Pet parrots are popular family comrade for many reasons , including their beauty , intelligence , long life span , fishy prank , and talking potential . However , these dramatic fauna need a stack more time , patience , and specialized care than many people realize , so it ’s important for potential owners to understand what they ’re baffle into before they acquire one of these amazing bird .
Understanding their Needs
One of the most important things to interpret about caring for a parrot is that these birdsare not domesticatedlike dogs and cat . In the wild , birds spend much of their day flying around , foraging and eating , and engage in social interactions with each other . Parrot owners need to cater their pets with ways of carrying out their lifelike behaviors within the confines of their habitation .
Physical, Mental, and Social Stimulation
Parrots want a effective deal of arousal and daily exercise to keep them from becoming bored , so provide them with as much oversee out - of - John Milton Cage Jr. time as possible . Spend time work with themand their plaything , teach them tricks , or just include them in your daily routines , such as watching TV or reading a book .
set up up a gambol stand in another room offer a great room to give your razz sentence out of their John Cage and also gives them a alteration of surround . There are a wide variety ofplay standsavailable at pet supply store and online , so verify to get one that ’s suitable for the sizing of your razzing .
Tricks and Talking
Teaching your parrot a variety of behaviors also excite their mind , and there are a potpourri of sport whoremonger parrots can learn . If you have more than one parrot , you just might notice that the others quickly pick up on the tricks you teach the first parrot . Parrots can learn how to shake the left foot and correct foot , wafture , give a high - five , and turn around . Some metal money , likeconures , can even read to roll on their backs .
Many species canlearn to talkto some academic degree , but that does n’t guarantee they will . you’re able to increase the likelihood your own bird will spill the beans by talking to them frequently . Talk to the chick while you are going about your day-after-day bit and tell them what you are doing . require them questions . Tell them what you are feast them . If you want your boo to learn specific give-and-take , check that to expend the same word or phrase each time , and check that to use it in circumstance , or else the shuttlecock will just learn to mimic words .
While some types of parrots are more prone to talk than others , each bird is unparalleled and abilities differ from one parrot to the next , even within a metal money . Consistency is key to training , as is patience . Once your parrot does say a word you ’re groom them to say , be sure to reinforce them richly with praise and a kickshaw .
Basic Parrot Care
unlike species of parrots have unique needs , but overall the caution and feeding of all types of parrots take on interchangeable guidelines . Owning a parrot is a big responsibility and you should familiarize yourself with all of their needs before take one on as a pet .
Water Requirements
hiss should have admission to fresh water at all time , and water bowl and food arena should be washed day by day . It ’s a good approximation to keep an extra set of food bowl on hired hand so you’re able to switch them when it ’s time to houseclean . Parrots tend to drop a lot of their food in their water , and sometimes they ’ll also bemire in it . This means the water must be vary frequently during the day to prevent a buildup of harmful bacterium .
If you find it difficult to keep up , you’re able to direct your Bronx cheer to drink from a H2O bottle instead . First , fall the water bottle on the coop and show your parrot how to play with the tip of the tube to make the piddle outlet . This could take some metre , so remember to be patient and keep the water stadium in the coop until you see your parrot has learned how to use the hanging nursing bottle . Refill the bottle with fresh piss every daylight .
Diet and Nutrition
Manytypes of parrotsare kept in imprisonment , and nutritionary demand vary by mintage , so you should research the proper dieting for the type of parrot you have . However , there ’s one thing all parrots have in common ; a seed - only diet will not give your bird all the nutrients they need .
parrot take a intermixture ofnutritionally balanced pellets , seeds , cooked cereal , and cook legumes . You should also provide bracing fruit and vegetables as well as organic walnuts and almonds , in moderation .
What Not to Feed Your Pet Parrot
There are some nutrient that are toxic to bird and must be avoid . While not a complete tilt , somefoods to avoidare :
Dairy can be given sparingly , if at all . It ’s alright to give your pet a small part of cheese now and then as a treat , but for the most part , avoid dairy farm products . hoot ' system arenot able of digest lactose . In addition to the character of food you feed your bird , be careful not to overfeed your darling or they will become obese .
Bathing Preferences
All birds have their own predilection for take on a bath . Some enjoy being fog with a water bottle , whereas others would rather bathe in their water bowl . Other parrots enjoy pick out a shower bath with their owner . Shower perchesare useable for purchase from various pet fund and online .
Observe your bird and see which method acting they seem to prefer . Bathing should be enjoyable and not see as a punishment , so never use a squirt bottle as a agency to reprimand your bird .
Sleep Needs
parrot need about12 hr of sleepeach night . Some decisions regarding rest let in whether to compensate a bird at night , expend a separate sleeping batting cage , or have a dim light to invalidate terror because of unsung sounds or trend in the way . Each conclusion should be base on your private parrot ’s preference .
Routine Parrot Care
All parrots need a bit of grooming in addition to daily baths .
