A little bird told us about a unique idea being flown in Forsyth County District Court where judges are employing the use of a “comfort bird.”

Almost two years ago, Chief District Court Judge Lisa V. Menefee was approached with the idea to pilot the use of a comfort animal in the courthouse to help relieve stress, lift moods, foster a sense of well-being in the judges’ office, and ease the fears of children involved in custody cases. Comfort animals are often used in retirement and nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, for veterans, and people with disorders or disabilities. A courthouse can often be an emotional atmosphere, not only for court users, but for judges and staff, as well, so the use of a comfort animal in this setting seemed appropriate.     

Trial Court Coordinator Julia Frye took this project under her wings. After considering the options, it was decided that a bird would be the best choice for a variety of reasons. Birds are small, can be easily confined, and do not require frequent trips outside for a bathroom break. Frye conducted research and found a breed called parrotlet.

This is how BB, a male parrotlet, began his career as a comfort bird for the Forsyth County Courthouse. BB has been working in this capacity for almost two years now, and will celebrate his second birthday on July 27. As a volunteer for the 21st Judicial District, BB is paid with strawberries and figs.

BB’s job is to visit with children before they enter the judge’s chambers to talk to the judge when their custody case is set for hearing. He has a gentle, relaxed disposition and helps keep the children in fine feather by relieving any anxiety they may have about visiting the courthouse or talking to a judge. Now, you may think this birdbrained idea is for the birds, but Chief Judge Mennefee and Frye disagree.

“It is amazing how many clerks and attorneys come by to see BB every day,” said Frye. “BB can be a little ray of sunshine in our complicated court system.”

District Court Judge Theodore Kazakos says he “enjoys having BB around to bring the kids to before and after he speaks to them.” Frye is the owner and caregiver for BB. She incurs all expenses for his care except for the treats and toys others bring him.

“I bought the first parrotlet, whose name was Pro Se,” said Frye. “She was killed in a tragic accident at home. I wasn’t going to replace her because it was such a sad loss, but a group of attorneys wanted another parrotlet in the judges’ hallway, so they paid for the second one as a surprise for me and to keep the love of the bird around.”

BB remains in a cage that hangs in Frye’s office throughout the day, but he only uses it for eating and as a safe place to stay when she has to go to court. According to Frye, his favorite things to play with when children come to visit are keys, courthouse identification badges, and paper clips. He loves to play the peek-a-boo game too. BB travels to work and back each day in a small carrying case. After hours, he shares his home with Frye’s eight-year-old cockatiel, Pearl, and her 13-year-old parakeet, Peanut.

Parrolets also have the ability to mimic speech. BB’s vocabulary consists of quite a few words and phrases including “fig please,” “please pretty, pretty,” “peek-a-boo,” “go Navy beat Army,” “time to go night-night,” “sleepy,” “kiss my toes,” “kiss me,” and “lipstick-time to go.”  According to Frye, birds only speak during a quiet moment of rest, but she indicates BB will say “peek-a-boo” when playing with someone.    

In case you are wondering about the bird droppings, Frye says this is not an issue with such a small bird. BB goes in his cage most of the time so there is never a mess for the cleaning crew to contend with at night. A tissue takes care of any accidents outside the cage.

Frye says one of her favorite stories about BB occurred when a child was asked to talk with District Court Judge Laurie Hutchins before a custody hearing. The child had talked to a different judge six months prior and was able to play with BB during that visit. During the second visit, the child asked Judge Hutchins, “Do I get to visit with the bird before I talk to you?” Judge Hutchins was not aware of the first visit and asked the child how she knew about the bird. The child responded that she “was able to play with BB the last time she came to talk to a judge.” Judge Hutchins immediately took her to Frye’s office for a visit.

So, when feathers get ruffled in Forsyth County District Court, BB is there to help anyone who needs some comfort that only a good game of peek-a-boo can provide.