Chattering parrots – inspiration for Mimic

I spent a lovely couple of days with my fiance (and dog!) at a fabulous guest house in Wales last week. It is called, appropriately-enough, The Guest House, and it was a wonderful find. Great food, lovely hosts, and comfortable beds. What more can you ask?

Well … parrots!

There were 3 resident African Grey parrots – the same breed as Mimic in my book, ‘Mo – The Talking Dog’. I’m writing the follow-up at the moment (the trip was part work as I like to get away to write sometimes).

Jenny, one of the owners of  The Guest House, was able to give me lots of stories about her parrots. They really do converse, not just repeat things.

We heard them talking to each other, and Jenny told us that they request certain items of food. She offered one a grape and he said he didn’t want that, he wanted a biscuit. She insisted on the grape, not the biscuit – and he insisted on the biscuit, not the grape!

I read an article this morning about a 2011 study using African Grey parrots (they seem to be the smartest). The scientists have proven that the parrots use reasoning.

I think Mimic needs to feature more in the next ‘Mo’ book, he obviously has a lot of potential for character development!

If anyone has any parrot stories they would be willing to share, I’d love to hear them.

If you would like to get to know some parrots, I highly recommend The Guest House Abergavenny – and the food!

You may also like:A Little About MeDo You Struggle To Get Up In The Mornings?With A Little Help From My FriendsMo The Talking Dog Is Live!

The post Chattering parrots – inspiration for Mimic appeared first on Michelle Booth.