ALL ABOUT PARROTS


     They can be playful and affectionate one day, sullen and withdrawn the 
next. They fling their food when they eat and scatter toys thoughtlessly. Car
keys and other bright objects attract their attention, and they've been known 
to pull glasses and dangling earings off guests.
     And that's not all. They can throw spectacular tantrums, and once they 
start screaming, its almost impossible to get them to stop. If you live with 
them, invest in s hand-held vacuum and keep paper towels handy.
     Did you guess toddlers? Think parrots instead, which can behave very much
like a child in the "terrible two's." except for one big difference -- the 
birds never outgrow that stage. Perhaps that's part of their charm and one of 
the reasons why these pets grow more popular by the day.
     And yet one of the reasons people are drawn to these colorful critters is 
that they think they're easier to care for then a dog or cat -- and that's not 
really true. Without proper care, good food and constant attention, parrots 
can easily become sick which is why so few pet parrots will ever see even the 
low end of their normal lifespan --30 years to 70 years.
     If you're thinking of laying out hundreds of dollars for a set-up and 
bird, ask yourself some questions first.
  
  * Do you have time to spend with your pet? Birds are social animals and 
may become physically or mentally ill if left alone too much, such as when the 
owner works all day. 

    * If you must leave the bird for long periods of time, would you consider 
keeping a pair of birds to keep each other company, even though that will 
double your set-up expense and the time you must dedicate to care?

    * Can you find someone to take care of your bird -- not just feed it, but 
spend time with it -- when you go on business trips or vacations?

    * Are you a neatnik who can't tolerate mess or destruction? Parrots create
dust and seem to take pleasure in flinging food and feathers. And since 
parrots relieve themselves when the need arises, droppings go to everywhere 
your parrot does, ending up on your shoulder, on the kitchen counter, on the 
tops of the curtains -- in short, everywhere. A parrot can also turn molding 
into splinters in minutes, and can be just as efficient in destroying any 
other household item that strikes its fancy.

    * Will you have time to ensure your pet gets a proper diet? It's not just 
a matter of dumping seed in a dish. Parrots need a variety of fresh food to 
stay healthy, including such items as fruits and vegetables and even pasta.

    * Are you prepared to keep the cage clean Some parrots need to have 
droppings removed daily to keep harmful mold from forming. At the very least, 
you should be prepared to scrub and disinfect every bit of your parrot's 
enviroment -- cages, perches, toys and dishes -- weekly.

    * If the trouble and the cost don't put you off, then you're definitely 
parrot material. If they do. there are still birds that might suit your 
household. Think small. Finches, canaries and parakeets make wonderful pets 
and are nowhere near as demanding or costly as a parrot.

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Stonehenge BBS
[415] 479-8328