A 'depressed' African grey parrot that refused to talk when its owner died has started swearing after finding a new home, the RSPCA has said. Jesse, aged nine, was taken to the Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Dorset following his owner's death and had also begun plucking out his own feathers.
The RSPCA said it 'soon became clear [Jesse] was struggling with grief and his sudden change in environment'. He fell silent 'except for occasionally whispering 'goodbye' to staff'. Behaviour and welfare advisor Hannah Hawkins added: 'He seemed lonely and depressed after such a loss.'
Jesse has since been rehomed with animal behaviourist Rachel Leather in Aberdare, South Wales. Ms Leather reported that as well as swearing, he is making farting noises and playing with his toys. 'He's also started to play with his toys... and is even grinding his beak which is a signal of relaxation and contentment,' she said.
Feather-plucking can be a difficult habit to break, but Ms Leather noted some regrowth as a positive sign. The parrot has also begun calling her two dogs 'Wellard', likely learning the name from a previous pet or the television show EastEnders. He also says 'Jesse's a good boy' and occasionally replaces that with 'Jesse's a good girl' while laughing.
Ms Leather added that the cheeky bird has learned her partner calls her 'Babe', and now uses the word to get her attention. The RSPCA emphasised the importance of finding a suitable home quickly to ease the parrot's stress.
