baby parrot. These birds need your help! Here is a list of Rescue Organizations. If you own parrots, like parrots, or thinking about getting a parrot you have a responsibility to support a rescue organization. Go visit a rescue, ask questions! You may find that the parrot of YOUR DREAMS will be right there waiting for you!!!

Sponsor a parrot! This is a terrific idea if you don’t have time in your life for a parrot right now! Did you know many parrot rescues have programs where you can donate toward a particular parrot while it is being kept at the shelter until it is adopted? People don’t think twice about donating to a dog or cat shelter, parrot shelters need donations too! (I donate to several organizations, and whenever I’m in a contest, all my winnings will always go to a parrot rescue!)

More importantly, my opinion doesn’t really matter! People need to make their own decision. It must be an educated and researched decision. Be a responsible pet owner! There are Pros and Cons to owning both a new baby and an older parrot. (There are plenty of websites that address these Pros and Cons*.) Let it be said, a parrot is not the right pet for ALL people! We live in a busy society and people should realize that owning a parrot is a commitment for the rest of your life!

Lastly, I’d like to share a quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, “Many have forgotten this truth but you must not forget it. We remain responsible forever for what we have tamed."

*Pros & Cons: Baby vs. Older Parrots
http://www.petparrots101.com/buy-adobt-parrot.asp
http://www.petheartprints.com/Parrot/parrot_adoption.html

Still wondering if you should own a parrot? Read This.

My Play Perches

2011-03-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

Ever Since I was in the DVD and CD ROM combination set entitled, “Train Your Parrot To Talk”, a lot of you have been asking me about my play perches. I really like them and if you're crafty you can probably build them yourself.

The pictures are in thumbnail,

so click on them to see the "BIGGER" Picture!

My Kitchen Perch

My human, Jeff made this perch for me when I was a little chick.

It is made from an unfinished bar stool (24" tall) and a plastic plant saucer (22" diameter). Marcia bought the toy hook from a company that is now out of business and she can't find anyone who makes one like it these days. It mainly stays in the kitchen, but can be rolled into other parts of the house. The saucer is bolted to the stool, so it can be taken apart. This is the perch we take to the bird sitter and when we go for a road trip in the car.

My PVC Perch

This perch purchased at a Bird Mart in May of 1998. It was built by the man who was selling them. He had a whole bunch. Marcia has never seen him at the show again, so I guess he went out of business too.

I hope these pictures and measurement help you build one. 1" PVC pipe and fittings where used. The measurements indicated are the cut lengths of the PVC pipe before you glue the fittings on. I don't know what kind of glue was used. Just be safe and be sure it doesn't "off gas" and hurt your birdies. The "poop tray" can be purchased from any restaurant supply.

Underside of Bowl

Tray and Tray Frame

Tray frame rests on intersecting supports

To make the PVC pipe less slippery, it looks like it has grooves gouged into it. Most likely done with a Dremel tool. All of the perches that I use are textured like this and I have no trouble getting around on them.

There are 10 stainless steel screw-eyes for hanging toys. They are indicated with a red dot in this picture.

Have fun with this project and send me a picture of the perch you build!

I'm being Home Schooled now!

2011-03-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

Yeah, that's right! Ever since Barbara Heidenreich came to visit me in the summer of 2008, Marcia has been reading and learning all about Positive Reinforcement Training. She went to http://www.goodbirdinc.com/ and bought a bunch of books and DVD's. Marcia is a busy lady, but she made it a priority in her life to train me to do a few things on cue.

To date, (March 2011) I have learned learned 6 vocalizations and 2 movements on cue. Marcia recently posted this video on YouTube and some of you have asked questions. So watch the Video and then I'll answer the questions.

What treats do you use?
The treat used in this video are Chow Mein Noodles from Szechuan Chinese Restaurant. I also like pretzels (low or no sodium!), almonds, pecans, and Baked Lays Potato chips. All treats are cut into very, very tiny pieces!

Do you use a clicker?
A clicker can be used in Positive Reinforcement Training, but Marcia doesn’t use a clicker because I would learn to imitate the clicker sound. (Very annoying!) She uses use the word "Good!" and then follows up quickly with my favorite treat.

