African Grey parrots are not the most colorful among parrots of the world, as the name indicates. Whether your African Grey is the Congo or Timneh subspecies, the bird will be predominantly grey in color. The Congo African Grey will have a bright, cherry red tail, while the Timneh African Grey's tail will be maroon.
African Grey parrots are very intelligent. It has been said that they have an intellect similar to that of dolphins and chimpanzees. African Grey parrots have the ability to mimic up to 2,000 different sounds. They can understand the use of many words they learn and are known to be the best talking parrots.
Einstein, a talking African Grey, is living proof of this. Einstein has been talking up a storm in a Knoxville, Tennessee zoo. Einstein's trainer, Stephanie White, says that it is natural for African Grey parrots to enjoy mimicking sounds. Einstein, though, seems exceptionally good at mimicking. White believes Einstein can make more than 200 different sounds, many of which are English words.
"If she hears a sound that she likes, she'll start to repeat it over and over. Then we'll put it on cue," says White.
Is Einstein Male or Female?
African Grey parrots of both sexes look the same, so no one knows whether Einstein is male or female. The zoo's veterinarians could tell with a blood test, but the zoo has decided not to do it. Einstein lives happily with the name of a great male scientist, and a feminine pronoun.
Einstein – a Talking African Grey's Bio
Einstein, the talking African Grey parrot, hatched in California in 1987. He did not live in a zoo at first. He lived with a California couple. Not for sale, the Congo African Grey was donated to the Zoo in 1992 at age 5.
When Einstein arrived at the Knoxville Zoo, she soared from unknown African Grey parrot to star status. Einstein was an immediate hit in the zoo's new Bird Show. Visitors loved the show, which features free-flight, natural behaviors of about 14 birds and a few other animals. However, the African Grey quickly became the star.
Einstein does not stay at the zoo every day. Nor does she limit her vocabulary to words and sounds her trainers want her to learn. One day, the African Grey was riding in a car on the way to a school show-and-tell. Suddenly, she began to sing "Happy Birthday" to her shocked trainers. No one knew when and how she learned the song, but she knew it.
Einstein is not only the star of Knoxville Zoo's Bird Show. She is also a popular "spokesbird" for the zoo and for Knoxville tourism.
Although Einstein is about 22 years old as I write this (early 2007), she will never behave or understand as a 22-year old human. African Grey parrots have the intellectual capacity of a 5-year old child. Emotionally, they are more like a 2-year old human. Those who live with African Grey parrots are constantly reminded of this.
African Grey – the Right Pet for You?
Einstein, the talking African Grey is amazing. You should be aware, however, that not all African Greys are like Einstein. The Knoxville Zoo has another African Grey parrot named Allie. Allie has learned only a handful of words. Perhaps Allie is shy of talking because Einstein is so good. Perhaps Allie is just not motivated.
Certainly, many African Grey parrots do learn to talk. A privately-owned, 10-year old African Grey in Texas – also named Einstein - is credited with knowing 122 words, 94 phrases, and 21 sounds.
If you purchase an African Grey parrot and patiently work with it, you will probably be able to teach it to talk.
Anna Hart, a career educator, and writer has researched African Grey parrots carefully for you. Anna invites you to read more of her articles about parrots of the world at http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com. If you would like more information on African Grey parrots, you won’t want to miss Anna’s articles.
A pet juvenile White-bellied Caique (Pionites leucogaster xanthomeria) in a harness. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you are looking for a pet that can live and last for so many years, then you should consider buying a parrot for a pet. Because of their friendly nature and interesting personalities, a wide variety of parrots have been in the pet trade for parrot lovers to enjoy.
But, owning a parrot entails great responsibility. You must be able to give proper care and attention so your pet parrot will enjoy long and healthy life.
Taking care of parrots
Parrots are known for creating close bonds with their owner or the ones who handle them. If there were one person that must understand the bird well, that should be the parrot breeder.
Parrot breeders are significant figures in the lives of parrots because they play a major role in taking care of them. In the lives of parrots, the parrot breeders are foster parents because they take care of the bird from the beginning.
Since the parrot breeders are the ones who look over the well-being and welfare of parrots since birth, the overall health and personality of the parrot depend on the methods of breeding they use. Future behavioral patterns, ability to relate, levels of socialization and emotional health of the parrot will also greatly depend on the kind of care it received from its breeder.
