An extremely long lifespan is one thing to be considered. Larger parrot species such as macaws and cockatoos can reach more than a hundred years old. Given this length of time, you will likely need to find an owner for your bird when it outlives you. Even tiny species can reach 20 easily, which makes them quite unsuitable as children's pets unless the parent also wants them.Bird species that are popular as pets are mostly part of the parrot family. Though there are a few others, parrots ranging from macaws to tiny parrotlets are the most popular pet birds. But they present some unique challenges that people need to be aware of before they choose to adopt one.
Photo credit: click from morguefile.com
People with immaculate homes are probably not good matches with these birds. Much of the food a parrot is given will end up on the ground, and some of it is bound to fly outside the cage. Messiness is a parrot trait, and there is no way to change that. Think about this before you decide to bring one into your nice, clean home.
There are some species that are not that loud, but these are typically the smaller birds. Larger birds can make you unpopular in the neighborhood if they spend a lot of time screaming. And many of them will, because this is not always an unhappy sound for a bird. Sometimes they scream in delight. But your family, you, and others who can hear the bird may not be as delighted as they are.
Flocks are the natural social groups of parrots in the wild. Some people attempt to make their birds happy by getting them another bird as a friend. This works-- but the birds rarely remain tame after bonding together. In order to keep a tame bird happy, the human in his or her life needs to take over the role of the flock. This means spending lots of time with your bird, interacting and just hanging out.
For people who can afford the time and energy a parrot takes, there's also the question of the cost. Exotics vets, which parrots need to visit should they get ill, can be quite far away and expensive. Cages are required, and these are also not cheap. And the birds themselves rarely come at a small price, with the possible exception of small and common species such as budgies.
Parrots are wonderful pets for some people. But like with any pet, knowing what you are getting into is essential. Do your research beforehand, and you and your bird will have a happier life together.
About the Author:
by Tony Castle
For those of you who enjoy parrots, we learn you should learn about parrot training. We have some simple techniques for you to start using right now.
Article from Unique Article Wizard
