4 Reasons Why You Should Adopt Your Next Parrot

Most folks have the misgiven understanding that adopting a parrot means trouble. The general consensus is that if a parrot is up for adoption in the first place, it must be problematic. Naturally, like in every species of animals (including us humans), there are problematic parrots. However, it would be immensely naive to think that this is the primary reason people abandon parrots.

FACT #1 - Parrots have a very long life span.

In fact, some would argue that they're on the verge of discovering the secret to immortality. The small ones live for up to 20-30 years. Larger ones can go on to a ripe old age of 60-90 years. Just imagine: If the scheming investment bankers of Merril Lynch knew this, they'd probably convince the birds to buy a dozen retirement homes.

My point is because of their lifespan, they tend to outlive their owners. As a result, many parrots at the rescue centers are only there because their previous owners are no longer in this world. Not because they're particularly ferocious.

FACT #2 - It's not the parrots fault.

I think it's safe to say that humans are the primary cause for most of the bird's problems. Here's why. Mr. New Fish suddenly decides he likes parrots. He thinks that they're gorgeous because of their amazing blend of colors. Also, he reckons that within a few days, he'll have his parrot on his shoulder, squawking instructions to imaginary pirates in his living room.

So he buys one, purely on impulse. He does little to no research beforehand, and just dives in head first. So what happens? The parrot takes one look at Mr. New Fish and realizes that he's nothing but a nutcase. The problem is, the parrot can't actually tell Mr. New Fish this, because well... most parrots don't speak English all that well now do they? Although that's debatable, considering the insults certain parrots have hurled in my general direction.

The parrot makes a mess, because it doesn't know better. The parrot sometimes shows signs of aggression because Mr. New Fish thinks that it's OK to poke it all over. What's next? Mr. New Fish, thinking his parrot is the one with the issues, ignores it. He gives it no attention, no affection and puts no effort in caring for it. Next thing you know, the parrot, along with the cage, is chucked in the deepest, darkest corner of the garage.

So yes, the parrot will naturally go rather bonkers after this ordeal. But is it really at fault? Eventually, the parrot is rescued by a center.

FACT #3 - Living arrangements change

When people get married, have babies, or just have a new set of priorities in life, often times companion animals end up forced into the backseat. This has been the case with numerous parrots. Hence, they end up getting sent to a rescue center.

FACT #4 - Some people are profit motivated.

Pet stores and breeders have realized that parrots are flat out popular. So what do many of them do? They breed them like there's no tomorrow. They sell them without matching up the right people to their bird. The end result? Too many parrots for potential owners to handle, especially in certain countries like the United States. So the parrots get treated like commodities, and a large number of these parrots end up in shelters.

A disturbingly sad ordeal isn't it? I know.

Now, don't get me wrong. There are many terrific breeders and even pet stores that I can freely recommend with a good conscience. But just like everything, there's plenty of not-so-great groups as well.

Naturally, the best way to minimize this problem is to educate potential owners. All they really have to do is read extensively on parrot care, and do their part to spread the word (in fact, you might want to let people you know read this article). However, today I'm going to focus on what you can do to help right now. If you are looking into buying a parrot, you should seriously consider taking part in the parrot rehoming process.

Here's a fact for you. Because of the explosive parrot breeding, rescue centers are flooded. A large number are filled to the brim, and even more are overflowing. Unfortunately, this results in a very nasty irony. Rescue centers can no longer give the parrots the necessary attention and care. They just can't. They are cash strapped organizations that are stretching their resources to the breaking point. As such, some rescue homes are no longer able to serve their purpose. Naturally, they're becoming just another vortex for these unlucky birds.

If you're really interested in owning a parrot, let me take this opportunity of sharing a few perks of adopting one.

REASON #1

Buying a large parrot (African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos) from a pet store in the United States can cost anywhere between $3000 and $5000. Macaws are known to cost even more than this. It's a lot of hard earned cash isn't it? Guess what? Adopting a large parrot, like a Grey, would probably amount to no more than a few hundred dollars.

