Would any parrot adapt to my circumstances?

[Standfree1987]

Hi guys, first post on these forums but been reading all these type of websites for a long time.

I am a reasonably experienced bird owner, but so far have only owned cockatiels and budgies so far. I am desperate to own an African grey or a macaw or similar bird as I adore reading and researching about them, but I have a major dilemma with my personal circumstances. Me and my partner both have full time jobs, my job involves me working away from home for two to three weeks at a time, and my girlfriend works 12 hour shifts.

What it means is that when I am on time off I have a lot of spare time to spend with my birds and my dog, 2-3 weeks on and my girlfriend generally works 4 shifts a week, and is off for 3 ( not simultaneously).

What of course it does mean is that there are odd days here and there when I am away, and my girlfriend is working, maybe 6 days of a month this would be the case.

When I had cockatiels they were fine, no problems at all, my girlfriend would let them out and interact with them for a couple of hours when she was working, and then any days either of us was off they'd get plenty of interaction to compensate for the boring previous day. It never seemed to be a problem for them and we never had any regrets about this, the tiels were loved a lot, and were very tame and happy.

Of course, researching about bigger parrots, it is evident that they require so much more interaction than a cockatiel, which we would be more than willing to give, and a lot of the time it would get more than enough. though there would always be that odd day now and again where the parrot would be on it's own for a lot of the day till after supper time..

Do you think there is any big parrot that would be able to adapt to these circumstances, or do you think it would be a real struggle with a lack of routine, and of course an odd day by itself?

I am not one of those gut instinct types that will go out buy a parrot then looking to get rid after a year, I am more than willing to be patient for a potential change in circumstances, just looking for some experienced advice that could help me out, thanks.

 

[MikeyTN]

Yes birds can learn to adapt! We have responsibilities to pay our bills and such. If we don't work, there's no bird. I work long hours too and sometimes my partner works long hours where neither one of us is home, but that changes between day to day. The main thing is from the beginning if you can be around a bit more to get the bird settle in that would be very helpful. Then you need to teach them to be self sufficient so they know how to entertain themselves while your away, so be sure to provide toys and such for them to play with. ALL my birds knows how to entertain themselves so I don't have much of an issue.

 

[Boysmom]

I agree with MikeyTN, birds are adaptable to their enviroment and schedules. Have you considered an Amazon ? I have kept many Amazons over the years and they have all been quite adaptable to changes and a busy schedule and household. Zons are great companions and excellent talkers also. Just do your research and pick what species you think will fit your lifestyle best, the bird will adapt to your schedule, and you will have an excellent companion for your time at home.

 

[Standfree1987]

Thanks very much for your responses, certainly given us some hope, will continue to do research, including on amazon parrots.

My main concern is for the parrot being bored, and developing problems because of that, obviously impossible to tell how each bird would react, one of the main concerns my partner has is noise, which would be a lot louder than what we've experienced with tiels, and don't want the type of lifestyle we have dictating that it would be a lot more difficult to prevent a screamy bird.

 

[ShellyBorg]

I would look at getting a older bird that is needing to be rehomed. One that has been there and done that. A older bird a lot of the time nows how to play with toys and how to be alone just fine. Even my Zon DAnny who does not know how to play but is slowly learning has no issues with our changing schedule and comings and going.

 

[MikeyTN]

All birds can be noisy! But that depends on how you tolerate noises from parrots. It would be wise for you to visit a rescue or a breeder that have all types of birds available so you can interact and see how well you deal with their noises. My birds have their moments but they're mainly quiet. They rather talk and make funny noises over screaming. That also depends on how you train and socialize with them for them to react like that. I talk to mine like little babies.

 

[Boysmom]

ShellyBorg gave you an excellent recommendation to consider an older bird needing a new home. Their personalities are already set and you will know more about what the bird will be like. Older birds are usually less intense, IMO, and will probably already be talking and playing with toys. MikeyTN is right , as talkers usually talk more and squawk less. Older birds tend to not be as clingy as babies also, which will work well with your schedule away from home.

 

[Standfree1987]

Ok thanks again everyone.. Struggling to find any rehoming centres as such, anywhere near by (aberdeen, Scotland), there is a reputable breeder nearby, may contact them to see if they would mind us nipping in to get an idea.

Do like the idea of rehoming but there is a lot of scaremongering online about this, but would be an idea if I could find a centre nearby that I could visit a good few times to work out what's what and get an idea of seeing a range of birds, aswel as the obvious benefits to rehoming. Options being carefully considered, we also stay in the middle of a terraced housing scheme, so really need to consider these sort of things, for compatability, carefully and thoroughly before we are ready to take on this huge responsibility.

 

[riaria]

You might also want to consider getting two parrots (maybe rehome an already bonded pair?) - that way they will be able to keep each other company when no humans are around. Parrots are very adaptable, but aren't really made for spending long periods of time completely alone.

An adult bird also has the advantage of being more independent - a baby, even when weaned and sold, is still a baby and have different needs from an adult.

Have a look on Preloved, there are a few other UK sites but I can't remember what they're called. Birdtrader, maybe? Or even Gumtree. Be careful of scams, though, and remember that many sellers won't tell you the whole story.

I don't have any experience with rescues that help rehome birds, so I can't recommend any personally, but I've heard positive things about Birdline. And I believe they do foster homes as an in between previous home and new home, so you can meet the bird in a home environment and see if the bird is a good fit for you or not. So might be worth checking up.

 

[ShellyBorg]

Working with a rescue and fostering a bird you may be interested is a great way to see if you have a "fit". it also allows to to see if parrot ownership does fit into your life style.