In 1824 Andrew Jackson the seventh president of the United States owned a parrot named Poll. Jackson taught the parrot to swear and the bird became known for its foul language. The parrot would often swear at Jackson’s guests and on one occasion Jackson had to remove the parrot from the room because it would not stop swearing.
Jackson’s parrot was not the only bird to be taught to swear. In 1828 John Quincy Adams the sixth president of the United States owned a parrot named Peter. Peter was known for his bad language and on one occasion he allegedly swore at Adams’ wife.
There are also several accounts of presidents’ children teaching their pet birds to swear. In 1845 John Tyler the tenth president of the United States owned a parrot named Dick. Tyler’s daughter Elizabeth taught the parrot to swear and the bird became known for its foul language.
It is uncertain why presidents would teach their pet birds to swear but it is possible that they found the birds’ bad language amusing.
Which U.
S.
president had a parrot that was taught to swear?
John Quincy Adams.
How did Adams feel about his parrot’s language skills?
He was apparently delighted and found it amusing.
Why did people think that the bird’s cursing was directed at them?
The bird would often yell obscenities at people when they walked by leading them to believe that the parrot had been trained to do so.
What was the parrot’s name?
Poll.
Did Adams ever try to get the bird to stop cursing?
No he reportedly found it amusing and would often laugh along with Poll’s outbursts.
Did any other presidents keep parrots as pets?
Yes Andrew Jackson and Theodore Roosevelt also kept parrots as pets.
What other types of animals were kept as presidential pets while Adams was in office?
Two silkworm colonies a Walking Stick insect a Bald Eagle a pair of donkeys and an alligator.
How long did Adams have Poll?
The bird was given to Adams in 1825 and died in 1829.
How did Poll die?
The exact cause of death is unknown but it is believed that the bird choked on a cherry pit.
What was the primary reason for keeping parrots as pets in the 19th century?
Parrots were often kept as pets for their ability to mimic human speech.
What was the primary reason for keeping donkeys as pets in the 19th century?
Donkeys were often kept as pets for their ability to be ridden or driven.
What was the primary reason for keeping alligators as pets in the 19th century?
Alligators were often kept as pets for their exotic appeal.
What was the primary reason for keeping Walking Sticks as pets in the 19th century?
Walking Sticks were often kept as pets for their exotic appeal.
What was the primary reason for keeping Bald Eagles as pets in the 19th century?
Bald Eagles were often kept as pets for their exotic appeal.
What was the primary reason for keeping silkworm colonies as pets in the 19th century?
Silkworm colonies were often kept as pets for their ability to produce silk.
