Think Well Before Adopting A Parrot

It is always fascinating to adopt parrots that have over 350 species; however their adoption also comes with a big challenge.

Know these facts before adopting specie of parrots: 

a) Being wild by nature most parrots both in the wild or bred in captivity retain many of the survival instincts and social behavior of their cousins in the wild.

 

b) There are more than 350 species of parrots, so you need to learn the care and behavioral needs about the particular specie you wish to adopt and adjust it according to your lifestyle.

c) Adopting a parrot specie means a lifetime commitment with some outliving you; small parrots, like cockatiels or parrot lets live for , 20–30 years old, while larger parrots, like amazons, cockatoos or macaws, may live to be 60–80 years old. If you think your parrot might outlive you, you will need to arrange for a future home for your parrot after you are no longer around.

d) Most species of parrots are highly intelligent and have the intelligence of a 3to 5 year old.

Understand the following characteristics of parrots:

a) Parrots are vocal and loud, with parrots in the wild using their loud vocalizations to call the flock to a food source, to warn of danger, or just to keep in contact with flock mates. To keep the noise down, you need to provide the parrot ample socialization and enrichment activities.

b) Parrots are extremely social and active animals; they may develop behavioral problems like feather picking if they do not receive a lot of daily interaction with humans and or other birds.

c) Being prey animals in the wild, parrots would be highly alert and easily stressed; they could also have adverse reaction to objects and situations like sudden movement or loud noises.

d) Endowed with powerful beaks to eat, chew, preen or hold objects, they also use their beaks to bite when they are frightened, agitated or want to defend territory. It is best to learn all about their body language to understand when they need space.

e) Parrots have been recently adopted by humans; some parrot species could take some time or may even not be able to bond with you.

Know the details about care of parrots:

a) Understand that parrots are highly intelligent and require about 2 to 3 hours of your time outside the cage. They also need to be provided with some type of entertainment like safe toys, radio or television, and contact with other family members or other parrots.

b) Parrots are really messy and you would require time to clean in and around their cage and play area.

c) Parrots require a complex and varied diet of pellets, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds every day.

d) Be aware of your parrot’s wild heritage and try to simulate some of a wild parrot’s experiences in your home by providing them a safe area that will allow your parrot an opportunity to fly.

e) Adopting a parrot means parrot proofing the house to avoid damage done by them and to the parrot. Keep common household products and items may be hazardous to your bird out of its reach.

A well informed pet owner could only bring up happy and healthy pet parrots.