Potential Parrot Owners Beware

Many people purchase parrots. Some think through the purchase ahead of time. Others make impulse purchases. Potential owners should beware, however. They might be purchasing a major headache instead of a companion.

Parrot Problems

Do a quick Google search on parrot problems, and you might change your mind about taking home one of these beautiful birds. Some problems are comical. Some problems are serious. Some affect the bird and some affect the family.

* A man in Great Britain found that the family parrot learned to mimic his wife perfectly. Unfortunately, his wife is a nag, and the bird has learned every nagging phrase, complete with intonation. Now, even when his wife is not at home, the man is subjected to her nagging.

* A parrot in Mississippi regularly picked his cage latch and wandered about. On one occasion, his wandering took him out of the home and to a nearby park. Luckily for the owner and the parrot, he found a friendly shoulder at a ball game, and was taken home. A classified ad in the newspaper found his owner.

* Another family found that their parrots were too noisy for the neighbors’ liking. The noise was outside, in this case, since the parrots were kept in an enclosure in the yard. That is one problem that can require extensive training. Lacking that training, the family is being required to relocate the parrots.

* In Massachusetts, a parrot is so noisy in its apartment that the landlord may be fined $300 a day until the situation is resolved. Neighbors’ complaints to the License Commission, which handles noise ordinance violations, have brought forth that warning.

Do Your Homework First

Purchase of a parrot is like taking an exam in school. If you do your homework first, you are prepared. Take time to learn about parrots before you purchase one. Learn about the different breeds. Some breeds tend to be very noisy at sunrise and sunset. Others are quiet. Some breeds talk well, while others seldom say a word. Some demand a lot of attention. Some do not. Learn about parrots, and choose the breed that meets your needs and lifestyle.

Lifetime of Love

One important fact to face when preparing to purchase a parrot is that these birds have long lives. Some parrot breeds live to be thirty, forty, or fifty years old. You should be prepared to give the parrot a lifetime of love. This is not a temporary pet. It is a companion. Do the math. If you are thirty years old when you take a parrot into your life, you may have it until your own death. Unlike dogs and cats that live ten to fifteen years, a parrot is a “forever” pet. Be sure you want that responsibility.

Non-Transferable

If you do reach a place where you want to part ways with your parrot, you may find that it is of the “non-transferable” type. Some parrots do well when relocated to a new home. Others pine for the former owner, become ill, and die. The problem of a non-transferable parrot should be considered while you are still just a potential owner.