From “A Parrot For Life” here is a list and some thoughts on why you might NOT want to get a parrot.
1. I don’t have enough time for a dog.
Sorry, but my parrots take way more time than my dogs. The eat more than kibble, require more direct attention, are more difficult to manage and unlike my dogs, require a lot more effort on my part to be clear about what is and is not acceptable behavior in the house. The dogs seemed pretty darn easy after 10 years of living with parrots.
2. I don’t have enough space for a bigger pet.
Okay, but if you live in apartment and have enough room for a bird, do you have enough of a sound barrier? Even a Senegal that screams all day can get you evicted if you neighbors And don’t forget that your parrot should be out of the cage frequently. Is there enough room for her to remain safe?
3. I can’t afford a bigger pet.
Then you can’t afford a parrot either. Even if you adopt a parrot you should expect to pay close to retail (and that will barely put a dent in the rescue facility’s expenses) So let’s say:
- Purchase: $1000
- Cage: $1000
- Monthly toys: $30
- Monthly food (pellets, nuts, fruits veggies) $50
- Vet check up: $200
=$2280 initial investment and $1160 annually. Less expensive? You decide.
4. Parrots are so beautiful and one would look great in my home.
Parrot have their own ideas of aesthetics, so I hope you don’t mind the way the cockatoo decides to redecorate your pretty pink and white bathroom. Seriously, buy some parrot art, you’ll be happier.
5. Someone is giving me a parrot for free.
If your best friend decides to divorce her husband, considers the fact that you are single and then offers her husband to you, would you take him? Enough said.
How about the rest of you parrot peeps. Got any good ones to add?
I want a bird that will talk and impress my friends.
Some birds never speak and instead may fill your days with raucous calls designed to travel great distances in the rain forest… but travel equally far to your neighbours a mile away
I want a pet that will live a long time.
Well, if the parrot outlives you, then what? Can you provide for your companion bird when you pass on? It’s never too soon to make those arrangements.
Because they talk! I really do not recommend people get parrots only because they want a talking animal. What tends to happen is either that the person becomes disappointed if the bird doesn’t become a good talker, or that the bird gets neglected once the novelty of having a talking animal wears off for the owner.
Worst reason: Because a parrot would look so cool in this room!
Trust me, your perfect decor will never be the same if you bring in a parrot. Feathers? Thrown food? *Gasp* Poop? Perfect compliment to a perfect room!
Great post, informative, gives people food for thought.
Harmony,
Janet
Great post! I wish everyone would read it before buying a bird. I’ve got one no one has mentioned yet: Because my friend has one and I want to be as cool as her/him. This is bad enough when it’s a kid saying it, but I’ve seen it happen with an adult. Not the best idea.
Great additions, everyone! Thanks Jamie, Jessie, Windrose and Debbie. We’re well represented with other great bloggers and rescue folks. I hope someone stumbles on the post who is on the fence and it it helps them out.
And an animal communicator too! That’s awesome, Janet
Mary– would you be interested in my publisher sending you a copy of my falconry memoir when it is out in galleys? (late this summer)
Well, I hate the idea of having to walk a dog, and I’m allergic to cats. That’s why I first started thinking about getting a bird. Those may seem like terrible reasons to get a parrot, but I actually had birds when I was younger so I did have some experience; and I am now a certifiable “Crazy Bird Lady”
But I have to add my vote to “because they talk” as the #1 worst reason to get a parrot. I tell everyone who shows interest in a “talking” bird that they should get Squawkers McCaw.
Awesome article! Most people get a parrot for the wrong reasons and when the bird does not meet their delusional expectations they send them to a shelter. Many unnecessary homeless birds are homeless because of their owners irresponsibility. Thanks for offering such an informative piece, God Bless.