Thinking About Adopting a Parrot? Read This First!

1. Lifespan: Parrots live a long time. Cockatoos and Amazons can live 40 to 70 years, and Macaws can live 30-45 years. That means adopting a parrot is not a short-term commitment. Ask yourself how old you are now. If you are young, think about what your life might look like decades from now. If you are older, your parrot may outlive you. Do you have a plan for who will care for them when you no longer can?

2. Attention and Social Time: Parrots are social butterflies. They need time with you every single day. Without enough attention and interaction, they get lonely and frustrated. Think about your daily schedule. Do you have time to hang out, play, and talk with your parrot? Can you balance their needs with work, school, or family life?

3. Cleaning: Parrots are messy little roommates. Their cages need daily cleaning to keep them healthy and happy. Are you willing to put in the time to keep things fresh and safe every day?

4. Food and Fresh Water: Parrots do not eat boring bird seed. They need a healthy mix of pellets, fresh fruits and veggies, and nuts. They also need clean water that may need to be changed more than once a day. Are you ready to shop for parrot groceries and keep up with fresh meals?

5. Veterinary Care: Parrots need regular checkups just like cats and dogs, and it can get expensive. Emergencies cost even more. Not all veterinarians know how to treat parrots, so you may need to travel to find an avian specialist. Can you afford the care they will need?

6. Noise: Parrots have big voices. Some scream, some screech, and some repeat the same sound over and over. Even the little ones can be surprisingly loud. How much noise can you handle, and how much can your neighbors handle?

7. Toys and Chewing: Chewing is a parrot’s favorite pastime. In the wild, they break open nuts, rip apart branches, and shred leaves. In your home, that means lots of toys. Toys keep them busy and happy, but they need to be replaced often and they are not cheap. Do you have the budget for a steady supply of parrot toys?

8. Housing: Parrots need big, safe cages. Good ones are not cheap and bargain cages can be unsafe. Cockatoos require a cage 48in x 36in ($1,632), Amazons require 40in x 30in ($900), and Macaws require 64in x 32in ($1,395). In addition, parrots require a travel cage. Have you thought about how much you can spend on housing for your bird?

9. Allergies and Dust: Some parrots, like Cockatoos, Cockatiels, and African Greys, create a fine dust that can bother people with allergies or breathing problems. Even if you are not sensitive, the dust lands on furniture and clothing and means more cleaning. Are you or your family prone to allergies? Are you ready to dust and clean more often or invest in an air purifier?

10. Housing Situation: Do you rent or own? Does your landlord allow parrots? If you move, will you take your bird with you? Will there be enough space in your new home to keep them comfortable?

11. Life Changes: Life is full of surprises. People get married, divorced, move away to college, have kids, start new jobs, or begin new relationships. These are some of the most common reasons people give up their parrots. Think about your future. Will a parrot still fit into your plans no matter what changes come your way?

Final Thoughts

Adopting a parrot is a heartwarming journey full of laughter, chatter, and unforgettable adventures. Parrots are expensive feathered children. They require $56 food per week; that's $3,000 per year! In addition, yearly checkups cost $500 per visit. Thinking through these points helps make sure your new feathered friend feels loved, safe, and right at home.