"My sister-in-law, "Tricia," recently acquired a parrot from a relative who could no longer keep it. Now she is insisting that my husband and I take it because our 8-year-old son, "Finn," has allegedly "ruined" him by teaching the bird to swear. Finn's usual after-school sitter wasn't available for three weeks, and during this time Tricia watched Finn at her house for us. According to her, the parrot's use of profanity coincided with our son's visits. Finn swears (pardon the pun) that he didn't teach the bird any profanity and that the parrot curses when it gets upset."
"Girl, no. Tell your husband and Tricia that you are NOT up for the challenge of rehoming a parrot. Whether or not your son taught the bird the curse words-and I truly doubt he added several words to this bird's vocabulary in three weeks-you shouldn't be forced into caring for a bird you don't want. This parrot deserves a loving home with people who want him. Put your foot down and keep it there."
"Tell Tricia to read up on the creature that SHE chose to adopt and to figure out how to clean up his potty mouth. Or suggest that she find an organization that can help her find a new owner for the bird. I agree with you; it sounds like she wasn't equipped for the work of caring for a parrot and is l"
A sister-in-law acquired a parrot and now insists that the family take it, claiming the family's eight-year-old taught the bird to swear. The child denies teaching profanity and says the parrot swears when upset. The family lacks time and experience for parrot care, and the husband is tempted to accept the bird. Parrots require significant commitment and a willing, informed owner. The adopter should take responsibility, research proper care, address the parrot's behavior, or contact rescues or organizations to find a suitable new home rather than offloading the pet onto reluctant relatives.
Read at Slate Magazine
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