getting water

[mountainstorm]

A week and a half ago, I was amazed and excited when Coalie said he wanted water. He didn't speak the words, but he flew from the kitchen, into the living room where we were, and back to the kitchen. Although he could have gone into his cage and gotten water from his jar, he prefers his water-bottle caps. He has us well trained! But the point is, I think it's so cool that he communicated with us. He knows we take care of him.

Rachael

[TAWhatley]

This is terrific! You now understand "pigeon speak"! Sounds like you have spoiled Coalie quite rotten and have gotten yourself quite well trained in the process! Good job on both counts!

Terry

[Trees Gray]

You might try putting a BIG spill proof bowl for him, and he may take a bath for you, if he hasn't already.

[Teresa]

Originally Posted by mountainstorm

A week and a half ago, I was amazed and excited when Coalie said he wanted water. He didn't speak the words, but he flew from the kitchen, into the living room where we were, and back to the kitchen. Although he could have gone into his cage and gotten water from his jar, he prefers his water-bottle caps. He has us well trained! But the point is, I think it's so cool that he communicated with us. He knows we take care of him.

Rachael

Clever Coalie! And how lovely for him to have humans he can communicate with!
My Piper is practically flightless, so he's training me to respond to a number of signs, beak movements and posturing. Like Coalie, he may ask for water when his has been sitting for more than an hour (!) and asks for food when he's picked out what he fancied most out of the feeder.
He also demands to be fed the minute dinner goes on the table, and keeps staring at my plate until I give him a suitable morsel! If I delay, he sulks and turns his back on me -- you don't need to be a behaviour expert to read it as "Tail feathers to you, unworthy human!"

[little bird]

Bird slaves, that's what we are, all of us, BIRD SLAVES.!!

[mountainstorm]

Another funny thing he did a couple weeks ago: I was eating a ramen-cabbage salad (so good! I have the recipe if anyone wants it!). With no warning at all, Coalie leaped from my shoulder down into the bowl, where he started nibbling at the cabbage (which he seemed to like), and the Ramen. He was quite the happy bird.

Rachael

[TerriB]

Originally Posted by mountainstorm

Another funny thing he did a couple weeks ago: I was eating a ramen-cabbage salad (so good! I have the recipe if anyone wants it!). With no warning at all, Coalie leaped from my shoulder down into the bowl, where he started nibbling at the cabbage (which he seemed to like), and the Ramen. He was quite the happy bird.

Rachael

Yes, please share the recipe! Pigeons do enjoy a variety of veggies, among them broccoli, shredded carrots, romaine lettuce, clover, and sprouts.