The good, the bad and the ugly

[neoow]

I saw and responded to a thread from a new member asking about parrot ownership and just thought it might be useful to have a thread on the best parts of parrot/grey ownership as well as some of the worst. A lot of videos and social media sites always seem to promote the best things about parrots and maybe sugar coat some of the 'bad' or undesirable parts of parrot ownership.

So... what would be on your good, bad and ugly lists in relation to living with parrots?

Good
Greys make great companions.
It's a very rewarding experience. I've been learning about training the last few years and getting a successful recall or when Alfie asks to play our little colour game is very rewarding.

Bad
The mess from dust, dropped food and shredded toys is never ending. You can't be too house proud with a parrot around 😂
Poop. Everywhere.

Ugly
The occasional 'unpredictable' bite which can really hurt your feelings! And of course, some parrots WILL draw blood. (I'm very thankful Alfie is not one of them) 

What would you add to these lists?
 

 

[Timbersmom]

Totally agree. I'd add expensive and time consuming to feed properly. I don't think some understand how much it costs to take care of a parrot correctly. I know I didn't! Also, Avian vets are not readily available in a lot of areas, and are expensive as well. Anyone considering adopting a grey should understand that it takes substantial resources and time for food prep.

I can't think of anything to add on the "good" but that's mainly because I struggle to express it. I've never been as attached to a "pet" as I am to Timber, and I've had many that I've loved. There is something different about a relationship with a grey and words fail me.

Under the "ugly," you've listed the worst one, and the hurt feelings are a real thing. If you have a lot of "traffic" meaning people who don't live in the home passing through, you have to be very careful. I've had to grab someone's hand before they stuck it in strike range several times, people often don't understand that greys aren't going to just "let them pet them" like a cat or dog might. Also under ugly, there are cases where your bird may take an active and sometimes belligerent dislike to a household member. 

I'm probably overthinking this, but just my thoughts!

[Inara]

Good: Being able to share life with one of the most empathetic and fascinating creatures on the planet. Being a major sci-fi nerd, I just think of HRH as an alien species with whom I have a wonderful friendship like Han Solo and Chewbacca, or the Mandolorian and Baby Yoda

The Bad: having to wake up with the sun every day now that I am retired. I would soooo love to sleep in. Just even until 8 a.m. 

The Ugly: I tell people that living with parrot is like living with a punk rock band of toddlers gone wild on tour. Constant hullabaloo, mess, poop, litter, and things beaked, broken, and a noise level that many people find irritating. Very expensive to boot and there is not a band of roadies to clean up after the band.....

[Talon]

Oh my!  Great topic!

 

I have 3 so….

 

Good:  They are amazing creatures and can be very loving!  Fun when they copy your words or come looking for you when they can’t see you. The cuddles they give you by rubbing their head on your cheek. Knowing they trust you when they step, their whistle or if they come when you call them .

 

Bad:  Food ,poop and messes everywhere. Human dishes thrown on the floor breaking if left un attended. Cupboards chewed,  ALL the woodwork in my house is chewed, windowsills doors etc. NEVER feeling like you can go on a vacations cause they won’t get out of their cages when your gone and you need someone qualified to care for them. Keeping cats and some dogs away..Having to cage them when guests come over cause they can’t be trusted not to attack or bite.  NEVER going to the bathroom alon or your Amazon will open the door and March in so she can be on your shoulder . OH and the ear piercing whistles in your ear deafening your for a short time. And worrying about what happened to them when you pass and they outlive you..

 

But all and all , it’s a blast and there is never a dull moment!!

[neoow]

I love all of your additions- so many great points and observations. 🙂

[LNCAG]

Good:  a sweetheart who cuddles, who looks to me to see if something 'new' is anything to be afraid of, his cute words and phrases - sometimes used appropriately.  A gorgeous wild thing to share my home with.

Bad: Expenses, Messes.  A baby who never grows up to get his own breakfast, lunch, etc. -- a toddler for the rest of his life (carefree toddler with intelligence of an 8 year old!  lol).  Biting risk to visitors, cage-time if you go out.   Me never taking a real vacation (maybe a couple days max, knowing his care is diminished and out-of-cage-time is usually out of the question while you're away).  The vet bills -- nails may need trimming, health must be checked at least every couple years.  Broken china, chewed woodwork, ruined antique chairs, dust!!!, floors looking like you dumped out a trashcan, caution house-sharing with other pets, etc..  

Ugly: Planning your parrot's future should you die.  Knowing your grey never got to flock in the wild with his own kind and enjoying the true freedom of being wild and flying free.   Bred to be captive.  We do our best, and I do think my grey has been happy.  But he got the life I chose for him.  I do my best to give him the best life I can.  I think he's happy.  I hope he's happy.  He cannot compare his captive life to a wild free life.  I do my best to make his sacrifice worth it.