The Parrot Ten Commandments:

1. My life is likely to last 40 years or more. Any separation from you will be painful to me. Please remember this before you take me home.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.

3. Love and care for me, its crucial to my wellbeing.

4. If I shout or scream, don't be angry with me, don't lock me up as punishment. you have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you.

5. Talk to me, tell me about your day. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice and love to hear you speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Remember that before you hit me, I have a beak that could easily crush the bones of your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you shout at me for being uncooperative, obstinate or bad; ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've been in my cage for too long.

9. Take care of me when I get old; you too will get old one day.

10. Go with me on the last journey. Never say 'I cant bear to watch it' or 'Let it happen in my absence'. Everything is easier for me if you are there.

Remember that I love you.