NEW VIDEO: Click the picture to view a video of Chikin drinking from a Coke can(water, not Coke). The babbling heard in the backgroud is another Umbrella Cockatoo friend named Lulu... NOTE: Video is approximately 2.32Meg and requires Windows Media Player to view.

My Opinions (Hey, it's a free country!)
Parrots as Pets:
Large parrots, especially Moluccans and Macaws are not suitable pets for many busy families. These birds are far too intelligent to be kept truly happy in captivity and are often turned over to a rescue or sanctuary once they become sexually mature and exhibit a variety of behavior problems. There is a good reason Foster Parrots, The Tropics, Oasis, MAARS, and the Gabriel Foundation have hundreds of birds. I'm not saying they are all bad. As long as you know what you're getting into and are willing to make a lifelong commitment, you will find they are excellent companions.

Companionship:
Parrots are flock animals. Unless you are home playing with them most of the day, they need other companionship and lots of toys - and, sorry, the TV doesn't count. The trick is making sure you find two or more birds that get along -- but not TOO well, if you know what I mean.

Commitment:
Parrots require hours of attention (work) every day. They are perpetual two-year olds who never move out. Think about where you will be in 20 or 30 years. Will your lifestyle still be conducive to having a bird?

Also, since your parrot will most likely outlive you, make sure you have a plan to care for them after you're gone. Make sure to designate "Godparronts".

Do you really enjoy Housework?:
I can't begin to count many thousands of hours in my lifetime I have spent dusting bird dust, vacuuming feathers, and scrubbing poop and food off every surface. Oh, and forget about having nice furniture. They always go after your most expensive, cherished items when they suddenly decide they're bored with their toys.

Put your Wallet where your conscience is:
Please boycott petshops that employ untrained teenagers to sell birds to the public without any regard to proper diet and care. There are plenty of decent shops and breeders who deserve our business.

Adoption:
If you do decide to get a bird, second-hand birds are always an excellent option. All baby birds are cute, cuddly, quiet balls of feathers when they are young. Buying a baby does not guarantee you will not have behavior problems once they mature. Just like children, each one is different. When you interact with an adult bird, you get a better picture of their true personality and can decide if it works with your particular situation. Anyway, many behavior problems can be corrected with training, love and patience.

Help Stop Poaching:
It is illegal to smuggle wild caught birds, eggs, etc into the U.S. However, it still happens. Not only is this quickly endangering the wild parrot populations, but it is also EXTREMELY cruel. Only a fraction of the birds that are shipped in the overcrowded crates make it to their destination alive.