So you’re thinking of getting a parrot…

[If you decide to get a parrot, I’m working on a companion article called “So you’ve decided to get a parrot…“]

People can have very strong opinions when it comes to the topic of whether we should keep parrots. Some feel that it’s cruel to keep any creature with wings in captivity, while others think that parrots make the perfect pet.

I’ll provide a more nuanced position that sits between the extremes. As I’ve written in my life with parrots, I have a lot of personal experience, but I also draw on current research into captive and wild parrots.

Hazel the cockatiel munching on some grass. Yum.

Deal-breakers

When giving advice to potential parrot keepers, I usually start with the downsides. Not because I like to be negative, but just like dogs can bark excessively and cat litter boxes can stink, every pet has downsides. If you’re particularly sensitive to one of these, you might want to reconsider getting a parrot. I’ll present some alternatives in the next section.

Household fumes

Birds have …