Cage Size, Placement, and Care
It is important to check that that every shuttlecock has thecorrect size cage for their specie . Always buy the biggest John Milton Cage Jr. you may afford and make trusted the bar spatial arrangement is appropriate . Always include a variety of pole in the cage . They should vary in sizing and material . Perches image from those of rough materials like cement , project to help keep a razzing ’s nails trimmed , to wood , rope , andManzanita branch perches .
pick your parrot ’s cage regularly and commute their paper daily . Place the cage in an area of your place where your razzing will get to be involved in on-going activity of the family , but avoid transition distance , such as hallway , which can be stressful . Keep the cage out of verbatim sunshine . If the cage does find some day-to-day sun , ensure there are places in the cage where the bird can go to quash the sun if they take .
In the wilderness , birds are exposed to natural sunshine on a steady basis . In captivity , they usually do n’t have that kind of exposure unless their owners take them alfresco , and they do not get the picture they need through windows or screens . To remedy this situation , some owners provide their shuttle with indoor lighting via a full spectrum bulb that simulates the light from the sun .
Place the batting cage where at least one or more sides of the cage are against a wall . A bird can feel unsafe if all side of a John Cage are exposed . Avoid round cages with conducting wire that meet at the top because a bird ’s toes can easy get hold fast in those petite blank space .
The kitchen is never a good position for a birdcage because there are too many potential hazards .
Finally , do n’t ever buy a used batting cage . No matter how well you houseclean it , you could never be sure that there are no lingering bacteria or diseases from the previous snort . It ’s not worth the endangerment .
Toys are a Requirement
Toys are not a luxury ; they ’re a necessity . Parrots want toys to enrich their environment . Buy toys from a reputable source and ensure they are the correct size of it for your bird . If you are n’t certain what sizing plaything is appropriate , ask your avian vet or an experienced parrot possessor .
unobjectionable toysregularly . Some toys , such as wood , ca n’t be washed and must be cast away when they get dirty . Check toy on a veritable base for any loose parts , hanging string or textile , or any other unsafe condition .
Rotate toy on a even basis to maintain mental stimulation and keep the parrot busy . If a bird has a favourite plaything , it ’s hunky-dory to leave that one in there all the time . let in avariety of toysof dissimilar sizes and materials ( plastic , Natalie Wood , safe metals ) , and purposes ( foot toys , foraging toys , natural action toys , and toy meant for destruction ) .
Over time , you will figure out which eccentric of toy dog your parrot like well . Do n’t be discourage if your bird is afraid of new toys or avoids playing with them . Sometimes it take days , calendar week , or even month for a bird to get used to a new toy . If your boo is really frightened of a toy , try hang it on the outside of the cage until they become accustomed to it .
How to Handle Your Bird
parrot can become easily startled and stress when you extend to inside their batting cage or attempt to get a hold of them . They also can sting if they ’re terrible . The proper way to handle a parrot is to get them slowly used to you around their cage . get down by talking gently and placing your hands alfresco of the batting cage until your parrot appears unagitated . Slowly hit your handwriting in while extend to spill in a calm voice . If your parrot becomes timorous , back away and try again later on . Go at your parrot ’s pace .
When parrot lovers first handle a bird , they begin by wrapping a towel around them . Be sure that you employ a towel of the appropriate sizing . This will help you enfold your shuttle .
Be careful not to cover the parrot ’s straits . They can be well frightened if they ’re unable to see what is around them . The towel should cover the extension without a meaning amount of redundant length to forestall the bird , or you , from becoming hurt . control themgently and firmlybut not tightly , as this can injure a parrot . Absolutely do not conjure on their chests as this can impair their power to breathe .
If you ’re unsure at all about this case of handling , ask youravian vetto show you how to do this properly . Most will be well-chosen to demonstrate this to you or have a member of their staff train you .
Teaching Your Parrot to Step Up
Once your shuttle is comfortable with you near their cage and couch your hands inside , a very useful skill that ’s easy to instruct is " ill-use up . " This mean that the parrot will go onto your fingerbreadth , hand , or branch when enquire . small parrots like parakeets will go on your finger , whereas you will want to use your hand or forearm for a tumid parrot like a cockatoo or macaw .
When the fowl is comfortable with you putting your men in the cage , teach them tostep upon your finger or script by placing the finger or branch by the bird ’s feet . Move your arm or finger gently against the bird ’s foot and say " step up " while contract against the feet . The idea is that the pressure level of your finger , paw , or weapon will have them to lift their foot up and onto you .
you could also have aspray of milletor another treat on your other hand to promote them to move forward and step onto you and reward them for doing so .
Safety and Emergencies
Before you even purchase your bird , you should test to locatean avian veteran . world-wide veterinary are typically not equip to cover the unique requirements of parrot , so check with theAssociation of Avian Veterinariansto find an avian vet near you .
Make certain to have all your razz ’s information readily available in showcase an emergency go up . Keep your avian veterinarian ’s turn in a prominent locating , along with the name and headphone number of any after - hours emergency clinic . Be sure to require your vet what to do and who to call after - hours if you have an emergency during those time .
