There are people who go through parrots, like some people go through purses or new shoes. A parrot is not a throw away commodity. Pet parrots like the Congo African Grey are highly intelligent and social creatures. It is the responsibility of the parrot owner to research what is involved in caring for and owning a parrot as a pet – before making the choice of owning a parrot. How unfair to the parrot that is given away, released into the outdoors, or locked in a closet because the owner did not realize the amount of commitment involved in providing a home for a parrot.
It becomes a vicious cycle. The parrot does not meet the owner’s needs or expectations, so the owner sells the old parrot and later tried it again with a new but different kind of parrot. Parrots are not a replaceable commodity like make-up or clothes. Giving up on the bird is unfair to current bird and birds of the past or future. A responsible parrot owner will always research parrots as pets or pet parrots and what is involved in the care of these pets. Finding which parrot species would be the best match for the owner’s lifestyle and expectations before buying or adopting a pet parrot is the ideal. This way everyone knows what to expect when the bird comes home.
Pet Parrots Come in all Sizes and Volumes
Parrots come in all colors, sizes and volumes. Yes, volumes. The finches, love birds, parakeets, and cockatiels are all smaller birds, make less noise and are infinitely easier to care for in a smaller home or apartment dwelling. They not only cost less, but are quieter and more suitable to close quarter settings like an apartment or condo. The slightly larger conures are beautiful, brightly colored birds, yet the noise level from conures can be ear piercing and is unsuitable for apartments and condos.
The larger parrots, including the African Grey, Umbrella Cockatoo and Macaws are usually more suited for larger homes where their ear splitting calling or singing will not disturb the neighbors. In addition they require larger cages which can take up a lot of space and besides their noise capabilities they can be very destructive to their environment if not properly supervised or provided with the correct toys.
Research Parrots as Pets Before Buying or Adopting
Thorough research about the kind of pet bird one is considering can save the owner and the parrot a great deal of frustration and heartbreak. Every potential bird owner should be required to view The Gabriel Foundation which is a parrot welfare organization based in Colorado. The Gabriel Foundation shows what happens when a pet bird is brought home on a whim. The Gabriel Foundation accepts the throw away birds that no one wants or can handle anymore and provides them a safe, secure haven.
In addition to providing a bird sanctuary to parrots that have been abandoned, abused, or given up on, the site is dedicated to educating potential bird owners and communities regarding the growing concern of unwanted birds resulting from pet stores. When the relationship between bird and owner fails, the bird is the one who truly suffers, and unlike local Humane shelters for cats and dogs, there are few places to “drop” off unwanted birds.
Frustrated parrot owners often sell their pet birds on places like Craigslist, or in local newspapers. Usually the owner has one interest and that is the highest bidder in order to earn back money spent on the bird. Rarely is one looking for the best home or checking to see if the next owner is knowledgeable about birds. These birds sadly are rehomed multiple times and over time the bird becomes damaged. Due to the bad habits of the previous owner’s the parrot learns a variety of bad habits, including screaming, biting, or feather picking.
The parrot is never to blame for learning how to survive under the duress of neglectful and improper care from the previous owners who new little or nothing about birds before bringing home a pet parrot. In most situations bird owners are rarely forthcoming regarding bad habits the bird has acquired from them or from previous homes.
The Velcro Bird Temper Tantrums
Many people see a cuddly white Cockatoo and fall in love with the baby and impulsively decide to bring one into the home without realizing the level of attention these birds need. Cockatoos are also called Velcro birds because they love to be with the people they live with and often require the supervision and care of a 3 year old. They will throw temper tantrums if they are not given the attention they believe they deserve. Unless everyone in the family is committed to playing, cuddling and loving the cockatoo it is not the right bird. Anyone considering a Cockatoo should visit the web site My Toos to truly understand how loud and demanding these parrots are and to see if one would do well in your family or not.
The screams that come out of a Cockatoo can be heard sometimes by nearby neighbors. When they yell and scream for attention it literally will sound like you are murdering a family member. The shrill and high-pitched sounds could peel the paint off the ceiling of your home. Cockatoos are definitely not for the faint of heart, and require an owner who is not intimidated or manipulated by the strong will of these parrots. In essence having a Cockatoo is like having a demanding toddler that resides in your home.
In the end, it is important to realize there are many differences among the variety of birds available to pet owners today. If after doing research, one decides that the time is not optimal for adding a parrot or bird to the family, that is being a responsible pet advocate, rather than buying a bird and saying; “if it does not work, we can always find it another home” as that is so unfair a highly intelligent parrot who deserves the right home from the beginning.
Erika Lyn Smith - Erika Lyn Smith - is a Psych RN, who has completed the UMSL Medicolegal Death Investigator Training Course, and is finishing a BS in ...