How much time per day do you spend in training?
Every minute of the day is a possible training opportunity. She has treats at the ready at all times. (In the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen) So if I utter the word she’s trying to capture, she can bridge & reward ASAP. Right now she’s trying to capture "Raspberry". Every time I say it, I get a treat! Pretty Cool!

Our "going through the routine" (like what is on this video) is anywhere from 5-20 minutes about 3-4 time a week. Sometimes I’m not interested, so Marcia doesn't make me. Sometimes, just the basics, like “step up” & “step down” still require treats to get me to do those tasks. Jeff, on the other hand, doesn't have to. I’ll do most anything for Jeff! He’s my favorite!

During the course of the day... every interaction with me is training in some way. When I’m given something, they tell me what it is. (Carrot, apple, sweet potato, etc.) When they do something, they tell me what they are doing. (Go computer, take a shower, gotta clean, etc.) But, I don't treated for these because it is interaction.

How long does it take to get a word on cue?
It varies. Depending on how diligent Marcia is to capture the word and how often I'm willing to say the word. (I can really drive her crazy with that!)

Are you hungry or starving when you train?
Ha! Do I look underfed? No, my training sessions are usually right before lunch or dinner. I'm motivated to work for my treats at those times and they are kinda like an appetizer!

What's your favorite subject?
I like recess a lot! But, my overall favorite subject is LUNCH!!!

How can I learn more about Positive Reinforcement Training?
Just go to http://www.goodbirdinc.com/ and click on "Parrot Store". You will find all the DVD's and Books. When you are ready to check out, enter the word "Einstein" in the box that says "special code" and it will give you a 10% discount!

How did you train Einstein to Talk?

2011-02-27T13:57:00.000-08:00

Last Summer Barbara Heidenreich came to visit me again!!! This time she brought a bunch of people with BIG cameras and all kinds of movie equipment. It was a really fun day and believe it or not, I was not scared! I talked for all the visitors and had the best time!

So what was the reason for this visit? Well, so many of you have asked, “How do you train Einstein to talk?” and many of you have requested a talking CD of Einstein! Barbara Heidenreich of Good Bird Inc. has just released a fantastic DVD and CD ROM combination set entitled, “Train Your Parrot To Talk”.

In the DVD, Barbara explains several ways to expose your parrot to sounds you want them to repeat, methods for encouraging your parrot to talk, and teaching them to talk on cue. She also talks about the myths associated with talking parrots and discusses which birds are candidates for talking.

The 45 minute DVD also includes a 15 minute interview with my humans, Jeff and Marcia, with entertaining footage of me talking and a CD ROM to play for your parrots!

Jeff and Marcia share many stories about me on the DVD.
• The time I said my first word.
• The many ways I learn new words.
• The story about imitating the security door alarm.
• My Mirror Friend.
You’ll also see me perched on the shower asking Jeff to make animal sounds! I've really got him trained!!!

And there's MORE!!!
The CD ROM is 2 hours of many different species of parrots vocalizing 1000’s of words and sounds! Very entertaining for humans and parrots alike!!! Included is 8 minutes of Non-stop Einstein talk!!!

Here is a “Behind the scenes” video and you can see for yourself how much fun we had the day of the filming!

Visit Good Bird Inc. to order! Barbara is offering a very special 10% off to all of my friends!!! The discount is good for all of Good Bird products! Just enter “Einstein” in the Special Code box when you check out.

HAPPY TALKING!!!

The Name Game

2010-07-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

I often get asked many questions about my name, "Einstein". Let me answer them for you!

1st Question: If they think I'm a girl, why am I named Einstein?
Answer: I was only 2 months old when Marcia & Jeff named me. African Grey Parrots are monomorphic. That means both males and females look exactly alike. They didn't know if I was a girl or boy and it didn't matter to them because they liked the name Einstein. When I was 3 months old, they took me to an Avian Veterinarian who looked me over and through vent palpation determined I was a Girl! He was about 90% sure, but asked if we wanted a sex analysis through DNA testing. Since I was not going into a breeding program and was going to be a pet, Marcia and Jeff thought it wasn't necessary.

