General Bird Question?

Question

I.m considering buying a Parrot. Any ideas on what to do with the bird when you go away. Getting someone to come and feed is not a problem, i'm more concerned with the lack of attention. I've read these birds bond quite alot with one maybe two people. I can't imagine being left on its own would be such a good thing. Any ideas??

Answer 1

I guess it depends on where you're going, but if I go out of town, these guys go with me. I have macaws. They enjoy the change of scenery and usually, we are welcomed with open arms wherever we go, and Rio (Katie, our Greenwing hasn't gone on any vacations or trips with us yet) usually ends up with a fanclub wherever we go.

I love to take him as much as he loves to go because #1, it keeps him socialized and #2, you get the opportunity to educate everyone who approaches you on what it's really like to have such a big awesome bird as part of your family. We've met some really cool people this way...people who we probably wouldn't have met had we not be carrying this big beautiful green monster on our arm...

If I can't take him (for whatever reason) my sister comes and takes care of him for me. She's not exactly bonded with him, she's terrified of him (he bit her once....HUGE drama of her being scared for life and he didn't even break the skin) but I know that he's fed, his video's are put in (he likes the movie Roadhouse...LOL) and I know that he's taken care of in my absence. When I'm away and he can't come with, I also call and talk to him on the answering machine. My husband thinks I'm insane, but I think it makes him feel better to hear my voice.



EDITED TO ADD:
I don't usually rant and rave about other's answers on this thing, BUT...LOL You have the chick who's up there saying you have to spend 12 hours with your birds, which is absolute BS, and then you've got the girl who's never owned a parrot but has "researched" having one...here's where I say:

When you get advice on your parrots, mull the advice over, and if it doesn't seem to make any sense for your flock, then disregard it. People stress out way too much over their birds. When you have one, I don't care what species it is, they will fall into your lifestyle and you'll come to a point where you can't remember NOT having parrots. It's not rocket science. It's common sense. If you've got a good strong common sense, you'll be fine. If you've got questions for behavior or trick training or nutrition, then ask but like I said, if it seems like a whack-job response...it probably is. Do what your heart tells you to do and you'll learn by trial and error. That's what I did, and my birds are awesome.

Answer 2

I've never had a parrot but have done tons of research on owning them. I think they are most ideal for a single person who plans on staying single (like if you're older), are a family that doesn't plan on having more kids, or a couple that doesn't plan on having any kids or the kids are already grown up. The reason being is that a lot of times they never get used to new "family" members and can actually become jealous and protective. They are also not birds for people who plan on traveling a lot or who travel a lot for work. They get very, very lonely and they bond with you like crazy. You also have to be prepared to have the bird for the rest of your life. You only want to get a parrot from a hand raised baby. YOU MUST GO THE BREEDER"S HOUSE AND SEE WHERE THE BIRD WAS RAISED. The breeder should not have more than around a dozen parrots at the most and should be hand raising no more than maybe 6 or so. It'd be a great idea if you could visit frequently while it's being hand raised since this is a HUGE bonding time. If you notice birds that breeder's home that look diseased, missing tons of feathers, or are very agressive, I'd avoid that breeder. There is a difference between breeders and parrot rescuers. You want a baby that is just getting used to solid food when you bring it home. Be prepared to pay ALOT of money for the bird especially if it's a very the money (you can tell by how many birds she has). If you hear birds in other rooms, ask to see them. If she declines, immediately leave, this is a HUGE WARNING SIGN! What kind of parrot did you want? Prices vary dramatically. Make sure you have something in writing that this bird was born in the U.S. and not smuggled. You should get some sort of health warranty that is more than 48 hrs.! You must make sure you are fiancially ready for the cost of the bird, vet bills (yes, they should have regular check-ups!), a large cage (look for a used one in good condition to save money), lots of toys, and lots of food and nutrional treats. They are not cheap pets. Also, don't be dissapopinted if it never learns to talk. Cockatoos are the best talkers as far as parrots go. If you only want a bird for talking, get a mynah bird! Before you take the plunge into parrot ownership, why don't you try owning a cockatiel, monk parrot, or canary for a year to make sure this is something you really want. PARROTS ARE VERY NOISY so you must be prepared for a lot of not so pleasant noises throughtout the day and don't get one if you live in an apartment comples 'cause the neighbors WILL REPORT YOU! And like I said, make absolutely sure that this is not just a passing fancy like when you had to have that certain toy when you were a kid and a week later, you had no interest! GOOD LUCK! Let me know what you decide and let me know what kind of parrot you're interested in.

Answer 3

If you travel enough that this is your first concern, don't get a parrot.

True enough, parrots will bond with usually one person in the household and if that person leaves, the bird could have serious anxiety problems which including picking his feathers out and making himslef nearly bald. They do not handle abandonment well at all.

The person who said you needed to spend 12 hours a day with it has no idea what she is talking about. Nobody can spend that much time with a pet - unless you are retired. That same person said you will need to groom the bird. That, too, is total hogwash! The bird will groom himself. At most, you should spray your bird with water from a spray bottle to encourage him to preen his feathers. This will make his feathers glisten - and all birds love water whether in a bowl for a bath or from a spray bottle. If using a spray bottle, remove the grit, toys and food dishes beforehand.

