Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing day. This is evidenced by the proliferation of Internet discussion lists which provide access to information regarding parrot care and behavior. This upsurge in the number of parrots in homes and the amount of information newly available does not alert the companion parrot owner to a very important and pertinent fact - that parrot keeping is a relatively new phenomenon.
The parrot will live in a cage, so you will need to buy one that is large enough so that the parrot can spread his wings fully. It should be made of wire preferably since the parrot would eat through a wooden one. Make sure the door is large enough so that the parrot can fit through it, and also ensure that the door can't be opened from the inside. Parrots are very smart so you will need to use a complex door closing mechanism. Remember the bigger the cage is, the happier the parrot will be, so buy the largest one you can afford.
The parrot will want some toys in the cage, such as a swinging perch or a squeaking toy. Make sure that the toy isn't harmful to the parrot if it is gnawed on.
The bottom of the cage needs to be lined either with shredder paper, sawdust, straw or sand. The sand will serve as a double purpose since the parrot can gain some minerals from it, and can also use it to shape his beak better. The beak will keep growing like our fingernails and the sand will help filing it to the correct size.
Clean the cage very thoroughly at least once a month. All the metal bars and the bottom tray should be washed out thoroughly with a mild detergent and disinfected as well. Make sure that you clean out the feces of the parrot and leftover food is cleaned up periodically at least two the three times a week. The parrot will not like to live in a dirty area and his life cycle will decrease if he feels stressed all the time.
The parrot likes to be fed in many small meals instead of having one large meal a day. Pre-packaged parrot food is good for the parrot too since it will contain the correct mixes of minerals and vitamins. Make sure that you give the parrot fresh food at least twice a day and keep it clean and bacteria free. Seeds and nuts should be fed to the parrot sparingly since these foods are fatty and contain few nutrients. The parrot will also need a water bowl with fresh water supplied twice a day. You need to clean the water and the food bowl each time you refill it to keep your parrot healthy and happy. The parrot will eat fruits, nuts, vegetables and grains. Make sure you give him a balanced diet and give him healthy snacks only.
If you want to teach your parrot to talk, start when he is young since he will then pick up the language much faster. Keep trying the same word or phrase on the parrot at the same time of each day, such as "hello!" or "how are you?". Make sure the bird is looking at you and paying attention. Try repeating the words and phrases you want the parrot to learn and try to say the words when you do a certain activity so he can learn to associate an activity with a word. If your parrot already knows some phrases, encourage him to use them so he doesn't forget them. Whistling is also a great thing to teach a parrot, since he will know how to whistle entire tunes. Even playing records can help your parrot learn words but do not play the same word all day or the parrot will be very bored.
The parrot will also need to be groomed at least once a week. You can do this by misting him carefully with a spray bottle, or even bathing him in a lined sink. Use water that is lukewarm and use a shampoo that is especially designed for birds. Parrots love to be in the water, so do not startle him by splashing water into his face, or he will not want to bathe anymore. If he does seem to be afraid of water, be gentle and persist, and soon he will love water as much as you do. Use a towel to lightly dab your bird dry a little bit but do not rub him and do not blow dry your bird. Just let him sit in a sunny corner of your house to dry naturally and make sure he is warm so he doesn't catch a cold. The wings should be clipped to prevent flight, and the nails need to be groomed as well. Do small amounts of clipping frequently to avoid injury and to keep the bird well groomed all the time. Make sure you observe the vet or groom the first few times and have him teach you the proper techniques before you attempt this, since improper cutting could hurt the parrot.
Let your parrot move around your apartment at least half an hour every day. As he becomes more tame and potty trained, you can even leave him out all day, and put him back into the cage only to sleep and feed. Enjoy your beautiful, intelligent pet for many years to come as some parrots can live up to 70 years and above!
petsfanatics.com has no multi-million dollar marketing campaign or celebrity sponsors, but we do have something even better-you. If you enjoy Petsfanatics please consider telling a friend, sharing it with anyone who loves pets, or writing the author of a media article that overlooks us.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carDogs should be living to age 20 or more. That's... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More
Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves... Read More
Parachromis managuense has a bad reputation, just like many of... Read More
Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More
The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There... Read More
BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More
Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More
To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More
Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
Mistake #1:"Here, Kitty Kitty..."Unless they have been educated, new horse... Read More
Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More
It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they... Read More
"On Trust" & "Paid For" for are one of the... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog?... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
From the first day of life on a leash, most... Read More
Many different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully,... Read More
"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More
The greatest fear of most pet owners is that there... Read More
If you're contemplating the idea of starting a home-based business... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More
There are lots of ways a horse can go lame.... Read More
Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More
Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More
Keeping a fish tank is a wonderful and relaxing hobby,... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then... Read More
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More
Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More
Some people have horses they don't dare tie. Why? Because... Read More
In compiling some information on achieving a proper fit to... Read More
Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which... Read More
Among the most well known cat lover gifts are photo... Read More
Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed,... Read More
Pet |