For some people, noise is a major consideration when bringing a parrot into the home. If you live in an apartment, you don’t want to alienate your neighbors with a Moluccan cockatoo screaming his lungs out at 7 am. You also have to think about their ability to learn sounds. I’ve heard funny, and not-so-funny, stories about African greys who learned to cry like the newborn baby in the house, imitate the construction going on next door, and let out embarrassing sounds that an owner might be reluctant to explain to visitors. Continue reading »
Should I Own More than One Bird?
Many people know the feeling: you have a wonderful parrot that has become a beloved member of the household. You enjoy visiting pet stores and seeing what birds they have. You coo at the precious baby parrots with their downy backs. You laugh at the just-weaned Amazon parrot who is already saying, “Helloooo!” You start to think, “Another bird would be great!”
Often, this leads to an impulse buy. You trot home with the new bird, assuming one more bird won’t add that much work to your life. But is it as simple as that? There are some issues that should be taken into consideration whenever you think about increasing the number of your flock. Continue reading »
Does a Bird Make a Good Gift?
During the gift-giving season many people decide to surprise family members with a new pet. It is exciting to bring in that special present with a new cat, dog, or bird. However, before bringing a young bird into your home during the holiday, you should take a few things into consideration. Continue reading »
Should I Own More than One Bird – Or Three – Or Five?
Many people know the feeling: you have a wonderful parrot that has become a beloved member of the household. You enjoy visiting pet stores and seeing what birds they have. You coo at the precious baby parrots with their downy backs. You laugh at the just-weaned Amazon parrot who is already saying, “Helloooo!” You start to think, “Another bird would be great!” Continue reading »
Issues with Mixing Bird Species in the Home
Bono and Lissel seemed to get along perfectly. They groomed each other, chattered together as they drifted into a midafternoon nap, and often played with the same toys. Their owner loved to take photos of the pair playing together. It amazed him to see bird as big as Bono, a red-bellied parrot of the Poicephalus family, play with an adorable little spangled budgerigar. “What a funny odd couple!” he thought. That was until the day Lissel flew to him and he noticed his beak hanging at a strange angle. Continue reading »
The Educated Bird Buyer – Part II
Last week we discussed pet stores and bird marts as sources for birds. There are a number of other places where you can find a pet or breeder bird. You can buy directly from a breeder, from classified ads (resale birds), or adopt a bird from a sanctuary. Here are some tips on these sources. Continue reading »
The Educated Bird Buyer – Part I
The most important step in getting a pet bird is the research you do before you run out to get one. Study up on each species to make sure it is a bird you can live with (and a bird that can live with you). Once you have decided on which species is most appropriate for your lifestyle, the next step is to decide where you will find your pet. There are a number of places you can purchase a bird, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Continue reading »
So You Want a Pet Bird
Before you run out to your local pet store and yell, “Gimme that African grey,” it is important to understand that parrots are one of the most challenging pets to own. Do your research before you buy a parrot to avoid future health and behavioral problems, and to be sure you get the parrot that best fits your lifestyle and personality. You should realize that some of the larger parrots can easily outlive their owners, with life expectancies of 50 to 80 years. Many will live with you through various moves and changes in lifestyle. The better prepared you are to deal with this long-time companion, the less likely you are to be disappointed and the less likely your pet is to end up on the bird adoption merry-go-round. Continue reading »