2nd Question: Why "Einstein"?
Einstein the human was a very smart man and African Grey Parrots are known to be very smart, so the name just seemed to "fit". Marcia and Jeff actually thought they were being original! You see, back in 1997 not everyone had a home computer, the Internet was not as fast as it is today. All you had were dial up connections that were as slow as Christmas! It wasn't until a few years later that they discovered many more parrots with the same name!!!!

3rd Question: Are you the parrot from Animal Planet's TV Show, "Pet Stars"?

No. That Parrot is also named Einstein and lives at the Zoo in Knoxville, Tennessee. (They don't know if that Einstein is a him or her either!) Einstein was hatched in California in 1987 and lived with a couple until donated to the Zoo in 1992 at age 5. Einstein is a very talented parrot and knows many words on cue! She is also a popular “spokesbird” for the zoo and for Knoxville tourism.

4th Question: There is another really smart African Grey at a University. Is his name Einstein too?

No, his name is Alex. In May of 2008, a USA Today article referred to Alex as "the Einstein of parrots", and in a PBS documentary, Alan Alda referred to Alex the same way. This has lead to some confusion. Alex was an African Grey Parrot and the subject of a study on parrot intelligence by animal psychologist Irene Pepperberg at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA. Sadly, Alex passed away 9/7/2007 at the age of 30 years old. However the Pepperberg study continues: http://www.alexfoundation.org/

So, to all you other birdies out there named Einstein, Welcome to the Club!

My Shower Time

2010-04-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have a pretty good time in the shower. Sometimes like it, other times I tolerate it. They tell me it's good for me, so I'm OK with that. Ever since I posted My Shower Video on YouTube many people have ask about the perch and the sprayer.

Here are pictures that I want to share so other birdies may have a good time in the shower too!

I don't like the name on this thing, it makes me a little nervous! But it works really good and can be found at any home improvement or garden centers. Not too expensive either. (Maybe the one you find and buy will have a different name on it.)

Just fill it up with warm water, pump it up and spray away.

This Sprayer is used just for me! It never, ever, ever gets filled up with anything but pure water!

Here are pictures of the perch. Jeff made this for me. He is pretty handy when it come to building stuff. It's made out of PVC pipe.

Look at Choo!!! You're All WET!!!!!!

"How Many Parrots Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb?"

2010-03-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

Eclectus: Change a lightbulb? Leave me alone, I'm busy foraging. On second thought, will I get a treat for it?
African Grey: I'm way over qualified for that job and I'm busy inventing a new lighting source but I guess I could at least supervise the stupid Amazon in the next cage.
Parrotlet: Who's scared of the dark? I'm not scared of anything. But to answer your question, just one if it's a parrotlet, I can do anything.
Hey, who called me short stuff!
DY Amazon: Let that arrogant African Grey over there do it if he's so darn smart!
Quaker: Can I rearrange the furniture and the light fixtures first? Don't you people know anything about interior design?
Caique: And why would I want to do that? Lightbulbs look like they would be much more fun to tumble with.
Umbrella Cockatoo: Duh, it only takes one Umbie to change a lightbulb, don't you know we are mechanically inclined?
We can do anything but you gotta watch me, come on now, watch me, watch me.
Cockatiel: I'll do it but only if I can whistle while I work.
Rose Breasted Cockatoo: Let that big brute macaw do it! I'll be so glad when the light's are back on and everyone can clearly see how pretty I am.
Macaw: Darn, I don't know my own strength. Do you have another one?

Thanks to my friend Deb who let me post this! I buy toys and other parrot stuff from her and you should too! Check it out!!!!! www.AvianEnrichment.com

Nest Rebuilding

2010-02-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed there hasn't been a lot of Blogging the past year. Well, I apologize. My humans, Jeff and Marcia decided last year that they would be making some changes around the nest. Boy, It sure has been hectic!

Last January, Marcia found these huge pieces of stone called, "Granite". They make counter tops out of this stuff! Well, some men came into my kitchen and hauled off the old counter tops. (Nothing was wrong with them either!) But Marcia had been wanting granite ones for about 20 years, so I guess it was time for a change. Then came the new ones. BIG, HUGE, flat pieces of stone! These men were in my kitchen practically the WHOLE Day! (I had to stay in my cage in Marcia's office.) It looks really nice, but I was kind of afraid to walk on the granite at first. It was colder and slippery. But it didn't take me long and I was running all over it!

