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Things to consider before acquiring parrots

Quite a lot of people eventually consider owning a parrot. However, most of them do not find out about the responsibilities they are assuming ahead of time.

If tended to properly, Gray Parrots have a life expectancy of 40 - 60 years. At a minimum, they must be kept in pairs since they are flock birds. They require an annual health check, since they are prey animals and conceal any signs of illness for as long as possible. If indications of disease are clearly evident, it is usually already too late for treatment. As a rule, such preventative examinations by an ornithological veterinarian cost between EUR 400 – 500 (US$ 450 – 550) per bird.

Ornithological veterinarians have completed two additional years of ornithology and reptile studies. They have the pertinent expertise and equipment. However, every veterinarian who opens an office may claim ornithology expertise even if he or she has not completed this additional training. Hence, as a bird owner, one has to do research to ensure that the respective veterinarian actually has participated in these studies. In most cases, the respective information can be found on the veterinarian’s website. In some areas, it is hard to find such veterinarian experts. As a result, a bird owner may have to drive further to get to and thus invest more time into a veterinarian appointment.

A minimum aviary size of 2 x 1 x 2 meters is mandatory for a pair of parrots. Hence, the era of restricting the birds to just a cage should be over. Wild parrots cover a distance of around 50 km in flight every day to get to their feeding grounds. Allowing them to fly unfettered through the residence (ideally in outdoor aviaries) for several hours each day is absolutely necessary even if the minimum dimensions are complied with.

Given that parrots have a strong urge to nibble, damages to the furnishings have to be anticipated. Thanks to their strong beaks, they can easily break down a living room cabinet.

Owners of cats and/or dogs have to keep them away from the birds at all times. This must also be structurally guaranteed, for instance and optimally, by dedicating a separate room solely to the parrots. Dogs and cats are hunters; parrots are birds of prey. It is quite easy to imagine how things will eventually end, even if there is peace in the valley for years.

Moreover, in Germany and many other countries, Gray Parrots have to be registered with the competent nature conservancy agency in the municipality, since they are protected species. The agency will, in many cases, reserve the right to inspect the containment conditions. Please make sure you find out what the mandates in your local area are.

Most new or potential parrot owners do not consider these negatives before acquiring their birds and find themselves confronted with issues later. This may be hard on the family and the victims are – once again – the birds. They have to be rehomed and often become trophies that are passed around from one owner to the next.

This is especially disturbing since the birds are not doing anything wrong. They are following their original, natural instincts. In their natural habitats, they fell entire forests driven by their immense urge to gnaw. Shredding is as essential to them as the air that they breathe. If they are unable to use up their energy, they will, sooner or later, exhibit bad patterns, such as plucking or aggressive behavior.

Owners should also not underestimate the effects of the noise on neighbors. In fact, Gray Parrots are the quietest among their species. Time and again, parrot owners are compelled to rehome their animals, especially if they live in rental units. The owner will almost always lose in court since parrots are exotic animals and the noises they make, as many judges determine, are not considered compatible with our dwellings. Consequently, anyone who is contemplating ownership of a parrot should exercise critical thinking when determining whether they are willing to live with all of these issues and whether they are able to offer the animals the essential quality of life. Ideally, they should have a designated room for the parrots with an adjacent outdoor aviary.

Those who can commit to the above will be welcomed to the world of parrots with open arms.