What have you learned?

[ShreddedOakAviary]

I've had parrots so long I'm not sure if I'll be helpful in answering this question.... Don't get me wrong, I'm always learning something new; but what I want to know is this...

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the beginning?
What do you wish the breeder/rescue/previous owner would have told you?

The idea here is to make a preemptive strike for new owners.... answer questions they may not even know to ask.

For me it has been with horses, despite all my research there have been problems with thrush in the draft horse on occasion, and after a lot of hassle I learned that I have to pick his feet daily and keep him on hoof cookies (which have biotin) to help keep his feet in tip top shape... I learned that draft horse shoes actually damage the rear hocks over time because they are designed to crank the legs inward (to look better while pulling), I've had to learn a lot of things about my horses the hardway simply because no one ever told me and the books didn't mention it. I am often ashamed at the lack of knowledge I had to begin with, simply because no one ever told me....

So I'm sure we all have something we know now, but wished we knew earlier....

So, let's help share the information without fear of judgement of others. I can't control this, but I'd prefer for people to be honest and I'd like everyone to not be rude or judgemental on some of these things.... we all started somewhere.

 

[Cisco]

It isn't easy breeding parrots to make a living off of, and if that is your plan.. good luck with that one.

 

[ShreddedOakAviary]

I once sold a lady a Timneh grey. It was her first bird, and after about 4 months of talking and visiting with her and teaching her about birds I felt comfortable with her having a grey. She did extensive reading and was very eager to do right by the bird and herself.

She took the bird home and the first night she called me and her vet alarmed... vet didn't answer so she called me and said she thought something was wrong.... her bird was standing on one foot. I asked if the bird was sleeping, and she said yes. I explained that birds often sleep on one foot, and had her wake the bird to prove to her that it could in fact use both feet. What seems like common knowledge often isn't to someone unfamiliar with a particular species or birds in general. She felt stupid, and I explained that she probably didn't read that anywhere and couldn't have known and that. I am pleased that she watched the bird closely and that she wasn't afraid to err on the side of caution and call the vet. She's had that bird for probably around 10 years now and is a very talented bird person in general, and that grey is spoiled and healthy and well behaved.

 

[ScottRoberts]

I think everyone in the beginning thinks the bond should happen like a puppy not expecting it to take 3 months or more. Seems no one has patience these days.

 

[merlinsmom13]

I think his diet would be the main thing I would change. The pet shop sent my husband home w/pellets & a big bag of seeds. I think I could have eliminated the seed if I just known at the time. He was alot more flexible as a baby, now its a battle I'm still fighting. Noone mentioned fresh veggies & I wasnt aware of the forums as a tool to help. The books I bought didnt mention fresh veggies.

Also, I wouldnt have let Merlin "eat w/the flock". Now he expects it & screams when caged while we are eating. The 'eat w/the flock' is a bad idea for a flighted bird.

 

[OOwl]

I've learned that not EVERYTHING you read about parrots is true, just because you've read it "in print." Temper what you read with a little common sense. The combination is the best recipe for living with parrots.

 

[birdybabies]

I have learned 'dont believe everything you read on the internet or see on you-tube'. Join a forum and get the real facts from real bird people with real birds. The internet is full of info, I agree, but if you "believe" it all, then you would have one or two of every species cos they are so damn cute, loving, can talk, dont have issues, they make perfect pets etc etc. The truth is, parrots take work, time, money and patience. If people did their research properly, there would be less birds in rescues, being re-homed, mutilating themselves, screaming and so on.