Bringing your Parrot Home

Taking on the ownership of a large bird requires careful thought and discussion, everyone in the household should be involved. Birds that are social and intelligent demand a high level of stimulation and entertainment. They are very rewarding but do need specialist housing, a varied diet and a great deal of care and attention. Once encouraged the birds will use noise to gain attention. Although expensive to set up in terms of equipment they are relatively cheap to keep and feed, the biggest investment is time! Big birds will easily become set in their ways and a wise owner starts off ensuring there is lots of flexibility built into the care routine to allow for inevitable domestic disciplines like holidays and absences. Parrots live for up to 75 years if they are well cared for and the first few years will set a pattern for the future.

Housing

Parrots of all species need both security and social contact therefore they are best suited to having two separate environments for different times of the day. A stand in a busy main room which they can use to join in the family activity and then a cage in a quieter room for resting and privacy. Both positions should be out of draughts and direct sunlight, preferably in a corner opposite the doors as this makes the bird feel more secure. When possible they also benefit from a little 'sunbathing' to help them assimilate the essential vitamins in their diet. Short periods of time spent in the garden within the confines of its cage are advisable. Be mindful of animal visitors to the garden who might worry the bird.

Toys

Birds can easily become bored if left on their own for long periods while you are at work so make sure you provide them with lots of toys to keep them entertained while alone. Parrots are naturally destructive and love a toy that they can pull apart, an indestructible toy soon becomes boring and is not much fun. We have a large selection of toys available ranging from colored wooden toys, some with natural animal hide or bark incorporated too, to rubber toys that can be stretched and ripped and pinata toys that are destroyed to reveal a tasty prize inside.

A bored Parrot is likely to exhibit some unusual behavior and some birds will pluck their own feathers just for something to do. Make sure that you change the toys regularly too, parrots are extremely intelligent and will even get tired of the same toys after a while so make sure you have a selection that you can keep swapping to keep their interest.

If you do work and your bird is alone for large parts of the day, make sure you devote some time to them when you return home. Your bird will look forward to your return and will relish some attention, it is important to establish a routine with your bird so they don't constantly demand attention.