I decided to finally take my African Grey parrot, Bogie, out to the Owl this past weekend. I had been wanting to take him out there to acclimate him to the sailboat and the general atmosphere of the marina. When I say atmosphere, I mean the openness of physical area and the friendly chats that often go on between neighbors.
I had not been able to handle him for a while as I needed to get his claws and wings clipped. I have been a very bad parrot mommy because I kept procrastinating, and then I found out that my old bird clipper has taken a sabbatical for the time being. On the recommendation of a friend, I made an appointment at a vet here in Merritt Island. They were very professional, and Bogie came out his old self, docile and loving. When pet birds have unclipped wings they bite more, and are more aggressive...I think because they don't "need no stinking humans". .
I have a travel cage, and put Bogie in that for the trip over. He was fine with either the air conditioner on in the car, or the windows down. I did bring a water sprayer with me in case he became distressed (birds will pant when they are getting too warm).
Saturday, it was time for the trip to the vet to get clipped. Then, Bogie sunned in his cage in the cockpit of the Owl during the morning. When I put him down in the cabin, I let him out of his cage and he hung out on top of his cage. I did have the air conditioner on Friday night.
Night sailing under a full moon? Can it get any better?
Had no problems out on the water. He was quite happy to stay in his cage, or on top of it. The cage was placed so that if we heeled, Bogie's cage would not fall into the floor of the cabin.
The only downside to having a bird on-board is that they can be messy. I tried to be on top of that by sweeping up the left over crumbs quickly. I am glad he doesn't eat 24/7 (like some teenagers I know).
What sorts of pets are out there riding the seas? I would be interested to hear.
Dreaming the life and living the dream. Happy sailing. Stay dry and safe.
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