What to expect...
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to change your entire life
This is a huge lifetime commitment. Imagine living with a perpetual 3 year old for the rest of your life.
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to educate yourself thoroughly
Research on nutrition and behaviors is the key to a happy and healthy parrot, back up your information 3 fold.
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huge messes
Parrots are wild creatures and are naturally messy. Throwing food and destroying toys as well as your home is only natural.
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poop everywhere your parrot goes
You will find it on you, on your floor as well as anything they might perch on.
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major expenses
Your avian companion must be seen by an avian certified vet They will have to been seen once a year for a well bird visit, $200.00+ a year, and that is if they are healthy. Emergencies are also an important factor in expense. Toys and food cost money and time. Cages can run from $100 to $1000, and well beyond that. The bigger they are, the more they cost. Big birds REQUIRE big cages.
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he/she to be loud
Birds are not quiet, just walk outside and listen to the smaller birds in the wild. They are quiet compared to a parrot.
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demanding and time consuming
Parrots demand attention and required attention daily. You WILL spend time, cooking, cleaning and interacting with your companion or you can expect an unhappy and/or unhealthy parrot.
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to get BIT and beaked
At some point you will most likely get bit. Understanding body language is important in controlling this behavior. Parrots do not have hands and will use their beaks accordingly.
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changes in behavior as they age
As Parrots age their behaviors change accordingly. Sexual maturity can bring on many unexpected behaviors and their temperament will most likely change drastically during and after this period. These changes come naturally as birds will always express wild behaviors. Birds are not domesticated like cats and dogs .
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to be outlived by you Parrot
You will have to plan ahead for their future by adding them to your will and plan expenses for their future once you are gone. Many Parrots live 80 - 100 years. Even the smaller guys can live 25 - 50 years.
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to plan ahead for life changes
Unexpected changes in your life can affect your companion in a big way. Babies, adding other animals, traveling more often, etc...can cause a major disruption in their daily routines and Parrots need routine. If you expect these types of changes in your life, you may want to reconsider putting an animal of this magnitude through such a trying time.
