Parrot Nation

A while back, I asked some of my friends a question: “If they could speak to the aviculturists of the future, what piece of advice would they give them?”

I got some interesting answers which I published here: Speaking to the Future- Part I.  I did get so many answers I had to split them into more than one post. The photos are of the people who responded followed by their answers:

Robin Feagan:

“Enjoy them while you have them because you never know when circumstances will change and you will no longer have that feathered kid you loved so much..and love them for them not for what you expect them to be….they maybe nippy they maybe moody but they do need unconditional love no matter what.”

Barbara J Helferich:

“I would say to all the rescuers that they need to pull together for the good of the birds and quit the back stabbing and vicious remarks because that does nothing to promote their abilities to take care of these precious creatures.”

Kathy Floyd:

“I did not know anything about abused, neglected parrots until I went online looking for Parrot Toys of all things. I then found out about ‘rescues’ so I volunteered at one. Read and read some more, everything and anything. Talk with people, experiences people. Spend time with birds, learning them and their behaviors.
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Barbara Cooley:

 “Volunteer in a bird rescue before deciding which bird would be right for you. I learned a lot doing this, and my dream bird is not one that I would want after learning more about myself, and what type of Parrots would do good in my home.”

Dorothy Long-Leinenbach:

“Having a parrot is a long life commitments with lots of love. Don’t buy a parrot just because you said “Aww how cute!” Do your research & understand what you’re getting into. I love my babies 11 & 8yrs old  and I’ve had them since they were babies.”

Laura Rutkowski:

“If you can, set up a trust fund for your birds. Don’t plan on “giving” your birds to family. If they were interested, they would have already told you. Make sure you have a folder on each bird – their likes, fears, words, favorite foods, who they get along with, who their buddies are. Do your homework as far as rescues you trust. Have a network of bird friends. They understand how you live, what you would want for your birds. I hate to be this morbid, but our oldest is 30, youngest is 6 years old. Being 56, I would  have to live until 100 to take care of them. I’d also like to set up a retirement for birds & their people, but I don’t have the money.”

Amy Meade:

“Learn to say “No.” Once you have a parrot (even if it’s “just” a budgie) you will become a magnet for those who are looking to re-home.”

It’s an interesting question. I got interesting answers. As I get more opinions, I’ll publish them in upcoming posts.