Parrot Pet
What You Need To Know Before Buying a Parrot Pet
How appropriate is a parrot pet? Do these birds really make good companions for humans? Yes! There are many advantages to keeping a parrot for a pet. But there are lots of responsibilities, too.
Parrots live a long time, so don't think purchasing one is like buying a hamster or a fish or some other animals that are deemed as “disposable pets”. Your parrot pet will be with you for a long time, and you want that to be a rewarding time for you and the parrot. If you're looking for a lifelong friend, a parrot may be a good choice. But you must commit to taking care of your bird for a long time.
Parrots are excellent companions, since they can learn to speak with their owners. Parrots probably don't understand the words they are saying, studies have shown, but they can still be amusing to listen to. The time you spend teaching your bird new words is also an excellent bonding experience between you and your parrot pet.
There are many different breeds and species of parrots to select from, when you are shopping for a pet. Male parrots that were hand-raised usually make the best pets, since they are more socialized. Females can be good pets as well, but they can have more problems and health issues. Female parrots tend to require more care than the males. But with younger birds, you may need DNA to tell their sex, so if you're sure you want a male as a pet, you will want to seek out specimens that are more mature.
Parrots can be great pets, but they do require more work from you than some other pets. Whether you select the smaller lovebird or budgie, or the larger macaw and cockatoo, parrots do have special needs you must meet.
When people picture themselves with a parrot pet, they usually have in mind a big variety of the bird. The larger birds do impress people when you show them off, but they also require more care than smaller parrots. Parrot cages for the larger birds can be costly and take up a lot of space in your home. The needs of the smaller parrots are simpler, and easier to meet.
Parrots come in many sizes, though, so you can choose the breed that best fits your lifestyle. But even the smaller parrot pet will require more effort, care and time than most other pets. Even the little cockatiel can be a demanding pet, who needs regular socialization and attention to keep him happy.
Do your homework before you buy a parrot. Don't make a hasty purchase – do your research and find out how much care you are signing on for, especially if you already have a busy work or school schedule. Adopting a parrot will be a commitment much more long-term than even adopting a puppy, since they live two to three times as long. The smaller birds don't live as long, but even the sweet little lovebirds can live to be fifteen years old. The really big parrots often outlive their owners, so make sure you have someone lined up to take him, when you pass on.