Pet Forum / Birds / Birds / March 2004

Did you know that some parrots can 'shed' extreme amounts of feather
dander/dust which might not be good for your asthma and allergies? Do some
googling on "parrot cockatiel asthma".

Any bird has the potential to be loud. If noise will be a problem with the
housemates, I'd rule out getting a parrot.

Very true.

Cockatiels are not THAT loud. But they can be loud and quite annoying with
their sqwaking.

Parrots don't scream at night unless they're spooked by something.
All parrots make noise, all parrots 'squawk'... it's what they do, it is
how they communicate. If noise and screaming is an issue, do not get a
parrot.

They are.
 I

Not true.

Ideally... but I'm getting the image of your housemates (at best) yelling
at the bird to be quiet while you're not home.

YOu should have a playgym for any parrot.

Ideally.

Search harder... there are good size cages out there.

Tough sh.t (literally!)... birds will poop. In your carpet, bed linens, in
your hair, food, coffe table, on the sunday newspaper wherever they feel
and need to poop.

There's nothing you can do about it.... unless you cover all surfaces in
your house with plastic sheeting. Some people have had some succes 'potty
training' their parrot. Actually, it's more like they've learn and notice
when the bird is ready to go and move the bird to the appropriate place.

www.birdsnways.com
www.upatsix.com
www.mytoos.com
www.cockatiels.org

Plus... here are a few more things to remember BEFORE getting a parrot:

-A parrot is a parrot is a parrot: they are wild animals and behave as
such. They are not dogs or cats. It is usually the owner who has to change
to accomodate the bird's need, not the other way around. If you can accept
the bird for what it is, you have half the battle won.

-Parrots are Noisy: Parrots communicate by screeching & screaming. They do
not know how to write or read. So they communicate with
their flock (YOU) thru screeches, screams, whistles, and all sorts of
godforsaken noises. Some have sweet twitters, others will scream and make
your ears bleed.

-Parrots are Messy: "And a poopy here and a poopy there, here poop, there
poop, everywhere poop poop!" (replace 'poop' with 'food','veggies',
'seeds','water' and sing each about 300 times a day and that's about the
parrot keeper routine). In addition, they have a tendency to chew and
destroy everything they can get their sharp beak into.

-Parrots are Expensive: Add in cost of bird, cage, toys (which can be
outrageously expensive... and you'll go thru a LOT!), special foods,
regular vet visits, emergency vet visits/surgery/etc (which could be in
the hundreds of dollars), t-shirts saying "My Parrot can Bite your Honor
Student", magazines, videos, etc. etc. etc.

-Parrots are Demanding: Cleaning, cooking for and looking after your bird
is time consuming. TIME!!! They will need a hefty chunk of your time...
and they don't care if you're busy or have to work. Forget about sleeping
in!: if the sun's up, it's time to get up. They demand your understanding,
love and attention.

In short, parrots can be a pain in the a.s, but they can also be wonderful
companions who will bond with you.

Dora, in your case, given that you live with other people who do not want
a parrot as a pet, I'd say, don't get one... when the bird starts yelling
and screaming and making a mess, the problems with the roomies will start.

My parakeets were noisier than my lovebird is, although this lovebird is
defying everything I've read about them by being very, very vocal.  I think
she's trying to mimic me and just tries to get a rise out of me when I am
not paying enough attention.  She's practically screaming "Peaaaaches!" at
me all day.

I had a friend who had a cage full of tiny zebra finches... they would say
"beebeebeebee" all the friggin' time.  It was enough to drive you to drink.

That's just silly.

Cover the cage at night.  Not much you can do about during the day if you
aren't home.

Not if the bird has enough toys to keep it entertained.  Rotate the toys in
and out of the cage so it doesn't get so accustomed to them that it grows
tired of them.

Peaches (a Nyasa lovebird) is about 6 inches tall and is in a 3 foot by 2
foot cage - taller than wider.  She does just fine.  But then, lovebirds
don't have long tails.

You'll want to stay away from the cockatoo family, as they have dust
glands under the wings (thanks to marc marrone) which keeps their
feathers soft, but is a source of allergens.

Try doves instead of parrots.

Yeah, they talk each night to any one who can hear.

Middle of the night shouldn't be a problem, unless they are startled.
Most birds like to be covered up for a good nights sleep.

Just toys for the bird to play with.

That is how they can stretch those wings. Birds can be trained to know
where it is ok to poop, but that is hit or miss, and takes a while in
any case.

I would have to say that from what you are desiring, that a bird is not for
you.

Birds scream when they want (some a lot, others never), they sh.t where they
like, they scatter seed everywhere, they chew up everything, they spread
dust everywhere (depending on the species), they drop feathers everywhere
(when molting), they need someone for a constant companion (you), they need
vet care, they need a proper diet, they need a clean cage or room, they
need, they need, they need. Much different, entirely different from a cat.

After reading all your stipulations on the bird, I'd have to say the
only bird I'd ever recommend for you would be a Norwegian Blue.
Other than that, just get yourself a nice hamster.
Becky

Dora,
Parrotlets are nice, little birds.
They are not too loud, but they demand lots of attention and care or else
they will die.
They don't have too much dander, as compared to a cockatiel, but they will
molt, which means that at some time in the year, you're going to be exposed
to bird fluff.

My concern is your roommates.  Will they be nice to the bird, or will they
become irritated by the bird?
How much time do you have each day to spend with a bird?  Some birds have
the mentality of a 3 year-old child.

Are you willing to get rid of many toxic materials in your home?
(Non-stick cookware, cleaning products with toxic fumes, etc.)?
And do you have the cash to help establish your little feathered kid?
Birds demand toys...lots and lots of toys...and quality food.  My husband
jokes that the birds eat better than we do!  Do you have the cash set aside
to cover the occasional emergency vet bill?  Birds, when they get sick, can
die within hours.  Their systems are so much smaller than ours, and they
need immediate care.

These are just some of my thoughts.   Sometimes people think birds are low
maintenance; they are not.
But, they are enjoyable, loving little companions, who definitely brighten
up the world!

If you are interested in a parrotlet, I know some breeders and an awesome
online group about parrotlets.  Just let me know.
~Kimberlee

Norwegian blue for you I think.  By the way, did you know a bird is an
animal?

how about a parrotlet...they are small lively , playful and very intelligent
i have a number of allergies and asthma...and i do not heavea problem with
her...

of course, YMMV

tish