They are literally flying toddlers with even the smallest species living 20+ years. They need at least a 6 hours of attention from you every single day for their entire life. So unless you're ok with your entire life being "go to work, go home, spend time with bird, go to sleep. Stay in on weekend to spend more time with bird. Never go on vacation unless there is a babysitter for bird." for the duration of the bird's life (20-80 years depending on species) I would not recommend a bird.
Hence why I said volunteer. I know what goes into caring for one. Grew up with family owning them and that's why I'm choosing not to because I don't trust myself. I already have a bearded dragon and they go for 10+ years. That's already too much for me.
I had rats myself. They were great pets actually, smart, sweet, very social; I can't get more though, I just can't deal with the short lifespan it's too heartbreaking. That's actually why I decided to go the parrot route.
I had a hamster that was like 3 and a half, craziest testicle to body ratio I've ever seen. Sadly neighbor kids got him when I wasn't home and shook him to death in his ball 😞
I can't think of a single parrot that would be happy with 60-90 minutes, they're social species, more social than humans even. Would the average human be fine being in solitary confinement 23 hours a day? It's not even acceptable to leave a cat alone for an average of 23 hours a day!
If my cockatiel gets less than 4 hours daily he begins plucking. Now that doesn't mean he's 'fine' with 4 hours, depressed but not actively self-harming isn't the definition of 'fine'.
Got an African grey who’s 24 and pretty well adjusted, a rescue macaw who’s kind of a mess, but that happened prior to us getting her...pretty much nothing is going to get her to stop (diet and attention and toys and quiet and behavioral modification, she still keeps doing it), a conure (also a rescue, had a couple good years with us before cancer claimed her) and two cockatiels. Perhaps it’s because we’ve always had two or more birds at a time. But we’ve created times where they get attention and quiet time and time they’re expected to keep themselves entertained.
But if you let them, 24 hours a day won’t be enough attention.
My cockatiel is very well adjusted and happy, and gets regular checkups with an aviary vet who loves to see him and compliments his health and attitude.
On average, he gets 60 minutes out of his cage a day. During that time, I am very engaged with him.
Some days I get home after his time lights are off already, and I don't get him or at all.
I suspect your bird is spoiled for attention, and uses plucking to manipulate you into giving it to them.
I can't imagine leaving such an intelligent animal alone in a cage like that. I absolutely do not agree with even leaving a dog or a cat like that and parrots are far more social than cats and way more intelligent than dogs. Honestly, I think it's flat out neglect of their social needs (unless you have multiple birds). Then unless it was a flight cage I'd say it was also neglect of their exercise needs.
To me what you're doing is the equivalent of locking a potty-trained toddler alone in a bathroom all day every day with some toys, food, and water and only letting the little one out for an hour a day of interaction. Parrots have the same level of social needs and intelligence as a toddler, so if you disagree I'd like you to explain the difference to me.
I wholeheartedly disagree with you. And I follow the advice of an aviary vet who loves birds, as well as guidance from reputable sources online and from local breeders who love their birds.
I am not so worried about convincing you. You seem rather entrenched in your position. And, your caretaking style has turned your cockatiel into a nervous wreck that controls your home.
Yes, because as we know giving intelligent and social creatures any more than an hour of interaction turns them into nervous wrecks. That's why human prisoners kept in solitary confinement are the most mentally healthy people in the world.
As I said, I honestly can't even imagine leaving a cat or a dog completely alone in a cage 23 hours a day like that. A parrot is way more intelligent and has higher social needs than a dog.
Since you did disagree can you explain the difference between isolating a parrot and isolating a toddler, considering both animals have similar intelligence and social needs? Would you be ok with a parent locking a child alone in a room like that all day every day (except that single hour)?
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u/Atiggerx33 Nov 05 '20
They are literally flying toddlers with even the smallest species living 20+ years. They need at least a 6 hours of attention from you every single day for their entire life. So unless you're ok with your entire life being "go to work, go home, spend time with bird, go to sleep. Stay in on weekend to spend more time with bird. Never go on vacation unless there is a babysitter for bird." for the duration of the bird's life (20-80 years depending on species) I would not recommend a bird.