Did You Know?

The below information is NOT intended to scare you,
or offend you.  It is simply information to think about and educate. So hopefully, if you choose to become
"owned by a Parrot", your Parrot won't one day end up being shuffled from home to home, or end up in a Rescue or Sanctuary like ours.

What to feed you Companion Parrot?

Your Companion Parrot should eat a healthy diet that includes a pelleted diet, fresh foods, cooked foods, bird bread, and some seeds.  This is essential to maintain a healthy, happy bird.  Our birds are all given Harrison's Pellet daily.  We feed fresh fruits in the morning, fresh & cooked vegetables and bird bread in the evenings.  We feed a seed/nut mix 2 days per week.  Seed is very high in fat content and should be fed in moderation, not as the regular daily diet. 

Most birds love table food.  Eating with your Companion Parrot is a good way to bond with your Companion Parrot.  However, you should be aware that some types  of "people" food is not good for your bird.  For example, birds are lactose intolerant and should not be given cheese.  They should not be given coffee, chocolate, alcoholic beverages or avocadoes.  These things can be toxic to your bird.

What about smells?
Plants & Trees?
Other household items?

Some household smells like cleaning agents, carpet cleaners, scented candles and even teflon coated pans can be toxic to your bird.  Some plants and trees can be toxic to your bird.


Why People Give Up Thier Companion Parrots:

The most common reasons people give up their parrots:

~ They are too loud/scream too much
~ My husband/wife girlfriend/boyfriend doesn't like the bird
~ We're having a baby
~ They are too messy
~ It bites

Unlike dogs or cats, your Companion Parrot will most likely be a "lifetime" commitment, and may even out live you.  Most species of parrots have lifspans of 50/60/70 years or longer.

They ARE messy.  Some like to throw their food.
They shed feathers and destroy toys.
They may even eat the woodwork in your house or your furniture.

And YES ~ they can be VERY LOUD!
Large birds are not a good idea if you live in an apartment.

And YES ~ they CAN and WILL BITE.
It is unrealistic to think that you will own your bird for any length of time and it will never bite you, or someone else.
There are many reasons a bird bites.  Understanding what those reasons are, whether they be maturity and aggression, fear, protection, etc. and working to understand and correct those things are keys to maintaining a healthy relationship with your Companion Parrot.

Where are you going to be in 5/10/15 years or more?
IS A PARROT THE RIGHT COMPANION FOR YOU?

Common Misconceptions about
Parrots in Rescues:

A lot of people think that just because a bird is in a rescue there must be something wrong with it.  This is generally not the case.  If you consider the reasons that a lot of people give up their parrots (simple list below) you will see what we mean.  We have had the pleasure of experiencing cockatoos with some of the sweetest, nicest, most incredible personalities come through our doors.

What about a Baby Parrot?

What don't the breeders tell you about Baby Parrots?  They GROW UP!  Parrots are a lot like having toddlers for the rest of your life.  BUT, they do grow up and become sexually mature.  Depending on the species of Parrot this can be anywhere from 2 years to about 6 years.
Your sweet, cuddly baby Parrot might not stay sweet and cuddly when it grows up.

Parrots, unlike cats/dogs are not domesticated animals.  They are only 1 or 2 generations removed from their natural habitat.

Don't get me wrong, we have had our share of sick and behaviorally challenged birds - but just because a bird is in a rescue does NOT mean there is something wrong with it!  Also keep in mind when you start to look for your companion parrot ... it is important to do your research on specific species and their personalities.  For example, if you want a bird that is friendly and sociable, that you want to take with you on camping trips, or church retreats, or just out for Sunday brunch, an African Grey is not likely to be your companion - you would be better suited for a Cockatoo.  If you want a bird that is quite happy to spend time on its own and is not generally clingy and needy - you may be better suited for a Grey or an Amazon.

And you may also keep in mind that birds "pick their people" ... just because you may like the bird, doesn't mean it's going to like you.  Keep an open mind and do your research .... you just might find your perfect match is not what you expected!