Many parrots end up abused, not necessarily because they have been bought by BAD people, but out of ignorance. Ignorance of parrot behavior, ignorance of dietary needs and ignorance of the bird's physical and emotional needs all contribute to a situation that can quickly digress into abuse. As the cycle continues, the bird is inadvertently taught to bite and scream and then isolated, yelled at, maybe even smacked, or worse. Before you even consider getting a parrot, READ about them (as you should for ANY animal that may become your companion). There are many excellent resources on the Internet. Up at Six in particular gets my kudos.

A few tips:
Parrots are flock creatures, so they are biologically geared to be near flock mates at all times. They call loudly if a flock mate leaves or gets out of visual range. They are calling the flock mate back to the safety of the flock. Human companions, as well as any other bird or critter in the home, become flock mates. If you get out of sight, your bird may become concerned and call you back to the flock. Cockatiels in particular tend to suffer anxiety if you get out of sight. If there is no other critter in the house and they spend a lot of time alone, the chances are good that your bird will become a screamer. They need companionship. If you isolate them in another room, it won't stop the screaming and it is very cruel to the bird. They can be driven insane by loneliness.

Parrots are highly intelligent. If you are not familiar with the research of Irene Pepperberg and her CAG, Alex, read about her research or view a video clip here. Purchase her video here. A parrot's intellectual level is on par with chimps and dolphins. Pepperberg's CAG Alex can count, identify colors and materials and correctly answer when quizzed. Pepperberg and Alex are currently working with phonics and letter association. Pepperberg's research gives new meaning to the term " Bird Brain". Parrots need lots of mental stimulation and interaction.

CAGs (Congo African Greys) and TAGs (Timneh African Greys) tend to be very talkative. This also means that they like to vocalize loudly and a lot; which be anything from a cute little "Hello" to whistles and chirps that will rip your ear drums out. Speech is just sounds, after all and they love to hear themselves in full, vigorous voice. Greys also tend to be very sensitive to high levels of activity in the home and can become overly stimulated if there is a great deal of noise and commotion. If you have rambunctious wee ones, a grey may not be your wisest choice. If you and your family are not prepared to let the parrot be a bird as well as adjust your life to become a full fledged flock member, then for goodness sake, please don't buy a parrot.

Parrot's can live anywhere from 50 to 100 years. That is a LONG TERM responsibility that is not to be taken lightly. This is a living, feeling (and as far as I'm concerned sentient) entity. Parrots are not commodities, don't treat them like one. They deserve your respect and commitment. If you can't make a long term commitment, don't buy a parrot (or burden any other living thing, for that matter;)

If you are getting a parrot because they are so cool, please don't buy a parrot.

If you are getting a parrot because your friends will think you're so cool, please don't buy a parrot.

If you are getting a parrot to match your decor, please don't buy a parrot.

If you are impatient and anal retentive, please don't buy a parrot.

If you are getting a parrot on an impulse, please don't buy a parrot.

If you think that all a bird needs is a little bird seed and a cage, please don't buy a parrot (or any other bird).

If you're looking for a memorable gift for a child (under 12 years in most cases, under 55 years for a few), please don't buy any bird. And only for a teen who is responsible and willing to put in the time and effort required

However, if you are willing to do the research, keep up to date, make a long term, respectful commitment and become a full fledged flock member, then by all means, buy a parrot. In return, you will be graced by a level of affection and commitment that is unsurpassed. And your heart will be captured.