Winging It
A Memoir of Caring for a Vengeful Parrot Who's Determined to Kill Me
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Winging It
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Narrated by:
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Teri Clark Linden
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By:
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Jenny Gardiner
About this listen
A gift from an overseas relative, Graycie, an African Gray parrot, arrives in the Gardiner home not long after the birth of their first child, adding the responsibilities of parrot-hood to their newfound parenthood. Jenny Gardiner and her husband were hoping for a docile, beautifully plumed, Polly-want-a-cracker type of companion - but patchily feathered, scrawny, ill-tempered Graycie was the furthest thing from what they envisioned.
In Winging It, Gardiner shares in vivid and hilarious detail the many hazards of parrot ownership, from endless avian latrine duty to discovering the multiple ways a beak can pierce human flesh. Whether she’s swearing at the dog, mimicking the sound of the smoke alarm, or bobbing to the beat of the kids clapping for her amusement, she brings the family joy, laughter, and, sometimes, tears. So why would the Gardiners subject themselves to the crazy behavior of this parrot for so long? Well, because, as the Gardiners realize, Graycie is a part of the family, and just like in any relationship between living creatures, things do not always go according to plan.
A mix of hilarious pet hijinks and a poignant story of family commitment, Winging It is a reminder of the importance of patience, loyalty, and humor when it comes to dealing with even the most temperamental members of the family.
©2010 Jenny Gardiner (P)2013 Audible, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Winging It
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Mrs Gibbs (I wish)
- 31-01-24
How not to own a parrot really
It's true to say, as someone who is owned by 2 African grey parrots, this story is the epitome of what not to do. Granted mine a captive bred birds, however the care needs are the same. Please please do research before owning one, get an avian vet who could tell straight away that clipping wings caused the falls. In the UK thankfully wing clipping is nearly non existent.
The story in the book is a lesson to all that the bird is a family member that deserves the same amount if time and energy you would give a child. It's a good read to teach you the pitfalls of being owned by a bird, and definitely a lesson in how not to ignore its needs. Basically it's a 5 year old child that never grows up, relies on you for everything and deserves respect . Not all birds speak and a large percentage aren't cuddly, especially African greys. Don't put it in a basement on its own, they are flock animals. Birds will pick their person, but will live other family members.
I deeply admire the families message that a pet is for life and you have made a commitment to it, honour that commitment. They must be admired for sticking with Gracie and it's a story we don't hear enough.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Kathaleen
- 11-11-23
Please do much research before bringing a parrot in to your home.
This book is an object lesson in how not to keep a parrot in my opinion. Practices such as wing clipping are now mostly recognised as cruel.
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1 person found this helpful