I understand where you are coming from but I have always been a person that knows what they want when I get it in my head, its done. I am a bit stuburn and I may not know what I want as a small bird yet because I havent put as much thaught into it, but I know for sure what I want as a large bird and trust me I want a large bird. My first time bird will most likely be a smaller bird. I understand the cost, committment, and everything and I am just willing to take that step. I understand that you are just trying to help. So I am not judging you either. I am sorry I may have misread you a little bit on some things but I am just really stuck on Blue Throated Macaws. Sorry. ~Jenna

My opinion is that there are no "starter birds." They all have commitment issues and even though my birds' life spans aren't that of say a Grey or a Macaw (nor are the amount of mess or space they take up), they still require major dedication. I think it's fine if you know that you're set on a larger species - I don't think that people should get a smaller bird as a starter bird if they're truly not interested in the bird. BUT I would research all sizes and species since you know you have some time.

You sound just like me, lol! I've led a pretty privileged life so far, and am used to getting what I want most of the time. When I get something stuck in my head, it's just about impossible to get it out! As soon as Einstein the grey finished her act on Pet Star I had decided that I was going to have an african grey. I probably would have put my plan into action that very day, except that I was living in the residence halls on campus and couldn't have a parrot there. To make a very long story short, I got Ollie the summer after my first year of college, not even half a year after first deciding I wanted a large parrot.

There were sooooooo many things I didn't think about! The noise, destruction, little poops and feathers and bits of food all over EVERYTHING, and the expense are just the tip of it. I can't go anywhere. My grandparents are having their 50th wedding anniversary party in Colorado this summer. The entire family is going. Not me! Who would watch Ollie? She's smart, but she can't feed, water, and put herself to bed. There is no way she's going on the plane with me. It's near impossible to find somebody to give quality care to a large parrot, at least where I am. *daydreaming about how easy it is to travel with a dog or cat*

I love Ollie to death, but there are times when I wish I would have waited a few years until I was in a career and settled down a bit more. I went out with some friends last night for the first time in months (after I put Ollie to bed of course), stumbled in the door at 2 am and had to crawl out of bed with a cheerful smile on my face to wake Ollie up at 7:30 am. Today has been a struggle, to say the least. This is supposed to be the time of my life, but with Ollie I had to grow up very, very quickly.

I know that you know what you want. But some advice from another young person---think it through VERY WELL. And listen to these old folk...they usually know what they're talking about!

I think Camille just called me old!

Who, me??

uh yeah....whut...EVERRRRRRRR!!!!!! You just wait my pretty! Someday you will feel my pain! But I cant be mad at ya!