Your First Bird

Sharing your life with a parrot is a very serious responsibility. Time and time again, people who “think” they want a parrot end up trying to place the bird within the first year or two. In proportion to their population, parrots are given up to humane societies and shelters at the same rate as cats and dogs. There are too many homeless parrots, and these birds become homeless only because of their owners. To prevent this sad state from becoming even more widespread, carefully consider your decision to own a parrot. Here are a few things you should reflect upon...

WHY you want an avian companion?

Some parrots have the potential to live more than 50 years. Are you willing and able to provide a “one-time only” home for such a long-lived animal? A change in a home is traumatizing to a bird. Don’t buy or adopt a bird if there is chance you might have to place him later.

Finding the right bird for your lifestyle is very important, making certain the bird is the choice for you and your family. Sit down for a few moments and make a list: give 10 reasons why you want a pet bird. Then list 10 reasons you should not get a pet bird. Make sure the species and personality of the parrot you are considering can satisfy what you need and don’t need from a bird. Do you and your family have lot of time to spend with a parrot? Parrots are very social and require lots of individual attention. Gather the family members to discuss both your reasons and theirs, and make sure the bird is a priority for the family as a whole. To not meet the needs of a bird you chose to bring into your home is not only irresponsible, it’s just plain cruel.

Is your home right for a bird?

Where do you live? In a small apartment? In a house? Do you live in the city or in the country?

You live in a home which protects you from the weather. You have a place to eat, sleep and play. What about your bird? Do you have the space for a cage and a bird play gym? Large parrots require large cages and gyms. Most birds insist on being a full-fledged member of the family. Will you allow your bird free access to the house? Do you have other pets which could endanger your bird? 

Are you willing to forego the common chemical cleaners, deodorizers, cookware and other household hazards that threaten birds? A house that has been made safe for birds is VERY different from a household that has no birds. Everything from Venetian blinds to self-cleaning ovens must be considered. There are so many products that we humans use that can poison and kill our parrots. Once you educate yourself to these dangers, make sure you’re willing to adapt your use of household products so you don’t endanger the health of your bird. 

Noise level is also a consideration. A parrot’s voice must be heard. There are several times throughout the day when they will talk, sing, whistle and screech. It is instinctual and natural for them to vocalize. It is their way of saying “I’m happy to be alive and loved!” Please keep this in mind if you live in a community where loud noises are not tolerated.

How will you care for your parrot?

As chief human and head of the flock, it is your responsibility to take care of your bird. Will you be able to feed your pet bird daily? Birds need fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains and/or pellets, in addition to several water changes throughout the day. Can you make these changes with your current work schedule?

 When organic produce is available, organic food should always be fed—and it costs more than non-organic fruits and vegetables…which brings up the subject of money. If your budget is tight without a bird in the house, please consider the economic burden of owning a parrot. Aside from the considerable financial investment in the bird and its cage, food and veterinarian costs are considerable and they are constant…and then there’s the cost of toys.

Do you have the means to support a parrot’s toy habits? Birds need several types of toys to stimulate them. The parrot-owned human should have a second or third set of toys to “swap out” periodically, so the bird will not become bored with the same toys. A good toy will be played with and ultimately destroyed—and then need to be replaced. This constant need for toys is a significant figure in the bird budget. However, there is an upside to this “toy habit”-- birds who take interest in toys are more likely to leave the furniture alone!

A Beak is a Beak is a Beak!

Who would have thought something so small can be so intimidating!

If you own a parrot, you need to understand “the beak.” It is the parrot's only means of exploring the world.—and a parrot’s beak is their self-defense mechanism.

A parrot never bites without a reason or "because they are mean.” They are intricate, intelligent individuals and a bite always has a reason, even though that reason may not be apparent to the human they live with. Every person who belongs to a parrot gets bitten, no matter what the temperament of the parrot or the person. It is imperative that you understand your parrot and their body language. Understanding your bird’s emotions is THE key to a happy life with parrots.

Remember, a parrot is the most self-centered, “me first” person in your household—and it is their right to have this attitude! Asking a parrot to share its life with you is a very serious decision; one that should be made with much care and consideration.

It all boils down to this one simple fact: if you aren’t willing to put the bird first, you don’t have the personality to be a “parrot-owned” human. 

But if you are willing to do EVERYTHING to ensure your future bird has a happy, healthy and loving atmosphere, then there’s a very lucky parrot waiting just for you! 

By Monica Gonzalez
Published 2001. Revised 2/23/05
© Grey Feather Toy Creations™