Polly, Want a Parrot?

[Texasmujer]

If you want to feather your nest by adopting a bird, here are some things to consider:

EDUCATION Before buying or adopting, volunteer at a shelter for awhile. Talk to bird owners, read, join Internet groups to learn all you can.

HOUSING Buy a good cage from the start instead of buying inexpensive ones and replacing them over the years. Proper cages can be expensivem from $500 up to $1,200. Don't stint on toys. They are not an indulgence but a requirement for avoiding boredom.

NUTRITION The biggest abuse is neglect. Keep expections realistic. Birds don't talk all the time; they often squawk and scream if they want attention. If you yell at them for this, it's positive reinforcement of negative behavior.

SOCIAL CONTACT Birds need social contact and lots of stsimulation, even listening to radio or television. And, they can become jealous.

VETERINARY CARE Good care from an avian veterinarian is important and can be expensive. Birds need annual physical examinaitons and vaccinations.
Grooming needs include having wings and nails clipped.