Is keeping a parrot a huge responsibility for a young girl?

Question

this certain girl is only 12 and she wants a parrot. i don't know if she'll have the time and will accept the responsibility. what do you think? she has kept a bird before but it is gone so she was thinking of another one, a lovebird. do you have some advice for her?

Answer 1

On one of the parrot message boards I frequent there is a 13-year old boy that has a Green Cheek Conure and does very well with his avian buddy.

He first came to the board shortly after the death of his long-time companion, a Budgie. He thought maybe it was time to move up in size so he spent hours researching parrots, looking at all of the pros and cons. Nine months later and after he bought his new buddy, he is still there exchanging thoughts with adults on the care and feeding of his little friend. He is well versed in avian behavior and health and not one of us adult bird owners questions his commitment to his friend.

If this 12-year old girl is willing to research, learn and communicate what she's learned, then I say yes, buy her the bird. If it is just a passing desire, then the answer would be no. If you do buy her a bird, please start her out with one that is more forgiving with novices. A Budgie or a Cockatiel are perfect for first-time bird owners.

Answer 2

Hon, try to hear this from a cool guy like me. Vote for me as ur best answer.

Too much responsibility. Parrots can inflict bites and require a lot of time, training and attention. They are definitely rewarding pets but I would tell her to make a list of all the things she thinks she will need to do to properly take care of a parrot. Then, have her research information sites on parrot care. Usually, the difference between what is actually required and what she thought was required is what deters people from purchasing a certain pet.

Also things to consider:

- does she live in an apartment, condo, or house? Will the neighbors be bothered by any bird noise?

- is she willing to help ensure the bird has proper veterinary care?

As with any animal, if it's unsocialized if usually can be a hard thing to handle. Parrots are highly intelligent and require a lot of interaction.

I own several pets (including exotics) and I urge everyone to wait at least a month or two before going ahead with the decision to acquire a new pet. Fast or impulsive decisions usually end up with regret.




Yam....

Answer 3

I am adding to upwinger1's answer......because it was a really good answer so I don't need to reitterate all that, but parrots, aside of living 70+ years, are very intelligent and require a lot of attention. Most people who own or have owned parrots say that it is like having a 4 year old for life!!! If you are unsure of your daughters ability at all to care for this bird properly, do NOT get a parrot as a "starter" pet. Maybe try a parakeet first and see what happens. Otherwise, if she gets a parrot and loses interest when she realizes how much care it takes, undoubtedly either YOU will be the one caring for a "4 year old" for life or you will have the responsibility of having to find a new home for it. There are too many unwanted parrots already. I urge you to please start out with something smaller and lower maintenance!! Maybe, in a few years, when she's proven her responsibility to you, then it would be appropriate to get her a parrot if she's still serious about it. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Too much responsibility. Parrots can inflict bites and require a lot of time, training and attention. They are definitely rewarding pets but I would tell her to make a list of all the things she thinks she will need to do to properly take care of a parrot. Then, have her research information sites on parrot care. Usually, the difference between what is actually required and what she thought was required is what deters people from purchasing a certain pet.

Also things to consider:

- does she live in an apartment, condo, or house? Will the neighbors be bothered by any bird noise?

- is she willing to help ensure the bird has proper veterinary care?

As with any animal, if it's unsocialized if usually can be a hard thing to handle. Parrots are highly intelligent and require a lot of interaction.

I own several pets (including exotics) and I urge everyone to wait at least a month or two before going ahead with the decision to acquire a new pet. Fast or impulsive decisions usually end up with regret.

Answer 5

I don't know about Lovebirds, But real parrots will live up to 70+ years! If you get a young bird it should be easy to tame, older birds seem to be set in their ways, so choose wisely. Maybe a parakeet, only about $15-$20, would be a good "test" bird. Good Luck!

Answer 6

The love birds I've had were pretty unfriendly, and they seem to have that reputation. I'd recommend a cockatiel; they are wonderful birds, easy to tame, sometimes learn to whistle tunes or say words, and come in a variety of colors. They need some time with people, but they are pretty easy to get along with.
If you want a bird that doesn't require a lot of attention, a canary is nice. They are more independent. Only the males sing.

Answer 7

If she is willing to feed the bird and keep the cage clean I think it's OK. Birds like many pets require responsibility and attention. Parrots I have found to be biters and not worth the time. A love bird or any specie that is not known to bite would be good.

Answer 8

I don't think a parrot is a good idea. That's too much responsibility for a 12 year old.

Answer 9

It is a huge responsibility and a lot of work. It really depends on the girl - does she have the time and dedication for taking on such a thing? If you decide to get her one, check with rescue groups to save a parrot rather than paying for a baby and supporting overbreeding.

Answer 10

through fact an astounding sort of folk do no longer think of issues via, and don't understand what a stupid mistake it replaced into till it is too previous due. Ever seen that teach "sixteen And Pregnant?" i've got been staring at considering final season, and in the two seasons, the couples did no longer use condoms or the pill. each and each COUPLE did no longer use beginning administration... no longer that the condom broke, or the girl forgot a pill, oh no. they did no longer use something in any respect. I propose, who's stupid adequate to try this? once you sense emotionally waiting, all of those issues you indexed sense like joys, no longer burdens, through fact the failings that carry you happiness in existence will evolve. you would be happy to very own a house. you will sense constructive you chosen the astounding existence companion. you will want a kinfolk and the frustrations of elevating young infants won't look that undesirable, considering you will love those little devils to demise. regardless of the undeniable fact that it is totally popular to no longer sense waiting for any of those issues at 2 many years previous. it somewhat is the time on your existence to be egocentric, accountability-loose, and one hundred% concentrated on you. So accomplish that, and without an ounces. of guilt. you would be happy you probably did, through fact the reports you have now will define who you substitute into later in existence. =)