Before you rush out to buy a parrot it’s important to understand that parrots are one of the most challenging pets to own and you need to be sure that you buy a parrot that best fits in with your lifestyle and personality.

Did you know that some of the larger parrots can easily live to be 50 to 80 years old. Many will live with you through various moves and changes in your lifestyle and may even outlive you !!!

The parrot cage you purchase must be large enough for your parrot to flap its wings freely and you may also want to invest in a cage cover as parrots need plenty of sleep.  Parrots should have 10-12 hours of sleep each night so need a dark, quiet place. A tired parrot is also a grumpy parrot, so make sure your parrot cage is sited away from the TV, radio or a room that is used well into the night.  Parrots who do not get enough rest can develop severe behavioural problems and even become aggressive, so you see how important it is for him to have his sleep.  You will also need bird toys for your parrot to amuse himself with and these should be replaced regularly so that he does not get bored with them.  It is also a good idea to purchase a bird play stand so that your parrot can play outside of his cage without damaging your furniture and furnishings.

Choose your parrot carefully - some species have the potential to scream very loudly as the screech of many large parrots is designed to enable flock members to call to each other across miles of jungle.  You will never prevent a parrot from screaming but good training and positive reinforcement can reduce most screaming to an acceptable level that you can live with.

Cockatiels, lovebirds, senegals, red bellies, and African greys generally have a reputation for being quieter parrots whereas Cockatoos have one of the worst reputations for screaming.  This is mainly due to the fact that cockatoos require quite a bit of attention and amusement and will scream for attention if they are bored or feel they are being ignored !!  Many of the conures have an amazingly loud screech and macaws  can vary greatly in the amount of noise they make. 

All parrots require a varied diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. These can odten end up on the floor as parrots are messy creatures.  A parrot cage with good, deep bowls and a seed catcher can help, although some parrots will spit their food across the room !! 

As with all new pets, we at ideas-4-pets advise new owners to read up on parrots before purchasing so that you choose the right type for you and your family and look carefully at all the cages on offer before purchasing so that you get one that is right for your pet.  Once the right parrot is installed in your home you will have years of fun and affection to look forward to.