The term parrot includes several families of large birds, easily recognizable by their hooked beak and bright colors. Originally from warm countries, this animal has adapted to our interiors, and sometimes even to our outdoor aviaries. Notwithstanding this portrait, we must not forget that the parrot is an animal whose maintenance and education can be restrictive. This animal can live between 30 and 80 years, depending on the species, so the acquisition of a parrot must, consequently, be thought through and matured.
What is the behavior of the parrot?
The parrot, like a child, requires a lot of attention. Strong of a great sociability, it will also be able to show itself character when you refuse him something. Its powerful beak will then prove to be a formidable weapon that can inflict you some small wounds.
This character trait is mainly found in young animals, or those who have not received any education. Indeed, as soon as you spend time with your pet, and begin its education, you will socialize it more, and thus make it an outstanding companion.
Gifted with a good intelligence, you will be able to learn how to talk to your parrot, but also how to follow you, or even how to stay on your shoulder. None of the time you spend with your parrot will be wasted.
How do I choose my parrot?
Choosing your parrot is an essential step. Indeed, these animals need the presence of Man more than all other birds, and this must be taken into consideration. You will need to be able to talk to your bird daily, but you will also need to be able to take it out under permanent surveillance, and to be able to bear its regular noises.
Once you feel ready to acquire your parrot, you should either go to a specialized pet store or to a breeder in your area. Always prefer farm animals to captured animals. Indeed, they have been in contact with humans since their youngest age, and this helps to fight against poaching which devastates certain parrot populations.
As we have seen, there are different species of parrots, each with their own particularities. Do not hesitate to inquire beforehand so that you do not make any mistakes when buying your animal.
You will thus buy a parrot according to the time you have to devote to it, as well as the environment in which you will place it, and the space which it will be able to have. In an apartment, always prefer quiet birds.
Finally, it is preferable to acquire a healthy animal. Thus, when you buy a bird, you must make sure that its plumage is shiny, that its nose does not run and that it has a sparkling eye. It must still be lively, and not too plucked. Some birds, anxious, lose their feathers, but this is not fatal, because placing them in a serene environment will allow them to redo their plumage.
Which habitat for my parrot?
Once you have chosen your pet, all you have to do is bring it home. However, you will have to have prepared its environment and its cage beforehand.
Choice of the cage :
Your animal will spend a large part of its life in its cage, at least until you have educated it. You must therefore choose a cage adapted to its needs.
Even if the minimum dimensions are 60x70x70, they are not immutable. Indeed, you must adapt the size of the cage to the size of your animal. The reference points are the wings and the tail. Your parrot must be able to unfold its wings without being hindered, and its tail must not touch the walls. You will then know that you are buying a cage adapted to its needs. The larger the cage, the better your parrot will feel in it. Don’t hesitate to buy a cage with an opening at the top, so that you can install a perch to let your bird out.
Finally, you will have to choose a cage specially designed for parrots. Contrary to ordinary cages, these have wider and more widely spaced bars. Parrots have great strength in their beaks, and an ordinary cage would only resist for a short time, so much so that they would manage to escape easily.
Where to place the cage?
It is an animal that loves the company of Man. So make sure to place your parrot in the room where it will be able to enjoy this presence most frequently: living room, living room…
You will place the cage close to a window so that he can enjoy natural light, without having to suffer from excessive heat.
What accessories?
The cage will have to be decorated with perches adapted to the size of your parrot, as well as to its beak. Avoid plastic parts. You can also add a rope to your animal so that it can perform its acrobatics.
How do I feed my parrot?
It is becoming easier and easier to feed parrots. Indeed, pet stores now offer ready-made feeds in which you will find the birds’ favorite foods, namely fruits and large seeds. However, nothing prevents you from feeding your parrot yourself according to its tastes.
Finally, these animals are very fond of fruits, from apples to kiwis and bananas. Rare are the fruits sulked by our small companions.
