How to Choose a Bird: The Right Companion Parrot
WHICH PARROT IS RIGHT FOR ME
Which parrot is right for me? This is a question that you must ask yourself before you think of keeping these lovely birds as pets. It is as important as your decision to have a child. You need to ask - which parrot is right for me - because every parrot has its distinctive temperament and nature. No two parrots are alike.
Parrots need a lot of attention and love to become adorable pets. Once they bond with you, you will realize how precious they are as pets. Choose your parrot according to your lifestyle.
10 Commandments for choosing the right parrot for your household:
No Impulse Shopping : Try not to adopt or purchase a pet on a whim or inspiration. Make it a deliberate, thought-out action.
Shop Around : Take the time to learn all about the kind of pet you are considering buying.
Visit The Humane Society And Animal Rescue Organizations : Pay a few walk-through trips to your local humane society. Just observe the pet when it is alone with you and try to make a mental list of its positive and negative points.
Match Your Pet To Your Life Style : Do you work long hours? Do you have children? Are they mature enough not to be a threat to the pet you choose? If you travel a lot who will care for the pet while you are away?
Match Your Pet To Your Home Environment : How much free space is there? Is there a back yard? Is it fenced? How will your neighbors feel about this new pet? If you rent, what will your landlord think about this pet?
Decide Why You Want A Pet : Is this pet going to be a child substitute? Do you want to teach it tricks and interact with it? Do you want to play with it and caress it? Your personality traits are very important.
Decide If This Is The Right Time In Your Life To Get A Pet : Frankly consider if this is really the right time in your life to own a (another) pet. If you already have other pets how will they get along with the new one? How stable are your human relationships? How good is your health?
Small parrots live 8-14 years; larger ones 35-60 years.
Decide If You Are Able To Meet This Pet's Specific Needs : It is a good idea to do some research at the library as to how much care your pet will need and visit pet owners. Do you have enough time to properly feed and clean for it? Many pets get bored if they do not have enough one-on-one contact. This boredom can lead to a host of undesirable behaviors.
Cost : Besides the initial cost of the pet you may incur considerable expense in purchasing the pet a suitable cage. Over time, the cost of a good diet will far exceed whatever you paid for the parrot. It may need veterinary care and grooming from time to time.
The main species are - parrots, macaws, conures, cockatoos, cockatiels, parakeets and budgies.
Parrots - Parrots are a very popular group of birds. Parrots are intelligent animals who depend on some degree of socialization and training. Different parrots have different needs. See that you cater to all these needs to have a healthy and happy parrot in your house.
Macaws -
Macaws have been rightly called winged rainbows. Macaws are flamboyant, colorful, intelligent and captivating birds. Their personalities are legendary. Because of their great beauty and engaging personalities, macaws have been kept in captivity for centuries.
Conures -
Conures are known for their sweet dispositions and playfulness. They definitely have a mind of their own. In the wild conures are friendly, peaceful birds and seldom fight with each other.
Cockatoos -
Most are colored mainly in white, but others come in grays and pinks, blacks, and in the Palm's case, deep blue. Well-raised cockatoos are adorable; a hog for attention, a socialite , and just a pleasure to have around.
Cockatiels -
Cockatiels are ideal for the first time pet owner. They are characteristically happy and cheerful birds, never moody or demanding. They demand to be let on your shoulder for a ride, and make cute noises.
Parakeets -
'Parakeets' means "small parrots". Their small size, bright colors, and cheerful disposition make them perfect pets. It is calming to listen to their quiet chattering and chirping. Some parakeets even learn to talk.
Budgies-
Each has its distinctive personality. Some budgies may be sensitive while others might get into mischief at every opportunity. Its popularity is gained mainly by its amazing powers of mimicry, and its antics are very amusing.
Ask yourself again - which parrot is right for me? All parrots need time and patience to make wonderful pets. Some parrots are cheerful all the time, some are often moody. Some play on their own, while some always demand your company. These birds can make your life beautiful and chirpy, but they can also die of heart aches. Think hard before you make your choice!
