Having Parrots As Pets
For anyone who is considering having parrots as pets, the first step is finding a reputable breeder.
Pet stores are adequate, perhaps, but you are much less likely to know exactly where your bird came from and how it was raised.
These two pieces of knowledge are almost paramount to getting a healthy bird with whom you can bond.
If you get a parrot raised by hand or by its own parents, you are likely to find one that is intelligent, less stressed, and capable of being the joyous, beautiful, talking, even loving pet that you have always dreamed of owning.
Before you even check out a breeder or pet store, though, you must already have made a huge commitment.
Parrots are not as simple to take care of as cats and dogs.
They need more than just food, water, some freedom to roam, and some affection.
You must be willing to give a parrot the kind of attention that you would give a three-year old child.
They are just that mischievous and just that much of a danger to themselves.
Obviously, even young hand-raised birds will need to be trained, and that will take a considerable amount of your time.
These birds require significant portions of interaction every day, so if you travel, you will want to make sure that at least some of the mature members of your family are there to take up the slack.
You should also consider whether or not you have the space.
Parrots, especially the larger varieties, require cages that are big enough for them to spread their wings.
Even in their cages they need to be able to hop from branch to branch and spread their wings.
Another thing to consider is that they need periods of time outside of their cages and should absolutely never be left out unattended.
They can drown themselves in small amounts of water, electrocute themselves, or harm themselves in a variety of ways.
Having a parrot as a pet is no small responsibility.
You need to be vigilant at all times, and look for signs of behavior that are not the norm.
Owning a parrot is more than just owning a pet.
Having a parrot is a complete leisure time activity in itself because you will never stop learning about the species as a whole or learning about your individual bird.
If you have the time and energy to devote yourself fully, having parrots as pets can be a wonderful, lifelong adventure.
Pet stores are adequate, perhaps, but you are much less likely to know exactly where your bird came from and how it was raised.
These two pieces of knowledge are almost paramount to getting a healthy bird with whom you can bond.
If you get a parrot raised by hand or by its own parents, you are likely to find one that is intelligent, less stressed, and capable of being the joyous, beautiful, talking, even loving pet that you have always dreamed of owning.
Before you even check out a breeder or pet store, though, you must already have made a huge commitment.
Parrots are not as simple to take care of as cats and dogs.
They need more than just food, water, some freedom to roam, and some affection.
You must be willing to give a parrot the kind of attention that you would give a three-year old child.
They are just that mischievous and just that much of a danger to themselves.
Obviously, even young hand-raised birds will need to be trained, and that will take a considerable amount of your time.
These birds require significant portions of interaction every day, so if you travel, you will want to make sure that at least some of the mature members of your family are there to take up the slack.
You should also consider whether or not you have the space.
Parrots, especially the larger varieties, require cages that are big enough for them to spread their wings.
Even in their cages they need to be able to hop from branch to branch and spread their wings.
Another thing to consider is that they need periods of time outside of their cages and should absolutely never be left out unattended.
They can drown themselves in small amounts of water, electrocute themselves, or harm themselves in a variety of ways.
Having a parrot as a pet is no small responsibility.
You need to be vigilant at all times, and look for signs of behavior that are not the norm.
Owning a parrot is more than just owning a pet.
Having a parrot is a complete leisure time activity in itself because you will never stop learning about the species as a whole or learning about your individual bird.
If you have the time and energy to devote yourself fully, having parrots as pets can be a wonderful, lifelong adventure.
