So you think you want a Parrot?????

Purchasing and caring for a parrot is a life long commitment and should not be taken lightly. A few things to think about …….the financial responsibility. Parrots are a costly investment and an on going expense. The time commitment is also something to be considered. There are the daily chores of feeding and cleaning. Then there is the hours a day you “Must” spend with your friend to nourish his or her emotional needs.

Ok so you still think you want a parrot….lets look at the start up costs.

Initial expense….not including your parrot $1,000 to $4,000.00

1. The Cage $400 to $3500 for a quality cage


Keep in mind this will be where your new friend will spend several of their time each day and an undersized cage is just not expectable! With all of your bird's toys inside the cage they should still be able to fully extend their wings and have several inches of clearance on all sides. For an Eclectus I would recommend a minimum cage size of 36 inches wide by 24 inches deep. This is the minimum and would only be acceptable if your parrot was going to spend most of their day out side of the cage. They need room to climb, swing and act like a clown. That large cage starts to fill up fast with all the toys, swings and perches. Ok I know what you are thinking……but the guy at the pet store said……First of all the worst place possible to buy your parrot is at the “Pet Store” Most of them really do not know anything about raising a happy health parrot. They are just there to sell stuff and make their owners or stock holder money. They are usually knowledgeable about cats and dogs, but birds are much more complex. Find a good breeder and a good online group dedicated to the species of parrot you are looking for. This is where you will find the best information about choosing your life long companion.

2. The Play-stand $75.00 to $400

A Play-stand is a very important part of your birds equipment and is where they will spend a lot of their out of cage time. They are many pre-made models on the market or you can choose to fashion your own. Make sure the play-stand has the appropriate sized perches for your bird. For an Eclectus this would be perches ranging in size from a half an inch to an inch and a half in diameter with most being around the ¾ inch size. It is good if you can have many different textures. Wood, rope, concrete and plastic There should be lots of place to connect ladders, ropes, swings and boing. The purpose of the play-stand is to provide hours of fun, entertainment and most importantly exercise.




3. The Toys 100 to $500

Birds need toys to maintain a healthy life. They need foot toys to keep those talons busy. They need toys that the can chew and shred to keep the beak busy. They need puzzle toys to keep the brain busy. Toys need to be changed and rotated to keep your parrot interest. The most important thing to remember, which toys are they safe for my bird??? Are the hangers on the toys made of stainless steel? Zinc is deadly to birds and I recommend and metals in toys and anything they may chew on be made of stainless steel. Are there any loose parts that a parrot could choke on? Always think safety, just like you would with a small child.

4. The stuff the Pet Store forgot to tell you. $200 to $2,000.00

Before you bring your new parrot home there will be a few things we need to do. Let’s start by throwing out all of your cookware and bake ware you currently own. No I am not kidding! If you are like most people you have non stick cookware. (Teflon coated). Non stick cookware is deadly to birds. When Teflon is heated to around 400 degrees it starts to emit gases that are highly toxic to a bird’s respiratory system. We will talk more about this later. Teflon can be found in several other items you may have. Some hair dryer, toaster ovens etc. If it heats up…..you must make sure it does not contain Teflon.

You will also need a good avian first aide kit. These are available at many good avian stores You will need some good books on general behavior and care of a parrot. Try to purchase current books that pertain to your species. We have learned so much in recent years that older books may contain a lot of very out dated information.

Let the sunshine in….you will need to have a good avian light that produces a full spectrum of light. There is a lot of bad information regarding this topic so we will cover it in detail later. Unfortunately a lot of the “bad” information is being spread by the manufactures of light bulbs.

5. Lets talk about vet bills.

Your parrot should be seen at least once a year for a wellness check and this should also be done as soon as possible when you bring home your new bird weather it be a baby or an adult bird. Depending on the vet and where you live, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 for the yearly exam

Ok there is more, but this covers the big expenses

Please think very carefully before adopting or purchasing a Parrot as a companion. They are very intelligent emotional beings that will depend on you….possibly for as long as you live.

Being owned by a bird is a large responsibility. Please make sure you are ready   We depend on you for everything...including love! THE COLD DARK ROOM My memories as I huddle here all day, Alone and fearful, are of my home far away. Those happy days with my clutch mates and nest, That first human who fed us, those are the best. I was taken from home and a new master brought me here, I was very frightened and alone, and my heart filled with fear. I was placed in a small cage with very few seeds to eat, No gentle touch or words of love came my way to greet. What happened to that gentle voice and her loving touch, I need someone, please to comfort me, and love me very much. Days tuned into months then years and I am still alone, No prayers for me, no help, no one to hear me when I moan. I'm shut away in a dirty cage so frightened by every sound, I cannot get out to play and there's not a toy to be found. I think that I shall very soon fly high across the Bridge, I'm not quite sure just where it is, perhaps just over the ridge. I wish I could have lived a little before I have to die, But when I make my final flight there is no one here to cry. I'm very weak this morning but I hear in the house a new sound, Strange voices are heard down the hall and feet moving around. The door to my room is opened and two humans open my cage It's a human man and lady and my master is in a rage. "Take him and go, he's a worthless bird," I heard my master scream. I was sick and scared but as I looked at the lady, I saw on her face, tears stream. She gently picked me up and held me close against her breast, She kissed my head and whispered, "You're going to have a rest." The man said I had a new home where I would be loved all day, A home where I would be happy and free and always want to stay. But first I needed some medicine to get well, as he drove me to the vet, I soon was well and I knew I was loved, now I'm the happiest bird you ever met. So if you know of little bird, who is kept in a cold dark room, Please do all you can to rescue him and save him from certain doom. Dedicated to all the little birds in cold, dark rooms. Juanita Hawkins - 2003