Why is a parrot "a good pet/companion"? Why do you have one?

[JuliaDG]

Hmmm. Interesting to read all the different experiences with parrots here.

I had a hand-fed baby lovebird who was the perfect companion pet. Of course I handled him a lot as he was growing up (he was a male) and he was the sweetest little thing. Never bit me. Loved to preen my (the "sleep" out of my eyes, the chapped flakes off my lips, anything really that looked like it needed grooming ) He was kept free-flight and I'm lucky enough to have a sunroom where I could let him fly around and land on various house plants, take a bath in a little tabletop fountain birdbath--whatever. He would constantly fly back to me for cuddles and loved to snuggle up under my neck.

I'm wondering if my experience was exceptional or just lucky or what?

My two bigger parrots (one gotten as a hand-fed baby, the other adopted at age 2) have been a different experience in some ways but still quite rewarding for me. Having a bird that can talk to you and respond to what's happening verbally is just a fun thing I never get tired of. They like to have their necks scratched and to perch near me or play on their playgyms, etc. I just love watching them and teaching little responsive verbal games.

[Shelby]

I see you already have a lovebird. Don't underestimate these little guys. I see so many people going for the big, impressive birds, and they totally over look the small ones. Lovebirds can be just as loving, energetic, funny and enjoyable as a bigger bird. They can be flight trained (indoors, of course!) trick trained, and cuddly. If you don't like your relationship with your current bird, try to improve it, instead of going for something "bigger and better".

[coolhady13]

just the idea of having a pet that comes flying to you when you call him is amazing

If I get a hand fed baby, do my best at socializing and training, work with screaming and aggression, would it actually be worth it?-which brings me back to my top questions. I know every parrot has a different personality and anything can happen. Would it stay tame after sexual maturity, enjoy hands on interaction, and possibly be an "ideal" pet as some people might describe their parrots?

i bought an unweaned cockatiel 5 months ago , hand fed him and weaned him my self , until know i didnt face any problems like screaming or aggression , the only mistake i did i that i didnt socialize him enough so make sure you work on that , he realy enjoys cuddling would accept scratching his head as long as i want and never gets annoyed , he is about 6 month old now and molting , i will tell you if he started to lose taming after sexual maturity

[Crimson_Shadows]

the only reason I originally got parrots was because my friend had some tame ones and they seemed cute. now after more experience I find they're a really fascinating animal, which is much cheaper and easier to keep than a dog or a cat, but still just as good. I wouldn't say either is better than the other, but parrots make great companions

[sidech]

What do you mean " cheaper and easier to keep tham a dog or a cat " ? Parrots cost a lot more than a dog or cat... Unless you never take them to the vet, don't buy them fresh fruits and vegetables, new toys to destroy every month... If you just let them sit in the cage, yes, they're easier than cats and dogs ! But then, why get a parrot ?

[Michael]

I think she's talking about budgerigars, the "throw away parrot." Kids whine to their parents that they want a pet but the parents don't want to lay out too much money or effort. They find the 2 for $99 deal at petco where you get 2 budgies, cage, and supplies. The birds already come in the cage so they don't even have to touch them once. Throw the cage in a corner of the kids room and that's that. Since they never let them out of the cage and buy minimal supplies it seems as though its easier to keep than a cat/dog. If they kept a dog in its crate 24/7 they'd think it was easy too. They don't even realize you can or are supposed to let the bird out of the cage. All too common unfortunately.

I've talked to people like this at the bird store. They were asking me for advice about getting a pair of Senegal Parrots because they really just wanted a dog but the mother was afraid of getting bit...

Unfortunately to many people birds are fallback pets to cats/dogs. To me, they are the #1 pet and all others can't match them in intelligence, loyalty, plumage, flight, and talking ability

[laducockatiel]

I think she's talking about budgerigars, the "throw away parrot." Kids whine to their parents that they want a pet but the parents don't want to lay out too much money or effort. They find the 2 for $99 deal at petco where you get 2 budgies, cage, and supplies. The birds already come in the cage so they don't even have to touch them once. Throw the cage in a corner of the kids room and that's that. Since they never let them out of the cage and buy minimal supplies it seems as though its easier to keep than a cat/dog. If they kept a dog in its crate 24/7 they'd think it was easy too. They don't even realize you can or are supposed to let the bird out of the cage. All too common unfortunately.

I've talked to people like this at the bird store. They were asking me for advice about getting a pair of Senegal Parrots because they really just wanted a dog but the mother was afraid of getting bit...

Unfortunately to many people birds are fallback pets to cats/dogs. To me, they are the #1 pet and all others can't match them in intelligence, loyalty, plumage, flight, and talking ability

I agree with you. People just buy birds because (they think) they're easy to look after. They think you can just buy a bird and keep it in a cage it's whole life and just change the food and water. In my opinion also, birds are the best pet, therefore I will look aft my bird the best and I will give it everything it needs and more. This matter is really frustrating....

[liz]

the only reason I originally got parrots was because my friend had some tame ones and they seemed cute. now after more experience I find they're a really fascinating animal, which is much cheaper and easier to keep than a dog or a cat, but still just as good. I wouldn't say either is better than the other, but parrots make great companions

WOW did you open a can of worms. "...cheaper and easier to keep than a dog or cat, but still just as good".

My dogs and cats are expensive. I feed them top quality food with healthy treets. The vet bills get a little steep but I love them. My birds are like children and only get the best I can give even to the point of ordering by mail what I can't get near home. I spoil them as much as I did my children. I worry about them when I am not home. Not only do they get regular check ups but they also see a vet when I think they are sick or have a problem.

When I put my jacket on they don't want me to go. When I get back they act like I have been gone a long time. They actually miss me more than the dogs and cats.

You are way off.

[GlassOnion]

Birds are SO much more work and cost SO much more money than a dog or a cat.
I've had all 3, so I know.

Cats are the cheapest / easiest things ever to take care of. To keep a bird happy, you need to buy constantly buy toys and buy fresh produce and chop it up everyday. And then you need to clean up the toy bits/poop/food the bird throws around. You are so, so off.

[laducockatiel]

Birds are SO much more work and cost SO much more money than a dog or a cat.
I've had all 3, so I know.

Cats are the cheapest / easiest things ever to take care of. To keep a bird happy, you need to buy constantly buy toys and buy fresh produce and chop it up everyday. And then you need to clean up the toy bits/poop/food the bird throws around. You are so, so off.

That's exactly what I mean. Many people think all you have to do is feed them. They are so off