Really considering getting a parrot, but which one?

[SeanFla]

Hello!

I've posted awhile back about getting a parrot, for a few reasons that never came to fruition but it's been in the back of my mind, now I'm once again hoping to get a bird friend.

Here's a bit of background info.
I'm 23, I live with my parents and commute to college, I also work part time.
I'm usually gone 9-5 most days, but when I am home I'd be hoping to interact with my bird.

My father is also really keen on the idea of getting a parrot, he thinks they're great, he's semi retired so he's home quite often too.
I've mentioned it in passing to him and he's spent his time looking up parrot videos on Youtube.

I'm asthmatic, I'd love an African Grey but I know it's not practical for me..

I'm fine with mess and I'm fine with noise, but I'd like to get some sleep, but I'd like to avoid constant ear piercing shrieks if at all possible!
It needs to be a family/group sociable bird, it will be my bird but I share a house with my family and I don't think they'd appreciate outright favouritism!

I like big birds, as a kid we had a little Budgie called Joey, he was great but I've always eyed up the Umbrella Cockatoos in the pet shops (which I know are a bad idea).

I'm thinking maybe a GCC?
Or maybe an Indian Ring Neck?

I'm going to continue to do my research, there's a local pet shop that essentially specialises in hand rearing birds, so I'll go have a chat with the owner!
He has a couple Conures, Quakers, Cockatiels and Meyers.

There's also an IRN for sale nearby that's €200 for the bird and it's whole set up, I obviously wouldn't base a decision like this on price, given how long these birds live.

What do you knowledgeable folks think!?

 

[Ira7]

A grey is probably going to be the quietest of the bigger birds that you mentioned, but no guarantees. Those smaller ones...except for a cockatiel...can be non-stop noise.

Amazons can be real quiet too; mine is.

IRNs can be real hyper and noisy.

 

[wrench13]

Hate to say it, but the college years are not the best in terms of getting a parrot and providing the best of care for him and building the bond your looking for. Late nite study hours, part time job maybe, and socializing with classmates and or a SO, don;t leave much time for a parrot, who needs to have 4-6 out of cage hours, and preferable 1-2 hours one on one interaction with you EVERYDAY. You miss a day, and trust me a parrot knows and can show their irritation and maybe more than irritation.

You want to be firmly established in your new career and where you will live before taking on a parrot.
We see this time and time again. A student gets a parrot and then realizes how much work goes into just keeping him healthy and fed and cage clean, never mind quality time with them, and another parrot gets rehomed.

 

[SeanFla]

Hate to say it, but the college years are not the best in terms of getting a parrot and providing the best of care for him and building the bond your looking for. Late nite study hours, part time job maybe, and socializing with classmates and or a SO, don;t leave much time for a parrot, who needs to have 4-6 out of cage hours, and preferable 1-2 hours one on one interaction with you EVERYDAY. You miss a day, and trust me a parrot knows and can show their irritation and maybe more than irritation.

You want to be firmly established in your new career and where you will live before taking on a parrot.
We see this time and time again. A student gets a parrot and then realizes how much work goes into just keeping him healthy and fed and cage clean, never mind quality time with them, and another parrot gets rehomed.

I can 100% see where you’re coming from, but my situation is a little different.

My life consists of going to college, coming home and plonking myself onto the couch.
I might got a cycle or a quick run, but that’s it really.

I’m hoping to get a parrot because I (at least think) feel I have enough time and resources to dedicate.
With college I usually have one short day (2 hours, + my commute), 3 long days (home at 6), 1 half day (Friday), working Saturday and maybe Sunday (where I’ll be around in the morning and later that evening/early night).
I’m not really a typical college student in the sense that I live with my parents, I don’t go out, and I have some disposable income.

I’d hate to get a parrot (or any pet for that matter) if I didn’t feel I could dedicate the necessary time and energy to that animal.

 

[SeanFla]

A grey is probably going to be the quietest of the bigger birds that you mentioned, but no guarantees. Those smaller ones...except for a cockatiel...can be non-stop noise.

