Two ruffian parrots are causing a stir at a Ryedale bird sanctuary with their foul language and bad behaviour.

Claude and Sydney are the newest residents at Pampered Parrots, in Slingsby, and sanctuary owner Julie Piercy got quite a shock when she first heard them speak.

"Some of the things they were coming out with are unrepeatable in a family newspaper, suffice to say I was shocked," she said.

"I'm no prude but I couldn't believe what they were saying - it was disgraceful!"

Sydney, a male African Grey, was the first to arrive after his owners felt they were unable to devote enough time to looking after him.

"He became quite stressed because his owners were out at work all day," said Julie.

"He's settling in nicely but he gets into the habit of hanging upside down in his cage and whistling. He also drives my dogs round the bend by calling them on to the sofa to get them into trouble.

"He keeps bossing them about and they get very confused because they can't figure out who's calling them. He's a very naughty parrot."

Claude, a female African Grey, was brought in because her owners' neighbours were complaining about the noise she was making.

"She is also settling in nicely, though she has picked up a lot of filthy language from Sydney," said Julie.

"Apart from their foul beaks they are lovely birds. They will stay at the sanctuary permanently and both sets of owners are planning to visit them as often as they can.

"Parrots are very sensitive birds but they are also very intelligent. Some have the mental age of a three-year-old human, though Sydney's language skills are some of the best I've ever seen."

Anyone interested in adopting a bird from the sanctuary can contact Julie on 01653 628439.

Updated: 10:44 Tuesday, April 24, 2001