Future parrot owner!

[Astra]

Hi!

I've just joined this forum and I'm very excited to extend my current knowledge of all parrot species. I'll tell you a little but about myself, I'm a teen girl and I live in Canada. Right now I'm not going to share my name but you can call me Mitch or M. I currently don't have a bird but I will hopefully be getting one in 2-4 months. I've been fascinated by parrots for as long as I can remember and I've wanted one for about 3 years, recently I have convinced my parents that I am responsible enough to own one. I love all animals and my family has 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses, one rabbit, 5 platy fish and I'm a hobby breeder of Belgian D'anvers chickens. I don't have a lot of experience with parrots but my parents owned 2 cockatiels (also hatched and raised chicks once) and a rescued Mytrid conure. I'm not sure what species I would like yet but I'm hoping to visit my local rescue in a week or two. If you have any questions about me feel free to ask!

Have a wonderful day!
~ M

 

[bigbluemacaw]

Hi M,

You clearly love animals and that is a wonderful gift to have! I'm going to post some suggestions I put on another members post just so you know what you're about to get into!! BTW - Parrots are just the most brilliant pet provided they are the centre of someone's (preferably) your attention.

Parrots are wonderful and super clever but they need massive (and I mean massive) amount of interaction and attention. They need to be as important and get as much time from you as your Children to be happy. They can be very jealous of other people getting your attention too and rapidly become a 'velcro' attachment to their 'partner' (you)! Things to think about.

a) Have your Parrot with you at least 50% of the day and ideally not in her cage (shoulder is a good bet as long as she doesn't bite your face). Clean the house with her, answer the door with her, make your sandwiches with her, dance with her and shower with her!!

b) Get an Aviator harness and lead, then take her to the local Park, take her to the local Costa cafe, go shopping with her do everything with her (well as much as you can).

c) Get silly with her as well as 'fussy'. Birds are complex like Children they need to express a wide range of emotions, Birds like play - lots and lots of it!! Let your hair down and go mad. Sure, the neighbours will talk but who cares?!! Silly voices and erratic (mad) head movements in front of Parrots are always appreciated.

d) She'll settle down to fuss time when she's ready which is usually at the end of the day when you sit down and watch a film together on the Couch

General: Birds are flock animals, they want to part of a flock/family and they cannot really live in 'Dog' mode (i.e. wake up, take them for a walk, sleep, eat, wake up take the for a walk bed). They are super intelligent and need the same sort of interaction as your or my Children. Share your life with them and fill their days and just like Children they will snuggle up with you in the evening . . . it's a big committment and I truthfully don't think owning a Parrot (and keeping it really happy) is much different to having Children!! (done both). But your life needs to revolve around the Parrot as well as your boyfriend, other friends, social life and your other animals! - (you can multi task can't you?!!!)

The most rewarding creature in the world for my money but equally probably the most demanding too . . Don't be put off, but understand to make this work you're going to need to change your life around to fit the Parrot not the other way around

Now for the fun bit - Blue (my Hyancinth)

[ame="https://youtu.be/8sjsYsBRn3c"]Blue; Playtime with Daddy! - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Flboy]

100 and 10% on the above! Welcome Mitch! That bird is so much more of a commitment than a human child!

 

[Astra]

Bigbluemacaw- Thanks you so much for all the wonderful information! I had never thought of the harness idea, that'll be very useful in the future. Blue is absolutely adorable! Such a happy bird!

 

[bigbluemacaw]

Thanks - the Aviator harness is the best thing I ever bought - means I can take him everywhere and what fun we have!! The only thing that limits what you can do with a Parrot is you! They are fantastic and become life long buddies - my recommendation is that if you do it - let them join in!! Blue even comes down the ZIP wire at my local playground on my back and loves it!!

Good luck

Mark

 

[Roanoke]

Hey M. I'm a teen girl as well. I have one conure and am keeping my eyes peeled for homeless, unwanted parrots in my area haha! My advice is to do as much research as possible before adopting, especially on your favorite species. Visiting a rescue is a great idea. I'd suggest going there quite a few times, even volunteering if possible. Let a parrot 'choose' you if you believe you're ready for the commitment. And keep us all updated!

Another choice piece of wisdom from me is to get the parrot you want, not a 'starter bird'. I made the mistake of believing a conure would be great for me but often find myself dreaming of a larger, louder, more challenging bird. Remember there's no such thing as starter birds or beginner birds. They're not disposable!

Feel free to add me as a friend. I'd love to get to know you- there's not many teens on this forum!

(Also, side note, I love Belgian D'anvers! I keep Bearded D'uccles)

 

[Puck]

Hi Mitch, greetings from another Mitch! Well, my full name is Michelle but people call me Mitch. Any idea what kind of bird you are looking for? Quakers are one of my favs, though I am also a fan of budgies, cockatiels, and conures as first bird buddies!