A Parrot Makes the Perfect Pet, Right?

Well, that depends. There are a few things that you should seriously consider prior to deciding that a parrot is the right pet for you and your family, including the following:

1. Am I willing to clean up after my bird faithfully? Cleanliness helps prevent disease, so maintaining a clean environment is an essential part of proper bird care. And believe me, birds can be messy! Food and water bowls need daily changing and cages need to be cleaned on a regular basis.

2. How much noise can I successfully tolerate? Even a happy parrot can be a noisy parrot! Constant calling can be an ongoing challenge if not addressed properly. As might be expected, the larger the parrot, the louder the noise!

3. Do I have enough room for an aviary or appropriately sized cage? Your parrot's cage should be sized specifically for the size of your bird and/or flock. Multiple perches and platforms should span the environment with plenty of room left over for lots and lots of toys. If your feathered friend is unable to move about freely, the area is too small.

4. How much free time can I devote to my feathered friend? Many larger pet parrots require daily interaction, training, and play to maintain both their physical and emotional health. You will quickly learn the visual cues that can signal contentment, seeking attention, and even annoyance; all the same issues humans deal with when living together.

5. For how many years can I maintain the emotional and financial commitment? A pet parrot can live anywhere from 15 to 80 years of age, depending upon the species, with larger birds tending to live longer in general. A financial commitment to healthy nutrition, daily contact, and proper veterinary care are essential responsibilities of parrot ownership.

Whether you are considering bringing a single bird or an entire flock of birds into your life, your decision should be based upon a strong commitment to these thinking, feeling, caring creatures whose lives are only as good as we make them. Such a decision should not be made without careful consideration and truthful reflection.