Again, on the issue of going away, get a bird that is less apt to bond with it's person - such as a parakeet, lovebird or cockatiel. And never have someone come into your home to just feed and water the bird - but take the cage to the friend's house or to a professional who knows birds. That way, they will not feel so isolated and abandoned. Make sure your friend knows not to put the cage in or near the kitchen - and to ensure other household pets cannot knock the cage over or otherwise cause undue anxiety to your pet.

Another person said to buy only from a breeder. That's all fine and good if there are breeders in the area that you know of - and who will sell to the public. Bird breeders are not like dog or horse breeders. Generally, people who breed birds rarely offer their birds for sale to the public. Instead, they will offer their surplus birds for sale at bird clubs, at shows or through a limited number of pet shops. Breeding birds is a hobby, not a business.

A pet shop that specializes in birds is just fine. If you go to a reputable pet shop - one that boasts being in a bird club or affiliated with more than one bird organization, that would be your best bet.

I have been a breeder of parakeets, conures, canaries, finches and cockatiels - as well as a wildlife rehabilitator. My activities are NOT part of a petting farm nor am I subject to showing ANYONE my personal pets nor the contents of my home for ANY REASON!

Birds are very susceptable to the same illnesses people are and the last thing a breeder wants is to have strangers entering their breeding areas "just because they want to see what I have." For all I know, they have gone from pet shop to breeder to show to shop all day and there is no telling what kind of communicable diseases they are carrying around on their clothes, bottoms of their shoes or accessories. And I certainly don't want to invite a stranger into all parts of my home when burglary, robbery and other crimes so prevalent in our society. How stupid is that?

As a matter of security and protection for my home, my pets and my own level of health and safety, the few times I'd sell to the public, I advertise only that I have ONE bird for sale and that ONE bird is presented in an area away from my breeders and the inside of MY HOME - usually on a screened porch or in the garage. And if I don't like the way YOU handle my bird, I won't sell to you! I'm not a business and you have NO right to wander through my house upon demand - under ANY circumstances.

Also, the birds that have always shown the greatest level of competency in "talking" has historically been the parakeet - not the larger hookbills.

Answer 4

The person above that said you need to spend 12 hours a day, has obviously never owned a bird. YES they need attention, but no one can give any animal 12 hours of sleep unless they work from home! Depending on the bird you can leave them alone without them getting nippy. All you have to make sure is that you give them plenty of toys and things to bide their time. Also sometimes just turning on the TV or radio the noises can keep them entertained, so like if you were to have a friend watch them, just ask your friend to leave a radio on for them during the day! Typically from what I've learned is depending on the bird it depends how much time you need to play with it. I've had lovebirds and I could start to tell a difference in their attitudes when I didn't let them out for a couple days. My bigger birds can go a couple days without coming out like if they get boarded or whatnot and they're just fine. This isn't ideal obviously, but sometimesit has to be this way! Hope this was helpful!

Answer 5

That person who said 12 hours a day is needed for a parrot it off their rocker. The bird realistically should get 1-2 hours of interaction a day from something like a TV, radio, and humans. The amount of time and type of reaction is also dependent on the species. As for the bonding thing that also depends on the bird species. Electus' for instand don't actually pair bond. they only bond for the breeding season and split up. So someone else coming in and taking care of them while your away is not an issue.

Answer 6

I just bought an African Grey this past Fall. I had to go away for two days a month after I got her, I was a nervous wreck. My sister came to feed her and take her out of the cage for about 1/2 hour in the morning and again at night when she put her to bed. I had another friend of my sons come and paid him to let her out onto her play gym for an hour in morning and in the afternoon. I don't go away often, but I'm in the same fix, I don't want to send her to a strange home. Next summer we're going to an island for a few weeks. I intend on taking her. I purchased a harness for birds (sounds strange but they work great) and have been taking her out with me occasionally so she get use to it. Take her with you when you can however, NEVER, leave her in a hotel, she'll be gone before you get back. I hope you don't have to leave her too often, they really do get anxious when their flock doesn't return to the roost at night. LOL

Answer 7

Well frist off make sure when you buys this parrot that you have enough space for it. Parrots can take up about a whole livng room (because they fly). Secondly if you cant spend at least 12 hours a day with it you proberly should not get it. Even though all birds need time to tame and love sitting on their owners shoulders, most parrots are big. Some parrots can be about the size of a macaw and others can be the size of a cockatiel when young (the parrot). Parrots need alot of care, you need to feed them,groom them,clean their cage, and spend alot of bonding time with them. They are like haveing puppies or better yet, toddlers that never grow up. However they are fun pets.

Answer 8

I have my mom and my best friend that offer to bird sit for me when we go on vacation. If you could get someone to bird sit, make sure they aren't afraid of your bird. I never expect anyone to take them out of their cages, all I ask of them is fresh food,water, treats, and some talking during the day. Another option you might check into is if the place you buy your bird from, bird sits.

Answer 9

You can always use a bird sitter, board it with a professional, or leave it with family. My birds get to go and visit my Mom whenever I have to leave them. She gives them so many treats and lets them have their way so much that they love to go.

Answer 10

mabey if your driving they could come with you or mabey you could put a mirror in it's cage a bird sometimes needs to be alone