EDMONTON – They’re beautiful and exotic but also a bit of a challenge.
“Parrots can be popular pets but they can be misunderstood,” Ian Sprague, Edmonton Pet Parrot Association, said. “With a parrot your dealing with an animal that’s more of a wild animal.”
This weekend, dozens of parrot owners joined the flock, or pandemonium as a flock of parrots are called, to show off their exotic birds at the association’s annual show.
Sprague said pet parrots don’t compare to cats and dogs.
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“You need to think of different ways to challenge him (a parrot) when you’re not there. When you’re home, you’re playing with your bird, he’s on your shoulder, he’s enjoying his time with you; but when you’re away from work, he needs to keep himself entertained.”
Sprague suggested owners could challenge the birds by having them search for their food rather than serving it up in a dish, something birds typically don’t eat out of.
He also pointed out the relationship between parrot and owner may take some getting used to.
“A lot of people think just ‘because I paid for it, it’s going to like me’– they all have their individual personalities. Some of them will think it’s great, others will hate you from the moment you get them home.”
Depending on the variety of bird, parrots can live as long as 70 years.
“You can build the relationship so the bird can stand on you, interact with you– it’s a good bond,” Sprague added.