Are you ready to get a parrot? Have you researched before getting a parrot? Do not be like other people who impulsively buy a bird and then regret it because they cannot handle the little thing.
There are many reasons to get a parrot, but there are many reasons why you should not get a parrot. Let us go through 17 things to know before getting a parrot, and then you can decide whether to get yourself a parrot or not. Here we go.
17 Things to know before getting a parrot
Some people rush out and buy parrots without thinking. Just because a bird is colorful and seems cheerful to you, does not mean you should bring it home. Here are 17 important things to know before getting a parrot.
Parrots need proper daily care
Parrots need good daily upkeep. The amount of care required and the complexity of the upkeep, often drive the owners crazy. Parrots are needy birds. They need a great deal of attention from you every day. This is not possible for many people. They can’t handle it and wish they wouldn’t have bought the parrot.
Parrots need time and affection
Parrots need the owner to accompany them. Parrots do not like when they are held up in their cages. They are highly social birds and need some time outside their cages to interact with people around them, especially their owners. So if you don’t have time to play with your parrot, then maybe you should consider getting a much less demanding pet.
Parrots are noisy
If you are a person having a low tolerance for noise, then definitely a parrot isn’t the best choice for you at all. Parrots are very noisy.
They sing, scream, and talk all the time. Yes, even in the middle of the night. They even squawk.
Smaller parrots are even louder than larger ones. And owners with sensitive neighbors or living in a small apartment should rethink buying a parrot.
Parrots are messy
Parrots are very messy when it comes to their food.
Parrots living in the wild are free to be picky about what they eat. They eat what they get, and if they don’t like it, the food meets the ground. But when you own a parrot, the food meets your floor.
Creating a mess is their eating habit. They chew half of their meal and throw the rest either on the cage bottom or on your floor. Sometimes the food can even meet the walls!
But being messy does not just refer to food; the larger birds even tear toys and shred them to pieces creating a massive mess for you to clean. Think again before getting yourself in this mess.
Parrots are not easy to be trained
You see, parrots are wild birds. Parrots do not have to listen to anyone, but when they become your pet, you want them to listen to you. Their behavior is not typically the obeying type.
They are stubborn and tend to do whatever they want and when they want. While you can teach them some tricks, it is not sure that they will act like domesticated dogs.
Parrots require a lot of space
Parrots are small, but their needs are significant, including a large amount of space. Large cages are a must for parrots.
With that, they require a roaming space, where they can fly around without getting in the owner’s way. So if you live in a small apartment, you shouldn’t get a parrot.
Taking care of parrots is a full-time job
Taking care of parrots is known to be a full-time job. They need attention, care, time, and someone to handle their many tantrums as well.
If you work for 8-10 hours a day, then you may reconsider your thought “Should I get a parrot?”. No, you shouldn’t.
While most parrots can be left alone for 8 hours, it is best not to leave them for so long if you want to be a good pet owner. And trust me; your care and time are worthwhile for this lovely creature.
Parrots are emotional little birds
Parrots are very passionate and moody. They can be excited one second and angry the next.
If you can’t give them a sufficient amount of attention and time, they might be upset and mad at you. And they don’t hesitate to let you know what they are feeling.
If they are mad, you will be aware of it. When it comes to positive emotions, parrots become very excited when they love you.
Getting a pet parrot is a long-term commitment
Parrots have an average life span of almost 20-30 years. But some species may live up to around 90 years, which is a lot. They are not a short-term commitment.
You should be ready for a long-term commitment if you want to get a parrot. Parrots are very attached to their owners, just like other pets, so if you suddenly can’t take care of them, they might experience depression.
Are you sure you would like that? Nobody does.
Parrots are intelligent but immature
Parrots have the intelligence of an average six-year-old, but the emotional immunity of a two-year-old.
While their intelligence is one of the main reasons most people love to have them as their pet, the combination of intelligence with immaturity doesn’t suit them well.
This combination results in angry outbursts and temper tantrums of parrots. However, they understand many things you say and have excellent communication skills far better than most other pets.
Parrots can be destructive sometimes
Parrots are destructive sometimes when they are aggressive. But that is not always intentional; after all, they are just little birds.
They chew off everything, not only for a specific short chewing phase but for most of their lifetime. They chew on their cage, their toys, your furniture, and many more things. If you can’t handle such a mess, it is advised not to get yourself a parrot.
Parrots are hard to find a sitter
Suppose you want a vacation or you have to travel for some work for a few days. You can’t just leave a parrot alone in your home. It will starve and be restless, causing havoc in your house.
So it would be best if you got a sitter for them while you are out.
But parrot nannies are not as easily available as you think. Many people don’t know the proper way to care for a parrot.
And unlike other pets, parrots don’t usually like people other than their owners. So if you travel regularly and can’t be at home much, then maybe you should not get a parrot.
Parrots are little but expensive
Are you thinking that owning a parrot is cheap? Now, why would you believe that? No, it’s not reasonable to own a parrot; instead, it’s quite an expense.
The costs are not only associated with the bird but with all that comes with it, like their cage, food, regular veterinary checkups, food bowls, perches, swings, toys, and medicines if required.
There’s so much that people ignore and end up having a pet they can’t afford.
Potential parrot allergies to your family members
Some people may be allergic to feathers or feather dander. They should avoid getting near a parrot, let alone get one for themselves.
Check that no one has bird allergies in your home or nearby neighborhood, before getting a parrot in your house.
Getting along with young children
If you have young children at your house, parrots are not a good choice for a pet.
Due to their sharp and pointy beaks, they can be harmful to children. Even little birds such as parakeets can cause injuries to children.
Kids may get in trouble by poking their little fingers in the bird’s cage.
It might be hard to get another pet
Are you a pet lover? Most people are. And those who tend to want to have parrots as well. But it’s not as easy as it sounds.
Parrots don’t like to share their owner. There might not be a good chance for you to own another pet when you already have a parrot.
And the parrot might be scared of cats and dogs living with you.
But whether your parrot gets along with other pets or not, entirely depends on their personality. It’s a rare case, though.
Parrots are the boss
If you have a parrot, then don’t for one second think that you can control them. They are the boss of your house now, and they own you.
Little feathery gangsters they are! You cannot control parrots for long. They are needy, noisy, demanding, and don’t always get along with others.
Final thoughts
So, what is left to say now? If after going through this list of considerations before getting a parrot and you still love the adventure of it, then yes, parrots might be the best pet choice for you.
Good luck though. I hope they love you as much as you’ll love them!
