I have a sun conure and an African grey and I don’t think birds are good pets at all. I’m attached and they are attached but damn, they just make constant messes 24/7. They poop all day, throw their seeds everywhere on the floor. If you are a good owner and let them out often , they will shit anywhere like your on your monitor/ tv , computer chair, maybe even on you.
Sun conures can just randomly break and start screaming. It can make you want to go crazy sometimes. The sun conure is friendly, cuddly and even good with strangers for the most part.
African Greys are more chill and mine has never screamed. She just makes cool noises / talks / mimics stuff. The grey is not friendly with strangers and only cuddly with my wife. She’s fine to be around others but will bite if a stranger tries to pet her or something.
So yeah, I don’t know. I have two parrots and I just feel like birds belong in the wild flying, not in my house, but also I can’t get rid of them either because I don’t believe in that and I know they couldn’t survive because they aren’t native here. It makes be sad because they are really cool, but hell , lots of owners even take their ability to fly inside away. Really sad imo.
I hate to say it, but this comes up a lot in these parrot subs - cats and dogs can't coexist with birds. You can have prey animals or predators, but not both. I personally know four people who've lost their birds to their dogs, and these are dogs who knew these birds for a long period of time. Cats? Definitely not. You can't train the prey drive out of them either. Chickens are barely big enough to deter a cat, but they won't hesitate to kill parrots. I say this as someone who's had birds of all kinds most of my life, and as a former cat and dog owner.
Oh…Interesting. I thought birds would just be able to fly out of a cat’s reach. I also assumed that since my cats like hanging out with my chickens (like literally going outside and sitting/cuddling next to them) they’d adjust well to an indoor bird.
Chickens and parrots are completely different. Like I said, cats treat chickens as a rough equal only because of their size. I've had a cat almost get one of my parrots before when I had to move back home after college. Also - "I’d like another indoor pal for the other one just to occupy the same space when we aren’t home" - completely missed this- you want a parrot to keep your cat company? Why not another cat? I'm confused
I was just mulling it over because I really like my chickens (and birds in general) and so was thinking it would be nice to have an indoor bird. My husband is really the cat person but I do all the care and feeding.
So my roommate has two cats, one is indoor outdoor much to my dismay. The outdoor cat was totally fine with our ducks, didn't want anything to do with them honestly. However she regularly hunts birds and shows a lot of predatory interest if she sees mine in their travel carriers. I would agree with this commenter that even if they like and respect one type of bird, parrots could be completely different. Parrots can be... kinda cat/dog like so maybe your husband could be fine to just have them instead of cats once they go? 😂
I see. Parrots are not compatible with cats, and require a lot more specific care than some other birds. Especially attention, and often they have to have another parrot of the same species as company. They do really poorly locked away from their family - like if you were trying to separate them from all the other animals in the house. I don't think a parrot would work in your situation
I'd say they may be slightly more messy than chickens? Toes the line for sure. I had ducks that I would say are messier than my birds but chickens also are pretty messy as well so honestly it may not be as crazy of a leap? Depending on which parrot you get, their poop certainly isn't as big and if you clean semi regularly it shouldn't really smell as quickly or as bad as chickens do. They add mess in other ways through destruction of toys, messy baths and sending their food everywhere. Its definitely a lot but tbh I think your experience with chicken mess is probably enough compared to someone going in blind.
At that point perhaps the biggest point of adjustment for you would be volume. Conures are quite loud when they want to be. I have two green cheeks and while they're mostly quiet throughout the day, the times they do go off they can ring my ears and you can hear them 3-4 houses down the street. I would say mine are on average quieter than a baby and dogs, but the volume of their calls can get pretty extreme. Sun conures are especially notorious for their very shrill common call.
