Are You Prepared to Have A Parrot?
So I bet you’ve seen cute and entertaining videos of birds talking, making their owners laugh at their shenanigans, especially on YouTube Shorts and Tik Tok. While I admit that those videos make my day, I have to point out that owning a parrot is so much more than what you see in those videos. Today, I would like to share what you should know before owning a bird/parrot. If you are considering one, I’m sure this article will provide you with a better understanding about what it’s like being a birb parent!
As with every pet you own, comes a lifelong responsibility. Pet owners must be responsible in caring for their pets, especially in their twilight years. It would be very cruel of one to abandon their pet just because they don’t look as cute anymore, require too much time, need healthcare treatment and so on. Owning a pet bird is no different, and should be showered with love, care, affection, and more. Releasing domesticated pet birds into the wild is an absolute NO. Such actions will actually put these birds in danger as they will not be able to fend for themselves, let alone look for food. Worst case scenario, some of these released pet birds might fall prey to other wild animals and other dangers.
The most important factors to consider are how much time you have for your parrot, how much patience you have to train an incredibly bright and pretty creature, and what tolerance you have for noise and mess. These aspects must be thought through carefully, before coming to a final decision.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a pet bird varies, depending on their species. Parrots are special among pet birds because many species have the potential to be with you for your entire life. They also often outlive their humans. Parrots usually live longer in captivity than in the wild because they are less likely to encounter predators and diseases while living in a home. That, however, doesn't mean they are exempt from illness and shortened lifespans.
Listed below are some estimated life spans for common parrots and other pet birds:
Source: https://shorturl.at/ZUipV
If that’s not enough to blow your mind, here is one jaw-dropper!
Meet Charlie
A blue and gold Macaw named Charlie is still alive at 114-ish years old. The bird is something of a local celebrity at Heathfield Nurseries. Charlie was rumored to have belonged to Winston Churchill, who also supposedly taught her swear words, so she could curse Nazi’s. True or not, Charlie now only speaks a few friendly greeting phrases.
Parrots Need Attention
Parrots are extremely intelligent creatures and need regular stimulation. Some species are prone to self-mutilation if they get too bored, such as African greys and cockatoos. They need plenty of toys to destroy. Shredder toys are great for keeping parrots busy and entertained. They also need playtime outside their cage. One should never expect their parrot to only stay inside the cage and be happy. A bored bird can become depressed and may resort to excessive screaming to vent their frustrations or to simply get their owner to take them out of their cage.
Just imagine yourself being locked in your room all day 24/7 for days on end. Pretty miserable right? Exactly!
Parrots Are Flock Creatures
Parrots are naturally flock animals. Some parrots flock in single species flocks (i.e., African Greys) and other birds operate within mixed species flocks (i.e., Amazons, Conures and Macaws). Different species can have different social needs and behaviours as necessary for them to survive in their specific habitat. A flock size can range from a few to several hundred birds.
Parrots have well developed communication skills and use many vocalisations to communicate with their flock. They use vocalisations to greet and acknowledge each other and provide warnings if necessary. Their natural ability to "learn" our language and interact vocally is one of the parrots' most enduring traits.
Because of their instinctual need to be part of a flock, parrots love to be included in the day to day activities of their human flock. Including parrots in your activities such as meals, showers or TV time will give them a stronger sense of belonging.
Deciding if you should get a pair of birds / get your bird a friend can indeed be a little complicated. While birds are generally not solitary animals, there are some that prefer being the solo bird and the center of attention. Such a bird will see its owner and people who raised it as the rest of its flock. However, depending on the species, there are also some pet birds that prefer companionship.
So if you’re not sure if your parrot needs a companion, I suggest you do some research, post your enquiries in bird forums or visit your local bird store to find out more.
Parrots Can Be Noisy
Parrots are naturally really noisy creatures and they can be prone to screaming tendencies. The first thing you have to realise is that all parrots are going to make noise. They are noisy creatures. You have to accept a certain amount of noise coming from a bird, because that's just how they are.
You might luck out and get a less noisy parrot, but chances are at some point each day they will raise a ruckus. For example, amazons often call out for about half an hour in the morning and late afternoon. This is instinct. They are calling the flock. So if you live in an apartment or HDB, you might want to take into consideration your parrot’s noise levels. You wouldn't want your neighbours knocking on your door to complain.
Fortunately, there are ways to discourage them from screaming any more than they naturally would. You can't make them not scream at all completely, because that's just part of being a bird. But what you can do, is to try to avoid encouraging them to scream more for our attention and for other reasons. You can learn this from someone experienced or online from Youtube.
