Your First Bird
Thinking about adopting a parrot without any parrot experience? Stuck on what direction to take?
I have been working in parrot rescues for the past 6 years; I was 4 years full time working at rescues. All but two of my birds are rescue birds. We all start somewhere right?
Well, I started with parakeets because my special needs uncle had them and I was 5 years old. I got three from him because they were BFF’s. They were “rescues.” My first birds when I was 5 were untame rescue parakeets that were heavily bonded.
Where I suggest to start? Go to a rescue. There are tons of parrot rescues around, and they’re dying for your help. Volunteer, be around parrots, get experience. Be around as many different species as possible so you learn more about what makes each species unique to decide which one fits best with your lifestyle and goals. I always wanted a house full of Moluccan cockatoos... until I met JoJo (yellow nape amazon) and fell in LOVE with amazons, which have become my favorite species of parrots all because I worked with a species I didn’t have an interest in at the time. Amazons fit much better into my lifestyle and goals than a cockatoo, hence why I only have one! Being at the rescue, you can learn first hand on how to take care and handle parrots. Working at a rescue is where I learned so much and had so many experiences with parrots of all types, backgrounds, and personalities. It’s how I’ve become the crazy bird lady I am!
Never will I say “___ bird is a good starter bird” because they all need highly specialized care. I believe smaller birds are less intimidating for a beginner, but I have worked with large species of parrots that were middle aged that were gentle and sweet as pie; they were perfect “beginner birds.” Build relationships with people who own parrots. They will be your support team when you run into issues or a problem (you will, trust me). Realize that parrots are not domesticated pets, they’re wild animals. They don’t want to please you like dogs, they always think “what is in it for them.” It’s a different relationship compared to other companions, but that isn’t to say it isn’t the strongest most beautiful bond you can have with another species