Great Pets, but only in the right hands. (Parrots)

Member Name: CokaCola

Product:	Parrots
Date:	21/01/09 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Loving, Playful, Interesting

Disadvantages: Noisy, Messy, Expensive

I am writing this review as the owner of a Hand Reared Sun Conure, who I have had for over a year now. He's a lovely little thing, and incredibly sweet, but very noisy and very messy.

My advice to anyone thinking about purchasing a parrot would be that you really should think long and hard about your plans. Whilst they make fantastic companions in the hands of the right owner, the novelty can soon fade for someone not absoloutely passionate about owning one, and this leads to a lot of unwanted noise and expense, as well as bird that will never realy be happy.

Choose your species carefully! Parrots come in many shapes, sizes and colours and some species make more suitable pets for some people than others. If you live in ab uilt up area, or share the house with other people, go for a species like a Green Cheek conure that is quiet if you want a small parrot, or an eclectus if you want a bigger one. Do not get a Cockatoo or a Macaw, as the noise problem is likely to get out of hand, and you do not want to be forced to part with your friend because of complaints.

The size of a parrot is not a good representation of how loud it will be. I have got a Sun Conure, which a relatively Small species, and incredibly beautiful. He is the noisiest thing ever though and you can hear him half way down the street, even though he is kept in the living room. It almost sounds like someone is being murdered, and I am often asked by plumbers etc how I put up with him.

Regardless of Species and away from noise, Parrots make mess. They not only knock lots of seed, water and chewed wood out of their cages, but they also produce feather dander and dust, which gets in curtains and in carpets. This is a sacrifice you will have to take on if you really want a pet bird.

Also, make sure you buy from a reputable breeder. If you want the bird as a pet, buy a hand reared baby, but an adult bird! Always be weary of Wild Caught birds as these are ruining the avian industry for all aviculturists and make horrific captives, it really is a cruel procedure.

I would say the bottom line is, do not be in a rush to buy, just because you have seen a good deal somewhere or seen a nice bird in a shop. Go home, buy a book, do your research, may be even visit some parrots and experience the drawbacks first hand, before you decide if you really can sacrifice all these things for the wonderful companionship of a pet bird.

Summary: Do your research and think long and hard! They do make wonderful companions to the right owners!