Sad News

Just received this email from my Dad today:

Sorry to pass along some sad news, but I just buried Basil in the garden this morning. We found him at the bottom of his cage earlier today. We figure he was 17 years old, which is a good life span for any bird.

He was a good bird, as much as a Conure - Green Cheeked variety can be.
He had a thing for blondes, apples and cranberry juice. He didn't really learn to enjoy lying on his back as the bird is purported to do but was entertaining and would occasionally relax, as much as a bird does, when I was holding him -- when others held him it led to bitten fingers and cursing; he just liked me more!

Sadly, I lived in too many drafty/cold/pets-not-allowed locations over the years and my parents mostly cared for him but I believe he had a long and good life.

It's a sad day indeed.

A short note: if you are ever going to buy a bird that is even vaguely parrot-like, remember it is a significant time/effort investment - as Basil's 17 years can attest to. These are complex, highly intelligent, and social animals that you should not give/purchase without significant planning to their care and environment.