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Think before buying a companion bird

You may have seen the commercials, movies, and entertainment programs featuring the comical or heart-warming antics of the amazing parrot and thought what a fun addition to the household a bird might be. It is true that many talk, perform tricks, and are a joy to be around, but—as with all pets—the decision to buy a companion bird should not be taken lightly. Much more so than with dogs or cats, they should never be bought on impulse.

In Defense of Animals, a national animal rights organization, estimates that over the past 10 years, the number of parrot ownership has exploded from 11 million to around 40 million. As this number increases, so do the reported cases of abuse and suffering. When the newness wears off, many owners simply are not willing to provide the care and attention these magnificent winged creatures require.

Four-legged bundles of fur can be content with minimal supervision, but not so with parrots. Because of their great intelligence (research studies suggest they are right up there in brain power with primates and dolphins) they require a great deal of mental stimulation. Some species have the emotional and cognitive abilities of typical three or four year old humans, so they cannot simply be locked in a cage, ignored. Often, under adverse conditions, parrots will develop severe behavioral problems like feather-plucking or incessant, ear-piercing squawking (that can be exceptionally annoying to yourself and your neighbors!). These outward manifestations of a bored and unhappy bird are very difficult to undo once they start. Responsible parents do not allow their toddlers to fend for themselves; the same must hold true for their feathered charges.

In addition to the time commitment involved, companion birds can put a strain on your bank account. The initial set-up costs include the price of a cage, food, and toys, which are relative to the size of the species. Nonetheless, the expenses don’t stop there. Veterinary care, grooming fees, and the constant resupply of edibles and playthings don’t come cheap!

Potential parrot owners must also be aware that some species can live for several decades. Are you ready, willing, and able for such a long term commitment?  

These are just a few issues to consider when deciding to add an avian friend to your household. If you have truly thought things through, then maybe—just maybe—you might be on the path to a rewarding and awesome relationship with these remarkably astute and entertaining gifts. If you are simply considering a parrot just because they’re colorful, can talk, or are the current “in pet” to have, then, please, reconsider. What the commercials, movies, and entertainment programs featuring the comical or heart-warming antics of the amazing parrot don’t show is the tremendous amount of attention the birds need after the director yells “cut”.