Am I The Right Person To Own An Exotic Bird?

[Insanevette]

I have always been fascinated in these exotic birds. Lately, I have been extremely interested in adopting one in the future. Yesterday I went to an exotic bird store and they had tons of really cool birds. I fell in love with a male Eclectus parrot, he was so nice, and even tried to feed me :09. I was there holding him, a Pineapple Conure and an African Grey for about 2 hours. It was so much fun!

Owning such an amazing animal would be incredible. That bird would probably be my best friend, and that's so cool. But, would I be able to give him/her the attention she/he needs? I'm 21 years old, currently going to college and working part time eventually. How would that work? How do people who own these kind of birds give them enough time when they work or go to school?

I could see myself giving my bird complete attention before school/work and after. What would he/she do in between when I'm gone though? Sit there in silence all alone? That would be horrible...

If I ever would get one I would most likely get a Sun Conure, Pineapple Conure, African Grey or Eclectus.

Just would love to hear thoughts on someone like me owning an exotic bird.

 

[Birdman666]

I honestly don't know you, or anything about your situation, so I have no way of answering this question. The fact that you thought to ask it before getting one is certainly a plus in your favor...

But, you're the only one who can answer this question.

I'd work with them some first, and learn how to go about training them. It helps to know what you are doing.

 

[ZephyrFly]

Without knowing all about you, like birdman said, all I can say/ask is this.
Got an idea about diet? Pellets or fresh veg? or both? Where seed falls in all this?
Know the basic signs of illness? birds are surprisingly hardy but when you see symptoms you already have a sick bird and needs immediate attention.
Parrots chew a lot, some less than others but can you put money into that? Making things is cheaper but do you know how to make things that are safe for bird? Do you know what I mean by all that?
Can you put at least a couple hours a day into your bird plus more (weekends and holidays)?
Did you know that teflon/non-stick pans and cookware release deadly fumes when overheated? Thats not good got us humans but fatal for birds and their sensitive respiratory systems.
There's more, but you've asked your own questions.

If you're ready to learn about these things, and even willing to give up some other things then I'm sure you can make it work. Talk to some people on here and people you know with birds, work with some and get a feel. Ask things like what they do day to day with/for their birds.

Also look up things like common hoursehold hazards for birds. Air-fresheners are a no, no sprays, no fragrance oils, no fumes, etc.

 

[Anansi]

It is possible to be gone for much of the day and still have a happy and well-adjusted parrot. But it takes commitment. Once you get home you'd have to let your parrot out of the cage and give lots of attention. He/she should get several hours of out time each day.

Parrots are highly intelligent. This means that the consequences of having nothing to do day after day will be steeper than they might be otherwise. They NEED daily interaction from you. And they also need to be taught how to self-entertain for those hours during the day when you're not around. It falls to you teach your bird to be this way.... and to give him/her the toys necessary to remain stimulated in your absence.

This need for mental stimulation is especially vital for eclectus and African Grey parrots. (Though necessary for all parrots) This means foraging, puzzle and chew toys for when you're gone, and mentally stimulating training for when you are spending g time with him/her.

You also need to consider whether you have the money to cover expenses such as vet bills, toys, a cage, a travel cage, and play stands for your bird.

And finally, you must be honest with yourself about whether such a large investment of your time is something you can manage... or even something that you want. At 21, the answer might be no. (Though I was around 21 when I got my first parrot.)

Once you've digested and honestly answered all of these questions, YOU'LL be able to tell US if you are the right person to own an exotic bird.

Good luck with your decision, and please update us on whatever you choose.

 

[Birdman666]

Once you've digested and honestly answered all of these questions, YOU'LL be able to tell US if you are the right person to own an exotic bird.

Oh, and another factor, the BIRD itself has a say in all this... one of the biggest things about parronting is choosing the right bird.

The right bird also thinks you're right for him or her...

If you do choose to get a bird, then find the bird that also chooses you!

 

[Birdman666]

Oh yeah, and before you get one? Better look into getting vaccinated for MBS. It's highly contagious, and largely incurable... And I'm speaking from experience here, I've been living with it for about 20 years now!

Just kidding. (Actually, there is no vaccine.)

 

[Anansi]

Seeing as how you're new to this world, here's a peek into the bird keepers' lexicon: MBS = Multiple Bird Syndrome.

And yes, pretty much incurable. Haha!

 

[Puck]

And beware... pretty much everyone on this forum catches it!

 

[Birdman666]

Well, with as many people around here as are infected by it, that shouldn't surprise you. (Just call me Typhoid Larry... )

 

[Taw5106]

Hi there, I'm Tracey and I suffer from MBS, I have a Green Cheek Amazon and a female Solomon Island Eclectus. I got them both in the last two years, Buddy my GCA I took in from a cousin that passed away, he and I fell in love at first site. Venus my Ekkie fell in love this past January. I point this out you mentioned you are in college. After I finished college, I went to work locally, close to home and I got my cockatiel Sam. I rehomed her when she was 12 years old because I took a consulting job and I was traveling 4 days a week, 80% of each year. I rehomed her because it's so important that fids get interaction, they are such social creatures like humans. I hated it, I cried, that was such a hard but necessary decision I had to make. I spent 8 years traveling and started working from home again 4 years ago, and it took me 2 years to decide to bring in fids again.

My point is this, regardless of our lives, our paths may bring in a moment in our life that requires a significant change. Mine was when I started traveling for work and I had to rehome Sam. To bring Buddy and Venus in over the last two years, I really had to think about it because parrots can live so many years, outliving us. It was also important to me that they are a part of our family and our lives. My history is an example for you, it's not yours but purely an example of how things can play a role in having a parrot.

I agree with the advice given, keep reading and like you've been doing, visit with parrots to learn about them. Don't trust them all, I had a red macaw step up on my arm, step off, act like he was going to step up and instead he grabbed my wrist with his beak and slowly squeezed like a vice. I said ow, he looked me in the eye and said "Ow" right back at me, choice words from me then. He squeezed so hard I had issues with the nerves in my wrist for a few months. BUT, I chock that up to learning too! Good luck on your journey!

 

[Mariar]

I get up at 530am. I have two jobs. I have a house full of animals needing my attention everyday. When I travel..which isn't often, I get a house/animal sitter. And I pay him ALOT.I chop fresh veggies and fruit all weeklong.i have been bitten so many times I have permanent nerve damage in my right wrist and hand. I have made this choice. I do not regret this choice. Only you will know when your ready. Read our forum, ask questions. We will not lie to you but give you advice..which sometimes is very different depending on who responds. Good luck and let us know.