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| Which species is right? |
| Macaw |
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0% |
[ 0 ] |
| Cockatoo |
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0% |
[ 0 ] |
| Amazon |
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10% |
[ 1 ] |
| Quaker |
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10% |
[ 1 ] |
| Caique |
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30% |
[ 3 ] |
| African Grey |
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20% |
[ 2 ] |
| Conure |
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0% |
[ 0 ] |
| Eclectus |
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0% |
[ 0 ] |
| Pionus |
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10% |
[ 1 ] |
| Poicephalus |
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20% |
[ 2 ] |
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| Total Votes : 10 |
shirin
Moderator
Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 7405
Location: Canada, Toronto |
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quote:
Originally posted by jletaz
quote:
Originally posted by Peanuts
The best thing would probably be that she look into different parrot species herself and perhaps try to meet them "in real life". I think that any parrot can be a good "first bigger parrot" if the owner is really devoted and interested. A parrot can live 10-60 years (or even more) and in my opinion there is no such thing as "beginner birds"; you donīt just by a parrot, get some practise and get another, more difficult, parrot...
"Beginner" doesn't necessarily mean that it will be 'thrown away' after one gains more experience... Sure, anyone can start with ANY parrot, but it is known how some are typically easier or more difficult than others. A lot of people do start with the more advanced species, then have a crash course in learning just how hard it can be. That is fine, a lot of people do. 
Julie
I agree with Julie. Sure it's easy to say if the owner is really interested and devoted they can do well with any parrot, but thats the thing.. some people, I see a lot on this forum alone, wanna get a parrot when they're like 10 years old. Do you really think a 10 year old has a conception of what kind of commitment they would be making if they got a parrot that had a life span of 30-80 years? Their main concern is "is it cuddly and cute, and will it talk". Now is it more wise for the parents of that 10 year old to get him a smaller bird, with a shorter life span and less responsibility, or will it be fine if they get their child a mollucan cockatoo all of a sudden?
Also people that start out with a more difficult bird without any experience with birds, may not know how to handle the problems associated with a more intelligent and more demanding bird, and at the first signs of aggression or plucking or whatever they will easily get discouraged and frustrated and dump their bird at a shelter. Lets face it, the average person that goes out to buy a bird does not do research and prepare, and they usually believe what the petstores will tell them and end up buying birds on impulse.
So I definitely think people should be discouraged from getting the bigger and more difficult parrots as their first, especially if they're younger. Otherwise both the person and the parrot end up suffering in the end. |
Monday May 21, 2007 11:20 am |
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Peanuts
Bappie
Joined: 27 Feb 2006
Posts: 52
Location: Sweden |
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quote:
Originally posted by shirin
quote:
Originally posted by jletaz
quote:
Originally posted by Peanuts
The best thing would probably be that she look into different parrot species herself and perhaps try to meet them "in real life". I think that any parrot can be a good "first bigger parrot" if the owner is really devoted and interested. A parrot can live 10-60 years (or even more) and in my opinion there is no such thing as "beginner birds"; you donīt just by a parrot, get some practise and get another, more difficult, parrot...
"Beginner" doesn't necessarily mean that it will be 'thrown away' after one gains more experience... Sure, anyone can start with ANY parrot, but it is known how some are typically easier or more difficult than others. A lot of people do start with the more advanced species, then have a crash course in learning just how hard it can be. That is fine, a lot of people do.
Julie
I agree with Julie. Sure it's easy to say if the owner is really interested and devoted they can do well with any parrot, but thats the thing.. some people, I see a lot on this forum alone, wanna get a parrot when they're like 10 years old. Do you really think a 10 year old has a conception of what kind of commitment they would be making if they got a parrot that had a life span of 30-80 years? Their main concern is "is it cuddly and cute, and will it talk". Now is it more wise for the parents of that 10 year old to get him a smaller bird, with a shorter life span and less responsibility, or will it be fine if they get their child a mollucan cockatoo all of a sudden?
Also people that start out with a more difficult bird without any experience with birds, may not know how to handle the problems associated with a more intelligent and more demanding bird, and at the first signs of aggression or plucking or whatever they will easily get discouraged and frustrated and dump their bird at a shelter. Lets face it, the average person that goes out to buy a bird does not do research and prepare, and they usually believe what the petstores will tell them and end up buying birds on impulse.
