A bird show is expected to attract hundreds of exhibitors from across thecountry and beyond, today and tomorrow at Hotel Fort Des Moines. JohnThielking (THEEL’-king) is a member of the Mid-America Cage Bird Society.Lovebirds, canaries, finches, and all kinds and sizes of parrots will bethere, hundreds of them. Thielking says different pet birds need differentdegrees of care and attention. The bigger birds need interaction, fromplaying to being bathed, but with small ones like finches, owners put themin an aviary (AY’-vee-air-ee) to be viewed like fish in an aquarium. Birdsentered in the shows’ competition will be judged on factors like their bodystructure, behavior, and feather condition — and prizes range up to athousand dollars. He says his first bird has never said a word, but a lot ofparrots will mimic speech or whistling. Also in Des Moines this weekend,coincidentally, the International Cat Show is taking place, a safe distanceaway at the State Fairgrounds.
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