Pondering whether or not to adopt a bird? Check out some of our tips about this process.
Adopting a bird rather than purchasing one is a great way to help reduce the demand for birds in pet stores, which can often have birds that are kept in small, cramped cages, or in unhealthy living conditions.
Should I get a parrot?
Parrots are beautiful, intelligent, and social creatures that make great companions. They have the ability to learn speech and mimic sounds, and with the right care and training, will develop a strong bond with their owners.
Parrots are also full of personality and are capable of providing hours of entertainment with their antics. They can be trained to do tricks, and can even learn to recognize and respond to their names. Parrots are highly social creatures and need to have time and attention devoted to them in order to keep them happy and healthy.
They should also be provided with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied and stimulated. Owning a parrot is a big commitment, but if you are willing to dedicate the time and effort, you will be rewarded with an incredibly loyal and loving pet.
Fighting against bird trafficking
If you really love birds, you should consider adopting instead of buying. By adopting a bird, you are helping to reduce the demand for these birds and provide a safe, loving home for a bird that is in need. After all, pet shops and bird poaching (taking birds from the wild) only exist because people buy birds.
Another way to reduce bird trafficking is by supporting organizations that are devoted to protecting birds. These organizations work to provide sanctuary for birds in need and advocate for stronger laws and regulations to protect birds from being trafficked. By donating money or volunteering your time, you can help these organizations continue their important work and make a difference in the fight against bird trafficking.
Finally, the most important way to reduce bird trafficking is to be an example for others. Share information about the dangers of buying birds from pet stores or other sources that could be involved in trafficking, and encourage your friends and family to adopt their birds from reputable rescue organizations. Speak up when you see birds being kept in overcrowded or inhumane conditions and help spread the word about the importance of protecting birds from exploitation. Together, we can all make a difference in the fight against bird trafficking.
Bird “baggage”
Adopting a bird allows you to get to know the bird’s personality and history, which can be helpful if you plan to keep the bird for a long time and want to be sure you have a healthy, happy companion.
However, many people tend to resort to buying a bird, especially a young bird, other than adopting an adult one. In their logic, it is easier to train a younger bird than to deal with the emotional “baggage” that adult parrots carry.
Nevertheless, they terribly fail to acknowledge that younger birds will have longer lifespans and have to go through puberty when their behavior drastically changes. As a consequence, many families end up surrendering their parrots when they reach puberty because they can’t deal with their sudden hormonal behavior change.
Every time a parrot is rehomed, there is emotional trauma for the bird. While the past owners easily go on with their lives, some birds spent years mourning the loss of a dear companion. Their owners mean the world to them and dealing with their sudden disappearance can cause extreme stress.
Am I ready to get a parrot?
Before getting a parrot, there are several important things to consider:
- First, you need to make sure you are financially prepared to own a parrot. Parrots can live for decades and require a great deal of money to care for them properly. You will need to provide a suitable cage, food, toys, veterinary care, and any other supplies they may need.
- You will also need to factor in the cost of time and energy to care for your parrot. Parrots require a lot of attention and need to be socialized and trained in order to be healthy and happy.
- Then, you need to make sure you have the space to house a parrot. Parrots require a large cage, preferably with a play stand. They should also have time outside of the cage to explore, play, and interact with their owners.
- Additionally, parrots can be quite loud, so you will need to consider any potential noise complaints from neighbors. Also, you need to ask yourself: Am I ready to hear piercing noises frequently? Am I ready to have constant noise in the house?
- Finally, you need to ask yourself if you are emotionally and mentally ready for the commitment. Parrots can be demanding, and require a lot of patience and understanding. They need to be socialized and trained in order to become well-adjusted pets, and this can take a great deal of time.
Where to adopt a parrot
If you are considering adopting a parrot, there are many resources available to help you make an informed decision. There are also many parrot rescue organizations, which offer free parrots for adoption, granted you pay for adoption free and can prove you are capable of properly caring for a parrot.
Conclusion
Additionally, adopting a bird is often less expensive than buying one from a pet store or breeder, and you can often find a bird that is already accustomed to living in a home.
But it is important to remember that adopting a bird is a big responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Parrots require a significant level of commitment in order to thrive and be healthy. They need daily interaction, a healthy and balanced diet, and plenty of enrichment activities. They also require plenty of mental stimulation, so it’s important to have the time and energy to devote to their care.
Parrots can live a long time, sometimes up to 80 years, so they need owners who are prepared to make a long-term commitment. Parrots can also be expensive to care for. They require a large cage, toys, special foods, and a variety of other supplies. Veterinary care is also expensive and necessary in order to maintain a parrot’s health.
Finally, parrots can be loud and disruptive. They are naturally noisy and may cause a disturbance in your home, so it is important to consider whether your family is prepared to deal with the noise. Adopting a bird is a big responsibility and should not be taken lightly.
