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.
green cleaning service Park Ridge ..The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More
The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More
What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the... Read More
MuttShack Foundation for Animal Foster and Rescue, claim that dogs... Read More
Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then... Read More
Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More
I would like to write a few words about my... Read More
Their scientific name is Cavia Tschuldi and their nickname in... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and... Read More
You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and... Read More
Understanding where horses come from has been a long road... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
One we must regrettably share with our children for they... Read More
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and... Read More
When looking for the best dog food - consider Life's... Read More
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
These days, it's hard to know what decisions are the... Read More
Does the idea of trimming your dog's nails send chills... Read More
Cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters, but that... Read More
Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More
If your kids have been begging you to get a... Read More
Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More
What makes something news? The fact that you take good... Read More
Are you irritated by your dog's drooping ears or your... Read More
Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More
Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More
Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More
Your dogs health is important to you. You show her... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Pet |