sluiceway
New member
Hi, I'm new here and also entirely new to birds, nonetheless parrots, as pets. I joined to learn what I can here and see if a parrot is a right fit for me.
I should preface this with I'm in still in the stages of considering whether to get a bird companion or not, and I joined to learn more and have access to information about their care and what's to be expected. I'm the kind of person who does a lot of planning beforehand haha. It's possible I might not even get a bird as a pet if I don't think I'd be right for one.
I guess I'll start with a little background on my family and I: at the moment we have 2 rabbits. We had a third (who I was bonded closely to) but he suddenly passed away about a month ago due to an unknown issue about his GI tract. This was a very devastating loss for my family, and me especially.
This is one reason I'm doing research into birds--I don't think I can emotionally handle getting another rabbit (at least not for a long time).
We have a VERY good vet--arguably one of the best in the state. He sees all kinds of animals, including birds (including wild ones like hummingbirds and swans to pet parrots), so I'm not worried about vet care for a potential bird friend (and my family and I are willing to do and pay for whatever is necessary for any animal that we care for).
Of course I would never allow the bird to interact with the rabbits.
The reason I bring up our pet rabbits is because of our dedication to them--something we will apply to any animal that enters our house (furry or feathered). We're essentially crazy bunny people lol.
We're used to buying organic and varied greens and fruits for them to eat, as well as checking toys in terms of if they're chew-safe or not. We also have a daily routine with them and dedicate at least 1-2 hours a day per bun.
In terms of time and patience, one of our bunnies was adopted 2 years ago, and we're still working on getting her to fully play with and trust us, all though she has made incredible improvements from being terrified and lashing out at any movement, nonetheless touch, to now being able to relax and be petted while my father tinkers with tools or cooks (all strange and scary noises to buns in general).
So we're all used to having blood drawn and scratches as well. Rehoming an animal is an absolute last step for us (unless it's truly what's best for the animal), so I'd like to be very certain about my decision to get a bird.
In short, I mean that while we are entirely new to bird care, and it is no doubt very different from bun care, we know how to be patient and do our research (something we still do, looking up new bunny care all the time).
I've also no intention to get a bird in the near future--I'd want to be ready, not just with the setup but emotionally as well. Early fall would be the absolute earliest I see myself getting another companion of any kind.
I apologize for the infodumping--I just really want to be upfront that birdcare is something very new to us and getting a bird might not even happen if we're not a right fit. I also wanted to share a bit of background for insight if we'd be a right fit.
Right, so now the fun bit:
I've done research into different parrot breeds. The reason I specify parrots is because of their intelligence and how they can bond with a person, as well as their longer lifetime (I know all of these traits vary from individual to individual, nonetheless species).
In terms of what I'm capable of providing for a bird (I intend to be the primary caregiver):
-Time: 2-4 hours a day, especially for bonding and training.
-Diet: Whatever is necessary (though we already get organic greens, fruits, and veggies).
-Cost: we're used to spending a few thousand annually for the buns, I expect a bird is about the same (plus the initial setup cost).
-Space: for the cage, indoors and we're glad to setup play areas and varied perches for the birdie.
-Safety: we already have to be wary of cables and plastics because of the buns, we also rarely use scented items (so those can easily be gotten rid of).
-Lifetime: I'd say 15 years minimum is ideal, part of the appeal of parrots to me is that they live longer than rabbits.
The problem is everything I read is so conflicting and very confusing.
Do any of you have good, accurate information on where I can learn more about individual species and their temperaments and care (books, websites, DVDs, etc.)? And perhaps some insight on a species who might be a right fit for us?
Sorry again for the length of this.
I should preface this with I'm in still in the stages of considering whether to get a bird companion or not, and I joined to learn more and have access to information about their care and what's to be expected. I'm the kind of person who does a lot of planning beforehand haha. It's possible I might not even get a bird as a pet if I don't think I'd be right for one.
I guess I'll start with a little background on my family and I: at the moment we have 2 rabbits. We had a third (who I was bonded closely to) but he suddenly passed away about a month ago due to an unknown issue about his GI tract. This was a very devastating loss for my family, and me especially.
This is one reason I'm doing research into birds--I don't think I can emotionally handle getting another rabbit (at least not for a long time).
We have a VERY good vet--arguably one of the best in the state. He sees all kinds of animals, including birds (including wild ones like hummingbirds and swans to pet parrots), so I'm not worried about vet care for a potential bird friend (and my family and I are willing to do and pay for whatever is necessary for any animal that we care for).
Of course I would never allow the bird to interact with the rabbits.
The reason I bring up our pet rabbits is because of our dedication to them--something we will apply to any animal that enters our house (furry or feathered). We're essentially crazy bunny people lol.
We're used to buying organic and varied greens and fruits for them to eat, as well as checking toys in terms of if they're chew-safe or not. We also have a daily routine with them and dedicate at least 1-2 hours a day per bun.
In terms of time and patience, one of our bunnies was adopted 2 years ago, and we're still working on getting her to fully play with and trust us, all though she has made incredible improvements from being terrified and lashing out at any movement, nonetheless touch, to now being able to relax and be petted while my father tinkers with tools or cooks (all strange and scary noises to buns in general).
So we're all used to having blood drawn and scratches as well. Rehoming an animal is an absolute last step for us (unless it's truly what's best for the animal), so I'd like to be very certain about my decision to get a bird.
In short, I mean that while we are entirely new to bird care, and it is no doubt very different from bun care, we know how to be patient and do our research (something we still do, looking up new bunny care all the time).
I've also no intention to get a bird in the near future--I'd want to be ready, not just with the setup but emotionally as well. Early fall would be the absolute earliest I see myself getting another companion of any kind.
I apologize for the infodumping--I just really want to be upfront that birdcare is something very new to us and getting a bird might not even happen if we're not a right fit. I also wanted to share a bit of background for insight if we'd be a right fit.
Right, so now the fun bit:
I've done research into different parrot breeds. The reason I specify parrots is because of their intelligence and how they can bond with a person, as well as their longer lifetime (I know all of these traits vary from individual to individual, nonetheless species).
In terms of what I'm capable of providing for a bird (I intend to be the primary caregiver):
-Time: 2-4 hours a day, especially for bonding and training.
-Diet: Whatever is necessary (though we already get organic greens, fruits, and veggies).
-Cost: we're used to spending a few thousand annually for the buns, I expect a bird is about the same (plus the initial setup cost).
-Space: for the cage, indoors and we're glad to setup play areas and varied perches for the birdie.
-Safety: we already have to be wary of cables and plastics because of the buns, we also rarely use scented items (so those can easily be gotten rid of).
-Lifetime: I'd say 15 years minimum is ideal, part of the appeal of parrots to me is that they live longer than rabbits.
The problem is everything I read is so conflicting and very confusing.
Do any of you have good, accurate information on where I can learn more about individual species and their temperaments and care (books, websites, DVDs, etc.)? And perhaps some insight on a species who might be a right fit for us?
Sorry again for the length of this.
