Hello Hi

[MelinLuckDuck]

Hi, my name is Melinda. I'm from Louisiana and I've loved birds all my life. I've enjoyed birdwatching and absolutely love when birds have that "curious" look. I joined this forum to get some much needed info on if I can get a parrot.

Now before ya'll hassle me, I did read the post "So, you want to get a parrot for the first time?" I've had birds before and that's why I know I need to research throughly before doing something like this.

I don't want a parrot for its ability to talk and mimic. While that's a nice thing for he/she to be able to do, it's not want I want it for. I want a deeper connection than the previous birds in my life that I've had. Believe me, doves are cute to have and hold, quails are interesting, finches are some of the most adorable little squeak balls in the world, but the problem is of right now.

Once my pet cat died a year ago, my dad refused our family to have any more pets in the house. Over the years he has tolerated every pet that we've had and the only ones he probably didn't mind much were the fish we had at some point. But my brother ignored him and got a ball python that he only keeps in his room, which suits my dad fine. As long as he doesn't see it or hear it much, he is good.

That's where my trouble begins. I'm willing to rearrange my furniture and take down things in my room to keep my buddy here. Remove things that'll be toxic. I have enough money to care for them and am not afraid of messiness or noise.
But I'm at college or work often and my dad doesn't want something screeching from my room all day. If I want to get a bird of some type, mainly a parrot, I really need to know how much time certain ones need, if they need a partner, how much noise some make, or even something I'm oblivious to!

I know very well how some people just splurge on an animal and don't know how to take care of it. I knew one family where the youngest daughter would get almost any pet she wanted so the mom got her some chickens at one point. Oh my goodness. It broke my heart to see how malnourished, cold, and sad they were. My friend, mom, and I even tried to explain to the daughter and mother what they should do to improve their health, but they didn't listen and pretty much let them die because they didn't care...

I hope you guys didn't find my words very backlashing. But I have enough under my wing (get it? haaaaa) to know not to do that. I have my heart set on a Quaker or Indian Ringneck. But the more research I do, the more it seems that I'll have to bite the bullet and find something else... Somehow.

 

[SailBoat]

Welcome to the Parrot Forums.

As you have read the many posts you have likely determined that parrots require time and money for their purchase, supplies, toys, vet costs, etc...

For yourself and for your future parrot you should consider finishing your education first. With a degree in a primary study that will provide a good career and good pay that will place you in a position that will assure you and your parrot of an above average life. This may mean little today, but in the future when friends are still paying their loads off, you will be able to support the needs and enjoy the rewards of a rehomed parrot.

 

[Flboy]

Welcome, please don't be a stranger!

 

[MelinLuckDuck]

Thanks for understanding! I've even looked at the shelter websites around my area and see quite a few that need a home. It makes me sad... Really, once I'm able to get my own place, everything will be a lot easier. Money isn't the problem right now. It's just not the right place and right time but it'll be sure to come! I have only a year left in school. Hopefully seeing the parrots you all love so much on this forum will encourage me for future promise!

 

[RavensGryf]

Hi, welcome Melinda. From the sound of your post, it really gives me the impression that your dad is not okay with animal noise. Any bird is going to make enough sound that your dad will definitely be hearing it. Even the very quietest parrots (I have a couple who are unusually quiet birds), still make an audible noise at times. For example, even the more "pleasant" types of noises such as talking, mimicking sounds, or making soft chirps, while not loud in volume, is still "noise" that your dad might not want to hear at all if he's intolerant of pets in the home.

Also, since it's your dad's house, not yours, would he understand not to use or do certain things that might pose toxic risk to your beloved pet? Would he understand so much that he would change and compromise for you for a pet he doesn't care about? Most parents wouldn't.

Those are only a couple of examples. Many times it's hard to have a bird in the home unless all members of the household are on the same page about it. Have you sat down and really talked to him to really get an idea to what extent he will support you on this decision?

IMHO, and gosh I hate to say it, but I don't think at this time (unless your parents are truly on the same page) that a bird is the most ideal pet you can have. It's just that I've heard of this situation ending in heartbreak too many times. Then the bird loses as well. Just some stuff to think about...