10 Reasons Not To Buy A Bird

[jenseits]

I recently wrote a guest post for a pet blog by some friends of mine. The topic is 5 things to consider before getting a bird. I didn't want to make it too long, and it's pretty basic since the audience is mostly cat- and dog-lovers. Is there anything really important I forgot to mention?

I'd love it if you could take a look and leave some comments! (If only to show support from the bird contingent... most pet blogs are so canine and feline centric).

http://petknows.com/2008/04/28/5-thi...the-bird-lady/

[truelove]

I think it's great you posted this. A lot of people get a bird and think "its just a bird." When in reality, any bird, big or small, budgie to parrot needs CONSTANT care. Being a parront is great and I think many people jump into it, not knowing what to expect and that isn't good.

Kudos to you for posting this and giving people knowledge on what they're in for.

[mmr]

Originally Posted by gbird

6. .......It doesn't talk.........

HA HA my B&G won't shut up. Talks non stop!

[wildbird]

My grey lives with a chicken he has to chase out of his cage and about 50 pigeons and doves we rescue; he is slightly jealous of the baby lovebird that I have to handfeed, but we tell him (Paco) that the lovebird is named "little Paco" (Paquito) because he will never be as big and beautiful as Paco and he will never learn how to talk (sigh) like Paco can talk, and that seems to help. Paco just bit the chicken once, and now she just tries to push the envelope, trying to grab what he's dropped before he can slide down the cage door and nip her again. He also gets along with a dog and a cat, although he will pull hair from the dog's tail (the cat keeps her distance from him at all times, but the poor dog loves to take naps and seems always to be within reach!). So different species can co-exist, but we don't actually have a companion for Paco yet.

[nerdwritermom]

Hi! I'm new to the birdboard...we have a double-yellow-headed Amazon. She's about 12 years old and kind of cranky, but a sweetheart. We think she was abused before, because she has certain neuroses. But she's bonded with my husband completely and is MUCH happier than when he got her.

He was telling me about all the people who get parrots and then end up getting rid of them. Since I'm a writer, I went and wrote up an article sort of in the same vein as at the beginning of this thread...

How to Decide Whether to Buy a Parrot
How to Decide Whether to Buy a Parrot | eHow.com

There's a picture of our parrot in the article, and I did funky stuff with photo editing software to do her in purple and upside down, etc. The article is aimed to help kids out or young people who think, "Wow, a parrot, what a cool pet," without QUITE realizing the consequences. If you can think of anything I left out, please let me know. I don't want to discourage people from getting a parrot, but I do want to discourage the wrong people, if that makes sense!

I'm glad to have found this forum. Some darn pretty birds here.

[eeldridge0914]

Great article NERDWRITERMOM !!! Many people (like my roomate) thought a bird was cute, and just needs to sit in his cage and look cute. There is so much more to owning birds that having 'a cute pet'!! It's good to let potential owners know there is going to be alot more work that expected, and they really do become a family member, demanding just as much attention! Thanks for sharing your writing :-)

[nerdwritermom]

Thank you! My husband helped with the bird facts! Um...about your signature picture...3 Birds and a Turtle...I'm new on this forum, so maybe this has already been asked, but...who's going to play them in the movie? ;)

[eeldridge0914]

haha they need to have a movie! They really do crack me up! Even the turtle has a sassy attitude! welcome to bird board!

[jenseits]

Nice article nerdwritermom - but I would disagree with your first part:
"Decide how much money you're willing to invest. Parrots are expensive. Not so much to maintain...they don't eat much, and what they do eat doesn't cost a lot. But they cost a lot to purchase."

Birds cost so much more than what people expect after they've made the initial purchase. Food, vet fees, a good cage (or two), did I mention vet fees? Toys, toys and more toys. I would hate for anyone to think "Oh, I've saved $300 to buy the bird, that's all I need". I've easily spent thousands on my birds beyond the initial cost of bringing them home.

People need to be thinking about the long-term investment/costs of bird ownership, rather than thinking that the question of whether they can afford a bird is all about making a simple "purchase."

[nerdwritermom]

I hear you, jenseits. You're right, I need to revise that. Thanks very much for the feedback!

I saw your article link above and clicked on that...your article is great! I laughed at the part about your eating more healthfully since you started feeding your parrot good foods...!

Nerd Writer Mom
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