Is a Parrot a Good Pet for You?

So you have been to the zoo or local pet store and marveled at the brightly colored birds there. Maybe you just finished watching a pirate movie and realize your shoulder is a bit lonely. Perhaps your friend's family has a parrot that makes you laugh every time he whistles the theme song from the Andy Griffin show. Maybe you have always dreamed of connecting with a bird and have images of Cinderella and Snow White singing with a bird resting on their fingers listening, seems like pure happiness. There are as mean reasons people come to want a parrot as a pet as there are parrots needing homes.

While adding a parrot to your family has numerous benefits and can seem like the best idea as you watch them in the pet stores, there are many things to think of PRIOR to making that purchase. Bringing home a pet should never be an impulse decision.

Of course the first thing to think of is do you have room in your living space for the bird. They can be incredibly mischievous and quite messy so you will need a cage to house them in when you are not able to watch them directly. Cage size needs can vary depending on the adult size of the parrot, but the rule is the bigger the better! The absolute minimum sized cage acceptable should allow the bird to easily move around, spread it's wings and still leave room for toys, various perches, as well as food and water dishes. The cost of appropriate cages may have you thinking twice about going for the big Blue and Gold Macaw and thinking more about the Budgies. Be sure that the cage is made from safe, durable materials. While that antique beautiful wooden cage in the designer decor store seems lovely and just waiting for a budgie or lovebird, you may come home to find they have chewed through the wooden bars and are flying all over the house. Bar size is also important to consider. In addition the cage, its best to have a separate play area for out of cage exercising. This can be a stand or a playground. Both cage and the out of cage play areas should be in safe places that are not exposed to extreme changes in temperature. Stay away from air vents, doors and windows. In addition to comfort, your bird will be much happier if it doesn't have to watch out the window constantly for what it may perceive as potential predators. Having at least one side against a wall will lead to a calmer happier bird. A smaller travel or carrier cage will be needed for trips to the vet or anywhere else you need or want to take your new friend.

The cage placement should not be in any area where cooking is conducted. Birds are very sensitive to air borne chemicals. The Teflon coating that is on non-stick cookware can be lethal to your bird. When it is heated at the high temperatures, a chemical is released in the air. The delicate lungs of the birds are unable to handle this and they can be in danger extremely quickly. Also avoid any area where scented candles or incense are burned. In addition to the smoke irritation, the curious bird can easily be injured by landing or touching the hot flames or cooking utensils. While some are able to close off the bird away from the cooking area and feel safe, most bird owners will want to invest in cookware that does not have the non-stick coating on it. It can be heart breaking to know that a death could have easily been avoided with a little prevention. Think of how coal miners once used canaries to warn them of when they needed to get out. It was the canaries' sensitivity that alerted them to the unsafe conditions when they died. Please don't let this happen to your bird.

Another thing to think about when deciding where to have your bird or if you should bring home the bird is, who else is in your family. Families with cats and dogs are strongly considered to rethink. The safety of the bird is at risk around any cat and even the most well trained dog needs to be watched while a bird is in the house. Natural instincts can rum strongly and its the owner's duty to ensure the safety of all. Also its not just the bird that can be hurt or worse. Parrots have hook billed beaks that can be used to open nuts in the wild and can do plenty of damage to flesh if they feel threatened. They also can become quite territorial of what they claim as their area, stuff or person. In order to avoid some high veterinarian bills, make sure that you properly plan housing and time spent out of the cage.

Along with the risk that comes in fright induced situations, parrots typically do bite. It can be a nibble as they test out something or a way to communicate that they want their space or are unhappy with something. I am not sure there is a parrot owner that exist who hasn't been bitten at least once. For this reason, consider if bringing a parrot home to a house with small children is a good idea. There is great learning in interacting & caring for a bird, but certain precautions should be taken depending on the age and temperament of the child and the bird. Placing the cage in a space that is high enough for small fingers not to get into and making sure to supervise all time together are good ideas to start with in ensuring that the time spent between child and bird is a positive experience for both.

How close are you to your neighbors? If you live nearby, say in an apartment or condominium, you may find you will meet your neighbors quickly and possibly the local police if you bring home the wrong parrot for your situation. Some birds are great for these situations, others can be louder than you every expected. While they might be quiet and content in the pet store or at the breeders, these animals are naturally found in settings where their loud voices were used to call over long distances to their mates or other flock members. While the pet parrot might not need to vocalize their desires so loudly, they will. If you need to leave for school, work, or to run errands, you may find you will hear a call that wants to pull you back inside. Unlike children or dogs, who will cry for an amount of time then move on to another distraction, birds may call the entire time you are gone. Your neighbors might not enjoy hearing this. Study about the type of bird you are interested in and the typical behavior, however each bird is an individual and the one you choose may be completely opposite of the norm.

Parrots are extremely intelligent. From the small lovebirds, budgies and parrotlets to the giants like macaws and cockatoos, they all want attention. They all would love to have your undivided attention at all times. While this isn't possible, you should be able to devote a good amount of time and attention to your bird. Some birds have a strong flock instinct while others will be perfectly happy having you as a companion. Some parrots will be loving to anyone who comes over as well as the family, while others will become attracted to one person in particular and not care all that much for anyone or anything else. Again while each breed has typical behaviors, each bird is an individual with a unique personality and emotional needs.

