Living and Learning with Parrots - by Ginny

I've tended to parrots for over 15 years. I've learned along the way. I was not a "bird" person...have had pets all my life but never a bird until someone entered my life and introduced me to the wonderful world of parrots. Well, I relied too much on that person. I knew nothing about these beautiful creatures. We got most of the flock as babies and too many too quickly. If I knew then what I know now, I would have one or two birds but never twelve. You cannot give proper individual attention to twelve birds. In later years, I adopted a few. I'm elderly and at some point I will have to find wonderful homes with younger people so that my birds will be able to have a good life after I'm gone. That is difficult to think about. I can't begin to choose who I can be without. :)
It is my feeling that if you cannot provide the proper care then buy a different pet that will live less than 20 years. If you cannot provide a large cage and at least 5 hours (or more) out of a cage every day, do not buy a bird. Some parrots live to be 80 years old. The downside is that they go thru several homes or sanctuaries and rescues. Sometimes they end up abused and neglected...sometimes found in homes unattended and starved to death. Others have been left in basements, garages, or outdoors all alone with no toys and very little to eat. These are intelligent little creatures and each has his own personality.
I love my birds. I am fortunate to have a brother who is with them all day every day while I'm at work. We have not taken a vacation in 15 years. I do not leave the house in the evening. When you think about cleaning 2 bowls twice a day in each cage, that's 48 bowls - all hand washed. Then we have 10 bird stands with 2 bowls changed once a day on those. In total, we wash 68 bowls a day every day, 365 days a year. Do the math. :)
Parrots need to have a yearly exam by an avian vet. If they get sick or hurt, it is expensive and sometimes takes weeks to cure them. Cages and bird stands need to be cleaned and/or power-washed to maintain them. Parrots are messy, loud AND they bite. They take a commitment and lots of work. They need toys and those are not cheap. One parrot is really all you need - they are high maintenance. Sometimes you think one more bird won't matter - but it does. One more bird equals lots more expense and work.
If you plan to have a parrot, do research and see what kind would be best for your personal situation. Talk to parrot groups. Adopt a bird that needs a home. People die, divorce, get sick or situations change and birds need homes. They are in sanctuaries or foster homes. Birds are forever. Do not buy on a whim and then decide 2 months later it doesn't fit your schedule. If you have children in school and lots of activities, the bird will not have the time that is needed. Think about the time, money and commitment before you get a parrot.