by Mona » Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:12 pm
I don't have a Cape Parrot but I have been fascinated by that species. To me, a cape parrot looks like what a parrot SHOULD look like. They just have that "parrot" look.
Two well-known people that breed Cape parrots are Jean Pattison and Eb Cravens. I think Jean may have coined the term "un-capes". She really likes them and has written that they are her favorite species
Eb came for a visit in Seattle many years ago and we stopped by some Cape breeders. Eb likes to pick out quality breeder birds with experience and some flocking intelligence. We visited Eb in Hawaii a few years ago and he was free flying one of his Cape babies.
My biggest reservation about a Cape is that they may not get along with the Senegals and since they are so big and have such a big beak, they could do damage. I don't know if this would be a problem but I think it's a legitimate concern.
As far as talking ability and intelligence, again...that's an individual thing. Some species may tend more towards the abilities but individuals within that species will vary greatly. I don't know how you judge intelligence really? For example, to me a Senegal thinks a lot faster than a grey. Does that make the Senegal more intelligent than a grey? I know that my Senegals pick up a lot faster on subtle cues and often will be ahead of me......On the other hand, greys definitely seem to have larger vocalbularies and may tend more towards what I call "stream of consciousness" talking. In other words, they pick up a lot of phrases along with a lot of ambient noises. In my experience, a lot more than the Senegals (although I do know some Senegals with amazing talking abilities). Does that make the grey smarter than a Senegal?....You tell me!
As far as Capes, I don't know much more than that Jean Pattison thinks they are one of the best species of companion parrots.....but I don't have any friends with Capes that have given me their personal experiences.
Mona
Mona in Seattle
Phinneous Fowl (aka Phinney) TAG
Babylon Sengal
Doug (spousal unit)
Jack and Bailey (Gremlins)
Kiri (CAG)
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