Parrot Myths & Misconceptions

[Michael]

Where did people even get this idea from that birds need to kept in pairs? I do not understand who keep propagating it?? Is it the pet stores trying to make an extra buck that recommend getting two!?

[Natacha]

Where did people even get this idea from that birds need to kept in pairs? I do not understand who keep propagating it?? Is it the pet stores trying to make an extra buck that recommend getting two!?

I do happen to go in pet stores where they say that lovebirds should really be kept in a pair.
I think it has a lot to do with past beliefs that are still sticking around, specially when these birds are bought and aren't tame. Instead of going through the trouble of taming it, you buy a "friend" for it.

Oddly enough, people seem really more upset that I keep my lovebird not in a pair than any of my other "bigger" parrots.

I try to correct this information as much as I can when I talk to people about keeping birds.

[Michael]

But you see. I really do not understand that. If you are buying them in a pair so they can interact with each other instead of you, then why bother getting them at all??

[MandyG]

But you see. I really do not understand that. If you are buying them in a pair so they can interact with each other instead of you, then why bother getting them at all??

The problem is it's inexperienced people that are going into pet stores to buy their first bird. If the 'educated' people working there insist that your bird will be happier with a friend because they belong in a flock you will believe them and get 2 because most people that are getting an animal want to do what they think is right for them. And you think that people that work in the pet shop really know best. *cringe* Another misconception...

[Michael]

I would probably get fired on the first day of working at a pet/bird store because I would probably be telling 90% of the customers that they shouldn't have a bird and that really what they are looking for is a pet rock. I'm just amazed watching the kinds of people that buy birds and their reasons!

And let me add, it's not because I am elitist about earning birds. Not in the slightest bit. I think with the proper education and dedication, anyone could be a responsible bird owner. That is why I started this forum. However, it seems that most people can't take care of themselves or their children so I don't know why they are bringing a bird into that household. I think it has to sound with a sound, curious, dedicated owner. If the owner is dedicated, he or she will try to learn and do what is right for the bird. It is just unfortunate how people don't care and get bored of their birds quickly.

[Natacha]

I would probably get fired on the first day of working at a pet/bird store because I would probably be telling 90% of the customers that they shouldn't have a bird and that really what they are looking for is a pet rock. I'm just amazed watching the kinds of people that buy birds and their reasons!

And let me add, it's not because I am elitist about earning birds. Not in the slightest bit. I think with the proper education and dedication, anyone could be a responsible bird owner. That is why I started this forum. However, it seems that most people can't take care of themselves or their children so I don't know why they are bringing a bird into that household. I think it has to sound with a sound, curious, dedicated owner. If the owner is dedicated, he or she will try to learn and do what is right for the bird. It is just unfortunate how people don't care and get bored of their birds quickly.

Thing is, I don't think this is only applicable to birds.
Some people shouldn't have any kind of pet, period.

[Nathaniel]

Some people shouldn't have any kind of pet, period.

Like my sisters

[Kim S]

Where did people even get this idea from that birds need to kept in pairs? I do not understand who keep propagating it?? Is it the pet stores trying to make an extra buck that recommend getting two!?

I'm sorry I just stumbled upon this thread and while reading through it came across this statement.
And to keep the answer short: I do. I think most people should have more than one bird.

If the owners work all day and are only able to interact with the bird for 1 to 2 hours a day, whats the bird going to do the rest of the time? Getting bored? They need some form of communication.
I always advice working people to first get one bird. Tame it. Teach it whatever it needs to know. And buy a second, which you will tame and teach just like the first. If you keep spending the 1 to 2 hours a day on both birds they will still be attached to you. The only difference is taht they will have a playmate during the other 12 hours you dont have the time for them.

I dont mean you should get a pair and breed. I dont mean they should live in the same cage. And I dont even mean you should get two birds of the same species. But I do think birds should have other birds around to interact with.

[Azure Hanyo]

I would probably get fired on the first day of working at a pet/bird store because I would probably be telling 90% of the customers that they shouldn't have a bird and that really what they are looking for is a pet rock. I'm just amazed watching the kinds of people that buy birds and their reasons!

I would get fired for either that or for yelling at people who mistreated the birds. I was at PetLand back when I was searching for a cockatiel after my Stanley passed away, and I saw this group of people pulling tail feathers of the cockatiels and someone got bitten when they pulled the tail of a particularly fiesty male and it bite them so hard they bled, and then they SMACKED THE BIRD OFF OF ITS PERCH. They got themselves banned from the store for that, because an employee saw them abusing the birds a moment later, else I probably would have started screaming at them for being so dang mean.

Why go to a pet store if you're just going to be mean to the animals???!!!

[Rue]

I also firmly believe that you should have more than one bird. Most birds are flock animals and their well-being centers around flock dynamics. Humans replace some of the flock - but all 5 of mine will eat at the same time, stretch at the same, groom themselves, etc., even though they're different species originally from 3 different continents. Don't underestimate the importance of group activity.

However, as pets kept in an artifical environment to begin with, I don't think they need to be the same species, or housed in the same cage...just having others around provides security.