Welcome to LoveParrots.com your resource for caring for the most colorful little personality in the household!
With stunning plumage in a rainbow of beautiful tones and colors, keen intelligence and adorable character, who can fail to be captivated by the parrot. Keeping one at home can be a little challenging but with the proper knowledge and care he or she will make you a marvellous companion and a lively addition to your household.
Differing levels of care are required depending on the species, however all need a good standard of nutrition to achieve optimum health and well being. Their diet is similar across all breeds and should contain fresh vegetables, fruits, special pellets and a vitamin boosted seed mixture. Fresh water should be given every day.
Birds in general can be messy pets! Parrots are no exception to this and it is important to maintain a good level of cleanliness. Their cage, perch and dishes need a daily wipe down with water and a mild soap. No harsh chemicals should be used, instead use the same mild cleansers as you would with a human baby. This is a very simple quick task which will form part of your daily care routine.
Personal cleanliness is also highly important as you are handling your parrot and his equipment. Regular hand washing will prevent bacteria transferring from you to him. Human noses and mouths contain bacterium that is potentially harmful to your parrot, so never allow any “pretend kissing” with your bird!
Parrot hygiene is simply a gentle daily shower, bath or misting with a water spray bottle. This will care for and keep his feathers pristine and beautiful. In the wild parrots often enjoy sitting in the rain! Parrots need and often like to be groomed. This is a necessary part of their care as their nails and beaks constantly grow. These will need clipping every month. Long nails can get caught on perches and toys. Owners generally prefer to have parrot wings clipped to prevent flying in the house, which can be destructive!
The cage should be large enough for your parrot to spread his wings when stretching and have sufficient play room for him to play with several safe toys. You can allow up to four toys at a time if you wish.
Life spans can be as long as a human, some have been known to live up to 100 years!
On average 50-60 years is usual for the larger species whilst 15-30 is the average for the smaller varieties. This longevity is the basis for a very strong emotional bond to develop within the family. He belongs to your ‘flock’ and being very sociable he will want to be with you. A cage or free perch should be within an area the family use most often. He should not be left alone in a ‘parrot room’. As well as routine care people need to interact with a parrot frequently, such as you would with a small child. Never keep parrots in the kitchen, simply due to the obvious safety, health and cleanliness issues.
Parrot care really is simple and not really time consuming at all. They take less time to care for than many other household pets. Owners need to be prepared to give their love, proper care and lots of attention as that is what he needs most of all. Include him in your activities and interact with him as with any other member of the family and he will love and adore you in return.
