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
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Cage Setup and Cleaning
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1
Buy a cage large enough for the parrot to be able to move around comfortably and have room to spread both wings.
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2
Line the bottom of the cage with paper and change daily.
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3
Provide toys, a perch, and food and water bowls.
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4
Place a sheet of Plexiglas on the wall to prevent stains.
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5
Wipe food and feces off the cage, perch and toys daily with hot water.
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6
Wash the food and water bowls twice daily.
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7
Clean the cage thoroughly every three months.
Grooming and Feeding
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1
Wash your parrot at least once a week with water. Dry with a towel.
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2
Clip your parrot's nails when they become long.
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3
Talk to your parrot. Social contact is important.
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4
Feed your parrot a balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables, meats and grains.
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5
Give your parrot fresh water every day.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Cage door latches should be drilled, not welded.
Cages should have an easy-to-clean design.
Keep the cage in an area where the temperature is stable.
You may wish to have your vet clip your parrot's nails for you.
Feed your parrot the same foods you eat.
If the cage bars are too far apart, birds can escape or injure themselves.
Parrots are very sensitive to changes in temperature. Keep the cage in an area where temperatures are stable.
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.
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Comments
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another thing I just learned cockatoos aren't suposed to share cages with other birds which explains some of chicos bad behavior but they hate being split up too, what should we do?
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I also need to know about about moving them in cold weather.
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my gramas two parrots have some issues peppi never wants to play or be touched and chico is terrified of well everytyhin and will only let me pet his beak how can I towl dry them if they wont let me near them with a towel? and they very picky eaters and wont eat everything theyre aparently suposed too they eat parrot food millet corn on occasion and apples I don't see much for them at the store besides parrot food is eerything they need in there? do u know of any ways to ease theyre skittish ways and maybe encourage chico not to bully and peppi to play?
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how long will it take my parrot to talk?
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gypsywitch
Jul 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.
