New and thinking of adoption

[Lizshaw86]

Hi there!
I’m Elizabeth and my husband and I are thinking of adopting a parrot. We have been in contact with an adoption sanctuary here in Virginia where we live. We have applied and next step is to go to an educational class- which we plan on for July. Then, an adoption coordinator will do a home visit and talk with us about a best fit bird. I had parakeets growing up but have not had a bird in about 12-15 years. I think I may be interested in a medium sized parrot- they do have an Amazon up for adoption, but I am open to any type with a lot of personality- just can’t be a HUGE bird because I don’t think I could give a macaw or really big bird the space it would deserve. I have a spare bedroom that the future bird will stay in but would need to be in a cage while I’m at work M-F 7:30-4. Any advice or information is greatly appreciated!

 

[Jen5200]

Welcome! I’m so glad that you are considering adoption - there are so many great birds out there in need of homes. My 4 all came to me as adults, and I don’t regret it for a second.

I’m not sure where you are at in the research phase - but I felt a lot better knowing the general personality/life span/noise levels/eating habits about the most common parrots in the size range that I was considering. I had no idea how much personality small/medium birds could have, and I’m glad that I ended up in that range (I have conures and a cockatiel). There’s tons of really good info here on a variety of species and lots of knowledgeable people to ask questions of. Being open to considering a bird that you really connect with can be the start of a beautiful bond with your bird.

I look forward to hearing about the adventure as you go through the process

 

[psychocircus91]

Plenty of us have parrots and work a pretty standard job, as yourself. As you know, lots of quality time outside those hours is important.
A lot of people will recommend the parrot cage be in a central location, which is great advice, as your bird would still get some stimulation, whenever people are close by (even if it's just getting yourself organized in the morning.
When it comes to cages, bigger is better. I truly believe the ability to exercise, flap wings, and explore helps reduce neurotic behaviors.
I love my natural inspirations cage

 

[SailBoat]

I would like to recommend a 180 degree change in the process. Parrot are much more adept at choosing the correct Human(s) than we are at choosing them. We get into size, color, beak size, etc, etc, etc... They simply choose based on the best fit for them. I honestly do not know just how they do it, but when the Parrot is allowed to choose, it always works out much better.

Offer your time by starting at the bottom and I mean the bottom by cleaning cages. Then work-up to changing water and food. Come back often and also while there learn the differences between the different species and be open to just accepting. You will be surprised just how much you will learn by working around and with the Parrots. At some point in the future, you will note that a Parrot will be making an effort to be near the both of you.

Expect this to take a few months. If you do not have the time to do this, you likely will not have the time to have a Parrot in your life. Parrot in the middle size can life 45 to 75 years, so what is a few months when those time lines exist.

Parrots do best when they are in the center of the action, being a full member of the family. With the exception of when the Parrot is sleeping, they should not be stored in a room off to the side of the action.

At the beginning of the majority of the different Forums, you will find Threads that are Highlighted in Light Blue. Those are sticky threads that contain detail information about that specific species. Since you commented about Amazons, see that Forum and read with detail the two sticky Threads, I believe you will find one of them very helpful regardless of what Parrot you choose.

Enjoy.

 

[wrench13]

Welcome and be welcomed. Mr. Boats has given you excelent advice.

 

[MacawMike13]

Hi and welcome! I just joined as well. I'm excited to learn with you

 

[chris-md]

I’m echoing all the above but want to expound on what Don (psychocirucus has says). I think your situation is a bit different as is his and mine.

The recommendation to keep the cage in a main area like the living room is great. However if you have a dedicated room for the bird it’s perfectly fine to keep their main cage there.

You just have to make sure that in the main living area you have a second structure, whether it’s a play stand or smaller play top cage, what have you, where the bird can be when you’re home.

The key to having parrots when you work a regular job like we do is to ensure the parrot is always out of cage when you’re home. That’s the rule we have. When we are home, Parker is out on his play stand or sitting with us. He’s just out and not locked in his cage.

 

[Inger]

Don’t overlook the little guys! Cockatiels and budgies seem to be lovely birds, and parrotlets (my personal favorite) are the smallest parrots kept as pets but are LOADED with personality. They’re said to be similar to Amazons in attitude, but they’re tiny and much quieter which can be a bonus.


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[Flboy]

Welcome and happy adventure!

 

[psychocircus91]

I’m echoing all the above but want to expound on what Don (psychocirucus has says). I think your situation is a bit different as is his and mine.

The recommendation to keep the cage in a main area like the living room is great. However if you have a dedicated room for the bird it’s perfectly fine to keep their main cage there.

You just have to make sure that in the main living area you have a second structure, whether it’s a play stand or smaller play top cage, what have you, where the bird can be when you’re home.

The key to having parrots when you work a regular job like we do is to ensure the parrot is always out of cage when you’re home. That’s the rule we have. When we are home, Parker is out on his play stand or sitting with us. He’s just out and not locked in his cage.

Agreed. I actually use a bird room myself, but do think there are benefits to the alternative, especially for a new owner and a bird getting acclimated.

 

[MangoBabyy]

So glad you’re thinking of adoption!

My recommendation is keeping a routine. My pineapple conure has a daily routine. I work afternoons Monday-Wednesday, and all day Sunday, and my little guy has already gotten used to the routine. I take him out of his cage around 8-9 in the morning and immediately take him to his playground for morning poop. I give him a fruit or veggie for him to munch on while I make myself breakfast, then he plays on the coffee table until I have to leave. Bed time is also between 8-9, I close the shades and put the blanket over his cage and play some lullabies for him, and hes out like a light. Developping that sort of routine can take some time for your bird to adjust, but eventually he’ll know what to do before you do.

Hope this helped! Be sure to share pictures of your baby when they arrive.

 

[Scott]

Welcome, and much respect for considering adoption! Whatever you choose, we are here to give helpful advice!