The next day a man called a plumber came and hooked up the new faucets. He hooked up a big one and a little one. The humans call the little one a filtered water faucet, but I call in my sink perch! It's where I perch when I help Marcia do the dishes. I bet when they bought it they didn't realize it would serve two purposes! They really got their moneys worth... didn't they!

Then, a couple of weeks later some more men came to my kitchen with little square pieces of stone and started putting them on the wall in back of the countertops. They took their time and were here for about a week! Again, I had to stay with Marcia in her office. I didn't mind it so much. I got to come out once in awhile. These guys really liked me and tried to teach me new words in a lauguage called Spanish. It was OK, but I'll stick to English because it's easier for Marcia and Jeff to understand. ;>

When they were finished I had to leave the house! They needed to put something called a sealer all over everything and it had something called High VOC. Marcia learned a lot about "Volatile Organic Compounds" (VOC) during this nest rebuilding. It was best that I leave, so I went to stay with my neighbor who I REALLY like. They live right next door. I only had to stay there for a day. Marcia and Jeff opened all the windows and got the place aired out for me to come home that night.

The place actually looked really nice! Ahhh! Done at last!

OH! NOOOOO! Now Marcia wanted the wall paper taken off and and new paint! Will this ever end??? I hear paint is really stinky and this will take forever because she want the WHOLE HOUSE painted too!!! While they are at it, they (well... Marcia) decided that the carpets needed to go and now would be a good time to put in wood floors. Are they out of their minds!!! I can't live though this kind of upheaval!!! Not to mention all those nasty VOC things! This is going to take weeks! If not months!!!! What is a bird to do!!!

Time to fly the coup!!!!

That's exactly what we did! All 3 of us! We have this wonderful friend, who needed to go out of town on business for several weeks and said he needed a house sitter. Will we needed someplace to sit! We moved lock, stock, and cage over to his nest. He only lives about 15 minutes away, so Marcia could go back and forth to take care of me and supervise work on the house. I like this temporary nest because it had a cool patio and a big swimming pool. It was Summertime by this time and I got to perch in my small cage and watch the squirrels and birds on the patio. (Marcia or Jeff had to be with me, she wouldn't leave me out there alone.)

This was a summer I'll never forget! One time Jeff locked himself out of the house! I was on the perch inside. He decided to go for a swim until Marcia got home, I was a good birdie and stayed perched. Marcia got there and couldn't find Jeff and I was "Home Alone!" Finally, she figured it out. It was so funny! A couple of weeks later Marcia locked herself in the garage! I was on the perch and her laptop was on the kitchen table right next to me. She knew I could fly down and have some fun with her laptop if I wanted and she panicked! Luckily, a man was there working on the garage door opener and he helped her break into the house! From then on they carried house keys with them ALL the time!!!!

I had a great time at the temporary nest, but after about 6 weeks it was time to move back to the new and improved nest. I must say it was an adventure and I thank Marcia, Jeff and our friends for keeping me safe. The nest looks great and I hope we don't have to do this again for a long time!!!!!

My First White Christmas!

2009-12-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I live in Texas, and it doesn't snow very much. It never snows on Christmas! However, this year it did! This was the first time the Dallas/Fort Worth area had a White Christmas in 80 years!!! Yippee! It was so fun to watch! Really different! I wish I could go out and play, but it's too cold!!!

Einstein's Hatchday

2008-06-15T08:45:00.001-07:00

WOW!
Was I REALLY this Small?

It's hard to believe, but on June 15, 1997,

I hatched from an egg just like this!

A special thank you to my African Grey friend "Rita" for laying this egg.
(Rita doesn't have a mate, so the egg was not fertile.)

Einstein, Good Bird Magazine, & Barbara Heidenreich!

2008-06-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

OH MY GOSH!!!!

You're NEVER Going to Believe This!!!

Barbara Heidenreich came to visit me!!!!!

I'm going to be in a Good Bird Magazine article!

