Am I Ready Yet?

[jaimmorr]

Okay, so I doubt I'm ready yet. But I'm hopefully getting close?

For the past year or so, I've been doing research on birds. Parrots, in particular. And, if you want to get really particular, Conures. I had been flip flopping between species for a long time, but after visiting with multiple birds and reading and reading and reading some more, I think I've finally settled on Conures. Their playful antics and affectionate personalities really sound like my type of bird.

I have read every book from my library about Parrots. I have read every book in book stores I could find, locally. I have bought 5 books online and read them all. I have also done so much research on the internet, that I'm afraid I've almost ran out of links!

However; Even with all of the reading that I have been doing, and all of the research... Gosh, I still feel like I am not prepared! I don't think I'll every be "fully" prepared until I have a bird, but I at least want to be prepared for the most part!

Is there anything that you would reccommend I read? As in, a "necessary" read? I'm about 98% sure I'm getting either a Blue Crowned Conure or a Green Cheeked Conure. (And yes, I am fully aware of the differences between these birds.) I am really leaning towards a BCC. I am going to a bird fair next weekend and want to stock up on some supplies and possibly a cage!


Anyway, did any of you feel like this before getting your parrot? I just want to do everything right, so that I can have a lasting bond/relationship/friendship with my parrot. I want to give him or her the best life possible and I want to make sure I'm as prepared as I can be.

Thank you!

[pennyandrocky]

i inherited my first so no,and i was completely unprepared.no matter how much you read it's not going to prepare you.have you gone to a shelter? are you ready to commit 30 years to something that =a 2 year old child? if so i would say yes.

[jaimmorr]

I have not gone to a shelter yet, as I have none that are close. The closest one I have found is about 4 hours away driving distance, but I have been in contact with them and plan to visit soon.

I am definitely prepared to make the commitment. I am involved with animal rescue and my main motto is "A pet is for life, not just for now." I strongly believe that one should be 100% sure they can keep an animal for the duration of its life before acquiring said animal. I have my 5 year and 10 year plans all mapped out and know what is in store for my life. I know that sometimes life can take unexpected turns, but save for those, I am completely aware. I love animals very much and am actually going to school to become a veterinarian, hopefully for exotics/wildlife rehabilitation. I don't plan on getting a bird anytime "soon," but we all know that can change. My goal right now is to have one by next year.

Thanks for your reply!

[GlassOnion]

I would definitely read Sally Blanchard's books as well as ones by Barbara Heidenreich.

[jaimmorr]

Thanks, GlassOnion! I will look into those!

[jaimmorr]

Just ordered all their books on Amazon, GlassOnion! (With the exception of the one called Beak Book or something, as it was $107.00 USED! What's up with that?!)

[jayebird]

Good Parrotkeeping
by Robin Deutsch

http://www.amazon.com/Good-Parrotkeepin ... 383&sr=8-1

I recommend it all of the time!

You definitely sound like you're going to be a great owner for a lucky bird You've done more research and work than most people do who get a bird, let alone a dog or a cat. I felt like that a bit, too. But you're starting out from the best possible point with actually getting really involved in the culture, researching, learning, and most importantly of all - taking your time! That alone is an incredible thing. So many pets are impulse decisions...you work with rescues, so you know

I think you sound like you'll be great And there's lots of forums online that you can go to to ask for help and questions along the way!

Have you found an avian vet, yet?

[jaimmorr]

Thank you, jayebird! I see that that book is available for the Kindle, so I'll just read it there

Yes, I have located an avian vet - Hooray!

Actually, funny story: I called the vet clinic and was asking questions, and the man said, "Now, what's wrong with the bird?" And I said, "Oh, nothing. Actually, I don't even have a bird yet. I'm just trying to be prepared before getting one." There was a pause and then he said "Oh... Okay?" Kind of worries me... I guess most people only call when their bird is injured or sick?!

Anyway, thanks! And keep the responses coming

[marie83]

Yea it's a bit unsettling when your vets like that but it could just be shock on your vets part because I bet very few people research as much as you have, especially not to the point of contacting a vet before they actually have a bird. If your not happy with the vet after you take your bird you can always change vets after.
I changed vets from my first one because despite having decent reports on the internet when I actually met him I wasn't happy with him. He didn't recognise my birds species, he is a green cheek which are very common over here. I can forgive him of that but then he didn't seem confident handling Ollie at all, he wrapped him up in enough towel to suffocate a macaw (ok not quite that bad) because he was scared of getting bitten- fair enough if I did actually own a macaw, I wouldn't want to get bitten by that either. He was also terrified of Ollie taking off round the room and told me to let Ollie bite the syringe and just squirt the antibiotics into his mouth so he didn't bite me. Needless to say I didn't use that method as I don't want to choke my bird with unexpected fluids in the mouth!! I get the feeling he doesn't see as many birds as he makes out.

The second vets I registered my birds with couldn't believe I was travelling so far to see him, when asked why I didn't take them somewhere more local I got the same sort of response 'oh....okay...' when I explained the vets round are area aren't interested in treating birds. I'm not sure how I rate him as a vet yet but our first appointment he knew what Ollie was, he handled him 100% confidently without a ridiculous method of restraint on such a small bird and he actually listened to my ideas and opinions as well as putting in his own theories. We are just waiting from Ollies records to be transferred from the previous vet before we decide what else needs doing.
If needed I'll have no hesitations to change vets again, but I don't think that will be needed this time.


Anyway that essay was just to say don't worry about the vet just yet. Just don't delay your new bird check after you get your bird so you have time to find a vet you have confidence in if you dont like this one before you do need him/her properly.

[Munchy]

Conures? Awesome!! They're great. I was at a pet store last week and an older couple was picking up their Blue Crown Conure and the bird was hanging on the side of his cage trying to get as close to his owners as he could. He kept saying "What ya doing?" then answering himself " exercising" he was so beautiful! I don't know why everyone loves green cheeks the way they do, they seem so popular. I love my Half Moon. He is not as colorful but very intelligent, playful, and cuddly, I love his greens and blues and his orange above his beak. Then there are peach fronts, and endless other kinds of conures.
If I ever get another bird it will be another conure.
Have fun finding your bird.