Companion Parrots

Image via Wikipedia

The term companion parrot is a general phase used for any parrot kept as a pet that interacts abundantly with its humans.

Most species of parrots have good pet potential. Species of parrots that are commonly kept as companions include large parrots such as: Amazons, African Greys, Cockatoos, Eclectus and Macaws, mid- sized birds include: Conures, Quakers, Pionus, and smaller birds such as: Budgies, Cockatiels, Lovebirds and Parrotlets.

Keeping birds in captivity can be seen back as far as 4,000 years ago, and the tradition probably arose from keeping birds as a ready source of food. Images of pet birds have been found in Egyptian hieroglyphics and were highly prized by the ancient Greeks. It is recorded that wealthy Roman households often kept several pet parrots and it was part of the slave’s job to care for them and teach them to talk. In 1493, Christopher Columbus returned from South America with a pair of Cuban Amazon parrots as a gift for Queen Isabella of Spain. It is also noted King Henry the VIII kept an African Grey parrot at Hampton Court.

Parrots can be rewarding pets for the right owners. They are highly intelligent and have a desire to interact with people. Parrots can be affectionate and can even be cuddly with people they trust but they also require a lot of attention from their owners. While most parrots bond to one or two people in a household and usually dislike strangers, they can be socialized and some have become successful therapy pets.

The initial attraction to parrots is their ability to talk, sing and mimic different noises. Large species like the Amazons and African Greys are the best talkers and smaller species like Quakers, male Cockatiels and male Budgies can be quite vocal. While any parrot may learn a few words or sounds there is no guarantee any individual parrot will talk. Some species such as the conure are poor talkers but are affectionate and playful.

Parrots are messy pets. They are known for throwing food and damaging furniture, blinds curtains and walls with their powerful beaks. Some can be potty trained and a mess catcher around the cage is a good idea. While messy most species are odorless or have a distinctive odor which is pleasant. White cockatoos, cockatiels, rose-breasted cockatoos and African greys produce feather dust and may cause problems with allergy sufferers or persons with chronic respiratory illnesses.

Parrots have hooked beaks used to assist them in climbing as well as to shell nuts and seeds. It is normal for a parrot to use its beak to explore and common for a parrot to rest its beak on a person’s hand to steady it or to attempt to preen their owner’s hair. Keep in mind even a tame parrot can and will bite if confused or frightened. Large species like the macaws and cockatoos have powerful beaks designed for crushing large nuts and have the jaw strength comparable to a large dog. A large parrot bite to the face can do severe damage and destroy the trust between owner and bird.

Parrots require a lot of daily care and can be expensive. First you have to set up your parrot’s environment. They need a cage large enough to move around comfortably and spread their wings. The bottom must be lined with paper and changed daily. Food and feces must be cleaned off with hot water and food bowls must be washed daily. The cage while wiped down daily needs to be thoroughly cleaned every three months. Bird toys must be provided to help prevent boredom.

A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, meats, grains and bird seed is needed for a healthy bird. All uneaten food must be removed daily and fresh food and water provided. Bathe your parrot once a week, clip their nails and trim their beak as needed.  A birds blood does not clot as a mammal’s does, keep a medication called “Kwik-Stop” for any injuries. In a pinch super-glue can be used. Talk to your parrot, social contact is important for a happy bird

Companion parrots live between 40 to 100 years depending on the species. You have to make sure your parrot is cared for in the event of your illness or death. Some people leave parrots to family in their wills.

If you have a parrot or decide to get a parrot they do make wonderful pets. I have had two parrots, two budgies and I bird sit for friends. I currently have one parrot, my Nanday Conure, Cindy. We obtained her at six months and she was a hand-fed baby. She is twenty years old. I am in the will of a dear friend to be the guardian of her Double-Yellow Head Amazon as her family does not want the responsibility of a bird.

Being a parrot owner is a lifetime commitment and as you can see there are many factors to consider. Do you have the necessary time for a parrot? Can you afford to care for one? Will a parrot fit into your lifestyle? Please never buy a parrot on the spur of the moment or as a gift for someone that has never had a bird. Please think twice before you bring a companion parrot into your home.

Cindy, my Nanday Conure. Eating a cracker on top of her cage. Photo by PR Mace