Researching to be a good bird parent

[starnoodles]

Hello! I don't have any birds yet, but I'm planning to get one in the future. I'm currently in the "exhaustive research" phase to make sure I know as much as possible about caring for birds and to be positive I would be the right fit for raising a bird.
I found a bird rescue a reasonable distance from me so I'll be able to adopt, and there's an avian vet only an hour away from where I live.

I've made sure I have enough room for the size cage that the bird will need (I'm hoping to adopt either a conure or a quaker), and I've been looking at appropriate cages and food.

My biggest concern right now is how to prepare a bird for fireworks. The town where I live goes crazy for New Years and the 4th of July so there's quite a lot of fireworks going off sometimes. Is there a good way to prepare a bird for it so it's as stress-free as possible?

Will playing fireworks noises on the TV help?

Also, any other advice anyone may have would be very appreciated! I made this account as a way to learn how to be a good bird owner!

 

[texsize47]

I have a number of parrots that are very skittish and fearful.
An African grey and several cockatiels that are afraid of their own shadow.
But thankfully none of them even blink when fireworks go off.
Fireworks all of a sudden make me jump much more than my birds.

But I understand white noise or an air purifier on high might help. And cover the cages so they can’t see out the windows.

Birds are individuals, what scares one is only good for a yawn from another.

 

[starnoodles]

I have a number of parrots that are very skittish and fearful.
An African grey and several cockatiels that are afraid of their own shadow.
But thankfully none of them even blink when fireworks go off.
Fireworks all of a sudden make me jump much more than my birds.

But I understand white noise or an air purifier on high might help. And cover the cages so they can’t see out the windows.

Birds are individuals, what scares one is only good for a yawn from another.

Thank you very much! I'm probably over-thinking it, but I want to be as prepared as possible. Birds are so delicate, I don't want to overlook something important....

 

[AMD45]

First off, WELCOME to the forum! Kudos for doing the research before getting a bird! As already mentioned all birds have their own individual personalities. None of my 5 are scared of fireworks. NOW let me put something new in their cage, and OMG there must be a monster in there.....lol My Amazon is the worst. I put a new chew toy in her cage last week and I had to take it out. She refused to go in. Once I got her in, she would not come off the bottom. Finally had to take out the toy. Good Luck with your new venture in being a Parront!

 

[starnoodles]

First off, WELCOME to the forum! Kudos for doing the research before getting a bird! As already mentioned all birds have their own individual personalities. None of my 5 are scared of fireworks. NOW let me put something new in their cage, and OMG there must be a monster in there.....lol My Amazon is the worst. I put a new chew toy in her cage last week and I had to take it out. She refused to go in. Once I got her in, she would not come off the bottom. Finally had to take out the toy. Good Luck with your new venture in being a Parront!

Lol, I've been realizing in my research that birds are basically noisy toddlers with wings

Thank you very much! Research is something I'm pretty good at, and I've been learning a lot. Cage size, bar spacing, diet, exercise, socializing. AND making sure that it's all things I can provide. So far, it's looking good!

 

[wrench1343]

MIne shrugs off fireworks with a few comforting comments.

More important is to know your age, plans for time w/the bird on daily basis, current status re; living conditions, single or not, employed or not, any prior parrot experience. These all matter a lot, more then the fireworks thing.

Example, a student living home, in the 16-19 yr bracket, not working, is not a great candidate for parrots you mentioned. Your conditions are going to change A lot in the coming years.

A 24 yr old, single, finished with college, in own apartment and steady employed is a much better fit for a conure or quaker.

The toddler comparison does not conceptualize the fact the bird stays that way for 20-30 years, needs a LOT of daily attention and costs about the same as a toddler would in food, toys, medical attention, and that too remains constant for the 20-30 years.

 

[starnoodles]

MIne shrugs off fireworks with a few comforting comments.

More important is to know your age, plans for time w/the bird on daily basis, current status re; living conditions, single or not, employed or not, any prior parrot experience. These all matter a lot, more then the fireworks thing.

Example, a student living home, in the 16-19 yr bracket, not working, is not a great candidate for parrots you mentioned. Your conditions are going to change A lot in the coming years.

A 24 yr old, single, finished with college, in own apartment and steady employed is a much better fit for a conure or quaker.

The toddler comparison does not conceptualize the fact the bird stays that way for 20-30 years, needs a LOT of daily attention and costs about the same as a toddler would in food, toys, medical attention, and that too remains constant for the 20-30 years.

Oh yes! Space, time, and social needs were what I looked into first! If I wasn't sure I could provide those I wouldn't have joined this forum, lol

I'm an adult with a steady income and my own house, and enough free hours in the day for lots of time spent with a bird.

I don't have any prior experience, but that's why I'm doing as much research as I can BEFORE committing to actually bringing one home.

Thank you for your input!

 

[Zilga20]

Others have covered a lot, but one thing to be aware of with quakers, if you're in the US, is that there are quite a few states where it's illegal to own one. Even if you're in a state where they're legal, it's important to think about if you may move or travel to a state where they aren't legal to have.

 

[starnoodles]

Others have covered a lot, but one thing to be aware of with quakers, if you're in the US, is that there are quite a few states where it's illegal to own one. Even if you're in a state where they're legal, it's important to think about if you may move or travel to a state where they aren't legal to have.

I've actually looked into that! Quakers are legal where I live (though illegal in a neighboring state), and any state I would be interested in moving to they are legal as well.

Thank you!

 

[osklvste46]

Welcome and enjoy yourself. Lots of information here. Since you're adopting take your time. Fireworks are an individual thing. My CAG ignores them. Thunderstorms with lightning are different. She has a special perch where she can fully flap her wings for loud booms. An opening she can peak out to watch the lightning. That's the extent of it. She doesn't fall, attempt to fly. With my African Grey I have to hide her travel carrier. Or she'll get in it then demand to leave the house. I'm told that's not normal. So maybe watching lightning is abnormal too.

 

[starnoodles]

Welcome and enjoy yourself. Lots of information here. Since you're adopting take your time. Fireworks are an individual thing. My CAG ignores them. Thunderstorms with lightning are different. She has a special perch where she can fully flap her wings for loud booms. An opening she can peak out to watch the lightning. That's the extent of it. She doesn't fall, attempt to fly. With my African Grey I have to hide her travel carrier. Or she'll get in it then demand to leave the house. I'm told that's not normal. So maybe watching lightning is abnormal too.

Thank you! It'll be quite a while before I'll be ready to welcome a bird into my home.
I currently have two cats and a dog that wouldn't enjoy a bird roommate (and demand all of my attention and money), so I won't be getting a new pet until they've all crossed the rainbow bridge