One of the major responsibilities of parrot breeders is feeding the parrot. Since there are different parrot species, parrot breeders will have to learn how to respond properly in feeding in each kind. Aside from knowing the kinds of food and the right diet for each kind of parrot, the proper way of feeding should also be paid attention, too. Parrot breeders should know the proper way of feeding each kind so as not to put the baby parrot in danger.
Aside from feeding, “weaning” and “bathing” are other major responsibilities of parrot breeders. Because of the great responsibility a parrot breeder must take into consideration, not everyone can be a parrot breeder.
Time, energy, commitment, patience, and resources should be considered to be successful in this endeavor. Since time and dedication is quite crucial in obtaining healthy, non-hybridized specimens of parrots, interested parrot breeders should prepare themselves for this tedious but rewarding task.
There is actually a long list of parrot and tropical bird breeders available online. Whether you are located in United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia, or in any of the states of United States, there is a directory of seasoned parrot breeders who understand the needs of the parrots very well. You might want to visit these sites in order to ensure the well-being of your parrot.
Toys and ropes for pet parrots on a plastic tree. A lovebird and a Cockatiel are on the structure - Photo: Wikimedia
You are the proud owner of a parrot and you are looking for a toy for your pet. The offer of parrot toys on the market is huge, so how do you know which parrot toy is safe for your pet? Because you should be aware that some of them are dangerous for pets as they may hurt them. Therefore, an important parrot care issue is its toys.
The first aspect you should take into consideration when buying a parrot toy is the size of the toy and the size of the pet. Basically, the parrot toy should fit the size of your parrot. Why is that? Well, because a big size parrot is strong and can easily break a small toy into pieces which can be easily ingested by your pet. Therefore, try to avoid small parrot toys if your pet is big. You should know that nowadays there is a large array of big parrot toys which are made from thick plastic, perfect for a big strong-beaked parrot.
Things aren't easy with small parrots wither. A small size parrot can be afraid of a big toy so try to fit the size of the toy to the one of the pet. If you can't tell which parrot toy is good for your pet, look at the label or ask for more information.
Another important aspect is the type of the parrot toy. You should avoid buying parrot toys which are made out of small pieces as the parrot can remove them and, consequently digest them. Remember that a parrot has a strong beak, therefore, any piece which is bite-size for the parrot should not be on the toy.
A parrot toy is usually hanging on some chains. These chains can represent a possible danger for the health or life of your pet. How is this possible? Well, chains come in two types: the chains with welded links (which are safe for your parrot) and the chains with closed links (which are not safe). The parrot may try to open up the link which is not weld and its beak would get stuck in that space. The parrot may get hurt while trying to release itself. Consequently, examine carefully the chains attached to your parrot toys.
But the chains are not the only dangerous pieces of a parrot toy. Parrot toys made out of wood may also be dangerous. Therefore, wood is another important aspect to think of. Parrots are birds which love to chew wood. They do this to find bugs hidden inside the tree bark in the woods. So a parrot will always start chewing a toy made out of wood. Some types of wood are not good for parrots, so you should check the internet for a list of parrot-safe wood.
Parrots are also birds which enjoy preening and grooming. Their instinct is telling them to constantly pick or even chew their feathers. This is not a healthy habit for your pet. So you should buy a chew rope, which is a very useful parrot toy as it allows your pet to exercise its habit every day without causing any problems to itself. But pay attention to the deterioration of the toy as it gets extremely ragged and worn out. Replace it with a new toy as the clumps may cause accidents to your pet. Your parrot could catch its feet into the clumps and could get hurt while struggling to escape.
In conclusion, there is only one rule to apply for this parrot care issues: whenever shopping for a parrot toy use the common sense rule. If you look at a parrot toy and it doesn't seem safe, don't buy it. Don't buy any parrot toys which can get ingested or which can get a foot or a beak caught them. And always examine the parrot toys carefully before putting them into your pet's cage.
And if your parrot is ignoring its new, shiny toy, don't worry. It doesn't hate it, it is just being cautious. Parrots don't like change, like most pets. And a new toy represents an unexpected change for their habitat. Therefore, the toy must be put under strict observation to make sure it is not a possible enemy. After two or three weeks of monitoring the intruder (the toy), the parrot will gain confidence into its new toy and it will start playing with it!
If you have a parrot and you want to know all the parrot care secrets that you need to keep him happy and healthy then you have to join us at the parrot care information center. You will find out useful things about parrot food, parrot health, parrot breeding and best parrot toys suggestions.
