cold feet..

A few months ago I decided I wanted to get a bird. I have been researching hard - and after deciding logically on an eclectus, couldn't let go of my heart telling me to get an amazon, the parrot I have fallen in love with.
I have bought a big cage, playstand and toys. Bought books and researched on food and behaviour and training.
Then I found a 9 month old girl for sale (and was SO excited!) and talked to the owner for a few days, asking many questions. I had practically sealed the deal, organising a vet trip and payment.
And now, I am scared.

What if I've made the wrong choice, and I shouldn't get this particular amazon.. or any amazon.. or any parrot.
How do I made this huge decision that now seems massively daunting!

Deep breath! I never wanted a amazon when I found Danny who needed rescued and vet care NOW! He did not have a proper cage and Needed/needs so much work. I have never regretted it! I have found having a Zon is so much fun that I would like to rescue another that needs work and a forever home some time in the future. Sleep on it. These are once in a lifetime pets and each is so special. You really cant go wrong.

My take on this is that if you are doubting yourself now about ever getting any sort of parrot, then don't get one, especially if it feels "daunting" to you now.

With any parrot comes a HUGE commitment. They live a VERY long time, so this won't be a short term love affair.

For me it was the opposite. I waited YEARS to get my first Amazon, and as my flock grew, for weeks AFTER bringing home a new family member, I was SO excited I could barely sleep.

I STILL have to pinch myself every once in a while to remind myself I'm not dreaming.

What exactly are you scared of? If you're scared whether a parrot is a good choice at all - please don't do it.

kyekyah said:

What if I've made the wrong choice, and I shouldn't get this particular amazon.. or any amazon.. or any parrot.
How do I made this huge decision that now seems massively daunting!

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What is your concern exactly? Are afraid that you won't be good enough in providing parrot's need or something else?

It's normal to get a bit nervous! I spent a year and a half doing practically nothing but research in my spare time, and when the time came to bring Pippi home, I still got nervous. I went through with it, though, and I could never have been more happy. JerseyWendy, I think maybe being nervous isn't such a bad thing, because it means you're taking it seriously and want your bird to have the best home he/she can have. You just have to make sure you go through with it and you do give your bird a good home. So Kyekyah, if you really think you can't provide a forever home, then don't do it. But if you think you can provide a good home, then try not to worry. This will be the most fun you've ever had.

Getting nervous and excited is one thing, getting serious cold feet is another. If the commitment seems 'daunting' to you it's because it is a HUGE commitment. It's not only because they are expensive to keep, labor-intensive, time-consuming and long-lived, it's because your life will not be your own again. It's like having a child that will never grow up, that will depend on you for everything for the next 40-50 years so it won't matter if you want to sleep in late, don't feel well, want to go out for a weekend, want to stay overnight or even go out for dinner and dancing right after work. You won't be able to do it. It's a HUGE life-changing commitment. And most people don't realize how hard it is until years later so, if it seems you can't make it before you even got the bird, think about it some more because you might be better off with another type of companion animal.

When I was looking for a Senegal, I ran across a Parrotlet and fell in love with one, we named Kiwi. I bought her thinking maybe a Senegal would be too much bird for me. She really is an amazing bird. However, after having Kiwi for about a month I couldn't get Senegal's off my mine. I was still researching them, I was dreaming about them. Driving my family a little crazy. So now I have both.

If you are in serious doubt, then don't. I agree with Wendy, and I would wait it out until you are sure either way.

It's not the bird that seems daunting - making a decision seems daunting.
I am still so very excited about getting a parrot, I'm just so nervous that I am too inexperienced for an Amazon and that I'll be a bad parront
It's making me look into smaller species again. Maybe then I won't feel so out of my depth and can go back to the feelings of pure excitement I had only days ago.
Maybe an Amazon is just a dream bird for now..

kyekyah said:

It's not the bird that seems daunting - making a decision seems daunting.
I am still so very excited about getting a parrot, I'm just so nervous that I am too inexperienced for an Amazon and that I'll be a bad parront
It's making me look into smaller species again. Maybe then I won't feel so out of my depth and can go back to the feelings of pure excitement I had only days ago.
Maybe an Amazon is just a dream bird for now..

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Don't be afraid. You are very responsible, you made your research, you already have all the stuff you need and you'll be great parront.

Amazons are more challenging than smaller species, no doubt about that I would never recommend an amazon for a first-timer...

Hello there
I think a bit of worrying is normal, although judging from your post it seems to me you ve done the necessary research and preparations. I think you ll make a wonderful parront I am also new to owning a parrot, my first is an orange winged amazon, I got her at 6 weeks old, she's almost three months old and quite happy. Two weeks after bringing kiwi home I adopted a yellow crowned amazon that was 5 months old, her name is pickles and although she was initially scared of her surroundings she's settled in and accepts head scratches, eats from my hands and has learnt her first word hello I m vey proud of her. In my most humble opinion, there's no better way to get experience than through owning one and I wish you the best of luck. Should there be anything I can assist with please don't hesitate o message. Have a nice day. Take care