ELECTRIC SQUAWK

Feb 11 2007 Exclusive by Steve Dinneen

MAD MAX THE PARROT SURVIVES SHOCK BIG ENOUGH TO KILL A MAN

A FOUL-MOUTHED parrot called Mad Max survived an electric shock powerful enough to kill a human after he chewed through a power cable.

The barmy bird was zapped by 240 volts after gnawing the lead which powers his owner James White's personal computer.

The early morning explosion blasted African Grey Max's feathers across the room, leaving him bald.

James, 60, discovered the mayhem when he woke up last Sunday to find none of his electrics working and his computer mouse and keyboard lying severed on the floor.

On closer inspection, he realized 50-year-old Max had bitten through the cable.

James, of Loanhead, Midlothian, said: "I couldn't believe it. He could have set fire to the whole house.

"He certainly lived up to his name - he's a crazy bird. He's very lucky to be alive, it must have been a hell of a shock.

Now he looks like a roast chicken. When I got out of bed, Max greetedme with a lovely big 'hello' and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"The PC was wrecked. He's cost me a fortune getting it fixed."

Electrics expert Dr Haddad Manu, of Cardiff University, was at a loss to explain why Max survived.

He said: "240 volts is definitely enough to kill a man. If the current passed through your heart it would malfunction and you would die.

"As a parrot is smaller than a human there is a proportionally bigger current and so a greater chance of death. Somehow the current must have avoided ax's heart. I would say he is a very lucky parrot."

But Max's vendetta against the PC is not over. When James attempted to fix the machine he swooped and bit a chunk out of his owner's head.

James added: "He's a vicious swine when he wants to be. He's a proper grumpy old man."

This isn't the first time Max has been in trouble. James, who bought him from a pet shop 20 years ago when he wanted a companion to share his mobile home, can't stop the cheeky bird from turning the air blue.

Max often tells James' guests to "b***** off" and even cost him a potential wife when he told the woman to "f*** off".

Has your pet had a miracle escape? Phone us now on 0141 309 3232 or email us at mailbox@sundaymail.co.uk