Hello From Texas!

[RattyTatty]

Hey, Im Sara and Ive been kinda stalking this forum for a day or two. Ive been thinking about getting an Amazon Parrot, and own no birds, for now! Im 13 years old and homeschooled and it will be my full responsibility, I have to come up with the money myself and everything. I know Im ready for a parrot, and I have $0 saved up, so it will be awhile! I just need help deciding on which Amazon breed (or parrot) I want.


Well. Hi!

[GlassOnion]

Hi and welcome! I would highly, highly recommend visiting a rescue and volunteering. There is only so much you learn online, and it is valuable experience to visit a rescue and handle the various birds there.

Amazons live a very long time, as in they have a human life expectancy. Also, if you plan on ever living in an apartment, you could get evicted due to the very loud screams.

Parrots come in species and subspecies, not breeds like dogs or cats. You need to remember that a large parrot is like having a human toddler. Are you ready to have a baby and look after it? It's much, much different from a dog or a cat.

[parrot_junkie]

You really should know that the lifespan of let's say a blue fronted amazon is about 40-80 years so this is literally a lifetime commitment. It's not going to be easy either, owning a parrot is like the person said here before like having a toddler. They are very selfish unlike dogs, you might get a parrot who does not like you and bonds with another person in your home and that can be very hard.

You should also consider whether you are going to college and what happens to the bird at that time. I know about one bird a congo african grey "Ronja", she bonded with the teen in the home and then when that person moved away for college, she started plucking her feathers when that special someone was gone and it was so bad that she had to be re-homed to see if she would get better by starting over with a new family. Well I guess my point is that it's wise to think far ahead when getting a bird, very far, since this could be the rest of your life.

[RattyTatty]

Ive already thought of that am I'm not going to "move away" to a college, Im going to go to one near our house and then stay there all day and come home at night (no dorms). The parrot would be by my side all the time.

[Michael]

Why do you want a parrot?

[RattyTatty]

Why do people want dogs? As companions, for love, friendship, loyalty, fun, a lifelong friend,etc.

[liz]

Why do people want dogs? As companions, for love, friendship, loyalty, fun, a lifelong friend,etc.

Lifelong is the key word.

I love all critters and my Amazons are wonderful kids. My tiels and lovebirds also have my heart.
I worry about them because I am 61 and they will outlive me.

You are 13 with a long life and many changes ahead of you. At your age, if you got an Amazon, it would have to be the whole families comitment. Your life has just begun to be fun at the age of 13. You have school, after school activities, dating, college, future job and family to distract you. You will need backup people to help you. Not because you are 13 years of age but because your life is soon to be a whirlwind.

I, myself, am in a situation. At 61 I am still looking out for my old kids and taking care of my mother and aunt who are both invalids. It is very difficult to care for family and pets. I feel overwhelmed at times and don't have time for me. I was divorced in 1998 but have not dated because I don't have time for anything more.

Think about it. Work it out with your family. Find out who will love and care for you kid when you can't. They are kids that never grow up.

When my freinds say they want a parrot like mine I ask them if they are ready to have another baby. They say no. I say just come over and visit and play with mine.

I haven't checked but I think a parakeet (also a parrot) lives 15 years when well cared for. If you got a pair of them they could play together while you are busy. But you would still have them when you are 28. What do you think you will be doing at 28?

[purplepit]

I'm saddened by the response younger people get when they come to a place like this saying that they would like a parrot. Most of them have done as much research as any of us and have spent a lot of time thinking about their decision. They have probably discussed it with parents/guardians and have a plan.

I believe the young people who seek out places like this and do their research are better off owning parrots than a lot of older people I know.

I think we need to support and most importantly help them make an informed decision about what species to start with. But all in all if they have earned the money, made a plan and made up their mind all we need to do id offer a helping hand when we are asked.

Welcome to the forum RattyTatty Take a good long look at all the species available and ask a way.

[GlassOnion]

I think the biggest problem isn't the age factor necessarily. The problem is that a person's life can change 360 from teenagehood to stable adulthood. Not many people would keep their bird over a dream-job overseas or over a spouse who can't stand loud parrot calls or a newborn baby who is allergic.

That being said, I am a young adult but have a fiance and a future life planned out. It just takes a lot of thinking ahead and considering every 'what-if' for the next 30-60 years.

[liz]

RattyTatty how are you doing? Any progress yet?