Parrot learns to mimic sound of alarms at Brooke care home

The African Grey parrot belongs to Roy Hagley, 53, and his latest trick is causing quite a stir at Brooke House. He has learnt to mimic the alarms residents use to let staff know they need help - and his impression is so good it even has staff fooled. The cheeky bird has caused several false alarms already and much confusion around the home. And Rebel’s talents do not end there, the bird is also mastering text message alerts for a range of mobile phones and says a few words. He has even started impersonating members of the management team.   But Mr Hagley says it is all taken in good humour by staff. “The nurses like him,” he said. “Even if they do think his noises are the call bell.”   Home manager Laura Crowley said: “Rebel has been with us since about March - Roy was feeling a bit lonely and he had pets in the past.   “When Rebel settled in he started to talk to Roy, but as he really found his feet he started to make all sorts of different noises. A lot of the staff members are jumping up to see who’s calling the bell, only to find there’s nothing on the system and it’s just Rebel.”    

Source: EDP24