Owning a parrot during med school...Bad idea?

[davattic]

Hi, everybody

I know my question seems kinda random, but couldn't find any thread on this specifically. Anyways I'm going to be an MS1 this fall, and I own a 4-year-old Eclectus parrot. I'm thinking about taking him with me, but not sure if this is such a good idea. I know many med students own cats (and dogs to a lesser extent), but what about parrots? Are there any pre-meds or current med students who can give me some insight on this? I love my parrot to death, and I don't want to give him away🙁!! But, I know things are going to get complicated once I start my clinical rotations and residency. So I'm basically torn right now. Please help me decide!

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[amph119]

Get him to recite flashcards to you so you can study just by having him around, that'd kick ass.

 

[Jli]

Get him to recite flashcards to you so you can study just by having him around, that'd kick ass.

hahas

anyway, would you feel annoyed having your parrot around? is he a quiet one or he would disturb you while studying? would it bother you to take care of him and doing your own stuff at the same time? would you even have time for him? ask yourself these question, I don't have a parrot so I wouldn't know. Decide what's best for you, if he could help you study, yea why not take him with you.

 

[nick_carraway]

Would you give him to someone you already know? I have a cat and not a parrot, but I would hate to give her to someone I don't trust completely. I don't want to worry about how she's doing while I'm at school.

Although it might be a hassle worrying about whether your parrot is frustrated and lonely at home while you're on campus, I think you'll manage. It'll keep your spirits up to have your bird around and that can only help your academics.

My vote is to bring him if you don't have another choice that you're comfortable with and find a way to make it work in 3rd/4th year.

 

[quirks]

I don't know much about Eclectus parrots. I own a GCC (green cheek conure) and my family has Congo Greys and Jardine's, and I've read a lot about a lot of different birds, but never paid much attention to the Eclectus. I know they're supposed to be a bit aloof-ish, but I don't know how much attention they need.

If you had, say, a Cockatoo, I'd say you were crazy to even consider it.

I'm actually struggling with this decision myself. I'm pretty sure I'm going to bring Chu, my GCC, with me, but I know it's a distinct possibility that I might have to re-home her once I hit my third year. I'm living with a non med student roommate so I'm half hoping she falls in love with Chu (which might be difficult as the bird has bonded with me to the exclusion of all others; also, birds freak her out a bit) and will be happy to take care of her and maybe even become her owner.

If you ask this question on a bird board, they will probably tell you to rehome the bird immediately. I say it's worth a shot to try keeping it, unless you already have a good alternate home for it in mind.

 

[Concubine]

Hi, everybody

I know my question seems kinda random, but couldn't find any thread on this specifically. Anyways I'm going to be an MS1 this fall, and I own a 4-year-old Eclectus parrot. I'm thinking about taking him with me, but not sure if this is such a good idea. I know many med students own cats (and dogs to a lesser extent), but what about parrots? Are there any pre-meds or current med students who can give me some insight on this? I love my parrot to death, and I don't want to give him away🙁!! But, I know things are going to get complicated once I start my clinical rotations and residency. So I'm basically torn right now. Please help me decide!

I didn't read the rest, but just responding to the title....BEST IDEA EVER!!!! It could sit on your shoulder and spout off diagnosis during rounds, or it could be the smart ass in the back of the class during lecture.

Edit: never mind...looks like you really have a parrot. It was a good idea why it lasted...

 

[vickpick]

parrots require low to medium amount of attention compared to other non-bird pets..

but parrots are too freaking loud - atleast mine is..

don't get it if u plan to study in ur apartment..

 

[vickpick]

BTW i have a GCC

 

[medstar21]

I dont have a parrot now, but know what they are like to take care of... I would say keep it and see how it goes. 👍 If you find that its starts to get too bored not having you around enough, like if it starts picking out its feathers and such, then find it a new home. Its just one more thing on your plate, so you just kind of have to see how you, and the bird, can handle it.

Best of luck! 😀

Eclectus parrots are beautiful btw!

 

[davattic]

I didn't read the rest, but just responding to the title....BEST IDEA EVER!!!! It could sit on your shoulder and spout off diagnosis during rounds, or it could be the smart ass in the back of the class during lecture.

Edit: never mind...looks like you really have a parrot. It was a good idea why it lasted...

Haha..he can actually say phrases like "How are you?" and "Are you sick?". Maybe I should have him on my shoulder and do the rounds for me.


But, seriously, he's quite calm and independent, but still loves attention when he wants some. I think I can probably survive the first 2 years in med school with him, but not so sure about clinical years/residency. If I do have to give him up, I'd rather do it now than later (when I'll be even more attached to him). maybe I'm becoming bipolar...can't seem to make up my mind...arggg!

 

[witness23]

i want a puppy, have y'all seen marley and me? i thought it would be silly ass owen wilson movie. but no, it was mad serious. sad

 

[URHere]

I had a similar question when I started medical school. I have a pet ferret, and I just wasn't sure if I had enough time for her. Honestly, I'm glad that I kept her. She was the only familiar thing I had when I went to medical school, and the time she demanded was nothing compared to the happiness I got out of having her with me.

Third year may be difficult, but you shouldn't have any trouble taking care of your pet during your first two years. People manage with families all the time, and if they can do that, you can certainly take care of a pet and give it the attention it needs if you want to.

 

[pietachok]

I would say you should take the parrot with you and not consider re-homing it unless it becomes clear that you are unable to give it enough care and attention. Re-homing will cause a lot of stress to the bird and be sad for both of you, and if it isn't necessary, I don't see a reason to do that. At 4 yrs old, your bird should have a pretty established personality, so if you take it with you and it is unhappy/bored/lonely, you'll probably notice that this character changes, and will have a signal that it needs more than you can give it...I have had other parrots, but not an Ecclectus, it is possible that you could eliminate the loneliness issue by having another pet (or a non-med student, parrot-friendly roommate) at home. My parrot actually plays with my cat (declawed front paws) during the day.

 

[Helen Wheels]

Congo grey and lovebird owner here. 😀 I agree with Pietachok. It is very stressful on the bird to rehome a parrot. Your bird would rather be with you, even if you can't give it as much attention. At least it isn't like a dog that has to wait to go to the bathroom until you get home. 😉 Parrots are more adaptable than people give them credit for. Just give it as much attention as you can and keep it supplied with toys and an enriching envrionment. I intend to keep my birds with me. Always. Until I die or they die, whichever comes first.