I'm also going to be on a podcast called

"Wings 'n Things" on Pet Life Radio!

So who is Barbara Heidenreich? She is just the coolest bird trainer EVER!!!! She travels all over the world working and consulting with zoo's and developing free flight bird programs. She also is the author of 2 books and 2 DVD's on the training of Parrots. She conducts workshops where people can go and learn her training techniques. Or, you can download information off of the Good Bird Website.

You may also visit these sites to get more information:

The Good Bird Blog, Yahoo Group, and YouTube Channel.

She uses positive reinforcement training. What does that mean? Well... you ask your parrot to do something, when he does what you ask... he gets a YUMMY TREAT!!!!, or a head scratch, or some praise "GOOD BIRD!" or whatever favorite thing his heart desires!!!! No more yelling at me, telling me I'm a bad bird! It's all very positive! I LOVE IT! Marcia is going to start teaching me new stuff using this new way. She and Jeff has always used verbal positive reinforcement, but now they are going to start giving me special TREAT!!!!! OH! BOY!

Marcia started the other day using this technique. Sure, I'll play along! She set me on the kitchen table with a perch and a food cup. No food in the cup? What gives? She gets out 3 little toys. Mmmmm... I noticed.... little pieces of peanut in her hand? Yummy! I want a peanut! You never give me peanuts! I LOVE PEANUTS!!!!

She picks up a toy and drops it in the food cup.

What! You want me to do that and I'll get a peanut! SURE! So I go in, I PICK UP THE TOY! I tap it on the table a few times! I walk over to the food cup! KERPLUNK! I'm in for 2 points! Errr.... I mean a peanut!!! Yay!!!! Hey! This is fun!

I do it a couple of more times! This is easy! But, after a while I got tired and I started dropping the toys off of the side of the table. (They fall farther and it's fun to watch Marcia bend over and pick them up.) Well, I didn't get a peanut that time! Did it again, no peanut! Hey! Got anything better than a PEANUT? Marcia told me we will do this again later and that for a first try I did VERY Good!
.

This is just a very simple example, (and admittedly from my bird-brained point of view). Marcia and Jeff tell me there is still a lot more they need to learn! They have a whole list of things they want to teach me. Like how to trim my nails without being restrained. Being toweled and liking it. Talking on cue. All these things require special instruction, so if you want to learn more... be sure and subscribe to Good Bird Magazine. (I know you want to get the issue I'm in!)

Einstein's Tribute to Mother's Day

2008-05-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Mother's are truly wonderful!

I didn't get to know my Mother very well because I was taken from her at a very early age so that I would form a bond with humans. What I do know is that her name was "Smokey", she was a very good talker and very beautiful. She was a television star too! She was in the "Salty Dog" episode of Wishbone.

She mostly rode around on the shoulder of a pirate.

She did a great job! Yea! MOM!

"Captain Flint", played by Smokey the Parrot on the shoulder of

"Long John Silver", played by actor, Sean Hennigan.

I don't call Marcia "Mom", because she's not my Mom. She's my human! She certainly didn't HATCH me!!! Just the mental picture of that makes me laugh hysterically!!!!!

She does take good care of me, and for that, I am very grateful! So, there needs to be a Happy Human's Day! For all those humans who take care of all the pets in the world!

In closing this tribute to Mom's everywhere, I'd like you to listen to a broadcast NPR did a few years ago titled,
"My Mother, My Parrot".
It's very touching and you might need a tissue. (Marcia did!)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

Einstein’s Road Trip

2008-05-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

I like to travel in car with Marcia and Jeff. They often take me for car rides just around the neighborhood and to visit friends. Recently they decided to take me along on a trip to Austin Texas, about 3 ½ half hours away. They have friends in Austin and we were invited to a Party!

I Love to Party!!!

