Came across this board while trying to Google greater vasa parrot breeders. Reading through some of the posts here, it looks like a nice group of folks and maybe a great resource, so I decided to go ahead and register. So here I am!
Jeff here, from Providence, RI. 40 years old and have kept birds for over 30 years now. I guess a little introduction might be in order...
My first birds, as is true of so many people, were parakeets -- a gift I recieved at 10 years old, and who lived with me and my family for the next 6 to 8 years. In high school and college in the mid 80's through early 90's, I worked in a small, "mom and pop" retail pet shop where it quickly became my main job to "wrangle" the new parrots that came into the store (we didn't get a lot of hand-fed parrots before 1990) -- clipping their wings, stick training and eventually hand taming them, and generally getting them ready for their new lives as companion animals. Came away from that experience with pretty roughed-up hands, a healthy respect for and understanding of parrots, and a life-long love for big beaks and goofy avian personalities. My parents were pretty understanding folks, and I always had a menagerie around the house -- from raccoons in the bathroom to geese in the swimming pool, and everything in between.
By the late 90's, I was in a long-term relationship, owned a home, and shared it with a whole flock of large birds, including a young pair of vasa parrots, which I had hoped to breed. Unfortunately, the best laid plans didn't work out, and I lost all those wonderful birds (and the house) when the relationship ended, and so I found myself birdless for a few years.
Since 2004, I've had the good fortune to find another life, another relationship, another home, and another flock of parrots with whom to share my life. Phoebe the Congo grey
, Rufus the Cape (Un-Cape) parrot, NuNu the cockatiel, Smurf the parrotlet, and a variety of finch species now liven up our home and lives, and I've never been happier. I've attached photos of Phoebe, Rufus, and Smurf (NuNu is a little camera shy! 
)Of all the birds I lost in my previous life, my favorite was Elvis, my Greater Vasa male. I've known some pretty amazing feathered folk, past and present -- but Elvis and I had a bond which I've not found since. He was a goofy, loveable, amazingly interesting bird who, from the moment he stepped out of his crate at the airport, melted my heart and was my constant companion. Which is why I'm looking to add a male vasa as my next (and last, I think) avian housemate. Which is why I was doing an internet search on vasas, which is how I found this board. Which I'm hoping might end up being a pretty great place to hang out in internet-world!!!
So that's me and my story in 1000 words or less. There's a lot more to tell, obviously, but I'm trying to keep it short enough to not put anyone to sleep. Feel free to drop me a line if you'd like, to talk parrots, vasas, or anything else. Anyone who's a bird person is likely pretty OK in my book!!!
Thanks for reading, great to "meet" you all, and have a Happy New Year!!!
Jeff
- Phoebe
- PB110017_edited.jpg (98.78 KiB) Viewed 3483 times
- Rufus
- DSC00123_edited.jpg (121.34 KiB) Viewed 3483 times
- Smurf
- PA110236_edited.jpg (101.01 KiB) Viewed 3483 times
Charlie (tame)
Missy (tame)
Skittles (tame) 
You all have great looking birds, as well -- love sharing photos! 
