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What does "Commitment" mean? Commitment means: a: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future, especially an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date; b: something pledged; c: the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled.
Bird ownership is a commitment, a life long commitment. Many of you may know, and some can guess, and for those who really don't know, the average life spans for different types of birds are as follows:
Macaws: Macaws have been known to live well over 50 years in captivity. The smaller "mini" macaws life span is at the lower end of this range.
Cockatoos: Cockatoos have been known to live well over 40 years in captivity.
Amazons: Amazons can live 50 years or more with excellent nutrition and veterinary care. Average life span is probably more around 20 years. Amazons are very prone to obesity.
African Greys: African greys have been known to live 50 years or more in captivity.
Conures: These noisy little mischief-makers can live anywhere from 15 to 20 years, sometimes up to 35 to 40 years.
Pionus: Pionus can live up to 30 years with proper care. Their average life span is probably around 15 years.
Lories and Lorikeets: These birds usually live 15 to 20 years.
Parrotlets: Parrotlets have a life span of approximately 15 years.
Parakeets: Parakeets can live up to 18 years with proper diet and veterinary care. Depending on the type of parakeet, the life span may range between 15 to 18 years.
Lovebirds: Lovebirds live an average of 10 years.
Canaries: Canaries may live 20 to 25 years with an average life span of 10 to 15 years.
Finches: Finches can live 15 to 20 years; however, the average is probably closer to 5 to 10 years.
What your Commitment is/should be: When you decide to purchase a bird for you and/or your family, consider many things when you make that purchase. Birds are not like cats or dogs who require much less attention, they are complex creatures with personalities more different than most other "domestic" species of animals. Their emotional needs are far more complex than that of cats or dogs, and because of their longevity, (some species can live as long as 70+ yrs) the bond they make with you will last their lifetime and yours as well. Acquiring a bird is almost like adopting a child, for birds will have the mentality of a 2 or 3 yr old all their lives. They are highly intelligent, energetic, socialable, and loveable creatures, and require their human to be in their lives every
day .
You will find that being "owned" by a parrot/bird is so different, but yet can be so rewarding. When you bring that bird home, you are bringing home a bit of "the wild" into your domestic home. These birds can amaze you, can make you laugh, and make even the sadest of people smile when they do their little "dance"
for you. But remember, these birds even though raised by humans, will always have "the wild" in them.
You will become one of the flock! So expect to be called to the "flock" when you walk in the door at
night. Thus, the screams you may hear from time to time. What these lovely creatures give you far outweighs what
you can give them in terms of enjoyment, love, companionship. Birds will never care what you look like, whether
you have your makeup on, or if you are dressed like a slob. They love you no matter what.
Which brings me to the "commitment" part of this web page. Commitment to a bird/parrot is supposed to
be a lifelong thing...they will live longer in most cases than cats, dogs, fish, iguana's, and require different
foods and care to make their lives enjoyable and healthy. The proper cages, perches, toys, veterinary care, and
your daily interaction with your pet bird is most important. You must be commited to providing for your bird, like
you would provide for a child in respects. The key as mentioned before, is proper foods, toys, cages, and most
importantly positive interaction with your bird daily. Remember, they miss you when you are gone.
Be a responsible bird owner. Change the cage flooring often, clean and disinfect food and water dishes daily, provide
fresh foods and fruits, in addition to a seed/pellet diet, and fresh water each day. Play time and interaction
with you is also so important to their emotional and physical well being. They only ask that of you, in return
will give you unconditional love and enjoyment with their antics. Research what foods, trees, plants, chemicals,
candles, etc can cause illness, or even death to your bird. Socialization is very important as well, as they are
very "social creatures". You are part of their "flock", just like in the wild. Which means
that no matter if you have company, or your watching TV, they want to be the center of your attention and want
their "human" by their side. They will do some of the silliest things to get your attention, or may resort
to screams to get you to come. Pay attention to their needs, and the rewards will be endless. They are your friend
for life.
The bottom line,
Be Commited
Be Responsible
Be Caring
Be Loving
Be Patient
Be Understanding
Be A good "human" to your bird.
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