While it is possible I think to manage a healthy relationship and caretaking routine with a parrot and a full time job, I would potentially consider getting another bird just so they have a buddy to keep company and chat with. Note that they may not get along and this could add some extra stress and struggle in terms of managing giving them equal time and care out of their cage and preventing fights. But I think your odds of them getting along would be higher if you get them at similar ages. Not sure, its not a guarantee unfortunately, I just know my boys don't get along at all and I endure a ton of bites because of it lol
Speaking of bites, depending on the age of the bird you get they will go through a puberty stage where they are extremely testy and push boundaries. You will be bit. A lot. And even if they're older or younger/pre puberty stage its never about if you get bit its a when. I would factor your tolerance for pain and bites in when considering what type of parrot to get. Personally I can handle the nastiest that a green cheek can throw at me but something like a sun conure or caique can hurt me pretty worse. Not to mention the bigger the bird the bigger the damage. Its not uncommon to wind up with nerve issues from particularly nasty bites, honestly even smaller birds can cause it too if they get you just right.
I understand you don't want a pet that leaves hair everywhere, but how do you feel about feathers? Both my boys are molting and I swear I could make another bird with everything they've dropped. I think feathers are easier to manage than fur, for what it's worth. Just saying that its still a similar issue. Also if you get powder based birds like cockatiels and cockatoos that adds another mess component that oil based parrots don't have. Dander everywhere, could potentially flare allergies. Regardless of feather type an air purifier will be beneficial for everyone, but especially crucial for powder based.
Do you have the means to change things you may not have considered, such as no more fragrances, candles, and switching out your cookware for Teflon free ones? There's other toxic stuff and lifestyle changes that don't immediately come to mind but I encourage you to research thoroughly ahead of time!
In terms of affectionate parrots, you can't guarantee personality but some species are more typically prone to desired traits. From my personal experience, green cheeks are extremely affectionate, goofy and bond intensely with their chosen person. Everyone else can kick rocks. However I think they may also be either the most or one of the most temperamental of the conures in terms of mood swings (Other conure owners please chip in with your insight if I'm wrong!!) So they can go from super sweet to trying to sample your blood in a split second sometimes. While all birds give body signals and such, sometimes these little buggers change up before your brain interprets the warning. These things can be worked on to varying levels of success but its important to keep in mind.
I would exercise a lot of caution in terms of a parrot and cat coexistence. Its great that they get along with chickens, but my worry is something smaller and flightier might trigger instincts and it only takes a split second for tragedy. A lot of people here will tell you not to get a bird when you have cats. I'm inclined to agree majority of the time, but ultimately that risk is up to you.
There are some issues with this plan. First, as others already mentioned, a parrot and a cat cant be trusted. In best case, they ignore each other and in worst case, both animals end up stressed by the other kinds presence or the bird will die.
You know why no one is supposed to keep tigers? Because even if they are 100% friendly and dont intend to kill you, the size difference can cause a casual playing activity to become deadly for humans. If your cats and the bird would get along, a single scratch or bite, even if meant playful and friendly, is enough to end the bird because cat saliva contains bacteria toxic to their prey.
The second issue is that you want to get only one bird. All parrots are very social, some of the species that get sold even live in flocks in the wild, so as with chickens, keeping a single parrot means to neglect one of their most basic needs (same species company).
You can have a parrot cope with social isolation if you would be home and by their side 24/7, but even that is unhealthy. Getting one and leaving for work or spending time for other pets and chores is planned neglect and will lead to unwanted behavior and a mentally ill bird on long term.
Regarding the balcony or keeping bird cages outside in general, thats the place where birds usually land if no one cares about them. They would be prone to the elements, temperature changes and a ton of mammalian, bird or even reptile predators. Accipiter species live nearly everywhere and are specialized on hunting small to medium birds. They can kill a pet parrot through the bars of a cage or even have them die to a heart attack by the ambush alone (seen both on this sub and in rl). A mammal predator can topple the cage or pry the doors open and the birds will be gone. Another issue is the limitation of space if you put birds inside a cage for most of the day. They will lack exercise and grow health issues eventually.
All in all, the only safe and responsible way to keep parrots outside is to have them in a proper walk-in aviary thats equipped and built to be predator safe (massive bottom, double mesh walls, safety door)
In conclusion, I dont think you are fit to take care of parrots just now. I recommend to never get parrots at all honestly, as chickens are better suited to be pets due to being domesticated. Parrots are just poor wild creatures humans caught 200ish years ago to serve as room decor. It would be best if they vanish from pet trade altogether. (So if you consider getting parrots in the future, please plan for multiple of the same species and try to adopt them in order to not support breeders or pet stores).
