Potential new bird mom here!

[redvelvette]

Hi everyone, my name is Leah and while I don't have any birds yet I'm desperately trying to convince my parents to let me get a GCC, and it might actually be working! While they've been thinking about it, I've been doing tons of research on these little guys, so if it works out I think I'll be pretty prepared.

But I was wondering if anyone here has any tips for a middle schooler planning on getting a gcc, since it's a pretty big responsibility to take care of a bird while ALSO having to go to school for 6 hours a day.

Anyways, thanks for reading my weird little introduction. I'm looking forward to posting here more!

 

[Anansi]

Hello Leah, and welcome to the Parrot Forums family! Lots of research and preparation is always good, and I'm glad to see how seriously you are taking the responsibility of bird ownership. I must say, though, that at your age one of the most important factors will be whether your parents are fully onboard or not.

Please don't take this as me saying that a middle schooler can't take on the necessary day to day responsibilities of keeping a parrot (though many, even most, couldn't. But maybe you are one of the exceptions), but rather that there are certain realities of bird ownership that will require your parents being fully invested as well. Most notably the financial aspects.

Here is a link to a thread I posted with all the things that you, as a student, should consider before getting a bird. My suggestion would be to go over that thread with your parents and then make the decision together. (Showing them a thread with both the pros AND cons might, at the very least, show them that you are taking your share of the responsibility VERY seriously.) What Students Should Ask Before Getting a Bird. - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

If you do wind up getting a parrot, we'll be here for you every step of the way. An entire community of bird enthusiasts. But please consider the questions posed in the linked thread with your parents before going ahead.

 

[SunnyJ]

I too think it's great that you are doing your research on bird ownership. Owning a parrot is like having a 'child'....they are wicked smart but have a low emotional level and are prone to temper fits..... One other thing about them if your serious..... I always say Baby is like my 'kid' ...however she will never leave home like normal 18 year olds want to do. They are a lifetime commitment. I have had mine for 32 years and like anything continue to learn something new all the time...... this site has tons of very good information because the people here seem to be passionate about their birds. Keep reading & WELCOME!

 

[Sunnyclover]

My life literally revolves around my 2 small very small conures. Yes even a GGC will need hours and hours of attention a day. When I say need I mean NEED. If your parents can step in and take care of the bird 65% or so then you will be okay but I would NOT recommend you get a GCC and keep it in your room while you're at school and at after school activities and with friends or staying the night somewhere or on vacation. The GCC MUST get out and be able to have out of cage time for many many hours a day if not 80% of the day. If you do not spend time with your GCC it can develop many disorders including screaming, plucking and becoming depressed. I know this is not what you want to hear but I am worried you may not understand or know just how much of a commitment this is. It is not like getting a cat or a dag it is like getting a 2 to 5 year old child for life! Are you ready to be parent in middle school? That is a question you need to ask yourself and your parents. If your parents want to take on this responsibility they need to be 100% in on this bird and be very present in it's life also. There is another thing, the cost of the bird. There is the start up cost of the bird, fine you're aware of that but then there are endless and countless vet bills. This happened to me about a week ago and I will tell you the story. Finley (nanday conure) hurt his foot and I took him to the vet and it was $150 for the visit in pain meds. Tomorrow he has to go back for xrays because his foot has not improved and that will be about $250 not counting any surgery or medication he may need. It is cruel to just let a pet suffer no matter how small it is and the "let's wait and see what happens" thing does not work with a bird because often by the time you decide that you'll take them to the vet they are on death's door because birds are smart and able to hide illness really really well. They also need a special kind of vet that isn't always east to find. I hope this helps!

 

[Scott]

Welcome Leah! So nice to see you researching and reaching out to others before making the decision. Great advice above, please take your time and always consider the well being of your prospective companion bird!