Because of their impressive nature, people buy parrots to become their pet on pet stores on impulse. Popular choices are amazons, macaws, and cockatoos because of their adorable traits and characteristics.
But, better be careful in choosing and buying parrot pets on impulse because caring for them can be an overwhelming and stressful task for you. Before you bring home a parrot to become your pet, make sure that you do a little research on its types and caring procedures so you will know what is the most suitable parrot species for you.
Parrot shopping guidelines
Every parrot—or any pet or animal for that matter—is different. Thus, they require special needs and caring. You must know by now that choosing a parrot for a pet is a lifelong commitment so it’s advisable that you do not make hasty decisions in buying one. Since buying a parrot requires a good decision-making, here are some things that can get you started:
1. A parrot’s “noise” is one of the major considerations in choosing any pet parrot. Majority of the Conure species and Quaker Parakeets produce ear-piercing screeches that you might not tolerate.
Amazons, Macaws, Cockatoos, and African Greys, one the other hand, give out information about you that can smear your reputation while Pionus, and some medium-sized Poicephalus like Senegals and Meyers, are known to create lesser noise compared other parrots. Budgies, Lovebirds, and Parrotlets, on another hand, are famous for not having very loud screeches because they do not possess a real ability to scream.
2. The next basic thing to consider when you’re pondering over buying a pet parrot is the mess the bird will create. Don’t be shocked if you see at least one-third of the food you give to the parrot will end up scattered on the floor.
This “food-scattering” is just part of a parrot’s nature of being experimental or just being naughty. Aside from food particles, feathers will also be present everywhere. If you are not used to having pets as messy as parrots and you are about to have one, you might want to consider placing its cage where cleaning materials are accessible.
3. You should also consider the attention you can give and the attention your parrot pet will need. Being social flock animals, parrots are known to enjoy the utmost attention. You must know when to pay attention to your pet parrot because they become easily depressed, lazy, and untrusting. Give them enough freedom to explore and interact with you.
4. You also be prepared to maintain the cleanliness of your pet parrot. No bird—or any pet for that matter—will be happy and healthy if they are confined to a soiled, dirty cage. Putting newspapers under their cage is the easiest way to get rid off soiled perches but make sure you don’t use colored papers because they contain toxins that can be harmful to your parrot pet.
5. Lastly, contemplate on feeding your parrot pet. Far from common perception, birds—especially parrots—cannot live in birdseed alone. Daily pelleted or seed diet combined with a variety of dark green, orange, and yellow vegetables or cooked brown rice, pasta, and beans are best for your winged pet.
Let me introduce you to Lambeau our Hahn’s Macaw parrot (also known as the Red-Shoulder Macaw Parrot). She is the smallest of the Macaw parrot species. Though some say it is the Noble Macaw parrot. There is that debate. Lambeau is quite comical and extremely sweet. She doesn’t talk, she chatters. Lambeau is quite intelligent and is very attentive when being spoken to. We call her the human leech because she wants to be on your shoulder all the time. She thinks she is one of the large Macaw parrots and has no fear. Lambeau has a great disposition and I wouldn’t trade her in for the world.
Now we are going to talk of the genus of the Macaw Parrot. There are about 17 different species within the Macaw parrot genus. They are all on the CITES index, which means that Macaw parrots, like Amazons, Pionus, Caique and Cockatoo parrots all protected exportation out of the wilds like Brazil, Central and South America and the likes of Mexico; also including Australia. On what is called the CITES Treaty; CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. The CITES also known as the Washington Convention was created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It was adopted in 1963, the convention then opened for signatures in 1973 and entered into force on July 1, 1985.
Macaw parrots are on the CITES appendix ranging from extinction to vulnerable. Of the 17 species of Macaws, there are two that are extinct in the wild; they are the Spix Macaw and the Glaucous Macaw. The reason that Macaws have been placed on the CITES Index is that of the deforestation of the Amazon and the illegal trapping of these majestic creatures. There are many conservation acts that have been put in place in the last 20 years.
There are the large Macaw parrots such as the Blue and Gold, Scarlet, Green Wing and Hyacinth that are known. There is the Mini-Macaw parrot and they behave just like their counterparts with big personalities, affection and yes their vocalization; may not be as loud but just as vocal. The several types of mini-Macaw parrots they are the Severe, Yellow-Collared, Illeger’s and of course the Hahn’s, to name a few.