If you know an pinch , call your avian ex-serviceman immediately . Keep your fowl as calm as possible to avoid shock . keep on the parrot in a dark , tranquil room can help , and it ’s important to keep the Bronx cheer ardent . Listen carefully to the vet ’s instructions and render to provide as much information as possible . The vet or technician will separate you what to do until you’re able to come to the office .
make a first aid outfit is very important . You canmake your ownor grease one’s palms a complete kit . Your first aid kit will also include items you need for routine concern of your bird as distinguish above . hive away the kit in an easy approachable positioning .
Travel Carrier
Each bird you own should have their own travel immune carrier for trips to the vet and for emergencies . ensure these John Cage are always clean and quick to go . exercise commit your bird into their newsboy so you wo n’t have to clamber when you really need to apply it . It ’s also helpful to station your hiss in their carrier and take them on unforesightful car trips so they get used to the carrier and do n’t consort it only with going to the vet .
Outdoor Parrot Safety
Anytime you bring your fowl outside , verify the Bronx cheer is tire out a halter and rope made specifically for its species . It only occupy a minute for a bird to escape and quickly get lose . Even birds that have had their wing trimmed can still aviate if a blow of fart blows up , so always apply a halter no matter how long you project to be out of doors with your raspberry .
Stay Aware of Household Dangers
Having a parrot is similar to induce a toddler in that your home needs to be bird - proof . Parrots are smart , wondering , and curious . While you should always supervise them when they are out of their batting cage , parrot proprietor can tell you that it only takes a few second for an stroke to pass off . luckily , there are many precautions you’re able to take in your home to facilitate avoid emergency .
First , ensure all window and doors are either closed or have screen that are secure . You should also be conservative when allowing your parrot to take the air on the floor . This can be dangerous for both the parrot and their possessor . If you do admit your parrot to wander around the home , keep your toilet seats down . You should also supervise your parrot at all times . vulgar menage items can cause more damage than one would think . Keep in mind , your parrot will :
Avoid using non - stick cookwareand other products hold Teflon ( or PTFE ) or PFOA , which give off fumes that can kill a bird forthwith . Do not practice the ego - cleaning feature film on oven because this also give off insecure fumes . Be measured when using anything with a redolence , such as candles and tune fresheners . Avoid them when possible or buy product that are guaranteed safe for use around hiss .
Keep your birds away from any other household pets . Let them have out - of - cage prison term while other favourite are locked up . Supervise any interactions between birds of different size . Even hoot of similar size of it but of different species ( or sometimes even the same species ) may not get along and require to be supervised while they interact . You may ask to take them out at dissimilar clock time .
Monitor any interaction between birds and children . Some birds are fine with children , while other boo are scared of their sudden movements , loud voices , and high bodily function levels . If you have children , you could learn them how to interact with the parrot in a calm , still way . There are many children who develop fantabulous relationship and bonds with family favorite birds .
Illness and Health Problems
Some of the most common wellness problems stem from malnutrition and want of exercise . verify your snort is getting the proper diet , invite even ex-serviceman confirmation - ups , and fuck off enough exercise and sopor . It is critical that you learn to recognise thesigns of illness in your bird . If you observe anything unusual , contact your avian vet immediately . When in doubt , err on the side of circumspection and make the call . The best ways to reduce illness are prevention and former detection .
In the state of nature , impuissance attract predator and usually leads to death . Since razz are still waste creatures with natural instincts , they will attempt to veil an illness as long as they can . By the time a bird read significant signs of illness , it is often too late . That ’s why it ’s critical to look for any changes in your razz .
Early Detection
Early detection is one of the ways preferent owners can reduce the chance of severe illness . As soon as you get your parrot , take them to your avian vet forthwith for a wellness sojourn . The vet will make certain your bird is healthy and does not have any serious malady , such asPsittacine Beak and Feather Disease , which is extremely communicable and fatal .
If you have other birds , make indisputable to quarantine your unexampled shuttlecock for 30 to 45 days to ensure they do not have any hidden illness that could be spread to other quite a little members .
Lung Sensitivity
Keep in mind that birds have highly sensitive lung . Things that do n’t affect human beings or other pets can have harmful or deadly effects on parrots . In addition , be measured when toweling or constrain your raspberry . You do n’t require to put so much pressure on their chest of drawers that they ca n’t rest .
Long-term Planning
Make certain your parrot are include in your long - term plans and your emergency programme . Depending on your old age , there is a theory of your parrot will survive you . Putting them in your will to guarantee they are taken attention of in case of your passing play is important . Consider what would happen if you become ill and can no longer take care of your parrot . Is there anyone uncoerced to take your parrot in case of an emergency ?
Do n’t wait until these situations happen before you have a plan in stead . If you do need to give up your parrot , make certain you contact a reputable deliverance or sanctuary to make certain your parrot goes to a good home .
You should also have emergency plans for any natural tragedy , such as floods , tornadoes , hurricanes , or even fires . This is of import for every pet possessor , but peculiarly for those who populate in evacuation areas .
Parrots Are Excellent Pets for the Right Owner
parrot are awful , beautiful , intelligent creature that can make excellent pets . However , they do demand a large amount of time , patience , and breeding . Yes , keeping these skirt is a flock of study , but the rewards are invaluable . With proper care , parrot can make corking , lifelong companion .
