Possible GCC! Need tips!!

[SolarEclipse]

Hey all!
So I'm currently in the process of convincing my parents to let me get a bird. A GCC, really! I'm doing a TON of research and I told my dad, maybe by Christmas? Whether they agree is a totally different matter, but id like to be prepared. What are the nesities besides a big cage, food and water, clean cage, and cuttlebone and toys? I will shce practices, but I'm gonna be spending ALOT if time with it, I'm gonna try to adapt from computer games to bird time! Tips? Also, idk if if have money to pay for vet, and my parents don't believe in bird vets. I'm planning in being one, but I gotta wait awhile!! My dad had a bird when he was young, and he lived to like 12 or something, no vet. My other bird hasn't fallen ill, either. I know it's good for the bird, but I dunno if I can afford it. But other than that, that bird is gonna be spoiled rotten!

Thanks for your time!!!

 

[MrsKay]

Hello SolarEclipse, While I understand how badly you want a bird, my advice to you is to wait until you are on your own and able to afford the costs of the health care. A GCC can live for up to 40 years. The chances are great that it will require a qualified veterinarian at some point. Meanwhile, what will you do with the bird while you are studying to be a veterinarian? Are your parents willing to care for the bird while you are at school, studying and doing other things? Your parents unwillingness to foot the vet bills is another question you should ask yourself. Think of how wonderful it will be when you are older and have a beautiful bird that you can take care of yourself, even if it gets ill.
Please take no offence when I tell you that I think you should re-think your choice of pets at this time while you are living at home. Best Wishes.

 

[SolarEclipse]

Also, I have volunteered at a small animal vet place, and I was wondering if checking the vitals (i.e breathing, eyes, nose, behavior) be enough? If it comes to it, I may be able to pay for it at least once a year? Will what be enough? Also I am gonna be solely responsible if I get the bird, so I will hopefully be able to take it to the vet.

 

[EAI]

It's always a good idea to take your bird to the vet even with no signs of illness. You will also establish a relationship with your vet that you could turn to for advice as well. Since birds will hide illness very well it's a good idea to get an annual checkups, you can always make 2 if it makes you feel more comfortable with the birds health.

Everyone's future is different, for example, for me I'll have to stay back in Hawaii for my college, allowing me to continue the care of my birds. The only issue is finding the time to ensure they get enough physical attention if I have to work + go to school. But the college I'm applying for let's you choose your time, so hopefully I can be done at a more reasonable time.

I have all these plans when I get older and on my own to own all these birds because then I WILL be able to care for them entirely. I could be 37 but I'll be happy having a bird then just as now. It really does seem great having a bird right now-technically speaking since you plan to get one in December- but you always have to think of the long run and what your future is going to be.

The one thing you need with a bird is PATIENCE, a lot of it. Every bird needs an owner that will take hours trying to train or tame their bird. This isn't usually the case if you decide with finches or another softbill or parrot that doesn't necessarily like attention.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do, just keep in mind what MrsKay has said, really great points.

 

[klnor]

If you can't or are unwilling to pay for vet care I urge you not to get a bird. Birds do get sick and as an owner it is a responsibilty to provide them with medical care.

 

[ErichT]

As with kids it should be with pets, if you aren't sure you can afford them wait until you know you can. When you become a vet you'll be a great parrot parent .

 

[SolarEclipse]

If it's the best possible care, then yes, I will definetly get vet care, as long as it's at once a year, it should be ok . It depends on whether or not the vet uptown could do birds, that's the one I've been volenteering. Now what I'm worried about it school. I have some practices, but I will have my bird out all the time after this. I can be a very devoted person, but I am just now considering waiting awhile.