Should I or not?

[PArRoT_CrAzy11]

I am thinking of purchasing, a African Gray,and a male eclectus. I soon will be going to college then hopefully medical school. That's 8 years. I will be at home studying all the time, and I could use some study buddies. I am crazy about parrots, hence my name. . I did take in consideration what will happen to them when I actually finish medical school. I can give them a hour of my attention everyday once I finish MS. , Plus, they will receive my families attention too. I need birdboard's opnion for this decision.

[Monica]

I think it's a great idea for you to get a bird though if you will be the only one caring for these birds and giving them interaction, you've picked two of the worst birds for the occasion! Toos and female ekkies are usually worse, but those two can still be bad enough if they do not have enough attention, good food, showers, toys, etc. How long will you be able to provide attention to them while you are studying?

[PArRoT_CrAzy11]

Originally Posted by Monica

I think it's a great idea for you to get a bird though if you will be the only one caring for these birds and giving them interaction, you've picked two of the worst birds for the occasion! Toos and female ekkies are usually worse, but those two can still be bad enough if they do not have enough attention, good food, showers, toys, etc. How long will you be able to provide attention to them while you are studying?

Please be more specific, what do you mean by "you've picked two of the worst birds for the occasion"

[wildirish]

Too's Ekkies and Grays are the most prone to plucking and other issues.

Being that you will be in college a long time then internship ect, I wouldn't think that after all the questions and reading this board that you would think it fair to any bird to spend as you said 1 hour per day with it. I went to college and had barely any extra time left. I can't imagine going through 8 year and the internship (which kills most people) and trying to care for birds at the same time.

I did take in consideration what will happen to them when I actually finish medical school. I can give them a hour of my attention everyday once I finish MS.

I am not sure what grade you are in now, but considering the fact that you have another 8 years plus 2-4 of interning and many other things that can and will happen, IMO I think you should wait until you are more settled in your life.

Your family can only do so much in that regard, especially if the birds are bonded to you, they will not understand you not being around much and that can lead to plucking, biting screaming ect.

[Monica]

I believe Tammy has explained it well. Most college students have a rough time caring for more than themselves, especially if they have a low paying job, if a job at all. College life can be rough if you don't have the money. Now from my understanding you'll be in your parents house, and because of this, they would also have to agree to this and know that they may need to care for the birds quite a bit if you cannot.

[PArRoT_CrAzy11]

Do you think a Senegal might be suitable in this kind of situation? Your advice is helpful and I am very appreciative.

[PArRoT_CrAzy11]

Originally Posted by ParrotletLover

You are very welcome.

A Senegal would be a better choice. They aren't as needy and can be very good apartment companions. If you are seriously considering one, why not look up a breeder? A Sennie can be a wonderful choice.

Great! Any other bird suggestions?

[Franciscus]

I would suggest you wait untill you are finished school. There is no point in rushing into it and it would be better for everyone involved, yourself included. Parrots need much more than one hour a day. They need a a half hour to an hour of focused attention a day with at least four hours out of the cage daily. You also need to factor in cage cleaning, food preparation, shopping for/creating toys.....

[wildirish]

Sennies are very active energetic birds. Truthfully I don't know of any bird that would be suitable for the college and internship that you will be going through. Sennies love attention and are clowns so no they are not a good choice either.

Just sit back and wait. You have plenty of time and when you are more settled I am sure you will make a good choice and take great care of whatever bird you decide on. If you haven't talked to any med schools students or interns I suggest you do, they will tell you just how gruelling it is.

Try and find a rescue or something where you can volunteer for a while, this not helps out but will give you a chance to meet different types of birds and then see what suits you as well.

[PArRoT_CrAzy11]

By the way my father is a retired Trauma Surgeon, he served in the war. He told me about Medical School. Basically no life , no time and maybe you are punctuated with some moments of free time. Does anyone have suggestions regarding where I could volunteer in a avian rescue or shelter. I have this summer off , semester doesn't start until sept.

PS. What is Mango? (Blake's Bird)