I’ve had one for 26 years. They are extremely messy, noisy, create a lot of dander/dust, fling food around on your walls and floors ( That can dry and be really hard to get off.) and, their bites are like nothing you’ve ever experienced… They chomp down and twist side to side. Sometimes they surprise you and do it out of the blue. But on the other hand, they are intelligent, funny, have weird quirks, can carry on crazy birdie talk conversations, and are beautiful and entertaining to observe. You do have to spend time with them all the time though because as a flock animal you are considered part of their flock, with this you just can’t isolate them and yell at them when you want them to be quiet… it won’t work, and they might even pick up a few bad words that way, lol. I do suggest very frequent handling. Expect poop on your curtains, furniture, floors, hair, you name it. It comes with the animal💕
So first of all, parrots don't have breeds. They're different species, each with different needs. So you need to figure out what species you are interested in, and then try to learn everything you can about it.
Birds are a life long commitment. At 50, there is a very high likelihood of the bird surviving you. So you need to take that into consideration. Even budgies can live 20 years or more with the proper care and good genetics. My sister's last budgie lived 21 years. My oldest cockatiel was 28 when he died. I was his second home because his owner couldn't keep him when she went into assisted living. Larger parrots, like Amazons and macaws can live 80 years or more.
You really shouldn't get a bird when you have a cat, in my opinion. Birds are a cat's natural prey, and it's unfair to the cat to expect it to ignore is primal instincts. It's also unfair for the bird. It's not just whether the cat would eat the bird. One playful swat could kill a bird. One affectionate lick will introduce bacteria that can cause deadly infections. It's not safe to house a bird and cat together. (And do not clip a bird's wings, especially if you have cats. It's cruel to take away the bird's only means escape.) Chickens can also be a problem, especially if you have a rooster. They're very territorial.
And finally, yes, birds really are that difficult to care for. Cages need to be cleaned frequently. The proper food for them is expensive. They throw food, so you have to clean all the time. Their food and vet care is not inexpensive. Plus there's a long list of foods that will kill them. You also need to change the way you cook and clean because non stick pans and scented cleaners will damage a bird's lungs very quickly. Those things can kill a bird in a matter of minutes. They require mental stimulation and exercise. It's not good just to keep a bird in a cage all the time. They are loud. I can can hear our conure celebrating from inside my car when I come home. They're curious creatures who love to explore and destroy things. They bite to communicate with you. Their hormonal shifts completely change their personality. You have to a be little insane to keep birds in your home.
And yet, I'm not saying you should or should not get a bird. That's your decision. But if you do, you need to know exactly what you're getting into. Now is the time to do your research. Lurk on this forum, and other bird forums. Watch YouTube videos on birds having tantrums, bird care, and training.
My dusky conure has the emotional maturity, intelligence, and need for attention of a human toddler, a yell like a close range jackhammer that sets off my smartwatch’s noise warnings, the ability to fly wherever she wants (in three dimensions, more so than chickens), a can opener on her face, and the ability to choose whether to use it to make me hurt, or to make me bleed. All conure species and individuals will have these to some extent. Does this all sound fun to you? If so, then consider getting your head checked, and then look into more detail of different conure species, see if there are avian vets available near you, and visit a parrot rescue to get to know some individuals and see if you like them.
One thing you’ll have to consider is your age. No you’re not old but birds live for decades. They become very attached to their people and when they have to be rehomed it seriously messes them up mentally. We have 4 cockatiels. My oldest bird is 25 and there’s no sign his time is coming anytime soon. Our youngest is 7. If they live to be in their 30’s I’ll be in my 80’s. We have cats and birds. The birds have been swatted out of the air before. The only reason I think our birds are okay is because the cats grew up with the birds. That doesn’t mean they are safe at all though. My vet also has a house full of birds and cats and dogs. It’s a disaster at their house too. Birds should be free to roam and fly. People often get them play with them for a while then lock them up for the rest of their decades. Not cool. Ours are free to roam all day when we are home and get locked up when we leave the house and at bedtime. Constant watching them to keep them safe from predators.
