Parrots could not make good pets, however I used to be fascinated by this: There are infinite explanation why I really like them anyway. I’d by no means give my birds up if I had any type of a alternative! It takes a saint-like quantity of endurance to reside with one…in addition to an immunity to mess, noise, and waste…but in case you can tolerate the unfavourable features of possession, a parrot could make an exquisite life-changing companion.
My parrots are typical. They’re affected by seasonal hormones that make them many occasions extra more likely to chunk and scream and act like little terrors. After chewing up my valuables (and sustaining an uncanny knack for figuring out this stuff), they fly round like creatures possessed and steal meals which are unhealthy for them even once I’ve lovingly ready a healthful meal. No, I like my flock as a result of they are birds, not cats or canines, and since they do fowl issues. I take pleasure in all of the little issues that differentiate them from our domesticated pets.
Parrots are true to who they’re. They do precisely what they need, when they need, and so they don’t have ulterior motives – reminiscent of pleasing you. A parrot follows his intuition. That is precisely what makes them so unsuited to captivity, but additionally what endears them to me. I like that predictability (which is in itself generally unpredictability).
I’m enamored of their gentle, sensible feathers, after all, however extra so with their daring personalities. Everybody one in all them is exclusive, and has his or her personal likes and dislikes. For instance, Mavi hates pink cabbage. Regardless of how I disguise the occasional little bit of pink cabbage, he is not going to contact it. Ptak loves strawberries, however Mavi gained’t contact these both. Bobo the cockatoo loves all the things, ever, whereas cockatiel Mishka solely preferred inexperienced issues. For those who had meals she wished, she’d be dangling out of your collar and doing acrobatics to attempt to get some – and in case you nonetheless weren’t sharing, she’d attempt to stuff herself into your mouth or casually saunter proper by the center of your plate. These little issues make parrots very particular. To me, it completely makes up for the truth that you shouldn’t be cuddling them, or that you just will generally get bitten randomly.
After I look into the eyes of a parrot, I see somebody trying again at me – extra even than with canines, cats, or horses, that are all very clever and great companions. Parrots are considered sentient. I recognize that once I discuss to my flock, they’re conscious and actually listening. Or a minimum of I really feel prefer it.
Parrots additionally scent good – or a minimum of, mine do! Mishka smelt of contemporary powder… I used to bury my nostril in her feathers from time to time. You possibly can guess how a lot she preferred that. I liked her un-tameable wildness, how she used to imitate the telephone dialing, or ‘sing’ the music to one in all my favorite city-builder video games. I got here to admire her fierce independence. All the things was carried out on her phrases. If she wished to be with you, she’d let you recognize by trumpeting the music of her individuals into your ear. If not, she’d self-amuse on high of the door. She was brave and neurotic on the identical time. I liked her for her for being, effectively, Mishka.
In fact, there are infinite small issues to adore about every particular person in my flock. They take a look at my endurance every single day, however I at all times smile when my littlest parrot, Ptak, pipes, ‘Child fowl, you’re so fairly, fowl!’ and makes up his personal grammatically-correct sentences from phrases I taught him in a distinct context. Or when Mavi the Senegal declares, ‘You’re so CUUUUTE. I really like you!’ as I wake him up. They’re mirrors of your own home life. For those who bathe them with love and respect, they mirror it!
In the long run, it’s the small issues that make even the hardest occasions bearable. It takes only one candy little second to remind me that at this time was robust, however tomorrow might be higher.
I feel the very best and ultimate a part of having parrots is that you’ll by no means be alone once more. I’m flock now.
Their neediness might be carrying; parrots thrive on social interplay, making it a prerequisite of life with a fowl. Their extremely social nature is a professional and a con, however actually a professional – if you’re prepared for the sacrifice. The issue arrives when the novelty of that super-close companionship wears off. When it begins to influence your life, will you continue to suppose it’s so enjoyable or fascinating? Many individuals don’t.
So why do I do it? It is a query I’m requested so much, particularly after I’ve been trustworthy about my life with parrots. It’s a problem! For those who’ve learn among the articles on this weblog, you, too, could fairly surprise the identical factor.
Effectively…I share my life and residential with parrots as a result of are very lovable – and so they want people who can tolerate their quirks and wild nature. Captive parrots can by no means be launched into the wild. They’re utterly and totally depending on individuals. In the long run, nonetheless, their intelligence prices them their houses. Parrots are at all times in search of one thing to do, issues to chew or discover, and infrequently that results in bother. It’s not so cute after your parrot escapes his cage for the fifth time when you’re out and destroys your home. Or chews your vintage furnishings to bits. Or screams till your eardrums ache and your neighbours file noise complaints.
I goal do my half to assist captive parrots, and what meaning to me is adopting the birds I can present for and doing my finest to provide them good lives – plus writing in regards to the truths of parrot possession in order that others can be taught from my experiences.
Life with parrots is about sacrifice. In the long run, I really like that they taught me selflessness, compassion, and endurance. So sure, they could be horrible pets, however I select to recollect the quiet moments and let the bites and the frustrations slide previous. And largely I keep sane doing it!
