<p>Cuz I'm lonely and parrots are so cute and affectionate. Honestly, parrots might make good service animals for autistics. Maybe if I get a parrot registered as a service animal, then I could bring it to class?</p>
<p>They are like $1,000</p>
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<p>You haven’t met many parrots, have you? “Affectionate” is not a word I would use to describe the average parrot (or even the majority of parrots) of any type. But personality does vary from type to type and will depend on whether the animal was hand raised or not. You also have other contributing factors such as past experiences of the bird, health, and its individual personality.</p>
<p>Parrots can be noisy, messy, and aggressive. Note that I do actually like parrots, but I have been around enough of them (owned, visited, and cared for) to know that those well-trained ones you meet at the zoo are just that: well-trained for high-stress public situations.</p>
<p>Price point depends on the type of parrot, where it was born, who you are getting the parrot from, and how it was raised. Some can cost quite a bit more than $1,000.</p>
<p>As for getting a parrot registered as a service animal, do you need a service animal? Loneliness on its own is not a valid reason. Do not abuse the system if you do not have valid need. It ruins it for everyone else. However, if you truly feel you are emotionally unstable and an animal would benefit you, I recommend you speak to your school’s mental health services. Some people do need to always have animals around and your school’s mental health services (or whoever your care provider is) will be able to determine this information for you.</p>
<p>oh thanks very much for the advice. Hm, I’m considering lovebirds since they’re only $60-$100.</p>
<p>Have you ever owned a bird? I remember when my kid had to take care of the classroom pet for a weekend (a bird) when he was in elementary school. He was so excited to bring the bird home for the weekend. After the first night, he was ready to give it away.</p>
<p>They’re noisy and filthy. Have fun cleaning out the cage? Bird seed, feathers, and poop will be all over the floor. I think you have an imaginary idea of what it will be like to own a bird and it’s nothing like that in reality.</p>
<p>If you’re lonely, spend more time out of your room.</p>
<p>Have you any idea of the lifespan of a parrot? </p>
<p>If you absolutely have to have a pet bird, consider a parakeet — much easier to take care of than larger parrots, and someone is not commited to it for 50 years. Also much less expensive to buy.</p>
<p>Better yet, why any pets—go out & make new friends, that is what colleg is for.</p>
<p>Don’t get a bird. If you somehow manage to magically procure a permit for it, your neighbors will <em>hate</em> you. Birds are noisy, much too noisy for any apartment/dorm/close living setting. Plus, you’ll have to train/handle it extensively in order for it to be friendly.</p>
<p>To be honest, I can’t think of any good companion animal that would be suitable for a college setting. Too much extra responsibility/time/money imo.</p>
<p>Why not volunteer at a shelter or rescue? You get to play with cats/dogs/birds/etc, and have the fulfillment of knowing you are helping an animal find a loving home. Volunteering at a bird rescue first would also give you an idea of how much commitment a bird is.</p>