Amazons can be real quiet too; mine is.

IRNs can be real hyper and noisy.

My main issue with getting a Grey is dander.
I don’t think I’ve an allergy but I know I have asthma and general allergies to dust mites so it’s probably not wise getting a ‘powdery bird’

I’m fine with a noise so long as it’s not constant loud screeching, even then it’s more so for my families sake than me, I’d be okay with it!

I’ve heard GCCs aren’t as loud as other conures?

 

[chris-md]

Hi Sean

Wrench is right. It’s not just what your life as a college student looks like now, it’s after as well, when you move out. You may have to live where pets aren’t allowed, or become roommates with someone who is afraid of birds or has severe allergies/asthma to bird dander.

Part of responsible pet ownership is attempting to anticipate future needs. A college student who doesn’t know what’s gonna happen 2 years from now so not an ideal parrot owner. You have to have a level of predictability to best suit these animals.

And what about your dad? He wants a parrot, you want a parrot...if you move out, who is the parrot following?

Parrots really are best for people who are settled into their permanent lives. The instability of a college student isn’t the most ideal situation.

 

[chris-md]

One point of contrast I want to point out: your DAD is in a fabulous place to own a parrot. You are not.

 

[Ira7]

A grey is probably going to be the quietest of the bigger birds that you mentioned, but no guarantees. Those smaller ones...except for a cockatiel...can be non-stop noise.

Amazons can be real quiet too; mine is.

IRNs can be real hyper and noisy.

My main issue with getting a Grey is dander.
I don’t think I’ve an allergy but I know I have asthma and general allergies to dust mites so it’s probably not wise getting a ‘powdery bird’

I’m fine with a noise so long as it’s not constant loud screeching, even then it’s more so for my families sake than me, I’d be okay with it!

I’ve heard GCCs aren’t as loud as other conures?

I had a grey (RIP Tonto), and I didn’t “see” much dander, which of course doesn’t mean it wasn’t there, in the air, etc. Allergies are funny, however. You should ask in the Greys forum here, or ask a certified avian vet (or the equivalent in Ireland) about their dander and allergies. It can be very harmful to NON-dander birds because their respiratory systems are weak, but I can’t say that it 100% affects people.

As far as GCC noise, don’t know, but in general, conures are little bundles of energy.

Do you have a specialty parrot store to buy from, or do you have to go the “regular pet store” route? With specialty stores and breeders, you get a chance to handle the birds, and see if you can find a mellow fellow that you immediately bond with. (Granted, parrots sometimes change their main bonding partner as they grow older, but better to start with a decent bond/compatibility than without.)

Once you have your allergy questions answered to eliminate some species from the get-go if necessary, choose a bird on how you groove together, and take into consideration the vagaries of that species. (What you read about them.) Others will disagree with me on this...of course you can build that initial trust over time...but give me a bird that’s eager to get on my hand from day one, if possible. In other words...

I wasn’t shopping for an Amazon, I had no particular species in mind, but Archie was so cool from the very beginning that I couldn’t resist. (He continues to be cool, although he hasn’t reached puberty yet!)

Remember that ANY bird you get, small or large, will God willing live a VERY long time. Parrots are unlike any other pet in this regard. It’s a big decision.

BTW:

I was all ready to plan a trip to Ireland when Covid hit!!!

 

[Flboy]

Something to consider! An IRN is ‘old world’ - powder!
Have you been looking into any of these? They are excellent one bird companions! A bit larger than a GCC, and very playful!

https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/species/pionus-parrots/

https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/species/caique/

https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/species/senegal-parrot/ Dust!

 

[Scott]

Welcome back, kudos for continued contemplation and research.

Helpful thread for students, though it does not completely conform to your situation: http://www.parrotforums.com/new-mem...-students-should-ask-before-getting-bird.html

 

[texsize]

If you have not looked into it a Pionus might be a good fit.

I don't have one but wish I had a bronze wing. The are suppose to be on the quite side.
Size is somewhere between an average Conure and a small Amazon.

