Many years ago I had a Jenday Conure and it was the best pet I ever had. He was very socialized, very intelligent and had bonded with me. He was always on my shoulder wherever I walked around the house. He was my little buddy. Through no fault of my own I no longer have him.
As anyone who has ever had a parrot or parrot type bird knows they need constant attention or they go nuts and their health suffers. The little guys are like ADHD toddlers. With my previous Jenday I would always leave the cage door open when at home and do damn near everything with him on my shoulder or in contact with me in some way plus no one was away from home for more than 4 to 6 hours at a time.
I have considered getting another Jenday as he was a great pet. The only issue I have is the fact that I am away from my apartment for around twelve hours a day. I leave to go to work at 7 in the morning and usually get back around 6 in the evening. That’s Monday through Friday. On the weekends I’m usually always at home. Now, when at home the bird will be free to do what ever he wants but I am concerned about leaving him alone for close to 12 hours a day five days a week.
Will he be able to handle being alone for that time or am I going to run into issues? And for those who are going to suggest getting two I don’t really want to. They are much easier to train and bond with if no other birds are around.
My green-cheek is by himself in his cage during the workday, and he seems OK. The radio is on, and the dog tends to stay in his room when we’re gone, but neither of those are very exciting company. He tends to just sit and think, and then he tells me about it when I get home. He does usually eat and will sometimes pull apart one of his toys. I take him out whenever I’m home, and of course he insists on staying near me.
He seems happy and content. He doesn’t pluck himself, nor does he show other emotional problems. He’s stayed with my retired mother for extended periods at times, where she’s home most of the time, and he doesn’t act any differently there.
This is not strictly true. Certainly not ALL parrots need “constant attention” or “they go nuts and their health suffers.” Certain species are more independent than others, and individuals may be more needy/less needy. So it can be a bit of crapshoot.
That said, parrots are very social. And as “flock leader” (and it is important you establish yourself as such) you will need to make sure your parrot gets some “serious” attention each day. However, that can be as little 10 to 20 minutes of focused attention per day, plus some “hanging with” time of maybe a couple hours each day. The “hanging with” time can be as simple as the parrot can either see you, or is even in the same room as you, and you acknowlegde them from time to time. The focused time is like you would give a 2-year old: they are the center of the universe. This includes head-scratching time, sharing food, or playing with time. They will generally want all the focused time they can get (just like a 2-year old), but if you give them 10 to 20 minutes each day, that will be enough to keep them happy (no going nuts and/or health problems).
I had a maroon-bellied conure, and she was the most affectionate, clingy bird. She needed to be with me (on me) whenever I was around. And likewise, I worried about the time I was away at work. But we’d watch TV and have dinner every night, and she was fine.
I now have a senegal parrot, and he is much more independent. He needs his focused time, but is fine with plenty of “hanging with” time. And often can occupy himself with his toys for hours on end.
Which leads me to that issue of occupying themselves. Along with being very social, parrots are also very intelligent. Along with toys to destroy, you also need to provide toys that force them to problem solve (figure out how to get the treat out). And you can make these yourself. If you’re going to be away from home for that many hours each day, you want to make sure your bird doesn’t get bored and unchallenged (which can also lead to behavior problems). You’ll want to rotate in new toys more frequently, and come up with challenges for him/her.
Parrots are also creatures of habit. So once he/she gets used to your routine, they will probably be fine. Given that much time on their own, be prepared for quite a ruckus when you do get home. They’ll want to get out of the cage and be with you, the second they hear you’re home.