Things to Consider While Getting a Companion Parrot
Are you a parrot lover? Do you want to keep one but unaware of ways to take care of it? Don’t fret and relax. Jump in the boat. I will help you in reaching the shore. You just need proper guidance and adequate knowledge about parrots. It is not wise to buy a parrot without having ample knowledge. It’s no use of crying over spilt milk in case things go wrong because of insufficient information. So, get a grip over the details before getting one.
Beware!
The idea of having a parrot as a pet is quite attractive but it comes with certain challenges. It’s like riding a roller coaster. Buckle up only if you are ready for eternal commitment.
Parrots are wild by default unlike your typical pets. They reserve their innate nature even if they are born in captivity. Keeping a parrot demands perseverance and devotion. Make sure you have command over the specifications and facts about them.
Choose Your Parrot Wisely
Parrots have numerous species (over 300 species) from which you can select a desirable one. Research thoroughly about their characteristics. According to research published in the Journal of Ornithology by Jennifer J. and Co., three common species are well known. These are Parakeet, Nanday Parakeet and the Red-Crowned Amazon. The world’s smartest parrot is African Gray Parrot. The kakapo is known to have the longest life span capable of living for more than 90 years. Cockatoos are relatively smaller. You can get a detailed study about different species here. Find out your desirable traits, and boom! there you go.
Challenges and Risks
Companion parrots are wild in nature, curious, playful, intellectual, and have the ability to bond with their owners. However, these traits make them challenging. Besides, parrots involve certain risk factors which might make you reluctant to get one. Some of the challenges and risks are:
- Parrots use their beaks for a variety of purposes such as preening, eating, holding things, etc. It can cause severe injuries. The bite strength of a large macaw is estimated to be 500 pounds — 700 pounds per square inch. They tend to be quite aggressive.
- They are messy with no instincts for keeping their surroundings clean and might damage household products.
- Parrots are extremely loud. Their noise can be heard over a wide range of distance.
- They are not known to be loyal and might escape the first chance they get.
- They demand attention and lifetime commitment.
- Some parrots tend to outlive their owners, so you might make arrangements for them. You can leave it in the care of someone you trust.
Strategies
Once you have got a companion parrot, you might find various approaches to looking after your parrot. Here are some of them:
- Give Them a Proper Home. Make your parrot feel at home. Keep it in a proper cage (square or rectangular). Keep it where it can see you.
- Keep it Clean.
- Keep it Hydrated. Provide water containers in its cage. Make sure it can drink it with ease.
- Provide them with a proper diet. Research intensely about the necessary diet and find out harmful food to avoid it.
- Keep it healthy. Take it to the vet regularly. Keep it at a suitable temperature.
- Take it outside daily so that it can get light and fresh air.
- Talk to it and be gentle
- Give it Toys.
- Keep it Clean.
- Give it Routine care. It involves trimming of nails, beak, and feathers
- Keep a first aid kit. Keep it away from dangerous things.
You need to consider the risks involved in getting a parrot, as well as follow the strategies mentioned above after getting it. Keeping a companion parrot is not a piece of cake. If you are genuinely willing, you can master the art of keeping it.
Would you like to suggest more guidelines? Do you own a pet? Hit me with your thoughts in the comments.
