Apartments and birds

[HalfInsane]

So I know the topic has come up many times. But, I'm not so much concerned about having a bird in an apartment (I currently rent in a duplex built in the 40's, so crap insulation) and have never had an issue.

I'm more curious how you guys approach the topic with potential landlords that you have a bird? If you're mostly turned down or if it's not an issue? My current landlord is pretty slack and honestly wouldn't know one parrot from another if one came up and bit him in the face; I just said I had "a small caged bird 9" from head to tail" and it was no problem. But I feel apartment owners are likely less lenient.

So what are your guys experiences? Any recommendations?

 

[legal_eagle]

I've said what you say several times and it works unless the building has a firm no pets-at-all policy.

 

[khaiqha]

In my experience people are pretty ignorant on birds. If an apt allows dogs, when I tell them I have a bird they get a look of relief and waive my pet deposit, not realizing birds can be way more destructive and loud.

 

[Megapixel]

In my experience people are pretty ignorant on birds.

Yes, this.
In fact, it's that very ignorance that lead to my first bird. I was looking at an apt in the basement of the owners home and I asked about pets because I wanted a dog or maybe a cat. Shes said no pets at all, and then she said, well, I guess a bird would be ok.

 

[cnyguy]

Before I chose the apartment where I live now, I looked at several places. Most had no problem with accepting birds (I had George the YCA at that time), even some that wouldn't take dogs or cats. The manager at one complex said she needed to think about it; three weeks later-- after I already rented the apartment where I now live-- she called to say that they'd allow George to live there. The rental agent at one complex that allows dogs and cats told me they hated birds and I'd have to get rid of George before I could move in. I told her that it was strange that they didn't allow birds 'cause the buildings looked a lot like broken-down chicken coops. She didn't like that much. The complex where I live is truly pet-friendly. I've been here 10 years and have never had any issues or complaints because of either parrot.

 

[antoinette]

We are looking at purchasing an apartment in a wonderful duplex.
Strictly no pets...
BUT when I mentioned Mishka my AG to the owner he replied a bird is a like family member and not a pet
I was absolutely surprised

 

[HalfInsane]

Glad to hear you have all (mostly) had no issues finding apartments to rent with parrots. I'll admit the phrase "small caged bird" is perhaps a leading statement... but at the same time I feel "parrot" conjures up images of an amazon or macaw in people's minds.

Cnyguy, that chicken coop comment is hilarious! I don't know if I would have said that in that situation but I'd have been tempted.

Antoinette, how lucky for you to find a place to live where the owner feels that way

 

[Abigal7]

In my experience people are pretty ignorant on birds. If an apt allows dogs, when I tell them I have a bird they get a look of relief and waive my pet deposit, not realizing birds can be way more destructive and loud.

Funny, how you mentioned that. In the past I talked to landlords about allowing me to have a bird. One said we once allowed one person to have a bird thinking it would be no problem but it was so messy. Another landlord would allow me too while stating dogs are destructive. Some places are getting stricter and not even allowing aquariums (after experiencing animals that are not cats and dogs.)

 

[cnyguy]

Cnyguy, that chicken coop comment is hilarious! I don't know if I would have said that in that situation but I'd have been tempted.

If anybody tells me they hate birds, I'm sure going to say something to them, and it's not going to be something flattering. :4_wink:

 

[mtdoramike]

Actually, it's probably better insulated than the newer houses especially if it has plaster and lathe walls instead of drywall.

 

[mtdoramike]

We are looking at purchasing an apartment in a wonderful duplex.
Strictly no pets...
BUT when I mentioned Mishka my AG to the owner he replied a bird is a like family member and not a pet
I was absolutely surprised

Ant, make sure and have this put in writing because you will be surprised at how selective a landlords memory will be when a tenant complains especially if a lease is involved which states " NO PETS"!

 

[Birdman666]

I lived in an apartment with two amazons, three conures, and a macaw.

Didn't have any issues.

Of course, I only had two birds when I moved in, and I sorta forgot - oooops! - to tell them about the second amazon, the other two conures, or the macaw.

It wasn't an issue, but they certainly could have evicted me over it.

No problems, no eviction notice.

They liked getting their rent checks on time.

 

[antoinette]

Glad to hear you have all (mostly) had no issues finding apartments to rent with parrots. I'll admit the phrase "small caged bird" is perhaps a leading statement... but at the same time I feel "parrot" conjures up images of an amazon or macaw in people's minds.

Cnyguy, that chicken coop comment is hilarious! I don't know if I would have said that in that situation but I'd have been tempted.

Antoinette, how lucky for you to find a place to live where the owner feels that way

Here in SA birds are generally not a problem, unless of course they are extremely vocal.

 

[alisjasp]

I dont get the reason why some people dont allow birds in appartment not like they will harm you or anything

 

[Megapixel]

I dont get the reason why some people dont allow birds in appartment not like they will harm you or anything

It is not at all an issue of personal safety. The primary reasons that some don't allow birds/parrots are the same reasons that dogs are not allowed.
1.They can be loud and disturb the neighbors who have the right to the quiet enjoyment of their home
2. They can be destructive to woodwork and walls.

 

[WannaBeAParrot]

Another thing to say is that u have a small 6 oz (168 gm) bird (or whatever weight he is). I said that to a couple of real estate agents regarding townhouse communities with no pet rules..... They said that's no problem and they both kinda chuckled at 6 oz .

BUT... If someone know their fids r very noisy.... Then they should be ready for complaints even of the lease or owners association approved upfront. There r things to do to help dampen the noise though... Tapestries or decorative blankets on adjoining wall, rug or mats on floor... Ceiling.... Dunno.

 

[BeachFind]

We live in a condo, and have had no complaints so far. Its been exactly a month since our little sun conure flew onto the balcony. Somewhat hard to describe, but you can hear him squawking on our entire floor. None of the neighbors hear him inside their condos, and most come by to see what is making all the noise. Hopefully you live in a concrete community or at least have tolerant neighbors!

 

[Zumaria]

My landlord had no problems, granted she loves dogs so I assume that extends to other animals. But even my old complex had a no pet policy but a "small caged bird" didn't seem to count....they may have thought I had a finch....