A young saleswoman who paints to deal with her anxiety finds solace in a talking feathered friend.
Bridget Chant of Toowoomba, Queensland, was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD) at the age of 10 and often struggles with daily tasks today.
When she left home at 18 to study at university, her struggles worsened and she had to learn how to manage her anxiety.
“I was very good at keeping everything bottled and imagining a brave face, so at the end of the day I had huge anxiety attacks,” 25-year-old Bridget told FEMAIL.
But in 2018, she decided to get an Indian parrot called Hamlet, who acts “as a therapist.”
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Bridget Chant (left) was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD) at the age of 10 and often struggles with daily tasks today. But in 2018, the now 25-year-old decided to get an Indian parrot with a ring, named Hamlet (right), who acts as a therapist
Bridget said she talked to Hamlet as if she were a human being to have someone to talk to – and she still does today.
“I lived alone, so he was my only company for a while,” she said.
In 2018, when the couple slowly became close, Hamlet began imitating sounds at the age of seven months.
“Initially, the sounds he made were unrecognizable, but they sounded familiar,” she said, adding, “The first thing he ever copied from me was a whistle.”
Over time, she kept asking, “What are you doing?” after a long working day one day Hamlet replied with his own “Hello, what are you doing?”
He also knows how to say “Kisses”, “Good morning”, “Ah?”, “What should I do?”, “Good boy”, “What?”, “Why?” And imitates laughter.
Bridget describes the bird breed as “very intelligent”, which can “feel the tension in the room” – and for Hamlet he has a strong sense of comedy, which always “says the right thing at the right time”.
As a child, Bridget had a pet named Cinnamon to help her cope and focus. She decided to buy Hamlet in 2018 from an ethical breeder shortly after Cinnamon died
In 2020, when Australians stayed home due to the pandemic, Bridget began making videos on TikTok – and eventually Hamlet joined.
Today, the duo’s TikTok @ chantyb97 page has more than 4.2 million followers who adore Hamlet and his humorous charm – with one video garnering 104 million views.
Bridget said Indian parrots have an average life expectancy of 25 to 40 years.
As the couple slowly bonded, Hamlet began imitating sounds at seven months old. “Initially, the sounds he made were unrecognizable, but they sounded familiar,” she said, adding, “The first thing he ever copied from me was a whistle.”
As a child, Bridget had a pet named Cinnamon to help her cope and focus.
“It was a birthday present from my parents and it was nice to have something to feed,” she said.
Unfortunately, when Bridget was 20, the beautiful 10-year-old died after being attacked by a cat.
Shortly after Bridget decided it was time to take another bird.
To keep Hamlet safe, all doors must be closed at all times and both domestic dogs are not allowed inside.
He has a cage to sleep in and has a full range of houses to fly to when Bridget is home.
Bridget said she talked to Hamlet as if she were a human being to have someone to talk to – and she still does today. Today, the duo’s TikTok @ chantyb97 page has more than 4.2 million followers who adore Hamlet and his humorous charm
Bridget warned that those who want to take a bird, especially Native American throats, should be given to their care and needs.
“It’s not for everyone, but Hamlet and I have a partnership – he’s not just a pet, he’s my friend,” she said.
Before buying Hamlet, Bridget researched and contacted an ethical breeder.
“At first I wanted a yellow male parrot, but when I saw the picture of the little blue bird, I thought it was perfect,” she said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for confidential help.
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