reeb
New member
Hi, I think I’m probably one of the best people to answer, because I am a university student with 3 parrots. There are pros and cons to every situation, but I will list some of my experiences, and then some of my opinions on the topic.
when you have a parrot, your whole life revolves around him or her. As a student, this is challenging, because not only do you have your studies to focus on, but also your social life to consider. I have adjusted my schedule for my birds. I do 50% of my lectures online (I go to a uni where they are all recorded) and therefore I spend at least half my day at home, usually more because of the structure of my schedule. During that time I do my work with my birds out of the cage, and I also give them cuddles and play games when I take breaks. My friends all spend all day at university, and so I don’t see them as much as I could because I spend a lot of time at home. My birds are my priority, but I still take my studies seriously and have been lucky to adjust my schedule to suit my birds. I also spend most weekends with them, and only really have the opportunity to socialise at night. Even then, I have to be up early, so I have to go to bed at a reasonable hour. I am also lucky that I live in a flat on my parent’s property, because my mom loves my birds and spends time with them when I’m out.
the cost of owning parrots is quite significant. I have to set aside a certain amount of money every month to pay for cost of my birds - food, toys, cages, vet etc - it can get very costly, and again it’s something you really need to consider. As well as this, there is a lot of responsibility involved. Parrots are very messy, and you have to make time every day to clean up. Again, something that takes up time.
It is also very risky of me, or any other student, to bring long-living pets into our lives. We don’t know where we’ll be in 10 or 20 or 30 years time. Keep in mind that conures can live up to 30 years, even longer. I am 21, and my budgies have a lifespan that less than my cockatiel. They will live for 8 to 10 years, but my cockatiel will live 15-20 years. I spent 4 months deliberating on whether I wanted to bring Berry, my cockatiel, into my life, because she will most likely still be alive when I am in my late 30s. This may seem very irresponsible of me, but it is a risk I am willing to take. What I’m getting at is that you need to make sure that you are TRULY prepared for this massive responsibility over a quarter of a century if you are getting a conure.
There are many success stories of those with birds as young adults moving into mid-late adulthood. The unfortunate thing is that this doesn’t always happen, and you have to be absolutely sure about your decision.
I would continue researching. Look into birds that require less attention than conures, like budgies or lovebirds, but always keep in mind that ALL parrots need A LOT of attention, even the aforementioned species - especially when kept alone. Parrots are social creatures, and you are their whole world, their flock - and you have to be present in their daily life, otherwise they will get very depressed and live very unhappily.
Good luck with your choice! As someone with a lot of experience with this, feel free to ask any more questions.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
when you have a parrot, your whole life revolves around him or her. As a student, this is challenging, because not only do you have your studies to focus on, but also your social life to consider. I have adjusted my schedule for my birds. I do 50% of my lectures online (I go to a uni where they are all recorded) and therefore I spend at least half my day at home, usually more because of the structure of my schedule. During that time I do my work with my birds out of the cage, and I also give them cuddles and play games when I take breaks. My friends all spend all day at university, and so I don’t see them as much as I could because I spend a lot of time at home. My birds are my priority, but I still take my studies seriously and have been lucky to adjust my schedule to suit my birds. I also spend most weekends with them, and only really have the opportunity to socialise at night. Even then, I have to be up early, so I have to go to bed at a reasonable hour. I am also lucky that I live in a flat on my parent’s property, because my mom loves my birds and spends time with them when I’m out.
the cost of owning parrots is quite significant. I have to set aside a certain amount of money every month to pay for cost of my birds - food, toys, cages, vet etc - it can get very costly, and again it’s something you really need to consider. As well as this, there is a lot of responsibility involved. Parrots are very messy, and you have to make time every day to clean up. Again, something that takes up time.
It is also very risky of me, or any other student, to bring long-living pets into our lives. We don’t know where we’ll be in 10 or 20 or 30 years time. Keep in mind that conures can live up to 30 years, even longer. I am 21, and my budgies have a lifespan that less than my cockatiel. They will live for 8 to 10 years, but my cockatiel will live 15-20 years. I spent 4 months deliberating on whether I wanted to bring Berry, my cockatiel, into my life, because she will most likely still be alive when I am in my late 30s. This may seem very irresponsible of me, but it is a risk I am willing to take. What I’m getting at is that you need to make sure that you are TRULY prepared for this massive responsibility over a quarter of a century if you are getting a conure.
There are many success stories of those with birds as young adults moving into mid-late adulthood. The unfortunate thing is that this doesn’t always happen, and you have to be absolutely sure about your decision.
I would continue researching. Look into birds that require less attention than conures, like budgies or lovebirds, but always keep in mind that ALL parrots need A LOT of attention, even the aforementioned species - especially when kept alone. Parrots are social creatures, and you are their whole world, their flock - and you have to be present in their daily life, otherwise they will get very depressed and live very unhappily.
Good luck with your choice! As someone with a lot of experience with this, feel free to ask any more questions.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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