u/Artsoesi

Hi all! I am curious about getting a pet bird sometime in the next month or two and was looking for some general advice regarding what species would be best! I’ve never owned a pet by myself, so I want to make sure I’m adequately prepared to give it a good life. Any tips or resources are greatly appreciated!!

For context, I am a senior in college and live alone in a ~300 sq ft studio apartment with thicker walls, so some noise is tolerable but I wouldn’t want it to be excessive screaming or anything that would aggravate my neighbors (they are friendly pet owners but I don’t want to be annoying). If it could talk that would be really cool, but I’m not explicitly looking for that in a companion.

I would prefer to have a bird that is sociable and shows affection, and that is comfortable being touched sometimes. I tend to work four 10hr days in the week, and am generally at home when I’m off (i go out maybe once a week on an off day).

My budget is ideally $500-1000 (not just the bird, but associated costs). I’m actually finishing up my wildlife biology degree so I have an understanding of wild bird behaviors like singing and preening, but I have much less experience regarding captive behavior and care. On that note, I also understand birds can live for a long time and exhibit different behaviors at different life stages, and I am prepared to make that commitment.

So, what bird species would be adapted for me and my living space? Where are the best places to get birds and their feed, habitat materials, cages, etc? Would it make more sense to get a pair, or just one?

Thank you!!!

Hello polymaths!

I have been (lurking) on this subreddit for some time now and only recently made a post whining about the pseudo-intellectualism that pervades it. I did some thinking and came to the conclusion that I didn't really have the right to do that since I personally hadn't contributed anything to alter the direction of the content here. So, I figured I would make a post explicitly about my pursuits and hence show why polymathy is an important concept to me.

To begin with an introduction, I am currently finishing up a B.S. in Terrestrial Wildlife Biology and a B.A. in Philosophy at my university, with a certificate in Environmental Ethics. I am also an avid musician and enjoy writing music in my spare time. Ultimately, the goal is to get a M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy and eventually teach it, although that is unlikely with the current job climate for the humanities in the US.

Within the field of wildlife biology, I have done independent research on meiofaunal (0.2-1mm large) diversity in oligotrophic (nutrient poor) freshwater streams. My research analyzed how these organisms rely on aquatic bryophytes as nutrient hotspots to survive, and it quantified abundance and diversity of major taxonomic groups (my favorite being tardigrades).

After I completed this research, I decided that microscopic organisms were ultimately not for me and aimed my sights larger. Now I do research analyzing data on the endangered red wolf (Canis rufus) in the southeastern US, and I am currently working alongside a team on a publication that will inform conservation strategies.

While I enjoy my work with wildlife biology and conservation science, it pales next to the love I have for philosophy. Initially, I entered the field because I was intrigued with environmental ethics, but I have now grown more interested in twentieth century existentialism and phenomenology - what I presently would like to study in graduate school.

Within philosophy, I have recently completed an independent study examining Albert Camus' conception of revolt, measure, and solidarity (primarily in his novel "The Rebel"). I produced an extensive paper that, while adhering to his general framework, outlines an exception that requires a different response from what he otherwise advises. This is the proudest accomplishment of my academic career thus far, and I will likely use it as a writing sample for graduate school.

For the foreseeable future, I plan to further develop my red wolf research, interweaving environmental ethics, and finish my manuscript. During which I want to continue with courses and readings that will inform and expand my philosophical knowledge until I am accepted into a desirable M.A. program. Time permitting, I would also like to take music more seriously and produce an album of original songs.

Many people I encounter don't understand my passions for multiple fields, recommending instead that I pick one specialization because "that's how the world works." I don't agree, and that is why polymathy and therefore this community is so important to me - it encourages people not to limit their capabilities.

I hope y'all enjoy this post, and I'm happy to answer any questions about my intellectual pursuits.