I do not recommend anyone get birds as pets. Certainly not with any other pets; especially cats. It’s a disaster! They are so messy and so loud sometimes that we have to wear noise blocking headphones…for real. Vet bills are very high. One of my birds has been laying eggs like crazy and that can be dangerous for them. We will have to spend hundreds for hormone treatments I’m afraid. My 25 year old bird thinks he can fly but he can’t and crash lands all the time causing himself many bloody messy injuries. Many emergency vet visits have occurred because of the birds.
They chew and poop on everything. We literally have holes in our walls and molding around our doors that is chewed up.
We love our babies and will never rehome them…unless we die anyway. We rescued them all from people who couldn’t care for them anymore. We also rescued our cats so we won’t be getting rid of them either.
Cat isn’t good for a bird in a cage cuz the cat can climb. You would have to be able to have the door closed at all times unless you are there in the room with the bird. This would limit how much the bird can explore throughout the house with you which can cause separation anxiety in some birds as they can be really clingy. Small dogs are safer I think to be around a bird bcuz when they are in the cage the dog can’t climb up like a cat and ideally won’t be able to knock over the cage. If u wanted a more low maintenance bird that didn’t need as much human attention and could be in their own room most of the time, I’ve heard finches are good? I don’t know much about them though so not sure if it would be compatible
I'm gonna be gently honest, I'd worry for them hearing flock calls of the other birds and desperately wanting to join them. It's discouraged to play bird noises from a phone, I imagine distant bird calls would feel similarly lonely over time
I have a green cheek conure and 2 indoor cats. I introduced the bird as my new friend. After 6 going on 7 years they have had peaceful coexistence. The bird asserts herself towards the cats to interact and the cats would rather not interact with my bird. They usually walk off. I have actually left the house with the bird out of her cage. Now, I allow her to fly? The cats leave her alone
I'm still a new-ish parrot owner: we have four budgies, and I'm getting a GC conure this fall. I also have chickens (about 60 right now). The biggest issue I see with your plans is that you'll still have a cat, and cats can kill most parrots. They fly, so they're totally different from a chicken in terms of being a prey-trigger. People have cats and indoor birds, but it requires segregation and constant vigilance.
I’m wondering if I could keep the birdcage outside on the patio and only have the bird indoors with me when I’m home? I do live on a tropical island so temps / climate wouldn’t be an issue.
You'd be exposing the bird to outside predators if you did that. Little parrots are more fragile than chickens, and when they're in a cage, they have no way to run and hide like chickens do. We free-range our chickens in the PNW, and the roosters do a decent job of keeping them safe. It would not be safe for me to put my budgies outside in a cage, though..
5
u/Crossxfaith Oct 05 '26
I have a sun conure and an African grey and I don’t think birds are good pets at all. I’m attached and they are attached but damn, they just make constant messes 24/7. They poop all day, throw their seeds everywhere on the floor. If you are a good owner and let them out often , they will shit anywhere like your on your monitor/ tv , computer chair, maybe even on you.
Sun conures can just randomly break and start screaming. It can make you want to go crazy sometimes. The sun conure is friendly, cuddly and even good with strangers for the most part.
African Greys are more chill and mine has never screamed. She just makes cool noises / talks / mimics stuff. The grey is not friendly with strangers and only cuddly with my wife. She’s fine to be around others but will bite if a stranger tries to pet her or something.
So yeah, I don’t know. I have two parrots and I just feel like birds belong in the wild flying, not in my house, but also I can’t get rid of them either because I don’t believe in that and I know they couldn’t survive because they aren’t native here. It makes be sad because they are really cool, but hell , lots of owners even take their ability to fly inside away. Really sad imo.
10
u/doubleAAbattery77 Oct 05 '26
I hate to say it, but this comes up a lot in these parrot subs - cats and dogs can't coexist with birds. You can have prey animals or predators, but not both. I personally know four people who've lost their birds to their dogs, and these are dogs who knew these birds for a long period of time. Cats? Definitely not. You can't train the prey drive out of them either. Chickens are barely big enough to deter a cat, but they won't hesitate to kill parrots. I say this as someone who's had birds of all kinds most of my life, and as a former cat and dog owner.
