Liveaboard Pet Parrot?

[Coastlife247]

So I've been living aboard my 29' C&C Since April. I have gotten myself used to the minimalist type living of a Liveaboard. I'm 24 and love the experience so far, But I get lonely since I'm 20 miles from the nearest city. I work an 6-3 schedule sometimes requiring an overnight.
I don't like cats, and my Red Cherry Shrimp and aquatic plant aquarium/bowl is not as exciting to play with. I'm considering a parrot, after all what better companion for the pirate born 200 years too late.
Specifically a Parrotlet, or cockatiel. Anyone with experience of keeping a bird as a liveaboard?
Oh also I majored in biology and psychology so the whole taking care of animals is kind of second nature lol.

[captain58sailin]

Can't speak to the living aboard with a parrot, have lived with one, they are noisy, messy, nasty creatures that are better roasted. Not for me. Get a Betta fighting fish or a gecko lizard. I don't know maybe a rat.

[Coastlife247]

Originally Posted by captain58sailin

Can't speak to the living aboard with a parrot, have lived with one, they are noisy, messy, nasty creatures that are better roasted. Not for me. Get a Betta fighting fish or a gecko lizard. I don't know maybe a rat.

Well neither reptiles nor a betta fish would be social enough. What kind of parrot are you speaking of? Some species are less vocal than others lol.

[Summitfun]

Parrots are social critters. Many birds will go stir-crazy without people or another animal around. I had a cockatoo for over a year. As captain58 said, they are noisy & messy. How about a cat?

[chubby]

i hear those woman creatures sometimes help with loneliness/companionship thing,,,

[markpierce]

My previous neighbor has had a parrot for years, and they greatly enjoy each others' companionship.

[onestepcsy37]

my friend dave is single, in his 40's, and has had a pet parrot - and i'm talking about the BIG parrot (don't know what they're called) - living with him at home for several years.

he took his little irwin 24 from daytona beach to key west and back - gone about two months - with his pet parrot as crew. the bird did fine. but as captain58 said, they're messy and noisy.

the other thing to consider is that parrots live a hell of a long time. and they're expensive to buy.

[Coastlife247]

Originally Posted by markpierce

My previous neighbor has had a parrot for years, and they greatly enjoy each others' companionship.

That is awesome the kind of story I was looking for. I also didn't mention I have taken classes in animal behavior so I could hypothetically teach him tricks using clicker training.

[hpeer]

We have an African Grey. They tend to bond with one person. Ours has bonded with my Wife. It loves me, baked, roasted or fried.

NOTHING will piss you off like seeing a critter eat a piece of you.

It's like getting married, to the wrong woman. I know, I've done that too.

[belizesailor]

Have lived aboard and ashore with parrots. Not ideal on a boat...and parrots can't swim...so if they go overboard and you dont retrieve them very quickly they are a goner.

Also, if you plan to cruise, crossing international borders can be quite a production w a parrot (Google CITES).

Cats are better on boats.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by hpeer

We have an African Grey. They tend to bond with one person. Ours has bonded with my Wife. It loves me, baked, roasted or fried.
...

Parrots are gender aware. Your wife's bird is likely a male.

[pete33458]

I've got two formerly homeless parrots that live with me, and I would never take them on board. Even with their feathers clipped so that they can't fly upwards (for their safety, you have to let them be capable of flying or gliding downwards), they can propel far enough to get overboard with little effort. One load noise and they would be in the water. If you think it's hard to keep track of a human who has fallen overboard, that's trivial compared to what a parrot would be. I see it as just far too risky. Get a dog, they make great companions on board. Pete

[Coastlife247]

Originally Posted by hpeer

We have an African Grey. They tend to bond with one person. Ours has bonded with my Wife. It loves me, baked, roasted or fried.

NOTHING will piss you off like seeing a critter eat a piece of you.

It's like getting married, to the wrong woman. I know, I've done that too.

Another heartwarming story.

I'm thinking of getting a parrotlet because they only live 10-20 years. I wouldn't mind a female companion but my job has me docked in the shrimping Capitol of south Louisiana but not the hot 20yr old Capitol of Louisiana.

[Coastlife247]

Originally Posted by pete33458

I've got two formerly homeless parrots that live with me, and I would never take them on board. Even with their feathers clipped so that they can't fly upwards (for their safety, you have to let them be capable of flying or gliding downwards), they can propel far enough to get overboard with little effort. One load noise and they would be in the water. If you think it's hard to keep track of a human who has fallen overboard, that's trivial compared to what a parrot would be. I see it as just far too risky. Get a dog, they make great companions on board. Pete

29' foot isn't a lot of space for a dog, plus a steep companion way entry. And I'm not getting a chihuahua. And I don't like cats.
I've also seen parrot leashes which I think is hilarious but probly best for cruising.

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by Coastlife247

29' foot isn't a lot of space for a dog, plus a steep companion way entry. And I'm not getting a chihuahua. And I don't like cats.
I've also seen parrot leashes which I think is hilarious but probly best for cruising.

I know a lot about parrots. I think you will find getting one of them to wear a leash full time to be a lot harder than getting a small dog through the companionway. Parrots are difficult. Trust me. This is not what you want on your boat. pete