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Never,
ever give a parrot to someone as a SURPRIZE gift. To do so is a guaranteed
one-way ticket to a rescue for some unfortunate bird. If you have read the
preceeding sections, the reasons why should be obvious. When properly
planned an prepared for in advanve, the gift of a parrot can richly enhance the
life of someone provided it is not a surprize and that
you observe the following.
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Never,
under any circumstances, should you give a parrot to a child. This is a
tragedy waiting to happen and I assure you it won't be long in
coming. The child, the parrot, or both are going to get hurt. Perhaps
seriously. |
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Never make
the gift of a parrot to anyone who is not settled into a relatively stable
life. For example, many high school students are very responsible individuals
who would probably make great parrot owners, but consider that in a year or two
they will be leaving the nest. Those that head off to college will not be able
to take the bird with them. Those that strike out on their own to start new
careers will most likely not be able to afford the cost of caring for
the bird or a residence where it's presence would be acceptable. As for
the bird, needless to say, separation from it's owner would be traumatic.
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Never
make the gift of a parrot to a person who has not specifically expressed a
strong desire to care for one. This relationship would be doomed before it even
started. Even if the person has expressed such a desire, you should not
actually "give" the bird. Far and away, the best thing to do is to allow the
recipient of the gift to make their own selection. The species of their choose
that they truly want and feel confortable with, and preferably a
specific bird that they "click" with. You should simply write the check
and nothing more. |
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In
giving a parrot as a gift, you share responsibility for the living thing
that you gave. If you give only the parrot, can the recipient provide
all the remaining resources necessary to insure the health, well-being, and
happiness of the bird? If not, then you hold the lion's share of the
responsibility for insuring that those resources are provided. For example, if
the gift parrot has a 28" wing span, but the recipient can only afford an 18" x
18" cage then you have an obligation to provide an appropriately sized
cage as well. If you can't do that, then you should not give the parrot either. |
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A
final consideration in giving a parrot as a gift is that in making the gift,
you share responsibility for the fate of the bird should the relationship
between the recipient and the parrot fail or something happens to the recipient
that prevents them from properly caring for the bird. This responsibility rests
on your shoulders for the next 20 - 80 years. If you are not willing to accept
the responsibility, then don't give the gift. |
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bottom line here is that parrots, or any other living thing for that matter,
simply do not make good gifts. My advise to you is don't do it, but if you
must, think long and hard before you commit to giving a parrot as a gift
and be absolutely certain that it is in the best interest of both the recipient
and the bird before you proceed.
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So you want to own a parrot? |
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