I often get asked about my birds when people see them. I hear questions like, "How old are they? What do they eat?" And the big one, "Are they hard to take care of?"
Questions like these are important, since you will ultimately end up being the primary care provider to this wonderful creature. The problem lies in your perception of what these questions mean.
Most people don't do their homework before jumping into a commitment like taking care of an animal and this has usually has horrible consequences. You may end up giving the pet up for adoption simply because you weren't prepared for the added burden and commitment like you should have been, or you may end up neglecting the poor creature, even without knowing it. A parrot doesn't just need seeds and water in order to survive. They need attention, the will usually need a vitamin supplement if fed a primarily seed based diet, they need regular vet check ups to keep them healthy. I believe you see where I am going with this.
All pets alike need attention and the appropriate care for their species, without these things you could ultimately end up killing the animal that put its trust in you.
So back to the question that started this blog entry, "Is a parrot right for me?"
Are you willing to take your pet out of its cage and give him a couple hours out of your day, each and every day? Will you be willing to go to the grocery store just so that you can provide your feathered friend with the necessary fruits and vegetables to keep him/her healthy?
What about vet visits? You will have to locate an AVIAN VET. Not just any vet can do when dealing with birds. Birds have very sensitive pulmonary systems and are very easy to distress. These attributes make them as fragile as glass when dealing with medical situations. Any avian vet you go to should be certified.
If you are confident about dealing with all of these issues that have been pointed out in this entry then maybe you can afford to say that a parrot is right for you. I suggest finding books on your chosen species of bird that concern their care and also locating owners and/or breeders of your desired species so that you can get advice from them on what to expect.
Happy New Year Everyone!!!
