File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
hello /an/

Im thinking of getting an Ecletus parrot but I've never owned a bird before. I know 4chan is the wrong place to come for advice but..
>> Anonymous
Birds are serious commitments.
They are really needy.
Think of them as a child, they need at least 2 hours of play a day and are very social animals.
This is a serious commiement you're signing yourself up to.
>> Anonymous
All birds bite like hell, throw food everywhere, screech uncontrollably, and go though a few hundred bucks of food and toys a month ...are you ready for that?

Google for breeders in your area and ask if you can come meet some birds before making the big decision. Good breeders love to hear that shit.

Most people will tell you to start with a small bird like a lovebird or cockatiel. But they all have the same annoying drawbacks, and "starting" with a small bird can mean you'll be stuck with it while your heart is set on something larger. I've always wanted a rosy breasted cockatoo, but people convinced me to get a tiel first. Now I care about the tiel and he's well trained and all that, but for all the research I did I could have just got the species I really wanted all along.
>> Anonymous
>>295341
OP here, useful info from Anon for once! Thanks very much!
>> Anonymous
Eclectus parrots are god-damn awesome.

I know one. It only ever talks when it doesn't think anyone's there, so if you hide behind a corner it'll start yammering on, but when you come out it immediately shuts up. Its' called Hector, and his owner takes him with him when he goes to work.
>> Anonymous
get a cockatiel..... try it out for a while and if it doesnt work out, dont get a parrot.

look on craigslist, I can usually get cockatiels for $30.

I think ecletus parrots are like $1000 or something.

anyways... only the mean birds bite, they're messy as hell, they get very lonely and squawky if you only have one, their nails will tear you up, oh and you cant ever potty train 'em... (there are a few exceptions..)
>> Anonymous
Eclectus parrots live around 20 years and need fresh fruit, vegetables, grains and nuts daily. They need daily stimulation, like most parrots, or they go INSANE. Not just leaving the tv on while you are at work, but new challenges and new toys every couple of days. They also need plenty of out time daily to remain handleable. Buying one, a large enough cage, and then maintaining vet expenses and feed can be very expensive. They are also VERY loud (and you cannot blame them for this), and frequently aggressive-biting behavior may come around every blue moon when they are in season or it may become part of the birds personality.
So pretty much, it's like having a baby. A baby who is loud enough to wake your neighbors and strong enough to draw blood.
>> Anonymous
>>295341
Protip: get a cat

I spent the majority of the summer with several parrots, and I will never own one. They are nasty, mean, and never shut the fuck up. They are pretty much rabid babies with hedge clippers for mouths.
>> Anonymous
>>295384
what do you mean by a few exceptions? is it possible to potty train a bird? i thought birds don't really have any control over when they release their droppings.
>> Anonymous
Honestly if you really want a bird you should start with something more simple, like a dove or some other non-parrot bird, because parrots can be a serious pain in the ass.
>> Anonymous
Because of their dietary needs, their droppings are pretty much liquid, which they apparently spray every where.
>> Anonymous
>>295419

They make diapers for parrots, y'know. Shitsux when you clean it out, but it's better than having it all over your house.
>> Anonymous
http://www.petplace.com/birds/potty-train-your-parrot-easy-as-1-2-3/page1.aspx

You can potty-train them and they will even learn to hold it in places they're not allowed to take a crap, but training nor easy or quick