Does anyone have a parrot?

[canthavetoomanylights]

Thinking of rescuing one. We’re retired so have plenty of time at home, but don’t want another dog or cat. The house is quiet tho and we would love something.
Would welcome any thoughts or advice.

And I would def have to have it as free as possible. I don’t like anything caged if at all avoidable.

A friend used to have a couple and said they were messy messy messy.

I have a friend who has a couple. With the pp who said they loved one dc and hated the other, I think that’s pretty common in parrots. They bond to one person (can actually consider them their mate) and attack anyone else who goes near them. Also agree with the destructiveness. A lot of them have a thing for buttons. Say goodbye to your laptop keys and your remote control buttons

BirdTricks are a helpful organisation in terms of parrot care (they are based in the US) and have lots of helpful YouTube videos about parrot care and training.

As much as I would have always loved to own a cockatoo I wouldn’t, PP have given enough reasons not to. I will continue to just enjoy watching videos of them and their owners on Facebook. It is also worth there in mind that a lot of of these videos on Facebook our owners that have had to spend a lot of time rehabilitating birds that have so often had sad neglected lives. Given their long life span having trusted care for them after your death is also a big concern.

Oh goodness I’d completely forgotten the keyboard obsession. Left the laptop unattended for 2 minutes once and she pulled them all off. I never did find F4. That was a difficult convo with work IT support.

And here is a fine example 😡, the poor thing got too much for you so it got passed on yet again!

Exactly! That’s why so many poor animals are dumped in rescue because owners do not do sufficient research! Do not get a parrot! They are far more than just looking pretty and saying cute words, they are very emotional animals and destructive. Have you considered a goldfish instead? I appreciate how my post can come across, but I’m very passionate about animal welfare.

They're like toddlers that can fly. They need a lot of stimulation and will pick up swear words like toddlers do.

I grew up with them, it was like having loads of siblings that liked to bite your toes.

Yes. I have a 5 year old conure. He is delightful, talks, does lots of cute things and is quite intelligent.

BUT

he bites, he screams and he poos. He can’t be left alone too long because he cries and gets stressed. He has fallen in love with my DH and considers him his mate, and me an interloper.

he injured himself flying into our balcony door, dropped like a stone onto the floor and then he actually cried. Hearing a parrot cry in pain is heartbreaking.

if you are serious, be aware that it’s like having a toddler for 35 years

I love parrots but would never keep one. They are liable to shout out something that you don’t want to hear. Go for a cat about 3 so their personality is established cats I think are the easiest of pets. Mind you we have a noisy cat who likes to chat but not as noisy as a parrot.

I’d never have a goldfish. I hate seeing the poor things just swimming round and round a bowl or tank.
Do note I said ‘rescue’ a parrot and I had posted as part of lots of research I intended to do(but now won’t be haha).

Be prepared for everything to be covered in poop,then!

My parents had one before I was born-he was called Arthur (apparently)

My father said they should never have got it

It destroyed their flat,their belongings,fell in love with my mother,hated everyone else,cost a fortune,would attack the dog,stank and shat everywhere

My father had an accident at work which ended up with a split fingernail (a massive crack from the base to the tip)

It was his own fault for trusting it but apparently he put that finger through the cage bars and it bit him-right on the split nail and refused to let go

My mother thought it was hilarious but he didn't and I think it died not long after (my father said it did,he had nothing to do with the death and it certainty wasnt around when we where growing up)

Some animals shouldnt be pets

My aunt and uncle used to breed parrots. Two other aunts and uncles separately had African greys. Nice birds but noisy. I don’t recall them biting or anything.

This thread is hilarious. These parrots sound brilliant but terrifying.

What about a tortoise Op?

Actually @Dunkerquetodover that’s not a bad idea. I may look in to that. I wonder if you can rescue a tortoise…

I wish this kind of Forum with information had been around 30 years ago when we got ours. If I could go back in time, I would definitely not get a bird that has to be kept in a cage and is so destructive When out, while I’m committed to his welfare and will do my best for him - Rehoming has been on the Cards a few times.

His person was one of my DC and when he left home, no one else was an acceptable substitute - if I’m not careful when cleaning out the cage and feeding him I can get serious bites. He literally bites the hand that feeds him and has always fed him and is the only person who bloody well cleans him out.

They pretty much have the emotional intelligence of a two year-old, but with the Intellect of a 6 to 7 year-old . If you’re unlucky, you’re living with a very smart and angry toddler.

Are you Stella Creasy, OP?

Seriously though - we have a parakeet, rescued from a neighbour who didn’t want him anymore. He’s absolutely lovely, but I feel so bad for him in his cage - we let him out to fly around the room as much as possible. And he’s a great 5am alarm clock - talks (very loudly) to all the wild parakeets outside. If you’re a bird person, consider it, lots of rescue parakeets out there.

I’m really glad there’s been a change of heart, but I can’t help worrying that the parrot will still end up stuck in rescue for a long time. I hope someone experienced can take them soon.
I just find it so difficult, because of course we all want to get animals out of rescue and give them love and a home. But with complex animals like parrots, it’s not only about love, it’s about having the right knowledge, routine, and support. They need far more than affection, and I worry that if they’re placed with the wrong person, it could make things harder for them.

Just wanted to say OP it’s lovely that you want to rescue an animal and I sincerely hope you find one suited to you soon ❤️

I visited a patient as a district nurse and found her to be quite unwell. I called 999 and her pet parrot kept chiming in with random shit as I was speaking to the dispatcher, including “ooooh you cheeky bitch!”

It might have been funny in any other circumstances, but the poor lady was so ill that it was just really stressful having to try and communicate my concerns and answer the dispatcher’s questions whilst explaining that there was a fucking parrot answering half the questions before I had a chance to. Thankfully they didn’t mark it down as a prank call!

I thought I was finished with this thread, but now you’re talking OP lol. I’d love to have a menagerie of reptiles, I love them all, my dream pet would be a Komodo dragon, obviously just a dream.

I wish those parrot owners who have posted would post one or two pics....please.