So I don't have a parrot...YET

[Over9kofBorg]

Hi there! I'm from Virginia and unfortunately, I don't have a parrot. My entire family has bird experience, including my parents who had an Amazon. Now I want to experience what its like and find that lifelong companion that I know so many birds are to so many people.

I have two dogs and a cat so I will be supervising time spent out of the cage intensely. I'm a messy person, but I'm pretty good about cleaning up after animals and other people. My eldest cat and first kitten recently died of cancer and I have been looking for a buddy. My room is on the third floor of our house, and our dogs are both getting up in age so they aren't able to make it up two flights of stairs like they used to be able to. The one year old cat we have is insane and is really the one I'm worried about, but he rarely even tries to get into my room. My room is closed most of the time anyway.

While I like larger birds I admit to being intimidated by the HUGE BEAKS. While I expect biting I'm a bit apprehensive about getting a breed that can take small chunks out of my arm every time it lunges at me. I'm more into the birds you can snuggle with, no so much the kind that are itty bitty and you can watch inside the cage. I have several family members living in my house (6) so I hope to keep my bird well socialized. I'm still not sure on what breed I'm looking for, but I do know one thing: it needs to be able to be taken care of on a Geek Squad employee's salary.

So hello everyone, I hope to be a new parrot owner soon!

 

[Mel]

Hi & welcome to the forum. It's great that you you are putting in a lot of research early on. As you'd already know owning a parrot can literally be a lifelong comitment so is a decision that should not to be made lightly.

I'm sorry to hear about your cat. I have 3 cats & 3 dogs, some are OK with the birds - actually they are a little intimidated by the big beaks too - but one of my dogs particularly I wouldn't let in the same room while the birds are out. Both by girls came clipped but if you are concerned about your other pets apart from supervision (which is always advisable when out of the cage) keeping your bird flighted is a good idea so it can get away from kitties if needed.

The other thing to consider is a good strong sturdy cage that a cat can't get into. There are plenty of dicussions on the forum regarding cages.

As for budget it will depend on the breed you get as to it's dietary requirements. Due to the breeds I own I spend a little bit on extra fruit and veges & fresh hi quality nuts & seed. We eat heaps of fruit and veges in my place all the scraps go into a container and is used for the birds - mostly it goes into "birdie bread" which I make (very easy). Toys can be made from straws, plastic bottle caps, toilet roll holders etc.

Take a look around some of the older posts on the forum. There's some great ideas and information so you can go into this fully informed.

 

[Spiritbird]

Please please consider adoption. I am a volunteer for an organization and there are literally hundreds of birds needing homes. The birds are kept in a foster home where they receive very good care, nutrition and rehabilitation if any behavior issues. You are in a prime location to contact the Phoenix Landing group. They provide education and any assistance you may need. Thanks and welcome to our wonderful group. The people at PL will assist you in making a choice as to which parrot would fit your lifestyle.

PARROT ADOPTION

 

[Over9kofBorg]

I actually looked at Phoenix Landing's website! I have absolutely considered adoption and will be visiting several different places! It's great to hear that someone can give a good word for them!

 

[Edwinsmommy]

I am not discreditting adoption, cuz thats what we intially wanted. But because we personally had never owned a bird we were not eligible for the species we wanted. So we actually went through a bird store (that is absolutely AMAZING, the way they care for their birds is insane, volunteers come in and help socialize them, they are fed great food, and the toys WOW!) and the owner owns almost like 40 on her own that are kept there. All know her personally. Anyway I lost track. Ok yeah adoption is a great idea, that may be our next move, now that we have experience. But I would be cautious about craigslist and those sites. Those people see the birds as profit. Good luck and welcome.