So You Want a Parrot as Pet?
Article by By Marcy Covaul, President, Pyrrhura Breeders Association
www.birdcompanions.com
We encourage parrot owners to enjoy the quality of experiences that we know are possible with our avian companions
Did you know that parrots are usually:
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How are parrots different from other pets?
Parrots are highly intelligent creatures that enjoy mental stimulation. Because they are prey animals, unlike cats and dogs (and humans), which are predator species, a bird will react differently, e.g., flight preferable to fight in most cases. They stress more easily, and when they can’t escape because they are in a cage and/or have flight feathers trimmed so that they can’t fly, defensive behaviors develop, such as biting, extensive vocalizing, and feather picking.
You should not expect a parrot to be a feathered kitten or puppy.
Household harmony is critical to birds. It is important to protect the trusting nature of your bird by keeping it safe from other animals, or from being handled by those who would mistreat it, including small children who may not have the motor control necessary to handle birds safely.
Are there differences in temperament among species?
There are mannerisms common to all species, but there are also variations in temperament among species and individuals. Some are more laid-back, and some are more hyper. Some are louder, and some are quieter. Some are more outgoing, and some are shy. Do your homework to see which fits with your expectations and lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Pet Bird for your Lifestyle
What’s my commitment going to be?
Most parrots are fairly long-lived, and therefore a strong commitment on the part of the person buying the bird is required. It’s not quite as easy caring for an exotic bird as it is a dog or cat, but your extra effort for these feathered angels will not go unrewarded. You will have many years with a very special companion!
Cage furnishings:
Perches and toys—Perches should be of various sizes and shapes to allow some variety for your bird’s feet. Parrots are active and intelligent, and like inquisitive children, they need stimuli in their environment to channel excess energy into fun, "lively" activities. Sufficient toys (even some that you can switch out from time to time) will provide amusement and exercise. Educate yourself on which toys are safe and which ones aren’t, and check your bird’s toys regularly for dangerous loose threads that can trap toes or beaks
What do they eat?
Basic diet—Offering a varied diet is not only physically healthy, it is also a form of psychological stimulation. Fresh water is a must. Depending on species and what they’re fed from the time they are small, most parrots appreciate fruits and vegetables and should have them regularly. A good maintenance pellet, high quality seeds, and if possible, sprouted seeds (sunflower, etc.), should provide a nourishing diet. Cooked rice/bean mixes and “birdie” breads are other good foods.
Certain species (such as loriesand toucans) have specialized diets, so you need to become familiar with what a particular species requires for maintenance and best health.
Table food—Some table food in moderation is fine, but no caffeine (coffee, chocolate), very salty or sweet foods, or avocados.
Home Sweet Home—Because most parrots are active and “mouthy,” like a human toddler, they will taste just about anything. Many household plants can be toxic, so you'll need to learn what’s safe and what’s not—and control their environment.
Other common home dangers are electrical cords (shock) and containers of liquid (drowning).What about grooming and vet visits?
Flight feathers—Some species are exceptionally strong flyers. Depending on their environment, you should consider trimming their flight feathers to prevent accidents or escapes, but have a pro do it or show you how, so that you don’t clip too short (where they “fall like a rock” and can crack their beak or sternum), or too long (so they can get up speed and fly into a plate-glass window or out the door).
Even with some flight feathers trimmed, it is not advisable to take birds outside unless in a carrier or cage.
Nails and beaks—Nails should be trimmed as necessary. (Using a grooming perch will reduce or eliminate the need to trim the nails.) If you do need to trim your bird's nails -- here are the instructions.
Only in rare instances does a beak need trimming, and that should be done by an avian professional only—the beak has many nerve endings and is very sensitive.
Vet checks and vaccinations—Discussing your bird and its health with your avian vet is good preventive action, can set a baseline for health, and gives you a contact in case of emergencies. Find out what you need for an avian emergency kit.
Illnesses—Since parrots are prey animals, they instinctively hide illnesses (weaknesses), so being observant as to normal behavior and when there’s a deviation from that behavior is important. Learn to recognize signs of illness and how to contact your avian vet quickly.
Is it better to have one or more parrots?
Birds are naturally “flock” creatures, so if you have a single bird, you should provide a rich environment to prevent boredom and undesirable behavior. Many parrots are in single-bird households and adjust fine. Parrots are often possessive of their person, and they may maintain a better relationship with you if they are not paired. If you can’t give dailypersonal attention or are gone for extended periods during the day, providing either a same-room companion animal/bird or music/TV will be welcome company.
When you return, expect them to greet you NOISILY and JOYFULLY!
Training and Behavioral Guidance:
- Amazon Parrots generally present challenges, such as excessive screaming or chewing - especially at certain stages in their life. They do discover their beaks as method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage" and they can generally be somewhat naughty, and it really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established. Undisciplined parrots will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. They regard anything in your home as a "toy" that can be explored and chewed on; destroying items that you may hold dear or are simply valuable. Even a young bird that has not been neglected and abused requires proper guidance; this becomes even more challenging when it involves a rescued bird that may require rehabilitation.
- Web Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training.
- If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
- Stop Biting
- Perform Tricks &
- Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
- and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
Photo contributions are welcome!
