Post #64717 by Futura Girl on Fri, Dec 12, 2003 6:19 PM

i have been told that parrots have the intelligence of a two year old human. this means you must give them that kind of time and attention their whole lives through. lots and lots of contact and they get lonely easily. keeping them in a small cage at all times would be inhuman. think of it like never letting a toddler out of their crib.

i have a friend who rescued a parrot and even though he's been a good dad to him for many years now - the parrot still has alot of neurosis (pulls his own feathers out until he's bald) from the previous owner who apparently did not treat him well.

parakeets are the best - very personable and easily trained - plus their droppings are easy to clean - you can even let the cage go for a day or 2 before it starts to get yucky. you are pretty safe letting them fly free in your home provided you don't have large glass windows.

purple jade is right, too about don't let a bird ever perch above you - that includes on your head. it's totally psychological - they think they're better than you!

the lime green parakeets look more tropical than the other colors. if you don't plan on spending alot of time with it - get 2 because they do get lonely. but if you get 2 make them sleep in separate cages - otherwise they will bond to each other and not to you. and they'e much more fun when they're bonded to you.

our b.b. (RIP) would fly to my shoulder when i'd come home and nibble gently on my neck!

[ Edited by: Futura Girl on 2003-12-12 18:25 ]