Conqured fears!

[Vikingchamp]

Today I went to a pet expo in Kansas City and loved it! They had every kind of animal you can imagine, from dogs to hedge hogs! It was really great, and if you live near K.C. you should deffinatly attend.

While at the expo I came across the bird part, and who can resist that? Anyway, I have always been afraid of "bigger birds" such as macaws, greys, ect. ect. I went right over to the area and immidatly fell in love with all of them! I actually held a B&G, Cockatoo, CAG, Quaker,and a Scarlet! It was soooo great! The best part is I am not afraid of "big birds" and I finally realize that they arent scarry, but AWSOME!

Now that I am not afraid of them I am hooked on them! I think I am going to start saving for a grey or macaw! I love these birds, they are great!

[paultheparrotlover]

I was also intimidated by larger birds til one was plopped onto my arm.

[carriesb]

I use to be scared of all birds even little finches anything that could fly would scare me. When I was a child they had a function at school and a man brought a falcon in to show him to us and the falcon flew right in my hair and started attacking out of like 200 kids he picked me. So needless to say I was pretty shook up. Then my nephew got a budgie and I ended up falling in love and that's when I got Neo than the tiel Dandy. And now I love all birds I've held a cockatoo but he did bite me because he didn't want to get taken away from me. But I didn't let it scare me to much. I'm glad you got to hold some big ones!

[greyburd]

Big birds are grey't aren't they. Be careful, once you're hooked, you're hooked.

[Peregrine Harlequin]

Congratulations, Kirby. But be careful! Instead of being intimidated by their size, try getting scared of the care and upkeep. When you can see that as being one of the simple joys of your life, then you're ready to own a big bird.

And while you're saving up for one, do your homework! Learn as much as you can about all the birds you can (especially the main few you're interested in). And try to get as much experience around bigger birds as you can. A baby macaw might be sweet when you bring it home, but will you still be comfortable handling it when it gets stubborn and loud?

No, I'm not speaking from experience; just giving you some things to think about. But I think that if you feel prepared to deal with the "bad," you're ready for all the "good."

Like Don said, once you're hooked, you're hooked. Especially if you end up dealing with birds of prey instead of parrots!

Okay, I'll get off my little soapbox and snap out of my raptor fantasies now. :icon_mrgr

[Vikingchamp]

Oh don't worry, I won't be rushing into anything, I am all out of money! Lol. I know about all the cages and everything, and I think that is a little too much for me right now. I know it will take me a while before I actually muster up the courage to buy one. When I think I am ready, I will wait another month or so to make sure I am ready for the big commitment. This is my 1st expirence with them, but I will be going to visit some realitives soon to see first hand what it is like! Thanks for all the great advice pergrine, I'll keep it in mind when I think the time is right!

[Greymom721]

Once you've been bitten by the grey bug...there is NO turning back! I have wanted a grey for around 14 yrs and just got my baby about month ago...he is sooooo worth the wait!!!!! I can't ever imagine not having him now!!! Good luck in your parrot quest! I'm sure your perfect parrot will find you!

[Sophiestkated2]

Well shoot! Not that I could've gone anyway, but where was the expo? Sounds like it was a good one.

Jethica

[paultheparrotlover]

Originally Posted by Greymom721

Once you've been bitten by the grey bug...there is NO turning back!

No kidding! I went to the local store yesterday and they have 2 timnehs coming in- one reserved for someone- the other for...me! (now!) Lady told me I would have to come in EVERY WEEK and bond with it for 3 months! I am very excited. Birds won't be arriving til next month tho.

[The Outlaw]

All of us have had to get over our inate fear of big bird beaks. Once you've managed to conquer that fear, you're in like flint. I wrangle all four of my BGs at the same time and never get bitten. I can't remember the last time they even tried to bite. However, my little Quaker is the bird MOST likely to give it a shot.

I think that simply having respect and consideration for handling any bird goes a very long way. Its like a dance: each dancer must know the steps.

THE OUTLAW