It is little wonder that birds are increasing in popularity as pets. Parrots are among the most beautiful, intelligent, and engaging animals available as companions. They come in a range of sizes and colors, and are the only pets that can actually speak to their owners.

 

Parrots are affectionate creatures with the capacity for mimicry and comical antics, but they are not ideal pets for everyone. There are many important issues to consider before buying a parrot.

 

Parrots require more care than a dog or cat and often live for fifty or more years. They require a specialized diet and demand more maintenance and supervision. The parrot has complex emotional needs and is often characterized as a toddler that never grows up. Most owners invest a good bit of money in toys to prevent boredom that can result in neurotic behaviors like feather-plucking and self-mutilation.

 

Do Your Homework before Buying a Parrot

 

The best way to determine if a parrot is right for you is to do your homework. Avoid buying a parrot on impulse. Instead, find out as much information as you can about parrots before you bring a bird home. Head to the library or bookstore and pick up a few books. Subscribe to a magazine such as BirdTalk that focuses on the care of companion birds. Visit your local avian veterinarian and ask questions about the care a pet bird requires.

 

Before buying a parrot of your own, try to spend as much time as you can around birds. If you have a friend or coworker who owns a parrot, volunteer to bird-sit so you can see firsthand what it is like to be in the company of birds. If there is a bird club or parrot rescue group in your area, get involved in the activities sponsored by these groups.

 

 

Research the specific species that interest you. Some people may look at a Macaw and Cockatoo and think that the only significant difference is coloring, but nothing could be further from the truth. They not only come from different parts of the world, but have different dietary needs and personalities.

 

Is a Parrot the Right Pet for You?

 

Here are some questions you might ask yourself as you consider whether a parrot is the right pet for you:

 

1. Can you afford a parrot? While small birds are relatively inexpensive, the cost of caring for a large parrot like a Macaw is quite high, with cages running over a thousand dollars and toys often costing forty dollars each. Factor in food, fresh fruits and vegetables, and visits to an avian vet.

 

2. Do you have the space for the bird you want? Again, smaller birds do not take up much space and do well in apartments, but a cage and playstand for a Cockatoo will consume a lot of floor space.

 

3. How do you feel about being bitten by your bird? It isn’t uncommon for a frightened or nervous parrot to bite an owner it loves. A Macaw’s beak is capable of inflicting serious injury.

 

4. Parrots and small children do not always mix well. Sudden movements can cause a parrot to become nervous. This is especially true for some species like the African Gray. Also keep in mind that little fingers and large beaks are a potentially hazardous combination.

 

5. Do you have the time to properly care for a parrot? A parrot requires extended periods of time outside of the cage each day to play and interact with its owner. The bird owner must be prepared to devote time daily to prepare fresh foods and additional time to clean up after their bird. Cages, playstands, and toys require a thorough cleaning each week.

 

6. How do you feel about noise? Most parrots have a loud screech and do not understand that you would like them to be quiet when your favorite television program is airing.

 

7. Are you prepared to care for an animal that will live somewhere between 20 and 60 years, perhaps longer? What will become of your parrot if it outlives you? Will you be able to take your bird with you if you have to relocate?

 

8. Do you have other pets? If so, how will they get along with your parrot? Snakes, cats, ferrets, and some dogs may prey on your bird.

 

9. How do other members of your family feel about a parrot? If your spouse is intimidated by a large beak or dislikes noise, a parrot will likely be a source of contention. Do your children have allergies that bird dander might aggravate?

 

10. Do you travel for work or recreation? If so, who will care for your bird in your absence? Keep in mind that parrots are flock animals and form intense bonds. Your bird may not respond well to your absence.

 

Where to Buy Your Parrot

 

If you have done your research and decided that a parrot is the right pet for you, where should you buy your bird? You have several options.

 

A pet store is perhaps the most common place to look for a bird. While certainly convenient, pet stores do not always carry a wide variety of parrots, and the staff may or may not be knowledgeable about the birds offered for sale. Spend some time asking questions about the health and background of the available birds. Does the staff answer your questions accurately and in detail? Are the birds healthy and well socialized? Are the cages clean? Do the birds come with a health guarantee?

 

In larger communities, bird boutiques or specialty shops are good alternatives to the traditional pet store. These shops specialize in birds and do not carry other animals. Typically, the owner is a bird enthusiast who also raises one or more species. The staff at a bird specialty shop is likely to be knowledgeable about all aspects of companion bird care. If your town doesn’t have a bird specialty shop, consider checking in nearby cities.

 

Some people choose to buy their parrot directly from a breeder. The advantage to buying from a reputable breeder is that you will be acquiring a young bird in good condition from someone who knows and loves that species. The key word here is reputable, as there are breeders who care little for their birds and seek only to turn a profit. It is always a good idea to ask the breeder for references and to visit the site to see how the birds are cared for and raised. Never buy a hand-raised baby before it is weaned unless you are experienced at hand-feeding birds, and avoid any breeder who encourages you to purchase a parrot that isn’t feeding on its own.

 

Parrots are sometimes offered for sale in classified ads or online community boards. While re-homed birds may cost less and sometimes turn out to be wonderful companions, this option is risky. Older birds may have health or behavioral issues that aren’t fully apparent until the bird is in your home for a few days.

If you want to give a home to a bird in need, you might consider a rescue group or animal shelter. While these birds may also have health and behavioral problems, they will be under the care of a veterinarian, and you will have the guidance of the rescue or shelter staff.

 

 

Buying a parrot is a major commitment that requires a lot of thought. Whether you decide to add a parrot to your home or not, you can feel good knowing that you made an informed choice.