New Member

[Joey301]

Totally new here. Been researching small parrots for a while. Went to a local hand fed babies store and I have fallen in love with bee bee parrots. I want one, but I need to convince my husband that they are not dirty animals and I need to know there is some possibility of caring for them if i go away from home for a week. I still need to understand how to keep them in my home.

 

[Owlet]

Well... parrots are dirty. They make a mess and throw food everywhere and poop frequently. They destructive too. Toys aren't going to last long and will have to be frequently cycled so the bird doesn't get bored. Destruction = good because it means a happy bird but not many people can tolerate that.

 

[Inger]

You can’t leave a bird home alone for a week, if that’s what you mean. You will either need to board it or have someone come stay at your home. Birds need tons of interaction with their humans and time out of their cages and fresh food and water every day-sometimes fresh water more often if they like to bathe in it or dunk their food, as many do. And even if not-would you drink a glass of water that had been sitting on the counter all week?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jen5200]

Welcome to you!

In my experience, parrots are not dirty animals - but mine are messy. They do toss food around and shred toys...it’s all part of being a parrot . Lots of great threads about how to have a parrot in your home. Be aware that parrots are very sensitive to fumes from scented cleaners/air fresheners, teflon pans/appliances and other chemicals (it can kill them). Smaller parrots are not always really noisy, but it’s recommended to be sure that others in the household are on board with having a chatty, social, intelligent being in the house. They do need time and interaction, and most prefer to be in the main part of the house where everyone spends their time (rather than put away in a separate room). I love small parrots (have 4 conures and a cockatiel), but they can make a racket when they are excited or having fun. They can be expensive when you consider their vet care needs, food, cage, toys, etc. Totally worth it in my mind .

 

[Flboy]

Welcome! Dirty, no—messy,yes! Like any perpetual 2/3 year old!

 

[Scott]

Welcome, and I echo the oft express sentiment of parrots being clean but messy!

Frequent absences of one week will require deep consideration as they cannot maintain themselves for more than a day or so. You'll likely need to board them (expensive with risk of contagion) or have a qualified caretaker in your absence.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Greetings. GOOD FOR YOU for researching, reading, and reaching out. Parrots are a unique (not for everybody) companion animal experience alright. I got my Rickeybird when I was in college and I'm now retired. It's been a real ... uhhh... ummm... adventure!
I like your "I'm in no hurry" attitude. Hang out with us and we'll help you decide.

 

[wrench13]

Welcome and be welcomed. please heed all the above on the care of parrots.

On bee-bee parrots. I LOVE them, my Max was so,so bonded to every one in the family.
He hopped up on my finger at the store, and wolf whistled at me, out of a brood of a dozen birds. Let your bee bee pick you. THe real name for them is Brotogeris, or the Canary winged parrot ( or parakeet, depending on what source you read). In the early 1900's they were the #1 parrot imported into the states, also called pocket parrots, for their proclivity for hiding in pockets etc. They are smart, and love the company of humans. In fact, in their native range, they are noted for seeking out human contact! Who doesn't like that? But they are sensitive to fumes and other air borne stuff. They whistle very well, and can learn to say a few words. Really a great family parrot. We loved our Max so much and it broke our hearts when he passed away. He would sit for an hour in my hand while being scratched on his head.

 

[wrench13]

Here's a pic of Max hamming it up, posing as a pirate. We sure do miss this little guy.

 

[munami]

Welcome to the forum Joey!



As everyone has stated, parrots themselves are very clean! However...surroundings are messy. Luna is perfectly clean herself. She takes showers very often, almost daily. However, her play gym, cage, and floors are so messy! I have to vacuum every other day, spot cleaning daily, bowls daily, mass cleaning her cage twice a week, clean her whole cage once a month, clean her toys/perches once a week, and scrub my floors once a week.
She literally drops food every where. She loves to pick it up, run somewhere, eat it, and then run back to get more. It's such a nightmare because I have found pieces of vegetables in my keyboard!!



I'm not saying this to deter you. I think no matter what you can make it work if you have the dedication. I'm just not going to sugar coat it. I feel like it would just cause more problems down the line.


Regardless, I will say, the reason we all do it is because you end up loving these little suckers so much! I hope you stick around and do more research!

 

[wrench13]

True, parrots are certainly not an "easy care" pet, and require commitment - long term commitment. But with good information and some planning the 'mess' part of their care can be reduced so more time can be spent forming bonds with and enjoying your feathered baby. Things like seed guards on cage bottoms, cage floor liners, covered food and water bowls help. My favorite is to feed dry foods, like seed and nut only in the cage, and any wet foods, like fruits or veggies in a separate easier toclean stand or play area. Making sure that surrounding surfaces are smooth and easier to clean than wood floors or tiles. We use office chair mats under both Salty's cage and play area - they are clear plastic, smooth, wipe down well, can be brought outside for quick wash down, thick and long lasting. Sections of linoleum also work well - no textured ones or ones with simulated tile. If you have a flinger, surrounding walls can be protected likewise.

 

[bigfellasdad]

welcome, im giggling around the dirty/messy remoarks. They are VERY clean animals and they are BERY messy animals. My african grey does help when I am sweeping up (3 times a day!) by throwing things on the floor for me to brush up...i kid you not. When in the cage and they dont want that brocoli stem or those seeds on top of the seed they want to eat, they will simply discard them on to the floor..... I talk to my brush, I hold it more than my GF! Chewing, yep, they love that too but not things i give her to chew, oh no....door frames, wooden staircases etc etc, she wants to chew them.


But, you can minimise this with training and giving attention...lots of attention, but if you BOTH can live and enjoy giving the love to a fid, then go for it......