Parrot

A parrot (companion parrot) is a parrot kept as a pet that interacts a great deal with its human keeper. Parrots are among the most popular companion birds worldwide.

They come in many sizes. Large kinds include amazons, greys, cockatoos, eclectus and macaws. Mid-sized ones include caiques, conures, Quaker parrots, cockatiels, Pionus and rosellas. Smaller ones include budgies, lovebirds, parrotlets and lineolated parakeets.

Most parrot species are not domesticated, so they keep the complex needs of wild parrots, including flocking, social interaction, varied foraging and regular flight. Parrots are kept for their intelligence, affection and entertaining company, and many people are drawn to their ability to talk, sing and mimic.

Most parrot species kept as companions are not domesticated, so they remain close to their wild relatives in behaviour and needs.

Today there is a small industry breeding parrots for the pet trade. Breeders range from hobbyists with a pair or two to large farms housing hundreds of pairs. Young birds are available from breeders and specialist bird shops.

International trade is regulated by CITES, which lists most parrot species and restricts trade in wild-caught birds. Trade in wild individuals of Appendix I species is prohibited, while Appendix II and III species may be traded only under permit systems.

Some parrots, such as pygmy parrots and about half of the parrotlet species, are not regarded as companions because of difficult dietary needs or lack of availability.

Temperament, noise and talking ability vary greatly between species and even between individuals. Upbringing and genetic inclination play a major role. Pionus parrots tend to be reserved, while large cockatoos need several hours of attention daily.

Many parrots are affectionate, even cuddly, with trusted people. Some species bond to one or two people and dislike strangers unless handled regularly by different people. Parrots are intelligent and learn new behaviours, good and bad, easily. Most take readily to trick training.

Noise differs by type. Parrotlets, budgies, cockatiels, Pyrrhura conures, Pionus, caiques and greys are generally quieter. Cockatoos and many macaws and amazons can be very loud, usually at certain times of day. Greys, eclectus, Quaker parrots, male budgies and some amazons and macaws are frequently good talkers, though no individual is guaranteed to talk.

Parrots use their hooked beaks to climb, explore and shell seeds and nuts. Even tame parrots can bite, especially when confused or frightened. They are prey animals, and even the tamest may fly off if spooked.

Parrots are long-lived. Lifespans run from around 15 years for a budgie or lovebird, to 20-30 years for a cockatiel or small conure. Amazons and macaws are cited at up to 80-100 years, though 50-60 years is a more reasonable estimate for larger parrots.

When their needs are not met, many companion parrots develop stereotypic behaviour, feather damaging and chronic stress. Without exercise they tend to become obese and unhealthy.

Diet-related problems include vitamin toxicity, fatty liver disease and gout. Parrots cannot digest lactose, so too much dairy can upset digestion. Parrots have a sensitive respiratory system, and fumes from heated Teflon are toxic to them. Heavy metal toxicity can result from chewing items containing zinc or lead.

Petting a parrot's back or under the wings can be taken as sexual behaviour, which may lead to hormonal aggression, nesting behaviour and chronic egg laying.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

How long do parrots live?

It depends on the type. Budgies and lovebirds live around 15 years, cockatiels and small conures 20-30 years, and larger parrots such as amazons and macaws are estimated at 50-60 years, with claims of up to 80-100.

Are parrots good pets for children?

Many do well with well-behaved children, but they are generally not a good child's pet because of their potential lifespan and the care they need. Some parrots unused to children may find the noise and energy threatening and bite.

Are parrots noisy?

All parrots make some noise. Parrotlets, budgies, cockatiels, greys and Pionus are generally quieter. Cockatoos and many macaws and amazons can be very loud, though normally only at certain times of day.

Do parrots smell or cause allergies?

Most parrots are generally odourless, though certain amazons and Pionus have a distinctive odour most owners find pleasant. Most are relatively good for allergy sufferers, but white cockatoos produce a lot of feather dust, and cockatiels, rose-breasted cockatoos and greys produce smaller amounts.

Will my parrot learn to talk?

Not necessarily. Greys, eclectus and Quaker parrots are frequently good talkers, but there is no guarantee any individual will talk. Many that do learn to use words in context.

A macaw's bite strength has been put at about 375 psi, compared with about 275 psi for a pit bull dog.

Parrots can learn to use words in context, such as calling family members by name or asking for particular foods by name.

Some parrots are trained to wear harnesses, and some well-behaved parrots work as therapy animals.

A closed leg ring on a parrot shows it was banded as a chick, because it would not fit over an adult's foot.

Some amazons and Pionus have a distinctive scent that most owners find pleasant.