[sehutson]

Totally agree. My little green cheek conure is turning 13 tomorrow, and I've had her and a sun conure since they were babies. Cats and dogs are pets, but a parrot is a lifestyle. I can't imagine being able to keep them happy and healthy if I didn't work from home.

The other thing a lot of people don't understand is the fact that you have to get rid of anything that might cause problems for their delicate respiratory systems - most cleaning products, candles, air fresheners, teflon cookware, most heaters and hair dryers and straighteners, etc (or go to great lengths to make sure they're never anywhere near those fumes).

Depending on the breed, it can also be really tough to find an apartment where you won't get yelled at all the time for their noise.

There are very, very few people for whom I would recommend parrothood.