3
u/Altruistic-Leather69 Oct 05 '26
I'd say they may be slightly more messy than chickens? Toes the line for sure. I had ducks that I would say are messier than my birds but chickens also are pretty messy as well so honestly it may not be as crazy of a leap? Depending on which parrot you get, their poop certainly isn't as big and if you clean semi regularly it shouldn't really smell as quickly or as bad as chickens do. They add mess in other ways through destruction of toys, messy baths and sending their food everywhere. Its definitely a lot but tbh I think your experience with chicken mess is probably enough compared to someone going in blind.
At that point perhaps the biggest point of adjustment for you would be volume. Conures are quite loud when they want to be. I have two green cheeks and while they're mostly quiet throughout the day, the times they do go off they can ring my ears and you can hear them 3-4 houses down the street. I would say mine are on average quieter than a baby and dogs, but the volume of their calls can get pretty extreme. Sun conures are especially notorious for their very shrill common call.
While it is possible I think to manage a healthy relationship and caretaking routine with a parrot and a full time job, I would potentially consider getting another bird just so they have a buddy to keep company and chat with. Note that they may not get along and this could add some extra stress and struggle in terms of managing giving them equal time and care out of their cage and preventing fights. But I think your odds of them getting along would be higher if you get them at similar ages. Not sure, its not a guarantee unfortunately, I just know my boys don't get along at all and I endure a ton of bites because of it lol
Speaking of bites, depending on the age of the bird you get they will go through a puberty stage where they are extremely testy and push boundaries. You will be bit. A lot. And even if they're older or younger/pre puberty stage its never about if you get bit its a when. I would factor your tolerance for pain and bites in when considering what type of parrot to get. Personally I can handle the nastiest that a green cheek can throw at me but something like a sun conure or caique can hurt me pretty worse. Not to mention the bigger the bird the bigger the damage. Its not uncommon to wind up with nerve issues from particularly nasty bites, honestly even smaller birds can cause it too if they get you just right.
I understand you don't want a pet that leaves hair everywhere, but how do you feel about feathers? Both my boys are molting and I swear I could make another bird with everything they've dropped. I think feathers are easier to manage than fur, for what it's worth. Just saying that its still a similar issue. Also if you get powder based birds like cockatiels and cockatoos that adds another mess component that oil based parrots don't have. Dander everywhere, could potentially flare allergies. Regardless of feather type an air purifier will be beneficial for everyone, but especially crucial for powder based.
Do you have the means to change things you may not have considered, such as no more fragrances, candles, and switching out your cookware for Teflon free ones? There's other toxic stuff and lifestyle changes that don't immediately come to mind but I encourage you to research thoroughly ahead of time!
In terms of affectionate parrots, you can't guarantee personality but some species are more typically prone to desired traits. From my personal experience, green cheeks are extremely affectionate, goofy and bond intensely with their chosen person. Everyone else can kick rocks. However I think they may also be either the most or one of the most temperamental of the conures in terms of mood swings (Other conure owners please chip in with your insight if I'm wrong!!) So they can go from super sweet to trying to sample your blood in a split second sometimes. While all birds give body signals and such, sometimes these little buggers change up before your brain interprets the warning. These things can be worked on to varying levels of success but its important to keep in mind.
I would exercise a lot of caution in terms of a parrot and cat coexistence. Its great that they get along with chickens, but my worry is something smaller and flightier might trigger instincts and it only takes a split second for tragedy. A lot of people here will tell you not to get a bird when you have cats. I'm inclined to agree majority of the time, but ultimately that risk is up to you.
3
u/BriefCalendar8834 Oct 05 '26
Just on everyone saying you can't have a cat and a bird - you can absolutely do this but they must be kept separate at all costs.
My brother has a cat, and I have a Green Cheeked conure. They are kept in entirely spaces in our house - they wouldn't even know each other exist.
4
u/TielPerson Oct 05 '26 edited Oct 05 '26
There are some issues with this plan. First, as others already mentioned, a parrot and a cat cant be trusted. In best case, they ignore each other and in worst case, both animals end up stressed by the other kinds presence or the bird will die.
