Everything You Need To Know Before Getting A Pet Parrot

Always wanted a parrot? Parrots require a commitment for many, many years and, if you’ve never owned one before, you might not know where to start! Here is everything you need to know before getting a pet parrot, from Exotic Direct. Perfect for anyone looking at having a feathered friend for the first time…

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING A PET PARROT

Your parrot’s cage should be as large as possible. The diameter should be at least twice the wingspan of both wings when stretched open, and the height should be at least one and half times the height of the bird, from head to tip of the tail.

Locate your bird’s large sized cage in an area where your parrot likely to receive lots of family interaction, but not get startled.

All parrots need stimulation, and whenever left alone in the house, a radio or tv left on is always worth considering for this purpose.  You should avoid locating your bird near a kitchen due to the increased risk of exposure to toxic fumes.

Provide your bird with entertainment and toys. Parrots are intelligent birds and can be prone to psychological disorders if they become bored.  Ensure the toys you buy do not have parts that can be removed, will not get tangled around your bird, and are not toxic.

 

Traditional ‘cat and dog’ treating vets often won’t treat exotics, and sadly referral fees can be high. Referral fees occur because the vet you’ve been referred to may charge you a higher rate as they also need to report findings back to the original vet you saw. This is an unnecessary cost for you, which can be avoided.

Should your parrot become poorly, the last thing you want to be worrying about is escalating vet fees.  It’s a worrying time, and you just want your bird to be better.

Birds are very sensitive to fumes.  Exposure to Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fumes, more commonly known as Teflon can be fatal.  It is often used on non-stick cookware.  When PTFE is over-heated, it can break down, causing fumes which are highly toxic to parrots.

Other common household items can also be toxic to birds. This includes perfumes, deodorants and room scents. Careful research should be conducted before bringing items into the home.

Your parrot’s diet should include a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and meat. You should never just rely on parrot pellets from the pet shop.

FOR USA PET LOVERS...

You should fully research the food that parrots can eat.  Some foods can be toxic, for example, chocolate and avocado.

You should provide natural perches inside your parrot’s cage, to enable your bird to flex its feet. Fruit or sycamore branches are recommended by experts like the Parrot Society.

For example, some parrot species are listed on Annex A of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).  If listed on Annex A, the vendor should hold, by law, an Article 10 certificate and the bird should be rung with a closed ring or be microchipped.

Other bird articles:

10 Fun facts about parrots
Games to play with your parrot
Keeping your parrot safe during the holiday period
How the parrot got its chat (and its dance moves)
Bird cages now
Yes, it’s ok to feed wild birds in your garden
Cats and birds can get along