I have photos in my phone that I carry with me at all times, and when people tell me they are wanting a bird, I ask them if they are willing to have a 3 year old for 40+ years (depending on the species of interest) and having their house/wood/couch/clothes destroyed. Are they ready to make PROPER foods for their bird? Are they ready to COOK for their bird? Are they prepared for outrageous veterinarian bills at an exotics specialist? Are they ready to look into insurance for their bird? Most of the time people do not realize the WORK that goes into parrot/bird ownership. They are smart, demanding, messy, bossy, and needy. They can rip out pieces of your face if they suddenly become afraid or just because they want to. Or your arm, ear, hand... whatever they are near. A FREAK chance was dealt to me and it got my daughter, and my vet bills are absurd, but I knew what I was getting into before she came into my life, I researched, but even with all the research, you cant be ready for everything. I tell people if they want a bird, open an account and have a set amount aside for a monthly contribution to a vet fund. Throw flour all over your house and then throw food, fruit, and veggies at your wall. Clean it up and do it again. If you are ok with it after 7 days of constantly torturing yourself... then youre ready for a bird, but not really. Then I show them the photos of bad stuff, and hope they choose a goldfish instead. Birds are HARD WORK, but they are the most rewarding relationship... IF you are ready for one hell of a ride.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 15:20:00 +0000