So I definitely think people should be discouraged from getting the bigger and more difficult parrots as their first, especially if they're younger. Otherwise both the person and the parrot end up suffering in the end.
Yes, I understand what you mean and agree with some things, but why buy a cockatiel if all you want is an amazon? In that case I think itīs better to do a lot of research on amazons and spend time with other peoples parrots to find out that if an amazon is the right choice. And I really donīt think that anyone under the age of 12 or something should have their own pets at all. |
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Monday May 21, 2007 1:18 pm |
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shirin
Moderator
Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 7405
Location: Canada, Toronto |
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quote:
Originally posted by Peanuts
Yes, I understand what you mean and agree with some things, but why buy a cockatiel if all you want is an amazon? In that case I think itīs better to do a lot of research on amazons and spend time with other peoples parrots to find out that if an amazon is the right choice.
And I really donīt think that anyone under the age of 12 or something should have their own pets at all
.
Oh, believe me, I definitely agree with you on that one, especially not a parrot. In fact, I don't think anyone should have the sole responsibility of a pet until they are financially able to take care of it. If the parents of the child agree to be financially responsible for the pet, fine, but I see a lot of parents buying their young children animals, and then when the animal gets sick, they say, it's not my responsibility and just let the poor animal die because they don't wanna pay for vet costs.  I also think that younger children don't understand how demanding of your time parrots can be. They might have lots of time for it when they're 10, or 12, or 14 even, but once they become a teen, they'll be more interested in socializing, and dating, and sports, ect. Why tie yourself down with such a huge responsibility?
Again, it would be great if everyone would do a lot of research on the parrot they desire before buying, but unfortunately the reality is that they don't. Especially if they're younger. If everyone did do their research and knew what they were getting themselves into, the shelters wouldn't be so overflowing with abandoned and unwanted parrots.
I am not by any means suggesting that smaller birds are throw away birds, or that they should suffer, so that the inexperienced owner can make their mistakes on the smaller bird before they get a bigger parrot. To be perfectly honest with you, I don't even support the idea of parrots as pets anymore, and I don't think they make good pets, period. But if someone is intent on buying a parrot, I think they should be warned at how difficult and demanding the bigger parrots are as pets, and that they don't mesh well with the lifestyle of the average person who works out of the home 8-10 hours a day, or goes to school, has a busy lifestyle, ect. With the smaller birds at least you can keep them in pairs so that they can keep eachother company while you're out. But to go out and buy an Amazon, and then put in a cage for 10 hours a day all by itself is just cruel in my opinion. |
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Monday May 21, 2007 3:18 pm |
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jletaz
Experienced flier
Joined: 28 Feb 2007
Posts: 1286
Location: CA, USA |
Also, until you have a highly intelligent larger parrot, it is all but impossible to describe exactly 'how' it is until you do it, and it is much harder mentally to stay one step ahead of that parrot than anyone can even imagine from reading or hearing 'how' it is. For example, just like if you haven't raised a human baby or child or been pregnant, people can describe 'how' it is and how difficult it is, but you just still can't quite grasp it not having gone through it personally. The larger species are SO complex in their personality and ability to use what seems like psychology on us, and manipulate, try to intimidate, be extremely strong willed, and get serious or dangerous behavioral problems easily etc. that looking back, I would have been in way over my head to keep a large parrot properly when I started with birds 15 years ago. I was an adult then too. 
Julie |
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Monday May 21, 2007 5:12 pm |
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Lynzi Marie
Flying tumbler
Joined: 23 Aug 2006
Posts: 2052
Location: Utah |
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I'd say Caique or Pionus....They are smaller, and less "prone" to biting and behaviour issues...My lil White Cap is probably the easiest "bigger" birds I have....He doesn't
need
loads of attention...he gets it anyways, but He's okay being alone during the day...
Caiques are clowns...plus, I don't think I've ever met or heard of a Caique that has any real bad behavior issues....They're also known for being able to entertain themselves and play happily on their own...
