Pet owners are drawn to parrots for their attractive feathering and loud, vocal squawking, and they are a popular type of bird to own as a pet.There are many things to consider when buying a parrot.Some breeds can be difficult to maintain and vary in size.You can find a parrot with some research.
Step 1: Take your experience with parrots into account.
It is better for experienced bird owners to own certain breeds.For beginners, budgies, cockatiels, and Amazons are the best parrots.If you are interested in parrots but not ready to own one, consider fostering for a rescue group, as they can live for sixty or more years.
Step 2: Plan for the parrot's size.
Some people are intimidated by Conures, which can reach 2 feet, and others can handle any Macaw, but you should consider how comfortable you are with large parrots.If you want to know how comfortable you are with parrots of different species, try going to a bird store or rescue.A parakeet or cockatiel may be more appropriate if you are looking for a smaller breed.If you live in a small apartment, a large Cockatoo is not going to make your neighbors happy.Do you want your roommate or girlfriend to be happy with sharing you with a loud, protective parrot?
Step 3: Plan for the lifespan of a parrot.
Larger parrots tend to live longer than smaller parrots.For beginning parrot owners, smaller parrots are better choices than larger parrots.Amazons can live up to 50 years, while Cockatoos and Macaws are able to live to 80.The average lifespan of a Budgie is 8 years, while parakeets live from 12 to 18 years.
Step 4: If you want a more vocal bird, make a decision.
Some parrots are loud, while others are quieter.Smaller birds are more suited to living in a smaller apartment.
Step 5: How much time do you need to commit to a parrot?
If you are prepared to commit at least 60 minutes a day to your parrot, large parrots are appropriate.A pair of budgies or Lovebirds would be a better fit if you wanted to just watch your parrot and not devote a lot of time to caring for it.Do you or another family member home most of the time or are you and your family constantly on the go?A parrot is not an appropriate pet for people who work full time and are rarely home.
Step 6: The size of your budget should be raised.
A parrot is an expensive pet.Large parrots are more expensive to care for than to buy.You have to take your parrot to the vet every year for a bird checkup, just like you would with a dog.It can be more expensive to hire a business or person to care for a large parrot while you are traveling, and you will have to spend more on a cage the larger the parrot is.
Step 7: Allow other pets that you already own.
parrots don't always get along with other petsLarge parrots such as Macaws can be aggressive and territorial.Large parrots such as Macaws and Amazons are a big time commitment.Cats do not socialize well with parrots.If you bring a young parrot with you.The two pets will grow up together at roughly the same time.The two pets will be very comfortable around each other, which will increase their likelihood of getting along socially.Time is an issue in addition to social factors.Parrots are time-intensive pets and need frequent maintenance.A parrot may be too much of a time commitment if you already own other pets.
Step 8: You can choose an individual parrot.
Unlike buying any other type of pet, there is no objective ruling on which parrot to buy.The best pet will be one out of fifteen cockatoos.You should see which bird interests you the most.Make sure you understand the adult behavior of the breed you are looking at when selecting a pet.Some cute, quiet parrots can become loud parrots.Spend 30 minutes watching the birds.See which birds are more active.These birds will make more interesting pets, so consider choosing one of them.If you want to know which bird appeals to you, look at its plumage and behavior.You will enjoy living with a parrot that is visually appealing and has a personality.
Step 9: Ask about the individual birds.
The owner of the birds in the store should be able to give you advice about which birds will make good pets.If you are a first time parrot owner, it is important to talk to the owner.The type of parrot you purchase may be influenced by the location of the pet store.If you live in a large metropolitan area, you can find any breed you want, but you will be limited by local availability.Ask the owner if any of the parrots have been unwell.Do not own one of these birds.
Step 10: Prepare for your parrot to eat.
Feed your parrot once a day, and provide it with parrot pellet or mix from your local pet shop.Fruits and vegetables should be provided each day, since parrots are tropical birds.A poor diet is a common cause of illness in parrots.You will save money on vet bills if you make sure your parrot gets the nutrition it needs.Most of the foods that humans commonly eat are eaten by parrots.They have peanuts and cheese.Chocolate andavocado are poisonous to birds.
Step 11: Purchase a cage for your bird.
The cage is a major purchase and should be planned ahead of time.Remember that a simpler cage will be easier to clean, and buy your parrot as spacious of a cage as possible.The shredded newspaper at the bottom of the cage is replaceable and can be changed frequently.
Step 12: You can put the cage in your apartment or house.
The location of the parrot cage is important.The bird may escape if placed near doors.It's a good idea to avoid housing your parrot cage in the kitchen.Don't leave your parrot unattended out of the cage because you will need to take it out to socialize.A parrot can destroy furniture, drapes, and other objects.