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Ridgecrest man finds peace with feathered friends
Published Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Ridgecrest — On Mimosa Drive lives a flock of birds who serve one purpose — to soothe the psyche of their owner Shelby Nugent.
In a walk-in cage at the rear of his home, Nugent keeps his new hobby and the key to his post-work relaxation, about 25 parakeets and 30 finches.
Nugent began collecting the little birds about six months ago after observing that they have a calming effect on his brother-in-law, who also has a group of feathered companions.
“He’d get off work, go home, clean-up and just sit back and watch his birds,” Nugent said.
And while the cheerful whistles, chirps and bright colors abound, it’s no mystery to see why one can enjoy the flutter of activity inside the cages.
With the parakeets doubling their numbers from a dozen since the undertaking of the hobby and the finches adding 10 to their original number of 20, Nugent’s feathered friends seem to enjoy their existence.
“They pretty much take care of themselves,” Nugent said. “The most work I do is feed them and you may think such little birds don’t eat a lot but that’s another story.”
Comments
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pets work wonders to sooth the mind and soul. People who do not care for having a pet are truly missing out.
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I love pets especially two dogs. My dogs are always so excited when I come home they never wants to know where I've been, why was I gone so long, did I bring them something and they treats me like it's been ages since she had last seen me.
When I'm feeling sad my dachshund is always right there to confort me usually staring at me with the sweetest expression like she say "I love you."
Cat lovers don't get me wrong I love my cats too, I must I have three.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My three big dogs seem to know when I feel bad too, <<dixiemama>>. I think that's one reason God gave them to us. Watching the squirrels and birds outside works wonders, too! I just love me some critters!!! Sounds like Mr. Nugent has his hands full with so many birds, but he seems to like it. Thanks Democrat for this feel-good story!
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Its good to hear a story about someone who loves their animals and cares for them. We have one parakeet and she is so cute and funny! She likes to sit on my Pugs back and gently peck at him but he keeps trying to turn around and look at her! Better than TV.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
aww, they're all pretty but i LOVE the turquoise parakeet in the 2nd pic. what an adorable creature. how sweet!
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bet that's cute freedom.
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