 I don't really agree that parents shouldn't buy pets for their children under the age of 12...I've had my own pets since I was 6...Obviously, I didn't pay for anything....but as long as the parents understand their young children can't support themselves or their pets, and are willing to essentially over-see everything, it is a great way to teach children responsibility...I've become much more responsible than alot of my peers because I have been exposed to the necessities of someone else for so long....I do think if the parents aren't going to do a dang thing to help, especially when the child is learning and young, then obviously it's a horrible idea.... |
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Monday May 21, 2007 7:53 pm |
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jletaz
Experienced flier
Joined: 28 Feb 2007
Posts: 1286
Location: CA, USA |
Good post Lynzi ...
I also forgot to mention above that I
still
have my first parrot, he is anything but a throw away (even though he can be quite a brat)  He is and will always be the one I'm closest to, and I can't imagine not having him with me!
Julie |
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Tuesday May 22, 2007 6:26 am |
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shirin
Moderator
Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 7405
Location: Canada, Toronto |
I still have my first parrots too |
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Tuesday May 22, 2007 1:51 pm |
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Lynzi Marie
Flying tumbler
Joined: 23 Aug 2006
Posts: 2052
Location: Utah |
lol....I still have my first parrot too! haha...granted it's only been a year since I got him, but I don't plan on giving that 'Tiel up.... |
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Tuesday May 22, 2007 6:33 pm |
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shirin
Moderator
Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 7405
Location: Canada, Toronto |
quote:
Originally posted by Lynzi Marie
lol....I still have my first parrot too! haha...granted it's only been a year since I got him, but I don't plan on giving that 'Tiel up....
 wow! You've gotten 5 parrots in a matter of a year?!? plus 2 fosters? I thought it was longer, you must have really devoted your life to parrots  How do you get your school work done? I can hardly manage with 1 big parrot . You must be more hard working than I am  |
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Tuesday May 22, 2007 10:23 pm |
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bookwrm6197
Flutterer
Joined: 29 Mar 2007
Posts: 109
Location: New York City, United States |
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quote:
Originally posted by shirin
quote:
Originally posted by Peanuts
Yes, I understand what you mean and agree with some things, but why buy a cockatiel if all you want is an amazon? In that case I think itīs better to do a lot of research on amazons and spend time with other peoples parrots to find out that if an amazon is the right choice.
And I really donīt think that anyone under the age of 12 or something should have their own pets at all
.
Oh, believe me, I definitely agree with you on that one, especially not a parrot. In fact, I don't think anyone should have the sole responsibility of a pet until they are financially able to take care of it. If the parents of the child agree to be financially responsible for the pet, fine, but I see a lot of parents buying their young children animals, and then when the animal gets sick, they say, it's not my responsibility and just let the poor animal die because they don't wanna pay for vet costs. I also think that younger children don't understand how demanding of your time parrots can be. They might have lots of time for it when they're 10, or 12, or 14 even, but once they become a teen, they'll be more interested in socializing, and dating, and sports, ect. Why tie yourself down with such a huge responsibility?
Again, it would be great if everyone would do a lot of research on the parrot they desire before buying, but unfortunately the reality is that they don't. Especially if they're younger. If everyone did do their research and knew what they were getting themselves into, the shelters wouldn't be so overflowing with abandoned and unwanted parrots.
I am not by any means suggesting that smaller birds are throw away birds, or that they should suffer, so that the inexperienced owner can make their mistakes on the smaller bird before they get a bigger parrot. To be perfectly honest with you, I don't even support the idea of parrots as pets anymore, and I don't think they make good pets, period. But if someone is intent on buying a parrot, I think they should be warned at how difficult and demanding the bigger parrots are as pets, and that they don't mesh well with the lifestyle of the average person who works out of the home 8-10 hours a day, or goes to school, has a busy lifestyle, ect. With the smaller birds at least you can keep them in pairs so that they can keep eachother company while you're out. But to go out and buy an Amazon, and then put in a cage for 10 hours a day all by itself is just cruel in my opinion.
