Ajax the Destroyer



Remember whiffle balls? These inbred cousins of the baseball are no longer just for indoor PE when the weather is terrible. By tying bits of wood, plastic, and leather through the holes, several enterprising companies have turned these tough plastic spheres into bird toys as well. Below we see the "Candy Disco Ball" by Mardi Gras Bird Toys...


Ajax has had his in his cage for about a week...

UPDATE: The whiffle ball toy shown above was completely severed from its chain and chewed down to pieces no larger than quarters by the time I returned from work the day after this picture was taken..

His chewing is amazing. The next three pictures show his handiwork on solid wooden blocks.




Although I do not have photographic proof, I can also testify that Ajax has broken several of the chains from which his toys hang. These are 2.5-3.0mm, welded stainless steel chains. He breaks them without using any tools or bracing them on the cage or playpen for leverage - he just bites through them.

Fear the beak.


Thanks the gods he doesn't bite anymore...

11 comments:

Raksha said...

Ajax is hardcore, yo!

Big Gay Jim said...

The best description of parrots I've heard: they come with a can opener built on their face.

Kate said...

so are you the reverend from nerdy's blog that had the very best of aphorisms she posted months ago? I had to steal them from her because I have nothing worthwhile to say.

Kate said...

and sorry about not staying on topic. but perhaps it's not SO offtopic--since I parrotted you in a manner of speaking. Kinda

Linus said...

Hi Kate,

I am in fact, THAT reverend. and I'm glad you enjoyed my quotes. Silly shit like that falls from lips on a regular basis...

Welcome to the Ministry - feel free to come early and come often. :)

Modig said...

So, how long is his destructive phase expected to last? Forever? At least he doesn't shriek anymore. LOL!

Linus said...

modig,

It's not a phase - this is normal behavior for a parrot. The beak grows continually, so they have to chew to keep it in good shape. Ajax is a bit of a prodigy compared to other greys, however. He is bigger than most, and correspondingly more destructive.

T-Mac said...

Wow, that bird is pretty awesome! My girlfriend used to work at the Portland zoo and was the bird-of-prey girl who would stick out her gloved hand for the bald eagle to land on it...but even that eagle never bit through a CHAIN. I'm glad that bird is on your side.

Modig said...

Thanks for the bird info.! I was unaware that their beaks continually grew. Fascinating!

Levi said...

Can I hire your bird to take care of some violence related business for me?

Linus said...

Unles your "business" is made of wood, plastic or stainless steel, he is unlikely to cooperate... :)

Post a Comment