Top 5 Tips in Keeping Your Parrot Happy and Healthy
It is not enough that you give your pet parrot the right diet and proper housing. Like cats and dogs, they need affection and attention from their owners to keep them happy. However, an exotic pet owner must first understand the different characteristics and behaviors of his/her pet. Each parrot species have their own unique behavior. In order for you and your pet to get along, take the time to learn and study your pet’s behavior. Listed below are the top 5 tips in making your pet parrot happy and healthy.
- Remember that not all parrot species have the same nutritional needs. Most birds can be fed with pellets, seeds and fresh fruits and vegetables. However, lories and lorikeets prefer nectar to most solid food. Cockatiels are seed eaters. Their diet must at least be comprised of 25% seeds.
- Parrots are highly intelligent creatures. However, not all of them have the same level of learning and talking ability. African Grey’s can learn more words, but they are not as affectionate or cuddly. Macaws are nippy and moody, so avoid stressing them out. Conures, lories, lorikeets, and cockatoos are favorites for their sweet and affectionate nature. Give your pet toys such as mazes and puzzles to figure out and study. Let them enjoy mental challenges and allow them to express their nature as much as possible.
- Provide them with roomy and comfortable cages. If your bird can flap his/her wings without hitting the sides of the cage, then the space is adequate. It is also important to provide them with perches of different heights and diameters so they can hop and fly around. Most importantly, clean their cages regularly.
- Shower your pet parrot with love and attention. Just like people, if they are neglected, they have a tendency to become shy and moody. Allow them to get used to attention and familiarize them to different people. Pet and cuddle with them and allow them to groom you if they are in the mood.
- Give them regular check ups and treatments. Visit your avian doctor regularly in order to have your pet checked for any illness or virus. Most birds will not show any signs of illness until they have become worse. Therefore, having regular check ups will prevent an onset of any disease.
It is not enough that you give your pet parrot the right diet and proper housing. Like cats and dogs, they need affection and attention from their owners to keep them happy. However, an exotic pet owner must first understand the different characteristics and behaviors of his/her pet. Each parrot species have their own unique behavior. In order for you and your pet to get along, take the time to learn and study your pet’s behavior. Listed below are the top 5 tips in making your pet parrot happy and healthy.
1. Remember that not all parrot species have the same nutritional needs. Most birds can be fed with pellets, seeds and fresh fruits and vegetables. However, lories and lorikeets prefer nectar to most solid food. Cockatiels are seed eaters. Their diet must at least be comprised of 25% seeds.
2. Parrots are highly intelligent creatures. However, not all of them have the same level of learning and talking ability. African Grey’s can learn more words, but they are not as affectionate or cuddly. Macaws are nippy and moody, so avoid stressing them out. Conures, lories, lorikeets, and cockatoos are favorites for their sweet and affectionate nature. Give your pet toys such as mazes and puzzles to figure out and study. Let them enjoy mental challenges and allow them to express their nature as much as possible.
3. Provide them with roomy and comfortable cages. If your bird can flap his/her wings without hitting the sides of the cage, then the space is adequate. It is also important to provide them with perches of different heights and diameters so they can hop and fly around. Most importantly, clean their cages regularly.
4. Shower your pet parrot with love and attention. Just like people, if they are neglected, they have a tendency to become shy and moody. Allow them to get used to attention and familiarize them to different people. Pet and cuddle with them and allow them to groom you if they are in the mood.
5. Give them regular check ups and treatments. Visit your avian doctor regularly in order to have your pet checked for any illness or virus. Most birds will not show any signs of illness until they have become worse. Therefore, having regular check ups will prevent an onset of any disease.
