Hi - Am I ready to take the plunge?

iclestu

New member
Jun 21, 2015
1
0
Hello everyone,

I am seriously considering buying a large parrot (probably an amazon or african grey).

I find the prospect of having a companion parrot really exciting but I am also a little apprehensive about it. I want to make sure that this is the right decision for me, and more importantly, for the bird.

If anyone has any advice or reassurance to offer I'd be glad to hear it!

My bird ownership background is limited to much smaller birds. (I used to keep some finches in an outdoor aviary and previously had an indoor companion budgie named Eric who passed away a few years ago).

Large parrots have always fascinated me throughtout childhood and into my adult years. I dreamed about keeping a parrot for years but have never really had the proper opportunity until now.

I've been doing a bit of reading and research. Thinking about how I can make my home bird-proof, etc. I've been doing this whilst reading books, blogs, watching youtube videos, etc. to try to make sure I'm as well researched as I can be.

I think I've assimilated enough 'theory' to know as much as I can know about parrot ownerhip without actually keeping one but I'm a little nervous about the final step. I want the bird to be happy. I want to be happy wth the bird. I feel like I would be but, really, whilst I have read lots of accounts (the good side and the bad) about what it is like to live with a parrot I have little direct experience.

Should I just do it or wait for a bit and see if the apprehension dissapates or just bite the bullet and go for it?

Any general advice for a prospective parrot owner (aside from the 'book theory') as to how to understand what life will be like with my new companion?
 

JerseyWendy

New member
Jul 20, 2012
20,995
24
Hi there, and welcome to the forums. :)

I applaud you for taking the time and really doing a good amount of reading and researching before taking the plunge into 'parronthood'.

Are there any local stores and/or rescues you could go to and interact with some of the species you are most interested in? If there is, I'd recommend you go, and go often. :)

This is a wonderful place to continue your research. This forum contains a plethora of information regarding both the species you'd like the most.
 

Doublete

New member
Mar 15, 2015
1,242
0
Maryland
Parrots
"Loki" turquoise GCC 1/4/15 hatch date-- "Chiqui" amazon 9/2010 hatch date---- "Banner" green parrotlet hatchdate 11/22/16

RIP "pineapple" lovebird
I would second spending time with birds. An African grey and an amazon are IMO very different ends of the spectrum!
Kudos for doing research! Welcome to the forum
 

LeaKP

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2014
3,146
Media
4
2,453
South Africa
Parrots
Congo African Grey
CAGs are, in my experience, "dignified" and a bit like cats in that they set the parameters for cuddling and handling. Amazons are more lively from what I've seen but I'll ask more experienced Amazon owners to chime in.

Love having my fids, they love unconditionally and respond to love so heartily.
 

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