REASON #2

The common misunderstanding is that parrots will only bond with you if you're the one who has been taking care of it since its adolescence. This is flat out wrong. In the wild (and your parrot is no different from a wild one), parrots may bond with several different partners in their lifetime, well into their maturity. Most parrots that are up for adoption are already somewhat mature. And if you take up a mature bird that came from a relatively good family, the main issue you're going to have is helping the parrot get used to you. Because when a parrot gets attached to someone, they mean it.

REASON #3

Naturally, adopting a bird would be a huge help to the rescue organizations. They are in desperate need of help from people like you. And if you're able to provide a good home for a parrot, they'll be eternally thankful.

REASON #4

Rescue centers are fundamentally sanctuaries. Many are equipped with the means to rehabilitate birds. And on top of this, they're not profit motivated. You're less likely to be scammed by a rescue home as opposed to a pet store.

Naturally, the story has a flipside as well.

1) Some parrots are bound to have been overly neglected or even abused. As such, they may already be undergoing a great deal of mental trauma. And it can be quite scary. These parrots have an extra aggressive nature. They usually don't hesitate to bite the hand that feeds. Some even go on self-mutilating rampages. And if you're lucky, you'll see one that does nothing but scream it's lungs out. Don't forget though: Adoption is fantastic, but it's not an obligation. You don't have to adopt a bird that is in an extreme condition already. Go for one that would be easier to work with.

However, if you have some parrot keeping experience under your belt, taking on a parrot with existing behavior problems and guiding him to become a friendly, social bird is immensely rewarding to both you and your bird. These birds were often the most abused and deserve a life where they are cared for and thrive.

2) Parrots are sociable animals. That said don't be surprised if they come with their own package of trust issues. You may get a little flustered if the parrot you adopt simply refuses to acknowledge your existence. However, don't forget: Just like people, parrots value trust a lot. They need you to give them a reason to trust you. But once you do, the bond may as well be forged by a goldsmith.

When all is said and done, parrots are truly remarkable creatures. They're very intelligent and you can easily learn a lot about yourself around them. If you're keen on getting one for yourself, seriously consider adopting one. However, just with every important purchase, remember to do your share of research. This way, you will save both yourself, and your parrot a wealth of trouble.

Live with Passion, Purpose and Parrots,

Clara

Rescue Parrots and Why You Should Get One

Parrots have become the 3rd most popular pet to have. Though people do not want a parrot that screams, is destructive or bites. Sorry to say but these three things you will find in a parrot. These are just their attributes.

When you go to the store to get you baby parrot they are docile and cuddly and you are made to believe that when they mature they will stay that way; this farthest from the truth.

Parrots are not like dogs or cats and have only been domesticated a couple of generations. Parrots are still very much naturalistic and are learning to adapt to being domesticated and not in their natural surroundings of the rainforest.

Many people who purchase a baby parrot have probably never had a parrot before. They do not realize or do not want to think that their precious baby bites, is destructive or screams.

Parrots vet bills can be expensive, they require lots of toys and a very spacious cage, their food can be costly and they require lots of fruits and veggies. Parrots also need lots of attention and interaction within their flock (the family they live with). With all this said people still go out and purchase a parrot not accepting these facts.

After realizing there is so much more involved with a parrot other than sticking it in a cage and saying how pretty a parrot I have. They are given up to whom I do not know.

Which in turn the parrot starts to have behavioral problems or starts plucking. The parrot is given to multiple families and in the end they are eventually taken to the vet to be euthanized or stuck in a closet or back room and ignored.

Remember this is not how the life of the parrot started but in the end this is what happens to them. Not many parrots are given to rescues because people do not know of them or put in a loving home. Parrots are not a commodity they are sensitive intelligent creatures put on this earth.

Parrots are not pets as their wild instincts will always remain. People buy parrots with no real thought except they saw "Polly" or they want the parrot that talks because that is cool.

Parrots have become a status to own which is sad because the parrot will never have a chance to a good life. When the parrot does not talk or do tricks or they are no longer cool; what happens to them? Unfortunately this is a question I have no answer for but I dread the thought for the outcome.

