Owning a pet comes with a lot of responsibility. Many assume that caring for birds is easier because they are smaller, but that is far from true. This blog post sums up everything you need to know about owning and caring for a parrot to help you decide whether or not to adopt a parrot into your family.

What type of parrot should you get?

The best parrot for you depends on your lifestyle, home and the time you have to devote to the bird. The two most popular pet parrots are the parrotlet and the budgie.

The parrotlet is a small bird with a big personality. They are intelligent, social, and easy to teach new tricks. Early socialization is imperative when caring for this bird because it helps you bond with the bird and prevents it from developing bad habits like nipping. Since the parrotlet is a social animal, daily interaction is a must, or else the bird might lose its agreeable nature. The parrotlet is most suitable for individuals with some experience handling birds.

Unlike the parrotlet, budgies are sweet and friendly birds with a great sense of humour. You are guaranteed to be entertained by their antics and amusements. In addition to their playful side, budgies are also very intelligent. They are quick to learn new tricks with the right motivation and can even learn a few words. They are inexpensive and easy to care for, making them excellent for first-time pet owners and older children.

Pros of owning a pet parrot?

• Intelligence

Parrots are one of the most intelligent bird species. As a matter of fact, it is said that some large parrots can understand concepts the same as human preschoolers. They have individual personalities and their own habits and quirks. The icing on the cake is that most species have the ability to mimic human speech. If taught well, parrots can correctly count and identify shapes, sizes and colours.

• Longer lifespan

Losing a pet is devastating. Lucking with a pet parrot, you can grow old together. These animals can live up to 75 years, which means you’ll spend your entire life with your pet.

• Easy to care for

Unlike dogs and cats, parrots don’t require much grooming. They are naturally hygienic animals who preen their feathers, removing dirt, dust and parasites. Also, since parrots are relatively small, they only need small food portions throughout the day. Of course, dietary needs vary from parrot to parrot, but a quarter or half a cup of pellets daily is enough to sustain your bird.

Cons of pet parrots

• Birds are demanding

Parrots are very social. Therefore, they need regular human interaction to keep their feistiness in check. Lack of interaction can cause behaviour problems and panicked screaming, which can be irritating.

If you are set on adopting a parrot, this shouldn’t be a deterrent. There are natural remedies to help you calm your pet without sedating it. Visit our online store to browse our line of natural calming products.