Donna Hefton
Having a parrot as a companion animal can be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. As with all animals that are kept in a pet/companion situation, one must realistically consider the circumstances that will arise when a parrot is brought into the home environment. Embarking on the path to parrot ownership is a journey that should be well thought out, giving every consideration as to how the family and the bird will coexist in a new "flock" environment. The following are some of the most essential points to consider if you are thinking of owning a parrot.Parrots Live a Long Time
Parrots have a life-span that nearly equals our own. Many species of the larger parrots may live to be 65 to 75 years old! This fact must be taken into consideration when you decide that you may want to share your life with a parrot. It has become a common practice to provide for our birds after our death through a last will and testament. This ensures that the bird will be cared for since it will generally outlive its owner. Many parrots are assigned to selected family members, friends, and groups that work well with a particular species.
Considering the life-span of these birds, one must assume the responsibility of making a life-time commitment to this creature. Owning a parrot is not something that should be done on a whim or because it is "cool" to have a talking bird. Having a parrot brings with it, a huge commitment to an intelligent, living entity. Many of these birds may have up to twenty homes in their lifetimes! How confusing it must be for an animal that is flock oriented only to be shifted from one flock to another every several years. Understanding what the parrot is all about may help you avoid adding another bird to the list of many that go from one home to another over the course of its lifetime.
Yes, Parrots Will Make A Mess
Parrots, and many other birds, work on the principle of "one bite, drop it...one bite, drop it". This is a fact of life in living with a parrot. Nature has enlisted birds for the duty of spreading seeds and pods to propagate themselves out in the wild. Our birds will exhibit this behavior in our living rooms, dropping fruit, nuts, and whatever they eat, out of the cage and onto the floor. If you are a scrupulously clean person and find a little mess annoying, it must be suggested that you find another pet that may interest you. While having a bird that talks may be amusing, the mess produced daily (hourly) by these beautiful creatures may outweigh the cute phrases produced by your parrot.
Since it has been established that parrots make a mess, one must consider the clean-up involved. To be able to continually maintain the parrot in a clean and healthy environment is an essential component in parrot ownership. Daily washing of food and water cups becomes second nature to those that keep and love their parrots. Parrots that live in filthy conditions run the risk of contracting infections that may compromise its health and longevity. Any captive animal deserves the best that we can provide it.
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