Parrots are very social and have very real feelings, they also bond for life. That is why it is devastating to have a parrot and then just throw it away because of their wild instincts; which many people who own a parrot do.

Do we consider any of these facts when we buy that precious baby? I think not. If you are not up to the task of an adult parrot and you buy that baby with no real thought. You should not own a parrot. May sound cold-hearted but it is the truth.

If you really want a parrot and you have thought it through why not come to the aid of a parrot in need? I agree there is a lot of work to be done like gaining their trust. You should consider a rescue because that parrot is craving for a loving secure home and to be a part of someone's family. You may just luck out and that parrot may know some tricks and have an outstanding vocabulary.

I agree there is a lot of work to be done because first you have to gain their trust. Remember and be prepared that there is a lot of work to be done in gaining their trust. Be patient, loving and kind and one day that parrot will acknowledge the love and kindness you have bestowed upon them. The best way to gain a parrot's trust is through their stomach. Yes, just like your significant other; whose stomach knows you love them.

You may get a parrot that has plucked their feathers and may not look the most beautiful but is that why you got the parrot? Their beauty is their personality. If you want a parrot because of its beauty, you are probably very shallow.

The rescue parrot may bite unprovoked. Parrots bite out of fear or if they are angry about something you have done that they do not like; such as putting them down when they want to be on you. The parrot may be fearful as you do not know all the facts of its previous life. Showing the parrot it is now safe and very much loved will follow with being bitten less. Parrots still bite and that is a fact of life.

A parrot is usually a screamer because it was ignored. Parrots do make noise and these are just instincts from the wild. Parrots call each other or make noise when you get up in the morning and when the sun is going down. Some parrots are louder than others like people have different tones in their voice.

Destruction, there is not much that can be done for that as that is the nature of a parrot. Parrots are very instinctual by nature to do the things they do in the wild. Parrots call to each other and chew and this will never change in parrot's life.

When you realize a parrot is instinctual by nature you will get along splendidly. Many of these issues can be worked on and you will end up having a fantastic relationship; one that you have always wanted with a parrot.

When you buy that bundle of joy you are only feeding the selfishness of the breeder or a store who does not care for the welfare of the parrot but the cold hard cash. Yes there are parrot mills just like the deplorable puppy mills with many of the same horrible conditions. That colorful bird store, it can be the worst culprit in selling babies. The bundle of love of a rescue parrot can be so much more satisfying and worthwhile in the long run.

I adopted a 10 year old Blue Streak Lory. She has no belly feathers but her personality makes your heart melt. I had always wanted a Lory but thought it would never fit into our family as we have three hook bills and they do not live in a cage. I visited the Birmingham Zoo and went to the Lory exhibit and once again my heart yearned for a Lory. I called my girlfriend who has extreme avian knowledge and told her of desire for a Lory. She asked if I was serious and she happened to have a Blue Streak Lory that needed a home. I told her I was very serious and we both benefited with the adoption. Her name was Zorro but I renamed her Zara to give her a fresh start in life. She is insecure and plucks her belly feathers but it is something we are working on. She was given up because the previous family decided to rescue Labrador dogs and that is the avenue they took. Zara had been with them since she was a baby to 10 years old. It was the only life she knew and they gave her up.

When you get a parrot it is for life and that is what I strongly believe in. For the simple fact that parrots are so intelligent and that they are social animals. We are a flock member in a parrot's mind not that they have become a pet in our family.

When a parrot is given up they do not understand why and cannot comprehend the abandonment. Because of their thought process this why you run into many behavioral problems in abandoned parrots. Many times when a parrot feels safe again the behavioral problems you encountered have diminished, may not be gone forever but diminished. You as the new flock member must take into consideration their feelings of confusion and make the transition as safe and nurturing as possible.

I am grateful to have Zara in our family now. This opportunity to change a parrot's life is very rewarding. For Zara to know and realize one day she is safe and very much loved and doesn't need to pluck out of insecurity; will be a very happy day.