Hello, im new and looking for advice

[TommyC]

Hi all my names Tom

I am considering buying a parrot for the first time and joined this forum for advice on which breed to get and care for the parrot.

First question: is it wise for me to get a parrot if ive never owned a bird before?

Thankyou for your time .. plz reply, id appreciate it.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Welcome, I encourage you to look around and browse some previous threads. You will learn much and see many stories from parrot owners - this should help you get a feel of what would be right for you.

There is no need to have had a bird to get a bird ... otherwise none of us would have ever got our first.

But there are many species characteristics to learn which will likely make certain parrots less of a good fit than others. Without knowing more about you it'd be really hard to give many suggestions of what species to consider.

So the simple answer to the question is that there are plenty of parrots that do not require previous experience. They do require attentiveness, dedication, and many other things though.

If you describe what you want out of a relationship with a parrot as well as what you can and cannot put in to it then we can delve a little deeper. For example do you work long hours or are you at home a lot. Do you own or rent. Do you see either of these changing in the near (or not so near) future...

 

[antoinette]

Hi Tom, welcome to a great forum.
Hard hard question to answer !!!!!!! Only you will be able to answer that.
I have an African Grey Mishka, now just over 2 years old.
Hand reared her from 6 weeks.
My entire life has changed. It's like having a child 24/7.
They require a lot of your time, love. devotion and attention.
Being a parent to an AG, is wonderful.
Is someone at home during the day, or will the bird be left on it's own.
Depending on the bird, what size cage, is there enough space, near windows etc.
Are there any other pets in the household?. The list is endless........
Read through threads many different topics which will be of interest I am sure.
Please understand I am not trying to scare you off.
Perhaps other members will mention different types of birds, their upkeep etc.
Whatever your decision, we will do our best to assist you.
Keep us posted and good luck
Take care

 

[BlueToast]

Gotta plug the Macaws you got your choice in size starting with Hahns Macaw thats about the size of a robin upto the Hyacinith which is about the size of a terodactyl great personalities too. Have fun.

 

[Belle]

Hi, welcome to the forum. You'll find lots of info here just by reading through all the posts. My first bird was a blue fronted amazon parrot. I read all I could and looked at lots of birds and the blue front was the perfect bird for me.

 

[TommyC]

Welcome, I encourage you to look around and browse some previous threads. You will learn much and see many stories from parrot owners - this should help you get a feel of what would be right for you.

There is no need to have had a bird to get a bird ... otherwise none of us would have ever got our first.

But there are many species characteristics to learn which will likely make certain parrots less of a good fit than others. Without knowing more about you it'd be really hard to give many suggestions of what species to consider.

So the simple answer to the question is that there are plenty of parrots that do not require previous experience. They do require attentiveness, dedication, and many other things though.

If you describe what you want out of a relationship with a parrot as well as what you can and cannot put in to it then we can delve a little deeper. For example do you work long hours or are you at home a lot. Do you own or rent. Do you see either of these changing in the near (or not so near) future...

Thankyou for replying.

Yes my main concern is the amount of time i hav at home. 4 days of the week im working 12hrs and i have the other 3days off. So after reading a lot of threads saying that they need 24/7 care etc... im not sure wether i could easily give a parrot a good home.

My option would be to buy one during the summer break and bring it up then as i would have 6-8weeks off college. If i was to give it full attention for those first weeks, would the parrot be alright when im at college to feed itself etc...

Tom

 

[Auggie's Dad]

It's just me and Auggie here and I work 'full time'. Actually I'm a grad student, so full time means I'm working 24/7.

I spend my mornings with Auggie: checking email, sharing breakfast, and doing some reading at home depending on the days schedule. Then I'm off to the lab for most of the day and he stays in his cage with plenty of space and toys. I get home in the evening and we share dinner and hang out until bed time. This is the schedule for at least 5 days a week, often I go in on the weekend to. I try to make sure I get one full weekend day with him each week though.

This is a good schedule for Auggie - they do need a lot of attention, but they also need their down time and they sleep more than we do. They need around 8 hours at night then a good nap during the day. Auggie gets cranky if I have him out all day - I NEED to leave him alone for at least an hour or so in the afternoon.

So I don't think your schedule is prohibitive for parrots in general. Some species are out - A grey would not be happy or healthy with that schedule. A conure could be.

But also consider how things will change in the future. Most parrots will live almost as long or longer than you will. Can you commit to spending a certain amount of time with them?

If you have more time in the summer to spend with him/her that'd be great, but you can't "prepay" attention. Do not get a parrot that will need more attention than you will be able to provide in the fall.

Are you just going off to college? Or are you already well on your way through? If you're just starting please take no offense, but that is a bad time to buy a parrot. No matter how much we might like to think it wont happen to us EVERYONE'S lives go through drastic changes in the first years of college. What we THOUGHT we were going to do with our lives gets tossed aside as we figure out what we will REALLY do. There are also so many opportunities to travel and be involved in projects that can take you around the world. A parrot will tie you down and you may miss out on what many others get to do.

So, depending on what stage your at there may be some parrots that could be right for you if you're ready for the commitment. But some of the more demanding ones (greys for example) are probably out of the question.

Perhaps the LEAST demanding are cockatiels and budgies. These are often underestimated as pets because many people get them and do not care for or train them properly. Budgies for example can actually learn to speak a little and whistle many tunes, can be very social, etc.

 

[antoinette]

Hi Tommy
Having a bird, is a full time commitment.
Giving a bird your full attention for those first few weeks, is great, but what happens after that, when you go back to college?.
Just as the bird is beginning to bond, getting used to you, you will be gone. The bird will feel abandoned and lonely.
A bird can feed it's self yes, depending on its age. What happens when the food runs out, or gets dropped from the bowl? Fresh water must be given daily.
How long would you be away for, will the bird be one his own when you are not there?
A parrot thrives on interaction, needs company. Problems could arise.
From what you have mentioned, I would honestly say it would be unfair for both the bird and yourself.
Perhaps when you have finished college, and settled down, consider then getting a bird.
Take care

 

[TommyC]

Well im going to be at college for a couple of years. After that i will be getting a job instead of uni, so ill be able to take the parrot wer i live.

Im goin to take it into consideration and think about it long and hard. I hav other pets a desire to keep such as a lizard and/or snake. so maybe i shuold look at them untill i hav a more stable future.

Thanks
Tom

 

[ktbug]

Hi Tommy, what a wise man you are to do the research before making a lifetime decision like owning a bird. I wish I had been as thoughtful. Our first bird (as a family)was a Cockatoo and a rescue...purely an emotional move on my part. Mistake??..no, not for us. However, it probably would be for most. It is a lifelong commitment, lots of time..some (most) wonderful, some not, perhaps, lots of money, but patience and love even if your are bitten, or ignored, or whatever...sometimes it is hard. It is absolutely like having a 2 yr. old child for 80+/- yrs. depending on the breed.
You are so smart to think this through .
We also have many other pets including snakes, bearded dragons, ferrets,cats,dogs,horses,turtles,fish,rats...(my rescues from my son's snakes...GREAT PETS..very smart). If you are interested, I will be happy to talk to you about different ideas. I am not trying to change your mind about a bird, maybe just trying to help you sort things out a bit. Good Luck with your choices and with school. ktbug

 

[Spiritbird]

KTbug is right on with her answer. You are such a wise man to think and seek advise before you leap. Many people do not and end up with a bird with behavior issues because their guardians do not give them enough attention. I work 3 days a week and my grey is just full of herself when I get home. Good luck and hope it works out for you.

 

[Riley's mom]

Where would the bird be while you are at school?