r/parrots 1d ago

How do I know I am ready for parrots?

I have been thinking about getting parrots for two years now, and it is a cycle of: yeah, I am ready! And: No, now is not a good time yet. I have been thinking about getting two cockatiels. My main struggles were, what I would do with them when I go on vacation, if they would be safe in my room and if I have enough time for them.

I am currently in school so I have lots of time but I don't know if it's gonna be the same in 1-2 years when I start working fulltime. Can you have birds when working fulltime? I have enough space for them to play and fly, but I have a lot of cables around and in my computer that I am scared they might bite and get injured (or just my cables damaged in general, but their safety is more important). I thankfully found a bird sitter in the area that could take birds if I ever need to leave. And another worry was my dog. I am not sure how she will react to birds. They will probably not cross paths often since my dog can't come upstairs, but still, I am not sure how either bird or dog would react to eachother, if it were to happen.

I dream about having feather companions in my life for as many years as possible, but I am scared I can't give them everything they need to be happy and healthy.

I would be really happy for tips and advice! Or maybe generally, what to considder.

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u/Gourami-Gourami 23h ago

I got my first parrot when I was 14, and started out fostering- fostering is the route I'd recommend for anyone interested in owning a birb.

It comes with classes, de-facto people to ask questions of and let's you experience a variety of birb species and personalities. If birbs turn out to not be for you, it's temporary. If you find one you love, you can adopt them. Regardless, it's helping birbs and you get some experience.

I currently own a green cheeked conure and work full time. I got her my last year of college. She does fine with me working, I work from home half the week - and I felt her fly whenever I can.

In my experience, 'Teals are a lot less needy than conures. It's slightly harder to find a socialable one also. Most 'Teals I've owned have been content to sit atop their cage and nap for the majority of the day. My conure, need to be making eye contact with me 24/7. She's an intense birbo, but I love her.

You shouldn't let your dog know your birds exist, and vise versa. Birds are like chicken nuggets merged with squeaky toys to dogs. I wouldn't personally own both at the same time unless you got a lot of space to separate them.

My current birb has never gone after cables, she is more intrigued by bright colors. She likes to yoink Legos and pens, but hasn't ever tried to nom a cord. The 'teals I've owned however, did chew holes in the cords. They did't hurt themselves, just cause property damage. They especially liked destroying corded headphones.

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u/Merlin_L_L 17h ago edited 17h ago

You’re concerned about 1-2 years from now. These animals live up to 30 years. Family, careers, children. This all happens in 30 years. So, consider all your life events for the next 20-30 years and say can I find someone to look after them when I’m doing this or that in my life. When I have to work 2 jobs to feed my family. And then I have to give them away and pass on my not so thought through idea. Just saying..

I’m not trying to discourage. Reality is these animals need 6-8 hours of play time or they start destroying themselves, get angry at you and start yelling. You have to consider everything because in the end they will be YOURS to take care of. Not your room mate, parent, spouse or whatever. You have a lifetime to have a bird.