Bringing a parrot into your home is far more than acquiring a pet; it’s entering into a profound, lifelong commitment with one of the most intelligent and complex animals on Earth. While the allure of a colorful, talking companion is undeniable, the reality of parrot ownership is often vastly different from the fantasy. Many prospective owners are unprepared for the significant challenges that come with these fascinating creatures. This article delves into ten critical reasons why parrot ownership can be an extraordinarily difficult endeavor, urging potential owners to consider every aspect before making this life-altering decision.
Reason #1: Parrots Are Incredibly Noisy
Parrots are inherently vocal creatures, and their noise level can be a significant disruption to daily life. Their vocalizations extend beyond simple talking to include constant screeching, whistling, singing, and mimicking other household sounds. This is not a behavior that can be easily trained out, as it stems from deeply ingrained instincts related to flock communication and security. Dawn and dusk are particularly vocal periods as they signal their presence to their “flock” – which in your home, is you and your family. The sheer volume, comparable to loud concerts or jet engines, can be overwhelming and can strain relationships with family members and neighbors. It’s crucial to understand that this vocalization is not an attempt to annoy you but a vital survival behavior for them.
Reason #2: Parrots Are Wild Animals, Not Domesticated Pets
Unlike dogs, which have been selectively bred over centuries to align with human companionship, parrots remain essentially wild animals. Their genetic makeup is still largely tied to their jungle origins, meaning their behaviors and motivations are not easily understood through the lens of domesticated pet ownership. Applying common knowledge about dog behavior to parrots will likely lead to misunderstandings and frustration.
Reason #3: Parrots Have Exceptionally Long Lifespans
Parrots live for a very long time, with many species commonly reaching 60 to 70 years or even longer. This means that owning a parrot is not a short-term commitment but a lifelong one, potentially spanning generations. Prospective owners must honestly consider who will care for the parrot if they are no longer able to, and what will happen to the bird after the profound bond it forms with its primary caregiver is broken by death.
Reason #4: Parrots Are Inherently Messy
Parrots are not built for tidiness. In their natural environment, there’s no need for them to conserve food, leading them to drop and discard food items. This behavior translates to a messy eating habit in captivity, with food often scattered around their living space. Furthermore, parrots spend a significant portion of their day preening, a process that creates a fine feather dust. This dust coats every surface in the home and requires constant cleaning. Species like cockatoos are particularly notorious for producing large amounts of dust, making them unsuitable for individuals who prioritize a meticulously clean environment.
Reason #5: Parrots Require Immense Attention and Affection
Parrots are highly social and often monogamous, forming deep, lifelong pair bonds with their mates. In captivity, you become that mate, and they will demand a significant amount of your time, attention, and affection. They require constant physical closeness and interaction, preening each other and cuddling for hours. If this need for affection is not met, a parrot can become distressed, leading to undesirable behaviors such as incessant screaming, aggression, and in extreme cases, self-mutilation or starvation.
Reason #6: Parrots Experience Intense Emotions
Parrots possess a sophisticated emotional range, comparable to that of a human toddler. This means they experience significant mood swings, exhibiting both good and bad moods. Unlike human toddlers, however, these emotional phases do not simply pass. This emotional immaturity, combined with their high intelligence, can lead to challenging behaviors that require consistent management and understanding.
Reason #7: Parrots Are Highly Intelligent
The intelligence of parrots is on par with apes and dolphins, with some species, like the African Grey, demonstrating cognitive abilities akin to a six-year-old human child. While intelligence can be a positive trait, allowing them to solve complex problems and even use human speech communicatively, it also exacerbates the challenges posed by their emotional immaturity. This combination can create a difficult dynamic for owners to navigate.
Reason #8: Parrots Can Be Extremely Destructive
Parrots interact with their environment using their beaks, which are constantly growing and require chewing to maintain. They will chew on anything available, including furniture, woodwork, and personal belongings, often causing irreparable damage. Their powerful beaks are also formidable weapons. In the wild, biting is a form of communication and defense. In captivity, this can be directed towards owners or family members, causing significant pain and injury. The biting force of even medium-sized parrots is considerable, capable of cracking nuts effortlessly.
Reason #9: Parrots Mature and Can Change Dramatically
As parrots mature sexually, hormonal changes can lead to significant shifts in their behavior. A once-sweet and affectionate bird can become aggressive and unmanageable, often displaying unprovoked bites. While some species are known for more challenging maturity phases than others, this period of hormonal fluctuation can be a difficult time for both the parrot and its owner, potentially lasting for several years.
Reason #10: Your Parrot May Not Bond With You
Unlike dogs, which are genetically predisposed to bond with their human families, parrots do not offer this guarantee. For reasons unknown, a parrot may reject its owner, forming a bond with another family member or tolerating the owner without genuine affection. This rejection can be deeply disappointing, especially if the chosen family member has little interest in the bird. While socialization and species selection can mitigate this risk, there is never a certainty of a strong, mutual bond.
Making the Right Decision
Before committing to parrot ownership, it is essential to conduct thorough research and self-reflection. Honestly assess your personality, lifestyle, living situation, and your capacity for a profound, lifelong commitment. Spend time with experienced parrot owners, observe their birds in their natural home environment, and discuss the realities of ownership with your family. If, after careful consideration, you decide to proceed, opt for a hand-fed, socialized baby parrot that has been health-screened by an avian veterinarian. Avoid adopting previously owned parrots, as there is often an underlying reason for their rehoming that a new owner may not be equipped to handle.
If you can provide the unwavering attention, mental stimulation, and structured environment a parrot needs and deserves, you have the potential to experience one of life’s most rewarding relationships. The moments of pure, unadulterated love, such as a parrot kissing you or snuggling under your chin, can be incredibly special. For those who are truly prepared for the immense dedication required, life with a parrot can be an unparalleled joy.
