Parrot Tips: Life as a Bird Owner

Colorful, smart, and clever clowns--parrots and parakeets are a far cry from
man's best friend or an independent feline.

Parrots and parakeets are not only beautiful and bright, but come with their own distinct personalities much like us.
They overturn the idea that birds are stupid or "feather-brained." Thus,
in regards to parrots especially, the insult becomes a compliment.

But seriously, it is no wonder that owning these exotic birds has become a trend.

And, I'm not surprised. They can make eccentric, loveable pets that always entertain.

But, are you really ready for these cunning critters? Are you ready for the
responsibility of tending to basically, a family member that can have the intelligence of a
2-3+ year old (depending on breed) human toddler and require nearly as much attention?

Your pet store/breeder seemed to have the best of you and the birds intentions in mind-they set meetings with the bird
to see if you were right for each other, took great care of him, showed how your bird did tricks or mimicked, babbled how your future bird would bring years of quality
companionship, etc.

Yet, no matter how loving and informative a breeder, pet or avian shop appears they are primarily out to breed and sell as many birds possible. Heck, exotic birds can range up to $10,000 bucks (Hyacinth Macaws), and people ARE buying them.

But, this doesn't matter—you have found the bird of your dreams, and have your check
book ready. He is worth every penny, ever effort, and struggle. Besides how could this precious, cuddly creature become rotten or tough to handle?

In a snap.

Now, before I claw deeper into this matter, I'm not saying parrots and parakeets are bad pets. But, they are not going to learn how to poo in a litter box, or be quiet when you tell them not to, or only need you for a scratch or food.

The experience of owning a parrot/parakeet is like no other. You can be a good owner, and things are great or go sour if you don't know how to handle it or what to expect.
So, before even considering that little budgie in the window, research.

Even if it is the more manageable cockatiel, research.

And, read this! Hopefully, my experience can help influence your decision on getting one of these amazing, time-consuming creatures.

I've had a green cheek conure for nearly 9 years. I received him when I was 14.
My dad and I were at a local avian shop when I spotted my future bird nestled under a group of cockatoos.
I instantly fell for the runt, and my dad surprised me, saying I could get him.
Since, this little guy, known as Ling-Ling, has been an integral part of my family.

And, it's true. Conures (like Ling) can live up to 30 years, cockatiels 25, and the bigger birds up to 80!

Anyway, ever since Ling and I met, we have lived happily ever after--hell also iced over
while trees sprouted money obliterating world hunger, war, and ultimately, Republicans and Democrats found a middle ground, merging as one peace-loving, gun-toting political party.

Not quite. There was chaos on my horizon, and this was momentary calm.

The first three years Ling-Ling was 'perfect.' We went on walks together, ate together—sometimes he even sat in my shower. Plus, he was everyone's buddy and never was beaky.

When he hit 4 he hit conure puberty, transforming him into...well, a green devil.
He nipped, screeched, chased toes, and even became racist (I swear-if
there is ever a black person over, he attacks with no mercy.).

Was it a momentary rough patch in his quest to adulthood? Would he go back to being his cherubic self?

No, but he did settle down a few years later. But, like most birds and people, you don't truly know them till after awhile and sometimes need to adapt to this reality.

Now, Ling is 9 and an adult. He still has a beak like a can-opener that bringeth open wounds when you stroke him wrongly.
However, that's rarely and usually only for me. I got lucky.

Still, he is feistier than his younger years, and even chooses his favorite folks--an apparent yet inevitable trait in birds. To elaborate, he decided my sisters are his friends, my dad is his friend, and that I am his chew toy. Yet, he still cuddles and follows me. He is hard to read (like us humans! I am seeing a creepy correlation here...)

Why must they behave this way?

Well, with smarts comes complexity and parrots and parakeets surely are enigmatic. From my experience, they DO remember things like individuals and experiences with that person. They choose favorites based on experiences, or for no good reason they will like or hate you.

Aside from being finicky, birds are highly curious, and sneaky.

For instance, I have to tie Ling's cage doors shut because he can pry it open, or lift his food dish doors to wiggle out. He also lets out our cockatiel, Sargent Cuddles.

To go with his wit, he has some nasty tricks that he actually laughs at when I fall for them. These involve pooping in my drink when I don't look, chasing and biting into my toes, chewing holes only in MY shirts, and stealing food.

Parrots' and parakeets' mischievous nature also can be worrisome. You ALWAYS need to be attentive when your bird is out because like a child, he will play with things he shouldn't.

To elaborate, Ling has chewed through the side of a couch, chewed wooden fixtures, and even chewed through wires due to him not being monitored. Ling now has more cage time, and is always looked after when freed from his monster lair.

Basically, an unmonitored parrot can and will get into anything and they aren't built like a dog who will survive eating god knows what.

Birds' systems are so sensitive and you need to be mindful of what they do and don't ingest. Sure, you have your standard foods to avoid like avocado, chocolate and coffee, but even cooking with a Teflon pan can bring sudden death to your birdie.

Also, take note that when your parrot/parakeet is out that they like walking on the floor and run FAST, so you need to be observant as to not step on them.

This does happen. In fact, a family friend had this unfortunately occur with their new, love bird. Sad and avoidable.

If it isn't clear, parrots and parakeets in need lots of attention and still get into mischief. If you ignore them they can face disorders as depression reflected in feather-plucking, and anxiety. So love them well, and have them out a few hours a day. Don't neglect-it is abuse.

Now, think about it. Do you have patience, time and focus for a parrot or parakeet?

These are just some of the common feats bird owners can expect and it differs for all.

I am fortunate to have a group of bird-brained friends who have parrots, cockatiels, doves, etc. Most of us had never had birds before and didn't know what we were getting into. Thankfully, we overcome the bumps, learning our birds' personalities, tendencies and boundaries.

I'd never trade my Ling for the world, though he has been a handful. Yet, some people are not prepared for this or realize that birds are just too much work for them.

When you are not prepared, and purchase one, it really can be a lose-lose situation. People become miserable, not knowing how to manage their noise, need for attention and other responsibilities. Uneducated bird owners often end up with the decision of giving up their bird because they didn't understand the responsibility originally. Also, birds are not a small investment financially and when the bird makes you miserable, you can't get a refund.

Birds with uneducated owners can face mistreatment, or end up in a shelter. Many of these birds have formed attachments already and have to start all over again, which is stressful. There is also the task of getting a poorly cared form maladapted bird adopted.

How many shelters crammed with birds are there?

Check out http://petfinder.com and see just how many birds are up for adoption.

But, in the end, who is to blame, if there is blame to be given? It usually isn't the owners in my eyes, rather those who frivolously sell these expensive birds without explaining the extent of necessary care physically and mentally in birds.

What can you do? Other then educating yourself, thinking it over and knowing how those who live with you feel about parrots, ADOPT.

To tie it up, I wrote this not to ruffle feathers, but to offer honest insight to those desiring a parrot or parakeet. I wanted to give your not-so generic parrot advice and parrot tips. I want people to have pleasant, educated experiences, and healthy, happy birds.

Remember: They are smart, playful and even cuddly, but they poop as they please, taste what they please, and do as they please. They are not and never will be domesticated, loyal pets to the extent of your dog or cat.

As a (future) bird owner take heed of this, research, and you will be a better bird lover for it.