I agree with you...but I'm 10, I still want a budgie. I know it's a small bird, fairly easy to take care of in some people's opinions, and I also know a bird can be very demanding though. I am fully aware of the responsibilities. Believe me...I have spent almost
28 hours
in all, about, researching about budgies. That's not counting the amount of time on Fluffies, lookind up on imformation. I have thought about it, thought about it, thought about it. Let me tell you, I am not a busy person. You know about the social thing too? Well, yeah, my mom has forbidden me from dating until I'm in college...and I'm not that athletic. So I think that even some children should be able to care for a bird. I have even compared my schedule and times I would play with the bird, train the bird, clean the cagge, change food...So, do you think I would be able to care for a bird by myself? This is what I think: absolutely! And of course...I have my own funds, saved from many birthdays, christmases, and chinese new years. My mom and dad would still pay though, but my funds are just in case. Of course, really I'm just saying this to ask advice that if you think I still might not be able to care for a bird. I want all your peoples
s opinion.
Your
opinion. I would torture myself to death if I find out that I had to take the poor bird to a shelter, or the bird dies because of me. So now, I'm asking the people with expieriance!  But just so you know...I really love animals. My best friend and I, we even made a club that we want to put into action the mintue we can, that's tries to make ways to help animals in the wild, brainstorming different ideas, so that endangered birdies and other animals could not be endangered. I am also told I am quite mature and serious, alittle too serious according to some people.
 What do you think? That is the question.. |
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Tuesday May 22, 2007 10:52 pm |
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shirin
Moderator
Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 7405
Location: Canada, Toronto |
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First off, you sound like a very intelligent, mature, and responsible 10 year old. Wow, I can't even believe you're 10 And I applaud you for the steps you have taken to prepare yourself for the responsibility of pet ownership, and I really wish every child that decides to get a pet would do some thinking and preparing before they take the life of and animal into their hands. To answer your question, as I said in my other post, if your parents are willing to take on the responsibility of the financial aspect, then I think it will be great for you to have a pet, and I'm not against it. What I am against is when parents buy their children animals, to teach them responsibility, and so they make their child the person who is solely responsible for the animal, and then if an emergency arises where the pet needs to go to the vet or something, then they refuse to help.
I would definitely be against you getting a large parrot at this age, because they do require more time, commitment, money, ect. Having a big parrot is really like having a child in my opnion, and can you imagine yourself having a baby at this age? A budgie is a nice choice for you, and I actually encourage you to get a pair, so that they can keep eachother company while you're at school. They will still be tame, and still love to play with you even if they are a pair.
Now as far as your mom forbidding you to date till you're in college my mom forbade me too, but I still dated |
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Tuesday May 22, 2007 11:19 pm |
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Lynzi Marie
Flying tumbler
Joined: 23 Aug 2006
Posts: 2052
Location: Utah |
quote:
Originally posted by shirin
quote:
Originally posted by Lynzi Marie
lol....I still have my first parrot too! haha...granted it's only been a year since I got him, but I don't plan on giving that 'Tiel up....
wow! You've gotten 5 parrots in a matter of a year?!? plus 2 fosters? I thought it was longer, you must have really devoted your life to parrots How do you get your school work done? I can hardly manage with 1 big parrot . You must be more hard working than I am
lol....I know! hah....When I'm working with my birds something just feels right, I know I'm supposed to do something like what I do with them for the rest of my life, so in essence, I have really devoted my life to them...I'm not really sure how I get my stuff done....lol...I'm working pretty much all day doing something... |
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Wednesday May 23, 2007 1:08 am |
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Sue
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 10102
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quote:
Originally posted by Peanuts
Yes, I understand what you mean and agree with some things, but why buy a cockatiel if all you want is an amazon? In that case I think itīs better to do a lot of research on amazons and spend time with other peoples parrots to find out that if an amazon is the right choice. And I really donīt think that anyone under the age of 12 or something should have their own pets at all.
I don't think you should not have any pets at all, but I do think that you need your parents to stand behind you.. I don't think that amazons are ok at this age, apart from them being VERY expensive, both in care and purchase, there are so many other birds more easy to handle. (And some birds are less of a nuisance to other housemembers, like parrotlets) |
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Friday June 8, 2007 10:18 pm |
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