BIG Birds

By
Barbara Masi
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0
1218

african grey1Paws-itive Press

BIG Birds

By Barbara Masi

In May we covered the smaller birds and caring for them and this month we will talk about BIG birds.   No, not the big yellow one on TV but the bigger birds we like to adopt into our homes – parrots and the like.

Buying a parrot is easy to do but maintaining one can be problematic if you are not aware of what you are getting into BEFORE you purchase or adopt.  Just look at the many advertisements on Craig’s List for those that the owner can’t handle any longer.  Too many are rejected as unwanted birds as people did not do their homework.  Think long and hard and be honest with yourself. Too many need to be rescued and retrained after living in novice homes where the owners just did not have a clue as to the needs of these wonderful creatures.

Parrots are noisy, messy and need lots of attention. They should never live their lives in a cage as cages are for bedtime or to keep them safe when doors are open.  Also, some birds left on their own too often or traumatized will begin self-mutilation – feather plucking.  However, if you have the time and space for a parrot then he will be a wonderful companion as long as you treat him properly.

Zaire is an African grey parrot. She is what they call an old world parrot meaning from the old continent. Many of the larger parrots like Macaws are known as new world parrots as they are from South America or the new continent.
Zaire is an African grey parrot. She is what they call an old world parrot meaning from the old continent. Many of the larger parrots like Macaws are known as new world parrots as they are from South America or the new continent.

Constant attention is vital for a happy, well-adjusted bird. They are like three year old children and need to play and learn.  Training a parrot is easy and there are lots of videos on the Internet to guide you. Patience and gentle handling is a must.

A screaming parrot is deafening and impossible to live with. He will scream if he is bored, hungry or unhappy. He may also scream when he sees strangers approaching or he is frightened.  Some also scream when dinner is cooking! This screaming can be annoying to your neighbors so you need to ensure that your neighbors live far enough away that it does not bother them – or that your bird is kept happy and entertained so they do not scream on a constant basis.

One of the birds shown pictured here, Zaire, showers with her owner every morning because it’s important to keep her feathers clean. She then uses a pump sprayer after their shower and lightly mists her.   She spends evenings with them during dinner and shares goodies such as veggies and pasta.  Good quality seed, nuts and fresh water are a must to keep your parrot healthy and happy.  They can live up to 60 years – macaws can live into the 100s.

An outside flight on fair weather days is a great way to let your bird enjoy the sunshine. Though on hot days, make sure he has shade.  Cold won’t bother him if he is acclimated but wet windy days are not good for him.

Buster the bird and Jack the Irish Wolfhound at Buster's dinnertime. Jack does respect Buster as he has quite a beak. Although they probably would share as they are best friends.
Buster the bird and Jack the Irish Wolfhound at Buster’s dinnertime. Jack does respect Buster as he has quite a beak. Although they probably would share as they are best friends.

Parrot harnesses are also a good way to take them out with you on walks. Socializing is very important too. The more people that pick him up the better he will be. Parrots are very smart and learn quickly, they also know when people are afraid of them and will play up, so always approach with confidence.

Parrots in the wrong hands can be wretched, miserable, unhappy creatures so think twice before you take one on.  That said, if they receive the time, attention, and proper care required, they are fantastic companions.

Thank you to my Facebook friends Fran Barnbrook and Julie Mc Corkindale for their help with this article.