How to Care for a Parrot

Parrots can make wonderful pets if they are cared for properly. Caring for a parrot can be easy and enjoyable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bird Food/water Bowls
• Bird Perches
• Bird Toys
• Parrot Cages
• Parrot Food
• Parrot Play Pens
• Parrot Treat

Cage Setup and Cleaning

1. Buy a cage large enough for the parrot to be able to move around comfortably and have room to spread both wings.

2. Line the bottom of the cage with paper and change daily.

3. Provide toys, a perch, and food and water bowls.

4. Place a sheet of Plexiglas on the wall to prevent stains.

5. Wipe food and feces off the cage, perch and toys daily with hot water.

6. Wash the food and water bowls twice daily.

7. Clean the cage thoroughly every three months.

Grooming and Feeding

8. Wash your parrot at least once a week with water. Dry with a towel.

9. Clip your parrot's nails when they become long.

10. Talk to your parrot. Social contact is important.

11. Feed your parrot a balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables, meats and grains.

12. Give your parrot fresh water every day.

Tips & Warnings

• You may wish to have your vet clip your parrot's nails for you.
• Feed your parrot the same foods you eat.
• Chocolate, coffee, avocado, lima beans, kidney beans and alcohol should be avoided.
• Parrots can become ill if feces are not removed from the cage daily. Signs of illness include loss of appetite, weight loss and breathing difficulties.
• Find an avian veterinarian who is a member of the Association of Avian Vets. Call your vet if your bird has any of the above health problems.
• Never use soap or chemicals when cleaning the cage, bowl or toys. If it cannot be avoided, rinse thoroughly after use.

[maybellineduque]

on 11/4/2009 ...

[gypsywitch]

on 7/21/2009 Too many people advocate pellets.
It is fine to offer them a few, but... the high temps needed to extrude the pellets (shape them) and to cook/ dry them destroys the vitamins and minerals that are added.
The brightly colored ones have so much sugar added to make them palatable is a cause of diabetes and heart disease in companion birds.
Seeds should not be dead, if your seeds will not sprout, throw them out and buy new ones.
Feed fresh or frozen veggies and fruits DAILY. A spoonfull of your meal can be shared with your companion bird, if it is acceptable, no avacado, easy on salt. Feeding time is social time with birds.
Another word on clipping. DON'T, a bird has 2 instincts, fight or flight. If he can't fly, who do you think is going to get bit? Not me, all 5 of my birds can either fly or are learning to fly.

[POJOTUES]

on 12/6/2008 Does anyone know how to transport a parrot in cold weather?? Is it safe???

[POJOTUES]

on 12/6/2008 Does anyone know how to transport a parrot for a short distance in cold weather? Is it safe???

on 8/8/2006 Say hello to your parrot twelve times every hour for three and a half weeks. If your parrot does not learn 'hello' by that time, the parrot is only useful for parrot pudding.