How to Choose the Right Pet Parrot

Do you want to get a pet parrot, but don't know what to look for? Here is you're parrot buying guide. Parrots make very good pets, great companions, and can become your best friends. They are also great listeners, so you can tell them anything. They are great pets for kids to play with and can teach kids about responsibility.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• the want to be a bird owner
• some patience

1. First, think about whether or not you and your family are ready to make a comittment to owning and caring for a parrot. Keep in mind that parrots need daily food, water, and a lot of attention. If a parrot does not get attention, they will not be tame or happy. They might even begin plucking feathers from boredom. That could be fatal if they pluck their chest to the skin. Attention is vital. They also need to have a variety of food and toys. Fruit, vegetables, bread, and non-greasy human foods can be fed to the parrot. Parrots should not have a lot of sugar or salt.
2. After you have decided to get a parrot, get some information on various parrots. Large parrots, like macaws, cockatoos, and African Greys, need a lot of attention. Thay can get very loud if not occupied. They are fun to snuggle with, and can learn many tricks. Medium parrots, like conures, cockateils, amazons, and caiques, can also be snuggled with, and are easier to care for, so if you have nearly no spare time, they can entertain themselves. Small parrots, like lovebirds, parrotlets, budgies, and parakeets, can be taught several tricks, and are probably the best birds for kids. Some parakeets are in the medium size range, like the Indian Ring-Necked parakeet.
3. Then, you should decide whether you want to buy from a pet store or a bird show. At a pet store, most birds are untamed, and are not handbred. At a bird show, many breeders are there with very young birds that they have handbred. These birds are tame from the start, and can be trained to speak and do tricks.
4. Go to where you want to buy your parrot. You do not want to buy a bird who is sitting and doing nothing. Also, you do not want to get a bird that is in a corner or running away from people.
5. When you finally buy your bird, don't overplay with it. Get a good cage, some food, bird toys, and treats. A book about your bird's species can be very helpful. Set up the cage, and let your bird rest a little bit. If you want, you can take him or her out and just hold the bird by your heart, pet them, and soothe them by talking softly.

Tips & Warnings

• You might want to take your new bird to the vet and get them checked out.
• Let kids play with the bird sometimes.
• Don't let kids stay with parrots on their own. They might get seriously bitten, and you won't be there to know about it.