Before parrots took over my life, I recognized four species: big colorful ones like macaws, little bitty ones like parakeets, shrieking ones like conures, and all those non-descript green ones. That seemed perfectly obvious and logical to me.

Okay, so I underestimated just a little. 

Parrots and corvids are considered among the most intelligent animals on the planet. So intelligent in fact that they are used in studies to help us learn about the capacity of animal cognition. If you have parrots in your home, you probably aren’t surprised by any of this. Anyone that has taken the time to watch how their parrot interacts with the world and one another has likely seen that they’re really, really smart. Corvids are also extremely intelligent animals. Their use of tools and ability to solve complex problems continues to impress scientists and everyday observers.

In May of 2019, I got a call from my local parrot rescue. The founder wanted to know if I was willing to foster a little 13 year old Green-cheeked conure named Noel. After some consideration, and a bit of persistence from the rescue, I decided I would help out. What I didn't know is that the years following would challenge me in new ways that would teach me about life, love, and perseverance.

Being the highly intelligent creatures they are, our parrots can become easily bored, especially if we have to leave the house for unimportant reasons (to the parrot), like work.
To ease the risk of boredom it’s important that parrots have toys to chew up, swing on, and fight to the death (of the toy).