Why Parrots Are Not Like Dogs & Cats

I have had one of my feathered friends for nearly 20 years .She is an Amazon parrot. The main thing that I can tell you about this "relationship" is that it is not like my relationship with my cat or dog. Dogs are very loyal, forgiving, and always eager to be at their owner's side through thick and thin. There are those dogs who will perpetually fetch a ball, stick, or whatever. They often know when you are sad or sick and will stay close by. They are a true friend for life and have a wonderful way of loving the unlovely. Sadly, I've seen dogs immediately seek their masters company even when they are mistreated. A parrot will never trust a person if that person mistreats it.

A cat, on the other hand can be ellusive , moody, finicky. But even the most ellusive feline connects with their owner in a bonded way. Our cat allows us to live in HIS house, but I would not call him ellusive in any way. He is a persian with what our family refers to as dog-like qualities. He never wants to be left alone, and really isn't all that moody. Both cats and dogs learn what is off limits when their human's are "looking." A cat may be more likely to do exactly what he is not allowed to do when his human is not around. Mine does anyway. They can be house broken, littered trained, leash trained. They show signs of guilt when they have done something wrong. They can communicate that they are under the weather. A cat especially can live independently when they have a neglectful owner, but dogs can too to some degree.Dogs and cats adapt to their owners.

Parrots have one thing in common with their four legged counter parts. They will bond strongly with their humans if treated well.

But the difference is, a parrot can not know right from wrong behavior according to human terms. They know parrot behavior, and it is up to the owner to adapt to the parrot rather than the other way around. Most parrots are naturally curious and want to investigate their surroundings, and can be destructive while doing so. If you do not want your home furnishings chewed and destroyed, do not counteract their behavior by "punishing" them. They do not understand "time out" shouting, or anything else like that.{Never hit a bird!!} You will counteract destruction through calm handling and by not leaving them unsupervised, providing them with toys to distract them and keep them occupied.

Parrots can not live independently beyond the jungle. Although HIGHLY intelligent, a parrot is completely dependent on their owner for every aspect of their well being and longgevity.

Above all, do not sentence your parrot to boredom! Of course, there will be days here and there when your parrot must remain in his cage. But when life is "as normal" devote time to allowing your parrot freedom outside of his cage, and most of all, access to your attention.

A well kept parrot can become in tune with their owner and vic-versa, and a part of the family in their unique way just as a cat or dog. But it will never be achieved without dedicated ownership.So, before purchasing one of these amazing creatures, consider these aspects of parrot onwership. It is a tremendous time investment.