Here I an all loaded up in the car, ready to go! Jeff has my cage level and strapped in with bungee cords. Marcia has packed all the food and water I’ll need for the whole trip. She’s prepared for anything I might need. She says it’s like packing a baby for a trip. Here’s a list of what I require!
Water
Paper Towels
Bird Safe Cleaning Solutions
Cage Cover
Plastic (to protect floor)
Newspaper (to poop on)
Floor perch
Pizza Pan Perch
Sleeping perch from big cage
Ceramic Food Dish
Toys – (Can’t leave home with out ‘em!)
Food- Pellets, Frozen Bean/Grain Mixtures, Birdie Muffins, Treats
Round Play Perch
Stainless Steel Food Bowls for perch
Bowls for Travel cage

WOW! That’s a lot of stuff for a 1 pound bird!!! Where are Marcia and Jeff going to put all there clothes and stuff they need for the trip? Oh! Well! Not My Problem!!!!

AND…. WE’RE OFF!

Jeff is a good driver and if he anticipates having to put on the breaks hard or goes over a bump in the road… He will tell me, “Hold On”. I really appreciate that!
One time he was passing another car on the road. The other driver moved over to allow him to pass which was really nice. As Jeff drove passed he waved his hand at the driver as if to say “Thanks”. Well, I saw him do this and I said “Shake! Shake!” That must have been funny because Marcia and Jeff laughed at me and told me what a smart bird I was!

We arrive in Austin at our friend’s home. I quickly make myself at home.

Here I am on the counter getting hand fed...

and then I got to play on the floor with my toys.

Later that evening we all went to a party at another friend’s house. I had dinner in my cage and I had to stay in my cage most of the evening. I didn’t mind because Jeff and Marcia were busy talking with all their friends. I was never too far away from the “action” and I even talked a little! Making everybody laugh!

Our friends have a beautiful cat that came to join the fun later in the evening. I never met a cat before. So very carefully we were introduced.

"Puddin, meet Einstein. Einstein, this is Puddin.” Puddin was very nice, but kind of scared. Puddin didn’t stay around very long.

The party was fun and the next day after breakfast we left our friend’s house and headed for Marble Falls Texas / Lake LBJ. Marcia’s brother has a vacation home on Lake LBJ, which is about an hours drive from Austin. I’ve been to this house many times before. It has always been a vacation place for the family.

It’s fun to sit outside on the back porch.

(If I’m ever outside, I’m ALWAYS in my cage! It’s a rule! No exceptions!)

I watch the ducks play in the water.

Boats go up and down the Lake, (they make a lot of noise!)

The birds sing songs in the trees. There is a cool breeze and it’s so relaxing!

Inside the house I can perch, eat, and play on my round play perch.

Jeff made me this perch a long time ago when I was adopted by Jeff and Marcia. It’s really a neat perch. Great for travel because is breaks down into 2 parts. The bottom is just an unfinished wooded bar stool with wheels on the legs. The top is a VERY BIG plastic plant saucer. Jeff bolted some perches to it and Marcia found this cool toy hook and Volia! (By the way, the toy hook was made by a company that is no longer in business. So please don’t ask me where you can get one, they just aren’t available anywhere, a fact that makes Marcia sad!)

That night Jeff and Marcia went out to dinner and I stayed at the house and had dinner in my cage. They did bring me home a “Birdie Bag”. It was a yummy piece of Corn Bread from the “Jammin’ House Cafe”. If you’re ever in Marble Falls, it’s a great restaurant for Caribbean Food! Yea! Mon!
Ahhhh! What a nice time we all had! The next day we packed up and headed back home. I hope you enjoyed reading about my Road Trip. Maybe I’ll see ya around?

Einstein's Relationship with the Towel

2008-05-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

When Einstein was young and occasionally belligerent with me. (For example, wouldn't get on my hand when I repeatedly asked her to.) I would say to her, "Want me to get the towel?" I would then go get a particular blue towel, wrap her up and physically remove her and place her where I wanted her to go. She hated it! Then it came to pass that all I had to do was just ask her, "Do you want me to go get the towel?" and she would immediately comply to my wishes. No toweling necessary. I don't take this approach any longer, but now, sometimes when she is asking for something... and if I don't respond to her immediate demand... She will say to me..., "What me to get the TOWEL!!!!"

Aside from the humor, I have realized I did make a mistake in not introducing the towel in the best way. Something I have known for a long time that I need to correct! We are now taking the steps necessary to improve her relationship with the dreaded towel!

Look! I'm on TV!

2008-02-23T10:13:00.001-08:00