Until 'inheriting' one, I would never have considered owning a bird. The concept of confining a creature which should really be able to enjoy the freedom normally enjoyed by birds didn't appeal to me.
However, recognising the fact that one born into 'captivity' would almost certainly meet a rather unpleasant fate if 'set free', I contrived to allow it as much freedom as was possible. So, whilst I'm indoors, our parrot is allowed out of the cage.
Those who are familiar with these circumstances will appreciate that there are times when furniture, fixtures and fittings are liable to suffer. That said, so long as you're aware of the danger and are able to keep an eye on what the bird is doing, damage may be limited. There are times, however, when a temporary lapse in concentration can lead to frayed tempers as well as frayed curtains or cushions.
Our umbrella cockatoo is called Ellie and here is an example of one of her less destructive episodes. I had left the room for a few moments and she had noticed a tin of 'Quality Street.....
By the time I returned, she had opened the tin and, having unwrapped, it was sampling a sweet.
