Is it a bad idea to buy a parrot?

Question

I read that if you go away on a week's vacation, the parrot will go into deep depression and never be the same again. Anyone with knowledge of this topic?

Answer 1

Parrots are realy smart so they get bored easily being alone can make them depressed, its like sticking a person in a empty room for a week.If you do alot of traveling it's a bad idea.Parrots take alot of time and money, a trip to the vet for a parrot often cost about the same as you paid for the parrot( over a thousand dollars.)If you don't go on vacation alot and your willing to spend the time and money its best to wait till after you come back from vacation.

Answer 2

I have a good friend in California who owns two Macaws (very close to Parrots) and she won't leave them alone. If she goes on vacation, she has someone come to stay at her place and watch the birds. So maybe there's some truth to that depression thing. All I know is that her Macaws were VERY high-maintenance, but she worked out of her home, so she could attend to them when necessary. If you're looking for a pet that is very low-maintenance, you'd be better off with a cat.

Answer 3

Parrots are very depend ant and can get depressed with no chance of recovery they are also a lot of up keep. Maybe do a little more research before you buy. They can also live up to 70 years.

Answer 4

Parrots are extremely social creatures. Yes, being alone would be akin to leaving a 3 year old child. They feel deserted and will basically loose their minds. So, if you do not have LOTS of time to devote, and a system of family or friends willing to "babysit," NO, do NOT buy a parrot. :)

Answer 5

I have a friend who bought a parrot then he realized that the parrot would probably outlive him so he had to put it in his will.
Every time he tells someone about it the parrot laughs hysterically.
I think the parrot thinks he's getting everything.
True story.

Answer 6

thats not true i just went on vacation for about a week and my parrot is just the same parrot as when i left. same additude, same personality, same bird!!! not a thing changed. and my parrot is about the most sentimental. bird i know!!! hes just a big baby!!! it didnt bother him at all!!!! good luck and i would get a parrot!!!

Answer 7

I think it's a fabulous idea! But, yes, they can get depressed when you're gone for a long time; or even frequent absences. they can actually lose all their feathers - plucking them out too. And turning on a television is not a substitue for compansionship. They need you.

They are fun, creative and sensitive creatures. They thrive on lots of attention. Be ready to make a long term commitment because they often outlive their owners. Also, be prepared to make arrangements for their care upon your death.

Answer 8

I didn't know that!!! wow, i guess ill double think about going away for vacation if i have parrots, although, they are needy for attention,so as long as you got someone there to give them that attention they want while you are gone then they should be ok...better yet, take them with you on your vacation!!!!

Answer 9

I think if you have someone to take care of your pet he or she will be fine. Make sure you buy from captive breed animals. All kinds of parrots are becoming endangered due to over collection in the wild.

Answer 10

I've never had a bird but on a recent visit to Petsmart read that they need several hours of direct interaction a day. Also I think they have really long life spans, so make sure you're in it for the long haul. I think your best bet is to go to a place like Petsmart and ask one of their avian experts...