 

[noodles123]

Hate to say it, but the college years are not the best in terms of getting a parrot and providing the best of care for him and building the bond your looking for. Late nite study hours, part time job maybe, and socializing with classmates and or a SO, don;t leave much time for a parrot, who needs to have 4-6 out of cage hours, and preferable 1-2 hours one on one interaction with you EVERYDAY. You miss a day, and trust me a parrot knows and can show their irritation and maybe more than irritation.

You want to be firmly established in your new career and where you will live before taking on a parrot.
We see this time and time again. A student gets a parrot and then realizes how much work goes into just keeping him healthy and fed and cage clean, never mind quality time with them, and another parrot gets rehomed.

I can 100% see where you’re coming from, but my situation is a little different.

My life consists of going to college, coming home and plonking myself onto the couch.
I might got a cycle or a quick run, but that’s it really.

I’m hoping to get a parrot because I (at least think) feel I have enough time and resources to dedicate.
With college I usually have one short day (2 hours, + my commute), 3 long days (home at 6), 1 half day (Friday), working Saturday and maybe Sunday (where I’ll be around in the morning and later that evening/early night).
I’m not really a typical college student in the sense that I live with my parents, I don’t go out, and I have some disposable income.

I’d hate to get a parrot (or any pet for that matter) if I didn’t feel I could dedicate the necessary time and energy to that animal.

Strongly advise against this in college..Sorry this is long and please don't think I am some nasty, negative old hag...I am so glad you are hear, and I think a parrot would be a fine pet for you---in the future..

1. You have no idea what you will do for a living and even if you do know, if it requires odd hours, travel or a move, that is way more complicated with a bird.

1.A You will need a minimum of 4 hours of out-of-cage time/ interaction with your bird...You will need to wake up earlier, not just because the bird has to be uncovered at the same time daily, but also because you will have to cook and prepare chop and clean for it...Don't underestimate how that can complicate a morning routine. If you work until 6, then no dinner with friends or anything...you need to see that bird. A bird that goes to bed at 9 will sometimes wake up earlier due to light, which is a problem due to their need for 12 hours (10 being the absolute bare minimum, and not enough for many)...so if 6pm is bedtime, then 6am wakeup...7pm bedtime=7am wakeup...You could split 2 hours in the morning and 2 in the evening, but then you are waking your bird up 2 hours earlier in order to make sure he gets that time--see what I mean?

With a career (which you will have at some point) these hours can get VERY tricky and you shouldn't commit to something as needy and intelligent as a bird until you know that you have a job with predictable hours and solid pay that you plan on sticking with (like a "dad" job)...Also-- you have to be home at roughly the same time every night--So let's say you work until 6pm...you get home at 6:30...you get the bird out and frantically try to make dinner but that's not enough because you actually need to play some etc--- 6:30 + the 4 hours =10:30 =VERY late for a bird's bedtime..The huge problem here, is that if you work at 8AM, you have to uncover your bird before work, which means you are waking your bird up without even close to enough sleep and this is just terrible for their health and hormones. I cannot emphasize how much sleep on a schedule matters! That is only 9.5 hours-- which is honestly not enough.. I know it sounds like a lot, but people who do not have their birds getting enough sleep often have hormonal, behavior and health issues that they never connect to the lack of sleep.
ALSO-- puberty hits in many birds around 4 years, so let's say you are a freshman now, when you actually do get a job, you will be dealing with a MUCH more complicated pet than the one you adopted, as personality changes so much at puberty.
Co-workers want to do dinner and drinks? You can't--got to get home for the bird...Want to stay at a special "someone's" house overnight? That's going to be tricky with a bird...like a kid, but less accepting of change and more susceptible to death by chemicals in the air.

2. You have to wake your bird up and put it to bed w/ 12 hours sleep. College is all about odd hours and late nights- not the best for the bird...and you will want to sleep in, not wake up everyday to uncover your bird (which is a must). Think about people with kids who don't ever get to sleep in...On top of that, if you are loud, your bird will not sleep well...even if you don't hear them.

