Parrot

A parrot is a good companion for:

Children under 5

Seniors

Apartments/Condos

Children ages 5–11

Busy People

Rural Homes

Life Span

When selecting a parrot, it is important to consider that many of these beautiful birds have a long life expectancy. The life spans for the most common parrots include: African greys from 50 to 60 years; Amazons from 50 to 70 years; Cockatoos from 40 to 60 years; Conures from 12 to 30 years; Eclectus from 65 to 85 years; Lovebirds from 15 to 25 years; Macaws from 50 to 100 years; and Quakers from 20 to 30 years.

Typical Behavior

There are over 350 different kinds of parrots. Some of the most common ones are African greys, Amazons, Cockatoos, Conures, Eclectus, Lovebirds, Macaws and Quakers. While each of these birds has its own characteristics, in general all parrots require the companionship of either another bird or regular interaction with people, as they are social creatures. Parrots are extremely intelligent and need regular stimulation to remain happy and healthy. A parrot that does not receive stimulation may start to show its frustration by excessively plucking its feathers or making repeated loud screeching sounds. Parrots can easily be taught tricks and some can learn to talk. The bird with the capability for the largest vocabulary is the African grey.

Care Requirements

If a parrot whose wings are not clipped is allowed outside its cage, it may encounter danger from common household items including a rotating ceiling fan, certain houseplants, insect pest strips, a sink or tub of hot water, open windows, other pets, spoiled food, string and thread. Parrots, like other birds, are sensitive to the fumes created by many common household products. Fumes that can cause harm or kill them include second hand smoke, Febreze products, insecticides, and fumes from oven-cleaning products or a self-cleaning oven. Heated Teflon pans also can release toxins that are harmful to birds.

Proper Habitat and Habitat Maintenance Requirements

The larger the cage you can provide a parrot, the happier it will be. If you have a safe location outdoors, you may want to consider building or buying an aviary, especially for larger parrots. It is important to have your bird in a cage where the bars are close enough together that the bird cannot get its head stuck. Parrots enjoy a variety of toys, especially those designed to provide ample stimulation for a parrot. A variety of perches are available for inside the cage, including those of soft wood, bamboo or rope.

A birdcage should be kept away from drafts, including those from air conditioning vents. In order to keep a parrot healthy, a full spectrum of sunlight is required. Keeping its cage near a window that can be opened or taking it outside when the weather permits will provide the needed light. When outside, the cage should be kept out of direct sunlight, especially on hot days. A birdcage light can be purchased from a pet supply store if natural sunlight is not available or sufficient.

Cages should be cleaned at least twice a week. To make it easier to clean a cage, the bottom can be lined with paper.

Dietary Requirements

All pet supply stores sell commercial birdseed products specific for parrots and necessary for the birds to remain healthy. There are a variety of treats that can be purchased for parrots too. A parrot should not live on a diet of seeds only and can be given fresh fruits, vegetables and chicken in moderation. If vegetables and fruits are not eaten within a couple hours remove them from the cage. Never offer avocados or chocolate as they are toxic to birds. The larger parrots love to chew on large chicken bones. Fresh drinking water should be in the cage at all times. Regularly clean the water bowl or bottle to keep bacteria from forming. Vitamins designed for parrots can be added to the drinking water.

Financial Considerations for Parrots:

Veterinary

Birds do not normally require annual veterinary visits; however, it is important to keep a close eye on your parrot because signs of sickness can be very subtle. Many human illnesses can be transmitted to a parrot, so when someone in the household is not feeling well, keep them away from the bird. Be sure to choose a veterinarian that specializes in birds. Specialized veterinarians sometimes charge higher rates.

Grooming

Most parrots love to take a bath but do not require professional grooming services. There are special bathtubs that can be purchased for your parrot. Once your bird has had its bath, do not leave the bathtub in the cage for more than half an hour. Parrots also will preen themselves to keep their feathers clean. Parrots lose and regrow their feathers two to three times a year. This process is called molting and can last up to 10 weeks. A parrot will molt for the first time between six and twelve months.

Animal Sitter

A professional pet sitter, a friend or neighbor can be used to care for your parrot in your absence.

Food

The cost to feed your parrot will depend on what you feed.

Other Supplies:

Generally, a parrot will require a cage and cage stand, a cage cover, a variety of perches, a water bottle, a food dish, treats, a bathtub and toys.

Interesting Facts about Parrots:

• Fossils indicate that parrots with similar appearances to the ones we see today date back about 23 million years.
• Each year over 250,000 parrots are imported to the United States and sold in pet stores to meet the demand for exotic birds. Many of these birds enter the United States illegally.
• Macaws and Cockatoos in the wild can fly as far as 500 miles per day in search of food.
• Parrots can be very noisy and their vocalizations can be heard as far as a mile away.
• Parrots do not build nests. Instead they use such places as cavities in rocks, ground tunnels, holes in trees or termite mounds.