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Re: We need advice
Posted by Rick on 8/29/07

On 8/29/07, Kate wrote:
> My husband and I are interested in adopting a parrot? We
> have dogs (2), no children, rarely travel -- entertain a
> lot at home and would love to do the right thing by
> rescuing a parrot and adding it to our family. But, what
> kind? We were looking at the Cockatoo but My research
> reveals that this family of larger birds may not be a good
> decision - we both work - out of the house 8-9 hours a
> day. But, we dont cage our dogs... so, can anyone
> provide insights on first time bird owners. I also
> believe that we should get a pair... after all, theres
> two of us, two dogs , why not two parrots?
>
> Help!


It's Great that you are wanting to ADOPT a bird, but not
sure if a Parrot would be a good choice, as a first time
bird owner choice, in birds. Bigger birds are beautiful and
very appealing, but also require more attention, more
interaction, more stimuli if caged, more toys as they are /
can be very destructive, more room in the household (larger
cage, playstand, etc.) opposed to the smaller birds such as
Conures, Cockatiels, etc.

Owning a Cockatoo is a wonderful thing also, but if you're
not into cleaning and dusting on a daily basis........lots
and lots of DUST, this is not the bird for you. As I own a
M2 I can give you first hand advice.

Also consider in the noise factor. Do you live fairly close
to your neighbors, do you live in an apartment? Some birds
can be EXTREMELY NOISEY......Cockatoos especially.

As for wanting to get a pair. If you do not want the bird to
be a part of your family as a pet, yes, then by all means
get it a companion. But if you are looking at getting them
to be pets, the birds will bond together and most likely,
and I say this loosely, NOT want anything to do with you as
they have each other now. I am also speaking from experience
on this issue as we have 2 B&G Macaws and are wanting to
keep them as pets. When they were together (introduced),
they started to bond with each other and started striking
and lungeing at us. They are now separated and excellent
pets.

Some birds do live harmoniuosly with each and their family
members as long as you maintain interaction on a daily
basis. If not, you will have to separate them into their own
cages and then interact with them. Thus, now we have 2 cages
and 2 playstands to contend with.

Birds are not like dogs........no comparison. They have
totally different demeanors and temperaments.

Best advice I can give.........keep researching different
species and as you are doing, keep asking questions and then
decide what type of bird would best be suited for your
household and your needs.

I'm sure others will be along and offer more much needed
advice to help you. Good Luck!

Posts on this thread, including this one

• We need advice, 8/29/07, by Kate.
• Re: We need advice, 8/29/07, by DRS.
• Re: We need advice, 8/29/07, by Rick.
• Re: We need advice, 8/29/07, by karen.
• Re: We need advice, 8/30/07, by To Kate.
• Re: We need advice, 9/06/07, by Elle Mott.