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Passers-by can be excused for getting green with envy when they set eyes on Ammar AlAali strutting along the streets of the kingdom with his feathered friend perched proudly on his shoulder.
The 25-year old document clearing agent first spotted his parakeet pal looking worse for wear with hardly any feathers for sale on a stall in a souq in Isa Town.
Avid bird lover Ammar was told the chick was just 23 days old so he took him home to join his flock of smaller birds and a prize grey Congo parrot called Hamood.
Snake, named after his red Shelby Mustang Super Snake, prospered and the ring-necked parakeet never left his side. Ammar considers the green parrot as much more than a pet.
As he strolled along the backstreets of Hoora, Ammar, who lives in Janabiya, said: “He is like my son. When he was a little chick, I would take him to work with me to make sure he was well looked after and constantly fed and cared for.
“He needed love and attention 24-7.”
Ammar said he learned how to care for birds when he was a child from an uncle who raised chicks, hatchlings and nestlings.
It’s no surprise that Snake is docile and sweet as green parrots are known for being intelligent, amusing and affectionate. With adequate attention, handling and love, an Indian Ringneck Parakeet can quickly become a beloved companion and family member.
“Snake is now over a month old and cries if I try to put him in his cage or leave him behind when I go out,” said Ammar. “Now he sits on my shoulder and we drive around Bahrain together, go to the barber, the souq and run errands.
“Loud sounds sometimes make him nervous and he can fly away as he has full wings but he soon comes back down to me. I soothe him and calm him down if I sense he is getting nervous.
“I’ve come to realise that when he hears my voice, nothing can distract him because he respects me as much as I respect him.
“People do stop me in the street and often ask if they can take a ‘selfie’ with him. Some even ask me how much he is worth and offer to buy him but, to me, he’s priceless and not for sale. I love him.”
Aside from parrots and birds, Ammar also has a horse and a dog and believes all of God’s creatures should be loved and respected. “Some people think that animals and birds don’t have feelings,” added Ammar. “They are wrong. They have hearts that love and feel pain. They don’t only enter our lives, we enter theirs and if you treat and care for your animal or bird, they will do the same for you."
