Anybody here own a parrot?

Question

I love animals so for my 16th birthday im unsure what to get. I've always wanted a Parrot or a Macaw i think there gorgeous and so cool. My sisters boyfriend (ex now lol) have always had parrots and teach them to say things and sing etc so since then iv wanted one. So if i some how persuade my parents to get me one or if i save up. So anyone out here with a parrot or macaw tell me what its like owning one? is it diffcult to teach them things.? are they friendly? Are they easy to keep? do they mind other animals? like dogs or cats? And did you get them when there young? I have like every pet execpt a bird and have never had one before so i need alot of information.. any is apperciated thanks!!

(and dont tell me i just want it like a christams present then il just forget about it cause i definitly won't!!)

Answer 1

I have a parakeet, they are really easy to tame and teach. having them utter their first words takes.. a few weeks to months.. of training ,not to bad. they are friendly if your friendly to them, and to keep them you need atleast a cage.

Answer 2

i have two cockateils. They love trying to learn new sounds to add to their daily singing. both can wolf whistle and one copied the crying sound of my dog. They LOVE playing w their toys which are mirrors, beads, rope, bells, balls, and these plastic rings. I use to have a parakeet who only favored one toy which was a teddy bear that was the size of her(she would bite you if you took it away).

Its not difficult teaching them things if you are committed and if they have trust to you. In my opinion, birds are easier to care for because my dog bothers me a whole lot.

I got both when they were young but one of them is real protective of it's cage. When my dog comes around to bother the dog, he starts bitting him.

Answer 3

Parrots of any kind are expensive to buy, so if you wanted an African Grey or a Macaw, you are looking at spending out anything between £500 to £1000. - maybe more.

Parrots are "one person" birds so you have to find one that takes to you straight away. They are fairly easy to teach to say various words and will copy you on certain things. They also need a great deal of interaction and attention.

They are also very messy birds, so need to be cleaned out every day.

Answer 4

Parrots are wonderful creatures to bring into your life.  Just remember that it's a life long commitment when you do.  They can live 80 years or so (depending on the bird and how healthy you keep his environment)

Our African Grey loves our dogs.  He calls them by name and gives them tidbits from his food dish.  It is common for him to crawl onto one of their back's for a free ride across the room.  They seem to love him too but he really hates it when they l**k him.  

He does not however, enjoy the cat.  We do not allow our cat to roam the house when Mr. Boo is out loose.  He will call the cat to him and throw seeds down on his head.  

Getting any parrot means dedicating a great deal of time to them.  They are social creatures and need the feel and love of a family around them.  You will need to get your bird out daily and dedicate some time to him/her even if you have a busy schedule.  The do feel emotions like we do!

You'll have to keep up with their dietary needs too.  Be fully aware of what they can and can not have or you can kill them!

I always advocate rescue organizations for parrots just as I would for a dog.