Black-Headed Caique
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The author is a parrot owner for the last 12 years.
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Winged Rainbows!!!
How to Choose a Bird: Thinking of Getting a Bird?
So you want a Pet Bird...
by
Kim Bear
"HI!!"
Birds, particularly parrots, are being called "The Pet of the 90s", but actually have been kept in captivity as companions for centuries. It has been within the last few decades or so that captive breeding has replaced wild capture as the main source for these magnificent animals. Domestically-bred parrots are often hand fed: They are raised by people and therefore imprint on people. This eliminates the need for "taming" because the birds already recognize humans as friends. The relationship you develop with such a parrot may be like no other.
If you are thinking of getting a bird, there are some questions you should ask yourself before you make such a commitment. Too many people think of the smaller parrots, such as canaries, budgies (parakeets) or cockatiels as "throwaway" pets because they are small and relatively inexpensive. These birds are often purchased on impulse, and often don't receive the proper care. I don't think there is such thing as a "throwaway" pet. I believe that if you want to have a bird, you should take some time before purchasing one: do some research so you get the bird that's right for you, and learn as much as you can about the bird's care. First, ask yourself why you want a bird. Is it because they talk or sing? Will you be disappointed and get rid of the bird if he doesn't? Is it because of their pretty colors? People have been known to choose particular species because the colors will complement their home decor, which is a very superficial reason. Are you looking for an exotic, showy pet that will impress your friends? Birds should not be thought of as status symbols. Do you think that the bird will just sit there and look pretty, need only some seed and water, and provide you with amusement whenever you feel like it? Think again. That kind of attitude is very unfair to the bird. In the few years that I have been raising and selling birds, I think I've heard just about every silly reason for wanting a bird, but I've heard good reasons, too. If you want a true companion-- something that will become part of the family, something that will bring joy and love to you every day, then a bird may be a great choice for you.
One of the first things to consider before getting a bird is whether or not you have the time to give him the attention he needs. I once read a quote in a magazine that disturbed me. It said something like "If you don't have time for a dog or cat, get a bird." This couldn't be further from the truth! Birds are very social and need lots of interaction with their flock-- That's you and your family. To confine a bird to his cage most of the time, only getting him out once a week or so, when you feel like it, is neglectful. The exception may be birds like finches and canaries, because they generally stay in their cages, but they still deserve some attention. Parrots want and need to be part of the family. If you're not willing or able to do this, perhaps this kind of pet is not right for you.
Do you have time for bird-keeping chores? Are you willing to put up with some mess? While not all birds are messy, many of them are. Food flinging is a favorite sport among many birds, and feathers can make their way into the strangest places. Cages and the surrounding areas need to be cleaned, sometimes everyday, and fresh food and water must be provided daily. Birds can become ill if they are not kept in clean environments, so a good cleaning routine is important.
Are you willing to put up with some naughtiness now and then? There is no such thing as a perfect bird-- even the nicest birds can have bad days. There may be some screeching, some furniture chewing, and some nipping. These are the "hazards" that bird people put up with. Your bird will have his own personality, his own likes and dislikes, and will generally want to have his own way. Having a parrot is a lot like having a two year old child that won't grow up. If that thought terrifies you, a parrot may not be a good choice.
Once you've decided you have the time and temperament to have a bird in the family, there are practical matters that need some thought. You'll need to examine your budget to find the bird your family can realistically afford. If your dream bird is quite expensive, it may be better to save up a little longer than to settle for something else just because it's cheaper. Keep in mind you'll also need a good cage, toys, food and a vet check, and of course there will be regular upkeep costs. The prices of birds and their necessary accessories vary greatly, but I always tell people there's a bird for every budget and lifestyle.
No pet should be bought on an impulse or a whim, and birds are no exception.
By learning as much as you can and making an educated decision, you and your future bird will be better off.
For more information on bird breeds please check out one of my favorite pages:
