BETTER THAN PARROT
Aggie, Fluent Magpie
"The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND, Jan. 16.
An Orakei resident, Mr R. Wardell, need not fear loneliness while Aggie is around. A retired builder, Mr Wardell has a pet magpie which rivals even the most fluent parrot for verbosity. Mr Wardell bought the magpie, Aggie, in a Christchurch pet shop 11 years ago. He expects Aggie to live for another five or six years, “Aggie has been a great friend and companion,” said Mr Wardell, standing on his veranda watching the bird preening itself. “Aggie," he called out. The bird fixed him with a stare, cocked its head to one side and asked clearly: “Are you all right?”
“We feed him on steak chopped up like mincemeat,” Mr Wardell said. “Sometimes when we are late, he stands outside and talks continuously until we bring out his food.” Aggie was taught to speak by Mr Wardell’s housekeeper several years ago. Aggie fluffed himself up and crowed: “Where’s mother’s spoilt boy?” But there was no need for him to ask. There is no spoilt boy in the Wardell household, just a spoilt bird.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19660117.2.29
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Press, Volume CV, Issue 30960, 17 January 1966, Page 3
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187BETTER THAN PARROT Press, Volume CV, Issue 30960, 17 January 1966, Page 3
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