Parrot Care Sheet

The word Parrot covers such a wide spectrum of bird species that covering all of them in one article is very difficult. All Parrots fall under the category of Hookbills. Hookbills are generally seed eating birds that have a hook shaped bill that they use to crack open seeds and nuts and to tear fruit. Most are native to tropical areas of the world. Parrots range in size from the small African Senegal Parrot to the giant Hyacinth Macaw from South America. Many species mimic well and can be taught to repeat words, phrases and even songs. Some species make "better talkers" than others. Some are more handleable, Some are more active, some less so.

In addition to the generalizations about a particular species, individuals within a species may react differently than expected, so there is no guarantee that any one bird will talk. The information offered here is very general. Before purchasing any bird, carefully research the specific needs of the species that you are planning to buy.

Generally Parrots are fed a wide variety of foods, with a seed mix or pelleted food serving as the foundation for the complete diet. Parrot mixes usually contain a mixture of sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, buckwheat, oats, corn, pumpkin seed and some millet seed. Often, more exotic blends also contain dehydrated fruits and vegetables. Seed diets can be deficient in vitamins K and D, so the addition of green and yellow vegetables and fruit is essential.

Use of an avian daily multivitamin is recommended. These are usually water soluble and can be added to the drinking water or sprinkled over the food. If the vitamin is added to the water, the water container must be thoroughly washed each day.

Almost anything that you eat can be offered in small quantities. (No chocolate, alcohol, avocado, and very little highly acidic foods like citrus and tomato.) A variety diet makes for a much happier, healthier bird. Fresh water should always be available.

Parrots are housed in cages. There are hundreds of shapes and sizes of cages available. Some considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a cage are the size of the cage, the size of door opening, the gauge of the wire, and the spacing of the wire. The cage should be at least large enough for the bird to be able to turn around completely and flap it's wings with out touching the wires. The door opening must be large enough for you to reach in with your hand and remove the bird from the cage easily. The gauge of the wire must be heavy enough so that the bird can't bite through it or break the welds. The wires should be spaced closely enough to keep the bird from putting it's head through the opening. A pull out tray at the bottom makes for easier cleaning. A wire grate mounted on the bottom of the cage above this tray keeps the bird from digging through the litter.

Most of the Parrots now available for sale in the U.S. are domestically raised and many have been hand fed. A young hand-fed bird makes a much more desirable companion. Learn how to handle your bird and do so daily to keep it tame and affectionate.

Clipping the wings is recommended to keep the bird manageable. Wing clipping when done correctly does not hurt the bird, and is not permanent. The clipped feathers with be replaced the next time the bird molts.

Birds keep their plumage in peak condition by preening. You can encourage this by occasionally spraying your bird with warm water. Use a clean spray bottle that has never been used for anything else, and mist the bird with warm water.

Parrots can live a very long time. Purchasing one is a life time commitment and the decision to buy one should not be taken lightly. They can be loud, they can an do occasionally bite, and at certain times of the year (breeding season) their personality can change completely. Your sweet, affectionate pet may turn into an unmanageable monster that wants nothing to do with human companionship until breeding season ends, and their hormone levels return to normal.