Adopting Pet Parrots Am I Ready To Take A Parrot Home? Things You Need To Know Before Adoption
Adopting a pet parrot is a big decision that shouldn't be made lightly. These fun-loving, affectionate and highly intelligent creatures have very unique needs that must be met.
Parrots are not a pet that you can leave in their crate day after day. If you intend to own one, you must be willing and ready to properly care for it. Here are some questions to ask yourself before adopting a pet parrot.
Am I Ready For The Commitment?
Did you know that certain parrot species, such as the Macaw, can live well over 50 years? In fact, it's not uncommon for elder parrots to get passed down from one generation to the next. If you thought dogs were a serious commitment, you obviously haven't dealt with parrots.
Do your homework beforehand to determine the average life expectancy of the parrot species and ask yourself if you're ready for that commitment. Under no circumstances should you adopt a pet parrot unless you're 100% committed to providing it with a safe, healthy and loving home.
In this recent article, we also discuss ways to get your budgie to love you.
Do I Have the Necessary Finances To Raise a Parrot? How Much Does it Cost?
Far too many people make the hastily decision to adopt a pet parrot without factoring in all of the related costs. Like all pets, however, there are both direct and indirect costs associated with raising a parrot.
Adopting a parrot without first acknowledging these costs could result in a poor, unhealthy environment for your feathered friend. This is why it's important for individuals and families who wish to adopt a parrot to familiarize themselves with the costs of raising these brilliant and intelligent creatures.
The first cost that we're going to discuss is that of the actual parrot. Parrots can range anywhere from $20 to several hundred (or even thousands for rare species). Parakeets and budgies are a popular choice because they are inexpensive, whereas larger African Grays and Macaws tend to be more expensive.
Direct Costs
- Bird cage
- Pellet and/or bird seed food
- Food and water dishes
- Treats (store-bought or you can make your own)
- Perches
- Toys
- Cage mirror
Indirect Costs
- Nail trimming
- Grooming
- Veterinarian visits
- Healthcare costs
- Cleaning products for your parrot's cage (you should avoid chemical-based sprays)
- Trash bags for cleaning their cage.
- Newspapers
- Vitamins
- Vacuum cleaner
As you can see, there are both direct and indirect costs associated with owning a pet parrot. Far too many people assume the only costs of owning a parrot are the food and cage, but this isn't the case.
In addition to the 'obvious' expenses, owners must also pay for nail trimming, veterinarian visits, medicine (if necessary), cleaning supplies and more. If you aren't able or willing to cover ALL of these costs, you should wait until you are more financially stable before adopting a pet parrot.
So, what's the total cost of owning a pet parrot? There's really no easy answer to this question, as it varies depending on a number of different factors. Parrots who require special medical care naturally cost more to raise due to the increased frequency of veterinarian visits and medicine.
If you factor in all of the associated costs mentioned above, you'll find that the average cost of raising a small-sized parrot is around $300-$600 annually, whereas large parrots typically cost around $700-$1,300 annually. Again, these are just rough estimates and should not be taken as 100% accurate. Each and every situation is different, and the cost of raising a parrot will vary.
Although the overall cost of raising a pet parrot is relatively low when compared to other common family pets, you'll still need to purchase certain products and services. The most obvious cost of owning a pet parrot is their food.
Get the full scoop on ALL the costs of parrot and pet bird ownership right here: www.BirdCagesNow.com/blogs/bird-blog/how-much-do-parrots-cost
Is My House Parrot Friendly?
There are dozens of potential hazards inside a home which can injure or even kill a pet parrot. While you may already know some of them, chances are there others that will surprise you.
Before making the decision to own a parrot, check to make sure your house is safe and ready for their arrival. Keep all cleaning chemicals, bleach and pesticides stored far away from your parrot's cage.
Due to their sensitive respiratory system, some air fresheners, scented candles or even Teflon-coated cooking pans can result in serious illness for a parrot. The bottom line is that you have to give these items up if you want to raise a pet parrot inside your home. Other than that, you have to make sure your home has ample space for your pet parrot to exercise as it is crucial to keep them healthy.
Having read all these tips, you should be informed and convinced enough right now if adopting a pet parrot is the best for you. Having furry little friends as companions in the house helps build a cheerful mood after a long day of work but it is also important to make sure you are ready for the long term commitment of taking care of them.
Did this article help you out? Let us know if you have further questions in the comments below!