Finches are Smart!

13birds · Post by **13birds** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:59 pm

Just a fun post for us Finch lovers. I usually let the birds know when it's time to go to sleep by saying "Night Night" They now make a similar night night peep. Super-cute. If you listen by the closed door, they'll go on "night-nighting" to each other as part of their evening ritual. Peewee my 12 year old Zebra is the king of our flock here, and back when he was caged with all the newbies, he'd let them know it was time to go to bed by dragging his big swing (struggling and cursing at it til it moved) and he'd hang the edge over a perch to show them that "nobody can swing now, it's late". In the morning he'd remove it and allow the kids to play!
The other thing was when I vacuumed. Peewee wasn't afraid but everyone else was. He'd line all the finches up on the highest perch and make them stay there while he sat on the lower one. Once the vacuum was done, he'd allow them to continue playing. I have never seen a finch like him before in my life. He was loose outside when we got him. Belonged to someone I guess, and got loose - he was smart and landed on my neighbor's head refusing to leave until he got help. Neighbor gave him to me and the rest is history. I am so blessed by this little guy every day and I hope he lives a lot longer. 12 years is pretty long though and there will never be another like him.

I love you peewee, you mighty little man.

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 2:36 am

Very cute!

tursiopschic · Post by **tursiopschic** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 5:59 pm

Great story. It's nice how they have such personalities! I'm not too fond of zebras, but after hearing about these stellar little busy-bodies they are endearing themselves to me.

EmilyHurd · Post by **EmilyHurd** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 12:56 am

Why aren't you fond of zebras?

Anneka · Post by **Anneka** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 3:37 am

I think he was also very smart because he ended up living with you.
Smart, yes, they are.
And my hubby says that they are not

13birds · Post by **13birds** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 10:05 pm

I never owned (or even thought of owning) Zebras OR any other finches when Peewee found his way to me. Total fluke that I even got into finches at all.

I knew nothing except what he taught me and so now I'm a Finch Fan! LOL I honestly was amazed at the behavior I saw because even the pet shop and my vet had no idea they had such personality. Peewee still greets me with his little song -and all of them are eager to communicate. I own mostly Cockatoos and larger birds but I'll tell ya, for teeny little birds they're really communicative if they know you understand them.

Billy the society that I put with Peewee the 12yr old Zebra, takes care of the little old man in a way I could only describe as truly caring. Society Finches are SO intuitive. He lets Peewee lean on him to sleep since Peewee is old and gets tired more often. Plus, Billy is the first in the morning to sit on the water dish and announce that he and Peewee need new water first. Very resourceful and bright birds!

I'm just glad I got old Peewee on accident because I'm addicted to finches, and couldn't be without them now.

Shadowfax · Post by **Shadowfax** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 11:06 am

Wonderful story and wow I am so amazed at pewee's age! That's terrific!
I never gave finches much thought either but I after talking to several bird people about my needs and lifestyle it came down to Zebras and societies and Zebras wee a closer fit. I do now have one society due to a pet store own without a clue and plan to add one more th the flock soon. But I just love the personalities and playfulness of my Zebs.

Mine do recognize me. Every morning when I come down they begin singing like mad. They are usually quiet until I get up and even when it is still dark they start singing right away when i come down in the morning.

Pete n Suzie · Post by **Pete n Suzie** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 10:10 pm

FINCHES ROCK

trevorama · Post by **trevorama** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 4:09 pm

13 birds-What a great experience you are having with your birds. Thanks for sharing.

beccafigs · Post by **beccafigs** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 11:59 pm

13 birds- That's a great story. That's amazing that your zebra is 12 years old! And that's wonderful how they interact with you and each other. My zebras don't really react to me, except to make noise when I reach in the cage for anything or change the water out. How long did it take for your birds to know you like that?

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 3:38 pm

That is just the greatest heartwarming story! How amazing "Grandpa Z" is so smart. I only have 2 Zebras right now....hopefully they will live long and happy lives.

And I love the night-night peeps as mine do that too....once they are covered up they softly peep for awhile....very relaxing to listen to.

My first bird to wake up is Sprite...one of my 2 lovebirds....somewhere around 5:30 he starts letting me know he is up and ready for a new day if that doesn't work then he will start toy bashing

...then the 2 Z's start in....and the parakeets....I love it!

Yes...even at 5:30AM...lol.

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