Some people think of parrots as low-maintenance pets, a step up from fish and hamsters, but much less trouble than a dog or cat. Anyone who gets a pet bird under that assumption is in for a rude surprise. The truth of the matter is that parrots have a lot of needs encompassing everything from attention to diet. Parrots are not merely decoration that can be content sitting in a cage. On the other hand, no one knows the satisfaction of being loved and trusted by an animal quite like a bird owner.
If you’re just starting to think about taking a parrot into your home, here are five things to consider:
1. All Birds Bite
Even tame birds bite. Unlike dogs and cats, parrots are prey animals, which means they are hardwired to be suspicious of many things us humans take for granted. Parrots will bite if they are scared or threatened, if they are trying to communicate something and, counter-intuitively, even when they are trying to protect you from something. There are many things you can do to avoid getting bitten and to discourage aggression in your bird, but understanding that there is no such thing as a bird that doesn’t bite will help you deal with the inevitable.
2. Birds Are Messy
Sure, parrots don’t need to be taken for walks in the rain, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to clean up after their poop. Besides bird droppings, parrot owners also have to contend with food all over their floors and walls. Rarely does a cage or play stand contain the mess of seeds and other food that gets dropped and flung during meal time. One of my bird’s favorite games is to stick his beak in his bowl and make a scooping motion in order to toss his food as far as he can (right after I’m done vacuuming).
3. Parrots Need Fresh and Healthy Foods
Aviculture has come a long way in the past few decades when most people thought a bag of seed mix was sufficient to meet the nutrition needs of parrots. We now know that an all-seed mix contains too much fat and not enough other nutrients to keep our feathered friends healthy. Avian experts now recommend daily offerings of fresh veggies, organic fruits, whole grain pasta and all the best that your local Whole Foods has to offer, as well as specially formulated parrot pellets. Thanks to my bird, I now cook a lot healthier than I used to.
4. Parrots Are Noisy!
Are you ready for some noise? One of the first things a new large bird owner realizes once their new fid (feathered kid) settles in is that birds like to vocalize. Birds like canaries and budgies (parakeets) have voices that could be considered quite pleasant, but there’s nothing musical about the screaming of a cockatoo or even a conure. While attention screaming can be discouraged, it’s quite natural for parrots to yell loudly, especially in the mornings and evenings. If you don’t like a lot of noise, or your neighbors are looking for an excuse to have you evicted, your best bet is a small bird that is relatively quieter like a parakeet or cockatiel.
5. Birds Can Live a Long Time
Smaller birds tend to live as long as an average dog, while larger parrots can have the lifespan of a human. That means there’s a chance that the baby bird you get today could very well outlive you. And unlike a human child, your feathered kid won’t grow up and move out of the house – for better or worse, you’re making a lifetime commitment. If you’re still expecting your life to change due to moving, relationship changes, extensive travel, etc., think hard about whether you can make that level of commitment.
Parrots, unlike dogs and housecats, are not domesticated animals and aren’t going to fit neatly into your model for an ideal “pet.” They require a lot of attention, mental stimulation and out-of-cage time. Parrots are also extremely smart, and a happy parrot will delight you with its antics and tricks for many happy years to come. Before getting a bird, do plenty of research about what type of bird suits your lifestyle and what it will take to keep your parrot healthy and happy.
The Bird Lady is owned by a sun conure named Stewie. She blogs about the joys of parrot ownership and clicker training at http://bestinflock.wordpress.com/.
12 responses so far ↓
1 10 Reasons Not To Buy A Bird - Page 3 - BirdBoard.Com - Parrot Message Board & Pet Bird Owner Forums // Apr 29, 2008 at 11:25 am
[...] recently wrote a guest post for a pet blog by some friends of mine. The topic is 5 things to consider before getting a bird. I didn’t want to make it too long, and it’s pretty basic since the audience is mostly cat- and [...]
2 Tara // Apr 29, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Great article! Very well written. : )
3 Brian Baseett // May 8, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Owner (or mate) of Blue and Gold Macaw. The best and worst companion I have ever had. Gets to the point I feel bad about going to work, let alone just going out. Read everything above and multiply it by 10. But then best friends are worth it aren’t they?
4 the Bird Lady // May 9, 2008 at 8:56 am
Brian, I completely understand how you feel! I’m so frequently late for work because I wanted to spend more quality time with my little guy, and forget about happy hours. Having a parrot really can significantly impact your lifestyle… but you’re right, it’s 100% worth it.
5 Is a Parrot the Right Pet for You? « Best in Flock - Life with a Sun Conure // May 9, 2008 at 10:48 am
[...] post is called 5 Things to Consider Before Getting a Bird. and I talk about, you guessed it, things someone should consider if they are thinking of getting a [...]
6 lORI // May 12, 2008 at 7:59 pm
this is great advice for any one getting a bird ~ birds are high mantenance you have to clean up after them constantly they are loud and are like haing a 2 year old around for as long as the bird lives I have 6 birds and its like birdy preschool,,,really think long and hard about getting a bird they are a commentment
7 kmaher3797 // May 29, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Everyone should read this before buying a parrot. I adopted a 33 year old Amazon that the family didn’t know how to care for. We love him. He was a plucker until he came into our home. He has wing, head and tail feathers but that’s it. What he lacks in looks, however, he makes up in personality.
8 kmaher3797 // May 29, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I wanted to bring my parrot to school with me. I am a teacher and the kids are dying to meet Bobby, my 33 year old Amazon. Are there any health risks to bringing him in?
9 the Bird Lady // Jun 9, 2008 at 8:57 am
Hi kmaher3797 - there wouldn’t be any health risks to the kids. As far as Bobby is concerned, I wouldn’t think the risks to him would be great either, unless one of your students also has a bird who is ill and passes that illness.
You may want to check with your administration, though to make sure there aren’t any liability issues if Bobby bites one of your students. Kids being kids will want to stick their fingers in his cage just when you’re not looking and might startle the bird
Obviously you’ll also need to be extra careful not to expose Bobby to anything that could be toxic to his delicate respiratory system (paint, glue, aerosols, etc).
10 Brutellio // Jul 8, 2008 at 1:10 am
Hello. I enjoyed reading your website.
Have a wonderful day and keep up the good work.
Brutellio.
11 OUCH! WTH? « Best in Flock - Life with a Sun Conure and Pionus Parrot // Aug 22, 2008 at 4:15 pm
[...] p.s. Mika’s has never bitten me hard, and only twice did she pinch me in a way that it was clear she meant to (and once was when she had only just met me and I asked her to step up, so I suppose she was entitled). But that doesn’t mean that she can’t. As I’ve said before: there’s no such thing as a parrot who doesn’t bite. [...]
12 Jamie Skeie // Sep 11, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Everyone thinking of bringing a parrot into their life, should take everyone’s advice in this site and really think it over.
You will find yourself traveling with your parrot on vacations while searching all over for the best pet friendly hotels. Some hotels have pet fees, some have deposits and some are very pet friendly with no extra fees.
I am owned by an African Grey Congo. She has traveled all over with us, from NY to CA. Overnight trips are turned to day trips so you don’t leave your feathered friend home alone. Dedicate lots of time researching birds before making your decision in spending your life with them.
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