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Denise Flaim: Parrot Expo 2008 in Freeport

Denise Flaim | Animal House

October 9, 2008

Long Island has a thriving parrot community - and the owners are no slouches, either. Psittacine lovers convene Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Parrot Expo 2008 at the Freeport Recreation Center (130 E. Merrick Rd., Freeport; call 631-957-1100 for info).

In addition to vendors selling toys, cages and other avian accoutrements, the expo offers a "meet the vet" booth and a trick-training workshop.

There also will be the occasional bird offered for sale. But before you take the plunge, consider the following questions:

How old are you?

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"Sharing your home with a parrot can be lifetime commitment," says Susan Chamberlain, executive board member of The Long Island Parrot Society, which sponsors the event.

She points out that some of the bigger birds, such as macaws, cockatoos and Amazons, can live longer than half a century. And even

smaller ones, such as cockatiels, can reach their early 20s.

So, if you are advanced in years, make sure you have a backup plan for your parrot in case it outlives you, including leaving money in trust for its care.

Can you afford it?

The initial cost of a parrot can be considerable, reaching as much as $10,000 for a hyacinth macaw.

An appropriate cage also will cost you - starting at $500 or so for some of the larger species.

Factor in toys, fresh food and vet care (finding a board-certified avian vet is crucial - there are five or so on Long Island), and the ka-chings can soon reach macaw decibels.

Do you have kids?

Babies and beaks are not a match made in heaven. If you have an itty-bitty human in the household, Chamberlain recommends finches or canaries, who will entertain by simply flitting around the cage.

When kids get out of the toddler stage, she suggests friendlier birds such as parakeets, cockatiels and lovebirds.

With older children, research the right species for your family. For example, "if you have a big, raucous family, you might not want to get a very sensitive species, like the African gray," Chamberlain notes.

Do you have allergies?

Some species, such as cockatiels, cockatoos and African grays, have more dander than others, Chamberlain says. "They have what we call a 'dry preen' - it's the sign of a healthy cockatoo to walk away like your fingers have been dusted in talcum powder."

Your sinuses, however, may be less than thrilled.

Are you a good