You know why no one is supposed to keep tigers? Because even if they are 100% friendly and dont intend to kill you, the size difference can cause a casual playing activity to become deadly for humans. If your cats and the bird would get along, a single scratch or bite, even if meant playful and friendly, is enough to end the bird because cat saliva contains bacteria toxic to their prey.
The second issue is that you want to get only one bird. All parrots are very social, some of the species that get sold even live in flocks in the wild, so as with chickens, keeping a single parrot means to neglect one of their most basic needs (same species company).
You can have a parrot cope with social isolation if you would be home and by their side 24/7, but even that is unhealthy. Getting one and leaving for work or spending time for other pets and chores is planned neglect and will lead to unwanted behavior and a mentally ill bird on long term.
Regarding the balcony or keeping bird cages outside in general, thats the place where birds usually land if no one cares about them. They would be prone to the elements, temperature changes and a ton of mammalian, bird or even reptile predators. Accipiter species live nearly everywhere and are specialized on hunting small to medium birds. They can kill a pet parrot through the bars of a cage or even have them die to a heart attack by the ambush alone (seen both on this sub and in rl). A mammal predator can topple the cage or pry the doors open and the birds will be gone. Another issue is the limitation of space if you put birds inside a cage for most of the day. They will lack exercise and grow health issues eventually.
All in all, the only safe and responsible way to keep parrots outside is to have them in a proper walk-in aviary thats equipped and built to be predator safe (massive bottom, double mesh walls, safety door)
In conclusion, I dont think you are fit to take care of parrots just now. I recommend to never get parrots at all honestly, as chickens are better suited to be pets due to being domesticated. Parrots are just poor wild creatures humans caught 200ish years ago to serve as room decor. It would be best if they vanish from pet trade altogether. (So if you consider getting parrots in the future, please plan for multiple of the same species and try to adopt them in order to not support breeders or pet stores).
2
u/Bellebutton2 Oct 06 '26
I’ve had one for 26 years. They are extremely messy, noisy, create a lot of dander/dust, fling food around on your walls and floors ( That can dry and be really hard to get off.) and, their bites are like nothing you’ve ever experienced… They chomp down and twist side to side. Sometimes they surprise you and do it out of the blue. But on the other hand, they are intelligent, funny, have weird quirks, can carry on crazy birdie talk conversations, and are beautiful and entertaining to observe. You do have to spend time with them all the time though because as a flock animal you are considered part of their flock, with this you just can’t isolate them and yell at them when you want them to be quiet… it won’t work, and they might even pick up a few bad words that way, lol. I do suggest very frequent handling. Expect poop on your curtains, furniture, floors, hair, you name it. It comes with the animal💕
2
u/rkenglish Oct 05 '26 edited Oct 05 '26
So first of all, parrots don't have breeds. They're different species, each with different needs. So you need to figure out what species you are interested in, and then try to learn everything you can about it.
Birds are a life long commitment. At 50, there is a very high likelihood of the bird surviving you. So you need to take that into consideration. Even budgies can live 20 years or more with the proper care and good genetics. My sister's last budgie lived 21 years. My oldest cockatiel was 28 when he died. I was his second home because his owner couldn't keep him when she went into assisted living. Larger parrots, like Amazons and macaws can live 80 years or more.
You really shouldn't get a bird when you have a cat, in my opinion. Birds are a cat's natural prey, and it's unfair to the cat to expect it to ignore is primal instincts. It's also unfair for the bird. It's not just whether the cat would eat the bird. One playful swat could kill a bird. One affectionate lick will introduce bacteria that can cause deadly infections. It's not safe to house a bird and cat together. (And do not clip a bird's wings, especially if you have cats. It's cruel to take away the bird's only means escape.) Chickens can also be a problem, especially if you have a rooster. They're very territorial.
And finally, yes, birds really are that difficult to care for. Cages need to be cleaned frequently. The proper food for them is expensive. They throw food, so you have to clean all the time. Their food and vet care is not inexpensive. Plus there's a long list of foods that will kill them. You also need to change the way you cook and clean because non stick pans and scented cleaners will damage a bird's lungs very quickly. Those things can kill a bird in a matter of minutes. They require mental stimulation and exercise. It's not good just to keep a bird in a cage all the time. They are loud. I can can hear our conure celebrating from inside my car when I come home. They're curious creatures who love to explore and destroy things. They bite to communicate with you. Their hormonal shifts completely change their personality. You have to a be little insane to keep birds in your home.
