The Don'ts For
ALL New Bird Owners *smile*
If
you are caught in someone else's frames
Break out!
Don't
Forget To Bookmark
1. Don't read
or look at any books if they have cuter or smarter birds than your baby
2. Don't go to
any pet stores where birds are offered for sale
3. Don't wonder
what it would be like to have a bird that talks if yours doesn't
4. Don't think
about a mate...he's a baby he doesn't need a mate this is just another
excuse to bird shop
5. Don't watch
commercials with cute birds...change channel immediately
6. Don't watch
movies with birds...except maybe The Birds. Never ever Pauley, he's
cute, smart and talks
7. Don't ever
go for toys...send a neighbor or someone that thinks your crazy to get
another bird this soon
8. Don't look
at your home thinking there is enough room for another cage. Get
a larger television, or a new chair
9. Don't convince
spouse you feel terrible the new baby is bonded to you and that it's time
one was purchased for them. You just want a baby in the house
Last but not
least.............
10. Don't attend
any bird shows until your baby is at least 2 years old. *sheepish grin*
Don'ts For All Bird Owners
When all is said
and done we learn from experience. This information is from my own
experience with our birdies. We tried several ways of raising our
feathered friends and this list seemed to work best. It didn't happen
overnight, there was trial and error for all. If you want your baby
to fit in and be happy don't give up. They can be very determined
little creatures as they zap their way into your heart. Think of
them as a child. The only difference is they won't grow up wanting
the car keys, but they will need the same guidance and love to be healthy
well adjusted adults.
The Don'ts for
All bird owners was a tongue and cheek look at bird possession. We
possess them but they own us...this is one line every bird owner will own
up to.
On a serious
note it is best not to purchase another bird shortly after you purchased
your first bird. You will join the long line of owners who have acquired
several birds in a very short time (usually only a few months). Then
finding themselves with more problems than they would care to admit.
Birds need a certain amount of one on one time and no matter how much love
we hold for them this is NOT possible if there are too many living under
one roof. I say this from a very sad experience. Sometimes
it takes more love to let go than to keep them.
But are they
really ever gone? Do you ever stop wondering how they are doing?
If they remember the fun times or the sharing of a kiss after a treat?
Are they getting their fruits and veggies prepared the way they like them?
As long as I live I will never forget my babies and in my heart I have
to believe we did the right thing. They were so special how could
they not be in a loving home getting all the attention they well deserved.
If my pages do
anything at all I hope they help the first time buyer learn from our experiences.
Choose the bird you want most of all first...I know this isn't always possible
it wasn't in our case....but wouldn't it be great if we could.
In this way we might keep from falling into the trap of working our way
to that special bird, because each in their own way are all very
special and deserve quality time and attention. I realize this isn't
always the case taking into consideration of room availability and finances.
Remember
limit yourself and move with caution they all are very sweet and have you
ever seen a ugly puppy or kitty? Of course we have and what
did we say "Your so cute only a mother could love you" and then we took
them home.
Parrots require
more of your time and attention than dogs and cats especially in food preparation,
and cleanliness of their surrounding cage and play area. Parrots
require more time to socialize. This is especially true with
the larger parrots. A parakeet isn't as threatening as a large parrot
running towards you with an open beak. My little goffin loves to chase
the white toes (socks) around the living room until you reach down to pick
her up. If she wanted she could lay a powerful hurt on those toes.
She is well socialized to the point of being spoiled which is a whole other
topic on do's and don'ts.
You know you
are pushing your limit if it takes more time to clean their homes and play
area leaving you less time to play with them individually. If this
is true then you are probably falling into the trap of having too many
parrots too quickly. If you find yourself spending more time with
the parrots than you do with your (human) family....another good sign...stop
take a break ...go to the movies...shopping...or take a walk in the park
with your human family. It will be good for all members feathered
and otherwise.
Having four
dogs or cats is not the same as having four "large" parrots.
Parrots require
fruits and veggies everyday. Dogs and cats require food, it's true,
but trust me on the clean up a dish is nothing compared to cages, floors,
walls wherever the unwanted food was thrown. This is something they
will not grow out of. Be prepared for the next fifty years
(some parrots live even longer) to satisfy their food requirements.
A parrot that
doesn't get the attention it requires can become so upset that it will
literally pluck all it's feathers out. Becoming so depressed to make
itself ill and untouchable. At this point the cute cuddly baby is
now a prisoner in its own cage. This can happen no matter how many
birdies you have if they are left without the love and interaction they
need on a daily basis. But it is compounded when there are several
birdies needing your individual attention. This isn't the case if
you are breeding or your parrot has a feathered mate, but it does if they
are bonded to you the human mate in their life.
These pages are
not meant to keep you from having a parrot...they are to make you aware
of that purchase. Some people have several parrots
having no problems at all while others have trouble having only one.
I am one of those
people that can't go to the pet store, breeders, or bird show without wanting
to bring them home. Knowing this I have kept myself out of harms
way. If I had more room, time and more arms I would need to read
my do's and don'ts on a daily basis just to remind me. We all can
fall into the trap but we owe it to our little babies to know our limitations.
There is nothing
more special than that "good morning" greeting or the kiss before bedtime
to make us realize just how loving and unique our babies are in our lives.
Let's live up to their expectations.
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