So you want to be a parrot owner?!!? Here's a MUST KNOW list that everyone should learn about to help be a responsible parrot owner. There is a lot more that could be added to it, however it has a good amount of information to start off with. Fortunately for me, compiled by awesome members in our bird groups. Thanks guys!
- Parrots are a LIFELONG COMMITMENT. That's right. It means they won't be moving out in 18 years from today to go out and get a job. Depending on the parrot species, high chances are that they may even outlive you. How do you feel about that?
- Parrots and Vet Bills are expensive to maintain. Make sure you can afford both before getting one.
- Parrots need appropriate and a variety of natural wooden perches for the health and comfort of their toes.
- Parrots can be VERY NOISY. That's NORMAL.
- Parrots need spacious cages, the largest you can afford.
- Parrots have extremely sensitive respiratory systems. Buy a high quality air purifier like the Austin Air.
- Raw, shelled and unshelled peanuts are a NO.
- Happy Huts are a NO NO.
- Never try to potty train a bird. This is VERY dangerous for their health. Research Cloacal Prolapse.
- Do NOT use Teflon, Non stick Products, scented candles, air fresheners and any other type of product that emits chemical fumes, odours and toxins. Scentsy products and essential oils are a NO NO too.
- Birds may BITE sometimes. Love your bird unconditionally and never take bites personally..
- Read and research EVERYTHING you can about POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT. Experts in the field are Dr. Susan Friedman, Barbara Heidenreich, Steve Martin.
- There is no such thing as a BAD bird. Only BAD OWNERS
- NEVER purchase an unweaned baby bird. This would be both irresponsible and dangerous.
- Birds need your TIME. Regular out of cage time. Quality time, interactive and SOCIAL TIME. If you are OUT alot, do not get a bird.
- Enrichment is a NECESSITY, not a luxury or BONUS. It also does not mean your bird is spoiled, only properly taken care of both mentally and physically.
- Birds need to have the opportunity to fly for physical, emotional, mental and cardiovascular health. Flying is a form of enrichment. Do not clip their wings. If you want a bird that does not fly, buy a stuffed animal.
- Birds are MESSY. Embrace the mess! They need opportunities to forage and work for their food.
- Parrots require NUTRITION. Do NOT feed them junk food, fried food, meat, candy, etc. Join facebook group Feedingfeathers.
- Parrots are not for everyone.
- Parrots benefit immensely from flock socialization with other birds. They do not need to be best friends in order to enjoy each other's companionship from afar.
- Be an excellent student and observer of your parrot. Their body language will teach you a lot.
- Teach your bird independance and how to enjoy their own company. A parrot who is overbonded to their caretaker is not cute, nor is that psychologically healthy for them in the long run.
- Not all parrots talk and that doesn't mean they are less loveable.
- Do not smoke around your parrots. They will also absorb nicotine through skin absorption just by perching on someone who has been smoking.
- Consider doing volunteer at a bird shelter before becoming a bird owner. Bird shelters are often short handed and really appreciate the extra support in cleaning cages, socualizing with the bird etc,
- Always consider ADOPTION, before buying. Bird are regularly relinquished by bird owners who can no longer take care of them, are no longer interested in having a bird, got pregnant, the bird does not like the new spouse, the list goes on, ETC ...
- Protect your birds. Keep them in a separate room with a closed door away from other pet PREDATORS, like dogs, cats, snakes, rats, ETC. Your parrot depends on you to keep her safe.
- Parrots need to be seen by an Avian Vet. Someone who specializes and sees birds on a regular basis. Not one who specializes mostly in other creatures, except birds. Besides a physical exam, your bird needs to also receive a full blood workup and chemistry to make sure their inside health looks as good as their outside health.
- Parrots benefit immensely from exposure to direct sunlight. Make sure they are either in a secure cage with the door closed or wearing a harness like the Aviator.
- Parrots are sensitive, intelligent and emotional beings who are capable of feeling stressed, feeling pain and suffering. Treat them with DIGNITY.
