Are you considering a parrot as a pet?

Most households that have added a companion parrot into their home tend to find them to be ―addicting. It seems to me that if one is not careful, a household could quickly turn into an indoor aviary in a very short time.

Are you considering adding a new member to your flock? Before you do let’s take a look at what needs to be done to ensure that you are making an educated decision and for the correct reasons.

Take the time to research the species you are contemplating adding to the flock. Being sure that you do under-stand the 'good and the bad' of any particular species you are contemplating adding to your family.

If you are a parent of a human child; think back to the process you went through to make the decision to bring a child into your life. You probably read every book available on how to be a good parent; you prepared the nursery, purchased all the essential baby equipment, and then waited nine months for your baby to arrive. Add-ing a flock member also requires the same contemplation and planning. Keep in mind that parrots DO NOT move out at the age of eighteen.

I have heard the story many times of families considering adding a flock member to give their existing parrot someone to interact with throughout the day while the family is away at work or school. I often worry that the motive behind that decision is the false belief that another parrot in the home will somehow make their existing ―parrot's situation better. In the end what really happens is that instead of one parrot needing to be re-homed, we now have two parrots looking for a new home. If the ONLY reason you are considering adding to your flock is to purchase a friend for your existing parrot – take a moment, as I would strongly suggest re-thinking that idea. I would strongly recommend first fixing any behavior problems with your existing flock and making sure that you are willing to make that lifetime commitment to another flock member. If after examining your motives, you come to the conclusion that you simply WANT to add a flock member then it is time to start planning.

The next step of the process would be to find a reputable place to purchase your new flock member. Here are a few things to consider when establishing whether this place or individual is ―reputable or not.

• Is their facility clean? Everyone that is owned by parrots understand that it is impossible to keep every speck of food off the floor every second of the day. It is possible however, for the birds to have clean food, water and the cages absent of pyramids of feces.
• Do they guarantee the health of the bird? If you purchase a bird and it dies within the first few days or months, what will be done if any-thing? If there is a congenital defect it is possible for it to show up after the bird has gone home.
  
• Do they sell un-weaned babies? If yes – run, run very fast.
• What type of food are the babies weaned to? It is important that all parrots be weaned to a healthy and rounded diet. Discuss with your avian vet as to what is considered to be a healthy diet in his/her eyes.
  
• Will you be leaving their facility with more than a bird and a bill? It is important that on the day you take your baby home that you are leaving there with more than a bill. Find out what type of resources they will be providing to help ensure that you and your parrot live “happily ever after”.
• Are you allowed to visit the baby during the hand feeding process? Don’t miss out on the opportu-nity to visit your baby on a regular basis. This makes the transition to his/her new home a much easier one. Always bring that camera along, they change very fast.
  
• Can they provide references of “happy customers”? It is always good to check out other customers’ experiences. This will ensure that what you are being told is accurate and true.
  
• How do they hand feed? Tube feed-ing does not afford the opportunity for the babies to learn how to eat. They miss out on the opportunity to taste and manipulate the food. If the facility is tube feeding, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
  
• Do they wean the baby by the calendar or the babies’ needs? It is written nowhere in stone as to the magic date that the baby will be weaned. Each baby is different and the needs of each individual needs to be met.

While this is not a complete list of things to consider, this will get you off to a great start in finding the perfect individual or facility to help you bring in your newest flock member. This is never a decision to be made impulsively. Remember Parrots are Forever!