3. THEY ARE EXPENSIVE---and you are in college...When you graduate, student loans come due....No walk in the park financially, as federal loan payments increase w/ income...so basically, you will be stressed financially...

4. People in college move around a lot and live in apartments often which can be very unfair to birds and also unsafe in terms of noise (eviction), and neighbors smoking, maintenance painting halls, spraying for bugs, people using teflon etc.

5.UNTIL you are in the place you plan to live for a very long time, and until you have a career (not just and idea-- but a genuine contract with set hours and something that pays consistently), a bird is not the best idea.

6. You could meet a woman or man who is unwilling to adjust their entire life for this bird (yes, I know, it's easy to say, "well I wouldn't date them."..but let's be real, they could LOVE animals and like the idea of a bird but not be ready for a feathered kid)-They could also have cats or multiple dogs and while it can be done, there is risk for sure.....So many lifestyle changes are required in terms of not using Teflon/ptfe/pfoa/pfcs.. That alone is huge, as they are in everything and it's a massive pain....because the label won't tell you, so you have to call and that can take days...

7. There could be no more candles, or scented products...no burning food...no standard cleaners..no essential oils, plug-ins, air fresheners, aerosols etc.

8. What if you want to travel? Don't just assume you can easily plop your bird off somewhere-- it will likely bond to you...travelling with a bird is very complicated because boarding them risks disease and a bird sitter is WAY easier said than done. Plus, it all costs money, and while people will offer to watch your bird, what happens if those people can't touch your bird while you are away?

9. They live FOREVER so there is absolutely no reason whatsoever for you to rush into this. Yes, you want it....But if you wouldn't deliberately have a child with extreme allergies and special needs who can fly and never grows up (at this juncture in your life)...then you are not ready for a parrot...They get screwed over a lot despite the intelligence of children, and with that intelligence comes the tantrums and behaviors that you often see in toddlers too...forever...plus hormones... This bird will be like a kid. Seriously--imagine life with a kid but make sure you think about the future and the fact that kids are way easier in terms of socializing and chemicals (plus they don't fly or scream as loudly..among other things).

10. They need a quiet dark space to sleep...Sleep is so huge for their immune health, mood etc..That is often VERY difficult in college... Plus, if you have roommates, policing their use of unsafe products will quickly make you want to pull your hair out...Promise...

11. Do you have a reliable avian certified vet near you? An exotics vet is not the same. In keeping with that, do you have a reliable car with AC and heat that will get you there and back (as well as the money to pay for yearly vet visits, as well as testing and added visits as needed?)


I am not trying to be dismissive or a kill-joy, but these guys are like kids with more specific needs and they are a ton of work--I believe that if you try to do this before you are settled, either you or the bird will miss out on a lot...Wait until you have the money, schedule and house to make this all work.

 

[Ira7]

The kid is in college. Not kindergarten.

Who is anyone to say he shouldn’t get a bird!?

 

[noodles123]

The kid is in college. Not kindergarten.

Who is anyone to say he shouldn’t get a bird!?

Most people who have lived through college in the 2000s (with the debt and lifestyle + career changes and travel issues)...
Or the same people who would say wait to have kids until after college unless life happens (but a bird is not something that you can make accidentally)
This isn't about what he CAN do-- sure, he can get a bird-- but is that what is best for the bird? After graduation, life can hold a ton of twists and turns (both in terms of housing, finances, work schedules etc).

I don't care if someone is 55 and a very responsible rocket scientist-- if they don't know what their job, income, housing situation and work hours will be for the next 10+ years, they shouldn't commit to a creature that will require a tremendous amount of time and attention (as well as money)...It's hard to be a single person with a parrot while working...Now think about college (which is honestly easier than life after college)...I was broke sometimes...I lived with people...I moved apartments...
trying to get a job with a bird REALLY limits your options. If a job requires a 6 week training course at an academy, or if you have to be on call, or if you aren't sure whether you will work nights....or days...and you don't even know how much you will make or how much your loans will be...or you have to travel, or you want to have a social life after working all day...