Here are a few video links I’ve attached for your reference:
IS YOUR PARROT LOUD? | The 5 Best Ways to Stop Your Bird From Screaming! | MARLENE MC'COHEN
How We Keep Our Parrots From Screaming For Attention | BirdTricks
How to Train Parrot to Stop Screaming | Parrot Training | Parrot Wizard Michael Sazhin
I used these techniques for my Galah (rose-breasted cockatoo), and it did reduce her excessive screaming. However, it’s important to note that each parrot is an individual. Some may take a shorter time to learn, while others longer. The key to success is to have patience and the understanding that this process can take time.
Parrots Can Be Destructive & Messy
Got a favourite wooden chair? Make sure Nelly doesn’t get onto it, or it might be missing an arm an hour. I remember I received a package and was excited about unboxing it. Little did I know, during that five minutes I left to take a call, some-birdie had beat me to it and unboxed it first! By the time I came back, I was greeted by a very satisfied parrot that just had the time of her life shredding my box!
Firstly, parrots need constant supervision when outside their cage, and the alternative is NOT to keep them in their cage all the time. Having playtime outside their cage is important for their well-being, mental stimulation and exercise.
Believe it or not, parrots can get fat. And fat parrots die young. This further emphasises that exercise is crucial and it happens OUTside the cage. Sakura, my galah, loves swinging and dancing. She likes to climb all over the top of her cage, play with her toys and swing upside down on her playstand, as if she’s in a circus. She likes to flap her wings and sometimes chases my older brother around the house. (Idk why, but it’s funny)
Secondly, parrots are messy. No matter how big a seed catcher you have, there will be seed on the floor. And they poop, a lot. You will be cleaning up poop most of the time, especially when they are roaming around the house. Perhaps you can get some Poop-Off – it works really well. But before you sigh in defeat, I have to let you know that parrots can be potty-trained. Yes, you read that right, potty trained!
Potty-trained parrots can make better house pets on a long-term basis. This is very handy if your parrot spends a lot of time outside the cage. In one of my upcoming blogs, I will be explaining more about how parrots can be potty trained. So if you’re interested, be sure to check it out!
Parrot dander
All parrots give off parrot dander, also known as feather dust. It is a white powder produced by the feathers that are closest to their skin. Parrot dander comes from the specialised feathers these birds have, which shed a fine, waxy, white powder composed of keratin protein. This powder helps keep their feathers soft and silky.
There are some species that are known to produce more feather dust as compared to others. These birds include cockatoos, cockatiels and African Greys.
Parrot dander can cause problems for their owners and for the birds themselves. Like dog and cat dander, it can trigger allergic reactions. Some people may have an allergic reaction to parrot feathers, dander, saliva, or urine (droppings). The symptoms of a parrot allergy can range from mild, such as sneezing or itchy eyes, to more severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing or hives.
Parrots themselves may also be at risk from their own dander, as they do not have noses that can filter out dander particles. If their surroundings are not kept clean, it may affect their health and shorten their lifespan.
Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself and your parrot, from the effects of parrot dander. Its cage should be cleaned regularly and cage liners, which harbor the dander, changed often. Birds should be encouraged to bathe often as their feathers and skin will look healthier. Some birds enjoy bathing every day, while others prefer to bathe only occasionally. You may start by offering a bath to your bird once or twice weekly. Remember to bathe your birds on a sunny day, and not on a cold rainy day. You wouldn’t want them catching a chill!
Thus, it's essential for people who are considering getting a parrot as a pet to be aware of their potential for an allergic reaction, before committing to ownership. In some cases, people with parrot allergies may be able to manage their symptoms through the use of allergy medications or other treatments. In contrast, others may need to avoid parrots altogether.
In conclusion,
Parrots Are Amazing. If you have the right mindset and environment for a parrot, they can be the most amazing pets. They will make you laugh and surprise you over and over again with their witty intelligence and shenanigans. When I first heard Sakura tell me “Go potty first!”, I was amazed at her ability to articulate that phrase perfectly, and let me know she needed to potty.
Having a parrot can be a much larger commitment than a more domesticated animal like a cat or dog. They can’t wander around on their own, so they require your time to get the attention and exercise they need. There is nothing sadder than a parrot permanently left in a cage, sitting glumly waiting for their life to be over.
Always remember pets are more than just animals, they are our best friends. They provide emotional support, improve our health and teach us invaluable life lessons. Their companionship is a gift that enriches our lives in countless ways.
