Call me crazy...

...because I probably am. But I am so. in. love.

Meet my 3 new babies. They are Java Finches (also known as Java Rice Finches and Java Sparrows). And they are AWESOME. They make the coolest little noises (clicking, whirring, singing) and are so fun to watch! I *think* we have one male and two females -- but it is really hard to tell the gender, so I'm not positive. Regardless, these guys are fun ... and so, they are going in to school with me.

That's right people, we are going to have a class pet. 3 of them. And they are birds. Like I said, feel free to call me crazy.

I was never, ever a bird lover. I actually thought they were icky (all that poop!) and I was kind of scared of them. And then I got married to a cockatiel lover and this happened:

It didn't take long for Lulu to become my baby. She rides on my shoulder, my hand, chases our toes and sings to them (she's a little weird...), talks to us (she says actual words!), and is actually a lot of company. I adore her. She does poop a lot. And everywhere. But the poop doesn't stink and it wipes up easy. She does screech sometimes which gets annoying (especially when she gets excited because we have people over), but she usually just needs a little attention and she's good to go.

Now good things about the finches:
                  They will stay in their cage. Unlike Lulu, they are not "finger tamed" birds, so the kids won't handle them. Since they are for "watching only", their poop will be contained to their cage. Which is excellent.
                   Lulu throws her seed when she eats (she breaks seed with her beak and one half usually ends up on my floor. She also throws seed at you to get your attention. Seriously. My Javas? nooo seed throwing = less of a mess for me to sweep up constantly!
                   Java's are quiet. Their noises are adorable, but quiet. Nooo screeching. So, they shouldn't be *too* distracting once the kids get used to them being around.
                   They don't stink! Bird poop may be gross, but it doesn't stink. I will clean it frequently, but in between cleanings there won't be a smell which is a huge plus!
                    These particular birds are hardy. Not all birds are. But these guys can handle fairly warm and fairly cold temperatures, so they will be okay at school (even if the heat or air goes off for a few hours!) They, of course, will come home with me over long breaks, but not weekends!


DISCLAIMER:
    I know, know, know pets are a lot of work. I *tried and tried* to talk myself out of getting a class pet. Or at least waiting. But, these guys were such a good deal (50 for the three birds and their cage!). And they are so neat and unusual. And most of all, I firmly believe pets are essential for kids. I blame my mother for this part - she has always had a class pet (her current pets are fish and a chinchilla!). Kids need to interact with animals and learn how to respect them. It will give us a science lesson or 20, lots of things to write about, a geography lesson, the list goes on and on. AND (with guidance) the kids will learn responsibility when they help feed and water and even clean! Plus, class pets are just plain awesome - and I'm not the only person that thinks so! Read about them here!