There are plenty of VERY capable adults who are super responsible and smart, whose lifestyles are not conducive to a bird. This has NOTHING to do with me thinking OP is immature..AT ALL...

 

[Ira7]

The kid is in college. Not kindergarten.

Who is anyone to say he shouldn’t get a bird!?

Most people who have lived through college in the 2000s (with the debt and lifestyle + career changes and travel issues)...
Or the same people who would say wait to have kids until after college unless life happens (but a bird is not something that you can make accidentally)
This isn't about what he CAN do-- sure, he can get a bird-- but is that what is best for the bird?

I don't care if someone is 55 and a very responsible rocket scientist-- if they don't know what their job, income, housing situation or work hours will be for the next 10+ years, they shouldn't commit to a creature that will require a tremendous amount of time and attention (as well as money). There are plenty of VERY capable adults who are super responsible and smart, whose lifestyles are not conducive to a bird. This has NOTHING to do with me thinking OP is immature..AT ALL...

Oh, but YOU are responsible enough to make this commitment...and you can judge that he ISN’T...without even knowing him?

I don’t buy this. Also, a hint:

Brevity is a virtue.

 

[noodles123]

This has nothing to do with responsibility! Period.

In 95 percent of cases, college is not a good time for someone to have a kid or get a bird. There are too many life changes. Has it been done? Yes....But look back at the forums at this exact same question and read the stories of members who got birds during this time and either had to re-home them, or felt like they had to make serious compromises...

This should be a commitment made during more stable times, because birds don't just happen by accident ... and there is a clear choice that can be made here.

Brevity fails to address the myriad issues at hand.


At this point in my life, I have graduated, I have a career, I live in a house, I have no reason to travel, and I have a steady pay-check with steady hours...Responsibility is irrelevant to this discussion...I was a very responsible college student and I would never ever have advised myself to get a bird at that time (I didn't party-- I was seriously kind of a home-body in many respects). I WANTED a bird, but it would have been the wrong choice because there is too much that can change during school and after graduation...and it would have limited my opportunities in terms of jobs, socializing, travel, sleep, classes etc...If I had not waited, I would have been even more stressed out than I was when I was prepared and took the plunge.

Clearly, OP is responsible, but it's hard to anticipate all of the changes that are on the horizon when you haven't gotten there yet. If I ever wanted to change career paths, I would be limited in terms of my hours, travel, etc...I do not intend to do so...BUT when you graduate, you don't even know if you will get a job..let alone what it will be or where you will live...how much it will pay...what your hours will be...or if you could get evicted for a screaming bird.

OP will not always live with his parents, nor will he always have that extra income, unless his family is very financially stable (and willing to fund "extras" long-term)...which is not the case for 99% of recent college graduates once they have to pay rent, loans groceries, internet, utilities, vet bills, cage costs, toys etc.

Furthermore, his parents would need to be completely willing to retrofit their entire cleaning, cooking and chemical lifestyle to a bird (just for the time being), not to mention the potential complications with roommates and significant others in the future.

When these birds live for so long, there is no need to rush.

 

[wrench13]

Ira, cool the jets. The folks who have been on here for many years seee the same situation over and over again. Student gets parrot , student realizes what is actually involved with keep a parrot clean, healthy and mentally engaged, student rehomes the parrot. Over and over again. Can it be done? With a live at home college, little or no socializing , a golden spoon or at least generous parents, yeah it can.
Hell when I went to college, many was the nights I ate rice cakes for dinner, with ketchup packets from McDonalds as sauce, as that was all I could afford. I had to give up my dog, too.

As far as brevity, more information is never a bad thing. Noodles is generous enough to share some very sound insights, and readers can be glad of it.

 

[chris-md]

Ira, You’ve entered this forum rather hot and heavy, unable to brook anything other than yes-men. Not really sure what allies you hope to make by frequently calling people judgmental and rude, while simultaneously being rude yourself. Sometimes the best thing is to do less talking and more listening.

We are a friendly lot here, not sure why being argumentative seems to be in your best interest.