Parrots as Pets: Undemanding and low cost? Not!

Today I'm excited to announce a new voice to my blog. There's so much bad information on the internet about parrots, that I've made the decision to scoop up a few of the real experts and convince them to post some really breakthrough, and accurate information to my blog on a regular basis.

It's my hope that over the next several months I can attract some of the most advanced parrot behavior specialists in the world and get them to share their thoughts, articles and insights with you for free on this blog.

This website attracts over 7,600 visitors to it a day, making it one of the highest trafficked parrot websites on the internet. So if you know of a good parrot behavior specialist who you think might want to contribute their knowledge to this blog then contact me at info@birdtricks.com I don't know why no one has ever assembled many great parrot trainers in one place where they could share their thoughts and advice with you... but the wait is over, and on a weekly basis you can now check back to this blog for up to date training information and insights to help you strengthen your relationship with your parrot.

So with that said... here's the first article from one of our new writers, Kim Bear!

Parrots as Pets: Undemanding and low cost? Not!

Usually when I write, I have a clear plan of what I want to say. Sometimes that plan doesn’t take. Originally, I was going to present standard “is a pet parrot right for you?” information, and go over the pros and cons and whatnot. But then I read something that changed my focus. Now it’s more of a rant.

This rant pertains to the very medium you’re using right now, ironically, and how one must be careful when using the internet to look for information. It started out innocently enough. I was searching for statistics about where parrots rank in the pet population. I’d read something a while back that says they’re the 3^rd most popular pet, and I wanted check that out.

So, like many people looking for answers, I did an internet search and got several sites. The first one I visited was one of those large “we cover everything” sites where people post all sorts of articles, so you can read about everything from how to conquer bad breath to how to get a good rate on your mortgage refinancing. And, evidently, how to choose a pet. Hey, this site even has one of my ads on it! How cool is that?

I wasn’t long into reading one particular article before I started looking for the statement “and these are all myths about pet parrots”. But that statement never came. Anyone who reads the article would get a very wrong impression about parrots.

Phrases used to describe them included “less demanding” than dogs or cats, “less involved” in the family, and not needing “the same amount of attention and training” as other pets. Oh, and also “not as expensive to maintain”. That sound you hear? It’s probably the collective “HA!” and “YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!” sounds coming from parrot owners who know better.

Now I’m not saying the author doesn’t know anything about parrots. He has written several articles on that site, though I didn’t see much about his parrot-related credentials. He may actually be an expert. But he certainly has a different perspective than other experts I know. People have the right to form opinions based on their own experiences, of course. And it may be that in this man’s experience, his statements are true.

But I wonder how much has he ever expected from his parrot? Perhaps he has never realized his parrot’s potential. Never noticed just how involved in his life the bird would be if given the chance. Never thought to buy lots of toys or build a play gym, to teach trick training or take his bird to the park. And maybe he’s been lucky and has never had to take his parrot to the vet.

But that’s the thing about the internet--There’s so much out there, and you have to sort through it. I feel for you folks who are just beginning to research whether or not a parrot is right for you, and what type of parrot that may be. You’re in a mine field, so tread carefully. Most websites these days are nicely designed no matter who is actually behind them, and the information looks like it’s coming from people who know what they’re talking about. And, for the most part, you can gather good information.

But you can also get a hold of some very not-good information. Like one of the other articles on that same site that says something along the lines of parrots not being picky eaters. Listen carefully...you may hear more scoffing from parrot owners as they toss out yet another uneaten bowl of pellets or scrape another slice of banana off the wall.

So ends my little “reader beware” lesson. Please gather your sources carefully. Feel free to check up on me so you can decide whether or not I’m credible, since I’m pointing fingers here. Oh, and I did find out where parrots rank as pets. One site said they are the second most popular pet in the U.S. But you know what? I think I will keep checking. I don’t want to believe it just because I read it on one website.