Continued from page 1Purchasing a Parrot For a Child
Many parents wish to purchase a pet to instruct a child in the fine art of responsibility. This may work well if the parent is actively involved in the supervision of the care of the animal. Many a goldfish has been discovered "belly-up" when left in the complete care of a four or five year old human caretaker. One cannot blame the child for poor care endured by the animal. Parents become the instructors of care and the teachers of responsibility. Follow-up to instruction is also essential in teaching good skills to our children.
When considering a bird as a pet for a child, one must consider the age of the child, the species of bird considered, and the lifestyle of the family members. Since birds must be fed and watered on a daily basis, will someone be available to care for the bird? To leave this responsibility to a small child could be disastrous for the bird and traumatic to the child.
Other Considerations
Neighbors are always something to consider when determining whether or not to share your life with a parrot. There is something about the noise of a screaming parrot that truly bothers some people. Imagine that? So before you go out and choose that lovely Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo or the stunning Blue & Yellow Macaw you may wish to consider the level of volume that will be produced in relation to the distance of the neighbors. (Owning parrots can be very scientific!)
If you have a good relationship with your neighbors you may discuss with them your desire to keep a parrot before you bring one into the neighborhood. An excellent point to make is that pet parrots rarely make any noise after sundown, but at dusk they may make quite a racket as their genetic make-up tells them to "call the flock" before roosting for the night. Also point out that they generally "call" in the morning hours, as well. One gentleman that bred cockatoos decided to introduce his neighbors to the birds, the neighbors fell in love with the Too's, and now everyone up and down the street owns birds! That's one way to deal with the situation. Keep in mind that the volume of sound is directly proportionate to the size of the bird, though don't be surprised that the volume of the little conure can be extremely loud when experienced in the confines of a small apartment.
Financial Considerations
For the average household a parrot is a luxury. To be able to afford the initial outlay of several hundred to several thousands of dollars for a bird is not within everyone's means. But the financial responsibility does not end with the initial purchase of the bird. One must purchase a cage and make a wise decision in this area. The cage must be viewed as the bird's true "home" so it must be made of safe, quality materials with enough space for the bird to be able to fully open its wings when inside. This has become the rule of thumb when purchasing cages.
An appointment should be made with a qualified Avian Veterinarian as soon as possible after purchasing the bird. Many people have the appointment made prior to picking up their bird and go directly to the veterinarian's office on the way home so as to avoid having to stress the bird again within the next few days. Having the bird examined after purchase is good advice to follow since it protects you and your investment and also will aid the bird if there is any abnormal condition detected.
Conclusion
The foregoing points on considerations before owning a parrot are not meant to frighten you off, just merely to illustrate that this is a commitment to something that is special and wonderful in keeping a parrot of any type. Remember that the little Budgie is also a parrot and should be treated with the same respect as the Macaw. Do your utmost to educate yourself on the dietary requirements of these animals, their care and grooming needs, and the psychological aspects of your particular species of bird.
Sharing your life and home with a parrot can be quite an adventure at times. Always keep in mind that our parrots are considered exotic animals, which means that they are not domesticated even though they have been captive bred for generations. Respect the fact that they are different from the way we are and from any other animal that we have previously dealt with. Once you grasp that concept you are well on your way to becoming a true keeper of the parrot.
To Contact Donna Hefton About Donna Hefton
| Top | Back |
 NetPets® Main Page |  The Bird Center |