How to Care for a Pet Parrot

Max the Maximilian Pionus parrot shows off his cardboard sculpture.

Parrot care is the subject of many large books, so naturally it can't all be covered in one article. Here are some tips to get you started and suggestions on resources that can teach you more.

Instructions

Give It Space

1. 

   Your parrot needs room to move around in its cage. A good cage will be at least three times as wide, long and tall as your parrot is with its wings outstretched--the more space the better.

2. Naturally, you have to make sure that the bars are close enough together that your parrot can't escape and that the door closes firmly.

3. There should be perches in the cage of varying widths to help your bird exercise its feet--natural branches of nonpoisonous wood are good for this (see Resources), or you can buy them with screws attached from a well-stocked pet supply store.

4. Hang toys appropriate for your bird's size in the cage and alternate them regularly. Be sure not to put so many toys in the cage that the parrot can't move freely or stand in its favorite place.

5. Include a mineral block or cuttlefish bone, grit if your parrot's species requires it, and accessible food and water bowls.

Health Food for Birds

1. 

   It is very important for your bird to have a plentiful supply of fresh water that is changed at least once a day.

2. Basic, dye-free pellet food like Harrison's or Totally Organic Pellet Food is a good staple that should be available to your parrot in small quantities throughout the day and larger quantities at mealtimes.

3. Foods with large amounts of sunflower seeds or other nuts or seeds should be avoided because they are high-fat. If your bird is used to that kind of food, go to the Resources section for information on how to switch your bird to a new kind of food safely. Do not use "cold turkey" conversion, which is traumatic for everyone involved.

4. Nuts and seeds should be used for special treats only.

5. Experiment with offering your bird pieces of various fruits and vegetables to see which kinds are favorites, but remove anything fresh from the cage after two hours so it doesn't go bad.

6. 

   Parrots can eat almost anything that humans eat (see Resources), so it won't hurt your bird to have a bite from your plate occasionally, though "people food" should not make up the majority of its diet.

Bath Time

1. At least once a week, offer your bird a shallow dish with a small amount of warm water to bathe in. If you have a Senegal, do this every day; they love to be wet and will bathe in their water dishes if you don't.

2. Some larger parrots like macaws, African greys, Amazons and cockatoos enjoy taking showers with their owners; smaller birds can be showered with a spray bottle filled with warm water if they seem unwilling to take a bath.

3. Make sure your bird has a warm place to dry off; parrots have a body temperature that is higher than humans' by several degrees, so if you would feel cold drying off in any given room, your parrot definitely will.

Cuddle, Play, and Talk

1. 

   Parrots are extremely social creatures, and you are your pet's flock. This means your bird needs a lot of attention and will not do well alone in a house all day.

2. Parrots will want to play with you, talk to you, groom you and entertain you, and you should do the same for them. Feel free to turn on the radio: They love music and loud noises in general and will join in joyfully to make things even louder.

3. Most parrots are natural performers and will enjoy learning little tricks to show off for your applause--and maybe half an almond. Watch to see what your bird does naturally and reward it for doing funny or cute things.

4. Some parrots, like African greys, can be taught to talk up a storm. Others, like cockatiels, prefer to sing and whistle--some even improvise tunes. Still others, like the Pionus genus, tend to like to mutter and imitate sounds like human laughter. Most parrots can learn to say at least a few words with training, but there are always some individuals who are more talented at this than others. Repeat words you want your bird to say and reward any effort it makes to say them, but don't leave it alone with a "teach your bird to talk" tape all day. Birds need quiet time too.

5. 

   Make sure your parrot feels loved and cared for, and you will have a loyal friend for life.

Tips & Warnings

• Many materials and some foods are unsafe for parrots. Check the resources section for information.

Resources

• Healthy bird pellets, safe cages, other supplies
• Recipes for making your own bird food
• Woods, plants, foods and chemicals that are safe or unsafe for parrots
• How to switch your bird from unhealthy to healthy food as painlessly as possible