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Gatesey is a blue Budgerigar (aka 'Budgie') who lives with Dave
in New Westminster BC. He was born in February 1995 and was
purchased from King Ed Pets in Burnaby. Over the past 8
years (the time he has lived with Dave), Gates has become quite a
part of the 'family'.
Gatesey's Mommy, Leah, lives in New
West too. She makes sure to see Gatesey on a regular basis.
Note that this is his Human-Mommy, not his Bird-Mommy. Leah
was the one who first suggested that we buy a bird.
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In case you were curious, Gates was named after
Bill Gates, the
founder of Microsoft. One day
Dave and Leah were discussing what they were going to name their new
pet, and Dave started throwing around some silly names based on computer
terms. The word 'Gates' game out and Leah laughed. A second later,
she said "Hey, Gates is a good name.. let's call him Gates!".
And the rest is history.
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Over time, Gates has learned to mimic human speech. Here are some
of his most commonly used phrases:
(Click on the links to actually hear Gatesey talk!)
He has also been known to spend quite a lot of time hanging around the computer.
He likes to click the mouse with his beak, and at times this habit
leads to deleted text or closed windows. It can get quite irritating.
However, we would recommend a budgie as a pet anytime. They are
the most underrated pets around without a doubt.
Some of Gatesey's Favorite things:
Gates is quite a picky bird. In fact, he is even
brand loyal when it comes to his favorite treats. Here are the things
he likes the most (in no particular order):
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- Seed
- Mixed Veggies
- Strawberries
- Brand Name Honey/Fruit Sticks
- Crackers/Tortilla Chips
- Fat Free Microwave Popcorn
- The Dillards
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- Nirvana Unplugged
- Microsoft Natural Keyboards
- "Mr. Thumb"
- The Sound of His Own Voice!
- Bath Time
- Low-Fat Bugles
- Shiny CD ROMS
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Some of Gatesey's Least Favorite things:
- Closed cage doors
- Bed Time
- No-name treat sticks
- ICQ Noises
- Junk E-Mail
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- Silence
- Stale seed
- Being alone
- The "White Bottle"
- The Detroit Red Wings
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A Typical Day for Gatesey:
Oh, to be a bird. They have it pretty easy. Eat, sleep, poop, fly
around, then eat some more. That's about it eh? Well here's proof
-- this is how Gates spends a typical day:
- 6:30 AM
- Good morning! The sheet which wraps his cage comes off accompanied
by a 'Good Morning Gates', audibility of which is based on how
much sleep Dave got the night before :)
- 6:31 AM - Heads over to his
seed dish/fruit stick for breakfast. Chirps to the sound of Frosty
Forst on the CKNW
morning show
- 7:00 AM - Dave leaves for
work
- 7:01 AM to 5 PM - If a tree
falls in the woods and noone is there to hear it, does it make
a sound? Does Gates actually do anything when he is alone?
Well, there is some evidence that he eats a little, and perhaps
makes a bit of a mess, but noone knows for sure!
- 6:00 PM - Cage door is open!
Yahoo, free as a bird! Flies around Dave's apartment without a
care in the world. Checks out the computer keyboard. Leaves a
'treat' for Dave to clean up
- 6:15 PM - Cage time again,
as it is time to make supper. Free Budgie + Hot Oven = Dangerous
Scenario. Gates is in 'jail' until supper is over
- 7:00 PM - Free for the rest
of the night
- 11:00 PM - Bedtime for Gatesey.
Lights out!
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