Taboo the Indian Ringneck Parakeet

Name:

Taboo. Also answers to "Boo", "Boo-Boo" and "Boo-Bear".

Species:

Indian Ringneck Parakeet (Psittacula krameri manillensis.)

Sex:

Male

Age:

6 years.

Favorite Foods:

Taboo enjoys a fresh, homemade diet that his owner, Jessica, prepares for him daily. "I eat organically grown foods" says Jessica, "so it only makes sense for me to feed Taboo the same thing. His favorites include organic fruits such as bananas and peaches, as well as veggies like broccoli, carrots and peppers."

Favorite Toys:

"Taboo loves ladders" Jessica says. "He has at least 4 ladders of different lengths in his cage at all times. Sometimes I think that if he could he'd climb all the way up to the roof!" Other favorite toys include his mirrored birdie "disco ball" and anything shreddable.

Favorite Perches:

Taboo's favorite place to be is riding around on Jessica's back. "He will be on his cage or playstand" she explains, "and all of a sudden, with a big 'whoosh' he'll come sailing over to land on my back. He'd sit there forever if I'd let him."

Dislikes:

Taboo's least favorite thing is the spray bottle. "I mist him a few times a day to help stimulate preening" Jessica says. "He never likes being misted with the spray bottle much. He'd rather just jump in the shower with me!"

Special Talents:

Jessica says that Taboo's greatest talent is his remarkable speaking ability. "He can sound just like any voice that he's heard before" Jessica claims. "We also have to watch what we say around him so that he doesn't repeat anything ugly. He's worse than a 3 year old!"

Life with Taboo:

Fun-loving and full of energy, Taboo spends quite a bit of time outside of his cage exercising. "He loves to run around on his playstand or even the back of my couch" says Jessica. "Actually, he loves to run around everywhere. He's a very active little guy."

In fact, according to Jessica, Taboo spends anywhere from 8 to 10 hours a day outside of his cage. A lucky bird indeed! "I work from home" she explains, "and I feel very blessed to be able to allow Taboo so much freedom as I'm around here to supervise him. He never fails to show his appreciation with plenty of affection and kisses!"

From this bird lover's perspective, Taboo's got it made. He's got a caring owner, a fabulous diet, and an extraordinary exercise schedule -- and Jessica couldn't be more thankful for his company. "It gets lonely here sometimes as I'm working by myself" she says. "Taboo is my best friend -- he keeps me sane on even the most trying workdays."

That's why Taboo is this week's Bird of the Week. His relationship with Jessica just goes to show that all the effort put into responsible bird ownership can come back to you in the form of love and true companionship.

Do you think that your bird should be the next "Bird of the Week"? If so, email me at birds.guide@about.com with photos and information about your pet. Make sure that all images are clear and bright, in .jpg format, and at least 200px.