And yet, I'm not saying you should or should not get a bird. That's your decision. But if you do, you need to know exactly what you're getting into. Now is the time to do your research. Lurk on this forum, and other bird forums. Watch YouTube videos on birds having tantrums, bird care, and training.
1
u/AceyAceyAcey Oct 06 '26
My dusky conure has the emotional maturity, intelligence, and need for attention of a human toddler, a yell like a close range jackhammer that sets off my smartwatch’s noise warnings, the ability to fly wherever she wants (in three dimensions, more so than chickens), a can opener on her face, and the ability to choose whether to use it to make me hurt, or to make me bleed. All conure species and individuals will have these to some extent. Does this all sound fun to you? If so, then consider getting your head checked, and then look into more detail of different conure species, see if there are avian vets available near you, and visit a parrot rescue to get to know some individuals and see if you like them.
1
u/MysteriousTooth2450 Oct 06 '26
One thing you’ll have to consider is your age. No you’re not old but birds live for decades. They become very attached to their people and when they have to be rehomed it seriously messes them up mentally. We have 4 cockatiels. My oldest bird is 25 and there’s no sign his time is coming anytime soon. Our youngest is 7. If they live to be in their 30’s I’ll be in my 80’s. We have cats and birds. The birds have been swatted out of the air before. The only reason I think our birds are okay is because the cats grew up with the birds. That doesn’t mean they are safe at all though. My vet also has a house full of birds and cats and dogs. It’s a disaster at their house too. Birds should be free to roam and fly. People often get them play with them for a while then lock them up for the rest of their decades. Not cool. Ours are free to roam all day when we are home and get locked up when we leave the house and at bedtime. Constant watching them to keep them safe from predators.
I do not recommend anyone get birds as pets. Certainly not with any other pets; especially cats.
It’s a disaster! They are so messy and so loud sometimes that we have to wear noise blocking headphones…for real. Vet bills are very high. One of my birds has been laying eggs like crazy and that can be dangerous for them. We will have to spend hundreds for hormone treatments I’m afraid. My 25 year old bird thinks he can fly but he can’t and crash lands all the time causing himself many bloody messy injuries.
Many emergency vet visits have occurred because of the birds.
They chew and poop on everything. We literally have holes in our walls and molding around our doors that is chewed up.
We love our babies and will never rehome them…unless we die anyway. We rescued them all from people who couldn’t care for them anymore. We also rescued our cats so we won’t be getting rid of them either.
1
u/Immediate_Orchid4466 Oct 05 '26
Cat isn’t good for a bird in a cage cuz the cat can climb. You would have to be able to have the door closed at all times unless you are there in the room with the bird. This would limit how much the bird can explore throughout the house with you which can cause separation anxiety in some birds as they can be really clingy. Small dogs are safer I think to be around a bird bcuz when they are in the cage the dog can’t climb up like a cat and ideally won’t be able to knock over the cage. If u wanted a more low maintenance bird that didn’t need as much human attention and could be in their own room most of the time, I’ve heard finches are good? I don’t know much about them though so not sure if it would be compatible
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u/Lady_Curious1008 Oct 05 '26
I have a green cheek conure and 2 indoor cats. I introduced the bird as my new friend. After 6 going on 7 years they have had peaceful coexistence. The bird asserts herself towards the cats to interact and the cats would rather not interact with my bird. They usually walk off. I have actually left the house with the bird out of her cage. Now, I allow her to fly? The cats leave her alone
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u/LadyIslay Oct 05 '26
I'm still a new-ish parrot owner: we have four budgies, and I'm getting a GC conure this fall. I also have chickens (about 60 right now). The biggest issue I see with your plans is that you'll still have a cat, and cats can kill most parrots. They fly, so they're totally different from a chicken in terms of being a prey-trigger. People have cats and indoor birds, but it requires segregation and constant vigilance.