Is it a good idea for me to get a larger intelligent bird or is that cruel?

I have considered owning a larger parrot such as an African Grey for a long time but I am worried about parrot welfare and the implications of owning such a needy bird. I understand that some people believe owning highly intelligent parrots is cruel and needs to stop. I would not, of course, buy from a breeder—if I decide to get another parrot I’m going to wait until the right offer for a re-homing comes up nearby (I would ideally want to adopt from a shelter but I live in an area with no exotic shelters for a long time). I still can’t shake the feeling that, even if rescued, I shouldn’t keep a bird like that.

I think I have the capacity to care for a larger bird (I’ve been looking at an African Grey or a ringneck) but again, i want another opinion. My cockatiel is not much a pet but more like a best friend that is with me as much as possible. He gets minimum 5 hours outside his cage every day, but usually more because my mom lets him out while she does house work while I’m at school or extracurricular activities. I take him with me wherever birds are allowed and often take him on leashed walks where he can stretch his wings some. I understand that larger parrots are much more intelligent and needy, and I’m not sure if 6-9 hours is enough. I would be willing to turn my room into a bird-safe area and install a camera to give it extra time outside his cage when I’m at school and my mom is working.

They actually aren't that much more intelligent than small parrots. All parrots (even budgies) are super super intelligent and require a lot of time/effort. Greys are typically cited as the most intelligent parrot but their intelligence isn't THAT much greater than some of the smaller parrots (I mean age-intelligence comparisons for parrots are generally cited as being similar to the intelligence of 2-5 year-old humans (depending on species, and individual personality and the level of work that is put into the bird) but we are still talking about VERY intelligent creatures). Yes, the larger ones do tend to be slightly smarter than some of the smaller species, but in terms of ranked intelligence, budgies are up there near Greys and Macaws, so I am not sure that it is really very easy to tie intelligence to size. When properly cared for, cockatiels tend to be a fairly easy-going compared to some species (that has been my experience anyway)....BUT again, that is a generalization.

A larger bird could certainly harm your cockatiel--they are not guaranteed to get along. Larger birds do tend to require a bit more work in order to avoid self-destructive behaviors/neurotic behavior, but I don't like the way that sounds because it makes it sound like smaller birds do not need stimulation (which is not the case). They have different types of personalities and can be a be a bit more high-strung in some cases, but again, that is a major generalization.
A larger bird is going to be more expensive and require much larger accommodations and destroy more toys (and larger toys cost more). Large parrots also are much louder and live FOREVER (their perches and accessories also are more expensive). A Grey can live upwards of 80 years. I would wait until you are done with school and living in your own home before getting a large parrot--- think about the fact that literally the rest of your life would have to be planned around that bird (including housing, employment, marriage, children (who could be bitten), schedules etc).

A cockatiel is still a big commitment but they don't live nearly as long and they are also far less capable of inflicting injury on you/your future family (it is very easy to get intimidated by a larger bird whose beak is much more powerful). Think about the fact that you may date and get married/have kids--your relationships will have to center around accepting and including this bird...so will your work schedule and home selection etc. It's a life-long commitment that is difficult to make when you are living in someone else's home and still in school. I am not sure that it would be fair to the bird at this juncture because of all of the unknowns in your life (due to age).

Also, keep in mind that certain species are more inclined to bond strongly to one person. Of course, some of this can be mitigated with proper socialization, but if a larger parrot decides it doesn't like someone, that can be a bit more challenging when it comes to shared care-taking, and biting etc (not because this never happens with little birds, but because it has the potential to be more extreme in certain larger parrots).

I would suggest waiting until your life is a bit more settled and independent because you sound like you might be still a teen, and most people aren't really settled until their late 20s/early 30s.

In certain cases, this could be doable, but you said you have doubts and a large bird certainly is an undertaking, so I would consider what you know and go with your gut. That is not to say that you would be a bad owner, but it may be better for you and your future companion if you wait a bit before taking the plunge.

Living with companion parrots is controversial, but it is possible to give them safe, stimulating, and loving lives. Some interesting perspective for young members contemplating acquiring or adding a new bird: http://www.parrotforums.com/new-mem...-students-should-ask-before-getting-bird.html

Rescuing a bird is a humane thing to do.

bill_e said:

Rescuing a bird is a humane thing to do.

Click to expand...

And to add to my very good friends comment above: A very, very Humane Thing To Do!!!

Every year the Forest Rangers of North America's Great Northwest Shorelines find empty bird cage once the home of a Parrot that was Loved, but convinced that it is more 'humane' to release their dear Parrots in the pease and loving world of the 'Rain Forests.'

FYI: It's gets very cold and snows in the Rain Forests and if they do not die from a lack of food, or eaten, the soft snow freezes them to death. Rain Forests are not Jungles or warm land forests where the vast majority of New World Parrots come from.

Rescuing a Parrot and providing that dear creature a Loving Home is one of the most Humane Jesters I can think of!!!

Sorry for the Rant!!!