I can't read all of these posts since this forum has become so popular, it seems now I am being told the same thing at this point. Guys, I understand, parrots are a very big commitment and you want to make sure I understand that this is no "fun" job. I am not going to get a macaw, and according to most on here, God forbid I should ever own any kind of parrot. Honestly, maybe you're right and I'm just ignorant and dumb for thinking I could handle owning a bird ever. I wanted to, I wanted to learn and do my research and help these animals, but I guess I am not cut out for it. I apologize if I was angry towards any of you, I felt attacked. Anyways, have a great day everyone, this is my last post.
Hello, Matt. I'm sorry that your first foray onto this forum has been a bit of a rocky one. As has been said, everyone here has been well-intentioned with their advice. Non-video internet communication is infamous, however, for its limited ability to convey the intended tone that would provide proper context for the words expressed.
That said, however, I cannot endeavor to tell you how you should feel. Communication is a two-way street, and just as I vouch for the good intentions of those who have posted, I also acknowledge that how you perceived those posts deserves our consideration as well.
In the hopes that you are at least still listening, I just want to say that, rocky start aside, I think you actually have a temperament that will be really good for raising a parrot. Why? Because you seem to have a genuine desire to learn how to be the best parront you possibly can. And because, despite feeling as though you were being attacked (whether or not you were is beside the point. You
felt attacked), you still hung in and gleaned some valuable information. There is a lot to be said for that. Not a one of us began this journey as bird experts. (Well, except perhaps for April/Kiwibird, who has pics of parrots perched on her crib and watching over her as a baby, but I digress...) We all started where you are.
And while there are many who started young and their birds suffered for it, there are others who have made amazing parronts from rather early ages. One of the best parronts I've met actually started at 16. Heck, I myself started at around 20. Teenagers may tend not to make the best carers of birds, but
tendency does not a rule make. No one knows you like you do. So take the advice offered and make the best decision for yourself that you can.
I hope you reconsider and decide to post again. We'd love to have you, and look forward to watching as you begin your journey into parronthood. Please don't be discouraged. Just try to take the advice in the spirit with which it was given rather than in the tone with which you received it. Take what works for you and applies to you... and discard the rest.
Best of luck in your search for a companion parrot, Matt.
