I want to buy a pet parrot for my daughters but mum-in-law says I shouldn’t
DEAR DEIDRE: I WOULD love to get a pet parrot for my two daughters but my mother-in-law doesn’t think it is a good idea.
I am their 38-year-old dad and my daughters are both three.
I have always wanted a parrot and I think the girls would get so much out of looking after one.
It would be great for them to learn about caring for an animal from a young age.
A parrot would be great as they are clever, can talk, are interesting characters and they live a long time.
But my mother-in-law says it’s a ridiculous idea.
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She harps on about how they screech constantly and make a lot of mess. She also says they spread disease.
How can I convince her to accept my plans?
DEIDRE SAYS: It’s true that parrots are social and highly intelligent but this also means if they don’t get enough interaction or stimulation they can become very destructive, distressed and unsettled.
And there is no guarantee that any parrot you own will become a great talker.
One thing your mum-in-law hasn’t mentioned is the parrot’s welfare.
I’m no animal expert but it would be worth you doing extensive research into the ethics of keeping birds in captivity so that you are aware of the potential pitfalls.
You might want to consider fostering before you commit. Ultimately this decision has to be yours.