When most people imagine sharing their homes with pets, it’s often a dog and a cat, perhaps? In our household, the story is a tad more colorful (and noisy) - we have dogs and parrots. And let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster ride of fun, surprises, and challenges. Iggy is a Military Macaw that I’ve had for roughly 8 years now and he’s often the supervisor of the house, keeping an eye on all the going-ons day to day.
The Fun:
Vibrant Personalities: Both dogs and parrots share dynamic personalities, each distinct and entertaining. Parrots might serenade you with a rendition of your favorite song or mimic the doorbell, and dogs want to be a part of each and every thing you’re doing.
Mutual Curiosities: It’s always interesting to watch these species interact. There’s intense curiosity (sometimes not the honest kind - on both parts.) Their interactions often bring a laugh and occasionally a heart attack, so a watchful eye is needed.
Double the Love: Dogs are famously loyal and loving, and parrots are no different. They bond deeply with their human caregivers. Parrots tend to be less forgiving on the sharing front but fortunately Iggy is far more flexible than most.
The Challenges:
Noise Levels: Parrots are naturally vocal, and some breeds can be especially loud. When their calls mix with a dog’s barks, it's not always music to the ears. Managing the noise level can sometimes be tricky (especially with sleeping babies!)
Dietary Differences: Both species have a relatively diverse menu of foods that are suitable for them but Parrots can be very sensitive to ‘too much’ of many things and dogs with sensitivities can end up with diarrhea easily from picking up bird seed or bird poop (buttheads.) Constant cleaning and sturdy storage is a must.
Safety Concerns: While some dogs and parrots get along wonderfully, not all do. Dogs have a predatory instinct, and even a playful nip can be dangerous to a parrot. All interaction must be supervised.
Attention Needs: Parrots are highly intelligent and require a lot of mental stimulation and interaction, similar to dogs. Ensuring that both get adequate attention can be demanding, especially on hectic days.
Making It Work:
Despite the challenges, many families like ours successfully and happily share their homes with both dogs and parrots.
Training: Start by training both species. For dogs, commands like "leave it" can be a lifesaver. For parrots, training them to return to their cages on command can help in keeping them safe and continuing to promote neutral behavior is always good.
Set Boundaries: Designate separate spaces for both pets. While they might mingle under supervision, they should have their sanctuaries.
Routine: Like humans, pets feel more comfortable with a routine. Feeding, playtime, and rest at consistent times will keep everyone more sure of what to expect and anticipate.
Healthcare: Regular vet visits for both species are vital. Dogs might pick up something from the outdoors that can affect the parrot and vice versa.
Sharing your home with both dogs and parrots is undeniably a unique experience. It’s filled with double the laughter, fun, and sometimes, double the mischief. With understanding, training, and a whole lot of love, this multi-species family can bring a lot of joy.