J a n H a r t
the animals of Ranchito San Pedro
Significant Links
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Current activities of Jan & the animals - check out the latest issue of HartNews.
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Other family members
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Mike
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Tim
The animals that live with us at Ranchito San Pedro are very important members of our family and have learned to co-exist and live relatively peacefully with one another. We wish this for the world.
the birds
Xena, an opinionated Maroon Bellied conure sort of oversees all the family members, animals and guests - along with her best pal, Beak - a Halfmoon Conure. Beak is the talkative one; Xena the ever watchful. In June, 2003 a larger parrot was added to the family - Sage, a 4 month old Timneh African Grey. A while later Flash, an abused but rescued African Red Bellied parrot joined us. Sage likes him. Beak is not sure. Xena remains watchful....
the parrots... they are certainly a lively bunch - and each one has a pal!
the chickens...they arrived as 1 day olds and provide endless entertainment and beautiful eggs! Such gifts!
the pigeons...they love to fly! And their soft cooing soothes my soul always.
The story of Flash.
One day my friend, Carol and I happened upon a neglected & abused Red-bellied African parrot that had been rescued by our favorite Exotic bird store, Feathered Friends - and Carol could not refuse this beautiful little parrot. When she brought him to her house, he was so fearful he stayed in the far reaches of his cage, trembling - and would viciously attack any finger extended. Carol patiently worked with him and got him to step onto her finger. But, her resident parrot, Winkie, hated the new parrot we named "Flash" because his gray back was reminiscent of a flasher in a gray topcoat. So, Flash moved to my place and began a friendship with Sage. Over the years, to build up his ego, we often shouted to him, "Come on, Flash - be an eagle!" He followed the suggestion of our raised arms and began to stand proudly and extending his wings! Sage took up the challenge and can be heard urging his friend on and praising Flash's open wings with choruses of "Yay, Yay!" He also now allows me to rub his head! I love this brave little parrot who conquered his fears!
Polly the kitty and Livvie the dog are other permanent residents of Ranchito San Pedro. Polly was the beloved friend of my father and came to live in New Mexico after he died. Livvie was rescued from an abusive home by three women - and now loves taking walks with her friend, Polly. Polly sometimes sees it differently.
In 2005 I found Seurat at the local shelter and hoped that he would take some of Livvie's obscessive attention away from Polly. He became Livvie's very best friend - and has become an indispensable part of the family!
We're not sure about Seurat's heritage - but think he might be a mix of Blue healer and Beagle - a Blue Bealer!
the mammals