Speaking of expectations, one of the most common things that attract people to wanting a parrot as a companion is their ability to speak. Almost every breed of parrot has the ability to make noises or mimic and a few, like the great Congo African Grey Alex, can comprehend and use language appropriately to interact with humans. However, human language is not their natural language, so no one should get a parrot if this is the main reason. While they will listen to anything you want to share with them, they may or may not repeat what you say. The more time you spend talking with your bird, them more likely they will be to pick up what you are saying. They are not programmable equipment and should not be expected to speak. Like any trick or action, they will get better with practice if they are inclined to perform the action. Some days your bird may want to chat away, be it in bird or people talk. Others they may feel quiet. Again they are living beings and have personalities and mood swings just like we do. Invest time and love into the relationship and you may be surprised at what your new buddy has to offer.

Along with the cost of the cage and the bird, you need to have enough extra money for toys and food. While you may be able to budget for food and treats, which can boost the bonding and training, you may be surprised to find that the cost of toys can add up quickly. Each bird has a preference for difference types of toys. Some love swings, others bells, and others enjoy chewing. The more time you are unable to spend with your bird, the more you will need to switch up their toys to keep them entertained and stimulated. Many behavior problems such as feather plucking can occur when a bird is bored and feels neglected. Not everyone can quit their job and spend all day entertaining their bird, but allowing for proper out of cage time and rotating the toys they have to play with will help to keep you both happier. Toys can cost quite a bit and depending on the bird, can be destroyed in a matter of minutes. If you choose to try to make your own bird toys take times to learn what substances are safe for the bird and which are not. Appropriate perches are an additional thing you will need to purchase. Perches of various sizes and textures will help work their feet and give them different views to see from. Post the perches at varied heights.

Parrots need a varied diet. While they tend to readily eat seeds, they need exposure to other things to get the right nutritional balance to live a long, healthy life. Pellets are available at any pet store and sold specifically to meet the breed's needs. These should be supplemented with fresh and dried fruits and vegetables. Most birds will be hesitant at first to try new things, but the more they are exposed to them, the more likely they will be to accept them. Also they are great with mimicry so watching you enjoy that green bean may give them the motivation that they need to try it. Sharing your food with your parrot is fun for many owners but study up on what foods are safe. A general rule is that if it is not healthy for you, it is not healthy for your bird. Always avoid giving your bird chocolate, coffee, avocados or alcohol. Some birds have special diet considerations that you need to be aware of. For instance, the rainbow colored lorikeets eat nectar in the wild & need special nectar added to their diet to remain healthy.

In addition to the daily things that you will need to do to maintain your parrot's health, a yearly visit with a veterinarian that specializes in birds should be included in your budget. If you can not afford to take your bird to an avian vet, you can not afford the bird. Most veterinarians do not see parrots as often as they see dogs and cats and are not as well training in caring for birds. Before bringing home your bird, find a local avain vet and call to see what will be needed in caring for your bird. They will also be able to help you with normal maintenance care such as nail and wing clippings if you decide that your bird is safer not being flighted. They will also help you know what to watch for in changes in your birds behavior or health. Also in making the connection early, you will know who to go to & they will know your bird, in case something does happen and your bird ends up needing emergency care at some point.

How much time are you able to devote to the care of the bird? Not just daily but in years. Check on the average lifespan of the breed that you are considering and seriously think about whether this will fit in with your life goals and style. Many people don't realize that most parrot breeds live much longer than cats or dogs. It can be like adopting a child, only you never have to plan for college. Just be aware that you should plan on who will care for the bird if it ends up out lasting you. Most animal shelters do not take parrots. In addition to the already over crowding of dogs and cats, many shelters are inexperienced in caring for birds. They are encouraged to euthenize them rather than try to place them in new homes. Some owners end up releasing unwanted birds into the wild. While it may seem poetic to let the bird fly freely, parrots are not native to the area and will not survive the temperature changes, predators or having to find food and water. It is never a good idea to release a domesticated animal into the wild.

Thousands of birds each year are abandoned when their owners find that they are no longer able to care for them. Thinking through everything can help prevent this from happening to your bird. Are you the right home for that parrot you have your eye on, or would they be better off with someone who can devote the time, money and energy into providing it with a better home?

If you find that you are ready and able to add a parrot to your family, consider adoption rather than purchasing. Many rescue groups can connect you with birds that need homes as well as help to answer questions you might have since they are experienced in owning, or being owned by a bird or birds, as seems more appropriate a phrase. Also websites such as Petfinder.com and Craigslist are good places to check for birds that are looking for a new home. These birds that are in need of rescuing may even know a few words or tricks already! Some come with their toys, cages and food for a rehoming fee that is far less than it would be to purchase the bird and all of its assessories from a breeder or pet store. In addition to saving money you are saving a life. What can be better than that?