They are just as social, animated and loyal to their owners like the larger Macaw parrots. If you your house cannot fit a larger Macaw and you have always wanted one of these majestic animals; I highly recommend a Mini-Macaw parrot. You will not be disappointed. You get all the benefits of a large Macaw parrot just in a small package. They may not be as colorful but their shades of green are breathtaking.
Macaw parrots vocalize with screams and squawks; these are ways of communicating with flock (family). Identifying each other and marking their territory. You may believe that this behavior is only displayed in the wild; no, this is also their way to speak in a domesticated situation in your home. They are loud so I do not recommend getting one in an apartment situation. Macaw parrots are good talkers not just mimicking speech.
Their diet consists of seed, I advocate a type of pellet included, fruits such as apples, oranges, mango, papaya, banana, berries, and veggies like squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, baby carrots (they can hold like a toy), red peppers and many more. Remember that all fruits and veggies need to be washed as there are pesticides on them and they will pass through their small kidneys. Dehydrated fruits and veggies are great because they don’t spoil. They are perfect when you are going on a trip. That is if your parrot will eat them. Just like humans, they prefer the real thing. NEVER give your parrot alcohol, avocado, and chocolate as they are toxic. They can kill your parrot. Also avoid asparagus, eggplant, cabbage, caffeine products, junk food, milk and cream, raw potato and rhubarb (including the leaves).
Macaw parrots are like a feathered 3-year-old child you are going to bring into your home. They are very cuddly and animated; an excellent choice to have in any home, as they form very strong bonds within the family dynamics. They are very playful, sweet, the class clown and extremely social. They are smart and inquisitive which leads them to trouble. They are chewers and will chew anything. Like I said they are inquisitive by nature and may wander into your dining room and see that antique dining set your grandmother gave you. They don’t see it as a family heirloom they see it as a toy and oh boy, it is something to chew. I recommend if you have anything important that you do not want to become kindle for the fire, keep it out of their way.
They wander around the floor like your dog following you from room to room. It is so they can be with you and with their inquisitive nature, to see what they can get into. The nice thing about Macaw parrot is that many can stay on a playpen or stand while you are gone and will stay put. Though like any parrot they should have a cage to retreat to for food or just to take a nap.
If you decide to cage your Macaw parrot, you need to adhere to the guidelines of caging your parrot. You need to get the largest cage possible! The large macaw parrot has a wingspan up to 3½ feet and from head to tail they can measure at 4 feet. They need to have the space to move around from perch to perch, play with toys and climb their cage. Their cage must be twice the size of their wingspan and twice the size of their tail. If you do not follow these simple guidelines you will have an unhappy or injured parrot. A wrought iron or steel cage is highly recommended; a Macaw parrot’s beak is very powerful and can break open nuts like a can opener. Like I mentioned they are chewers and can chew through many perches you purchase. I suggest Manzanita or Iron Wood. They will eventually get through it but not as frequently. It is best to have dishes that are attached to the cage or you will find them on the floor. When you put dishes in their cage, get one for food, water, and fruits/veggies/ treats and put them next to their perches. They are escape artists so get a cage with a lock on the door.
Toys are very important as it will occupy your parrot while you are out and they are caged. Like any parrot, if boredom sets in you will get behavioral problems. I highly advise you to get toys, toys and more toys. Get them toys they can throw, thrash, chew, and make noise with. I like to get toys with wood blocks, plastic chain link, and bells. They love to destroy so allow them to do so with toys. It is a difference between a happy healthy parrot and an unhappy parrot with behavioral issues.
When you place the cage in your home with the new baby, put in a high traffic area so your Macaw parrot can interact with the family and socialize with people when they come over. Be sure to not put in an area without a draft. They love to interact with people so keep it where your parrot can see all that is going on in the household. These are not pretty birds to stick in a cage for a conversation piece or decoration, they are a new addition to the family and need to be treated as just that.
Macaw parrots are very endearing and bring much joy to your household. When they reach about a year to 18 months they become more boisterous and mischievous. This is a fun time and but you have to set the limits with your Macaw parrot. All macaw parrots are very loud and get cranky like your toddler. They can throw temper tantrums. Keep this in mind; they are a big bird with a big beak. You could easily be in a situation that requires stitches or worse could lose a finger. This is not to scare you but you need to know what you are dealing with. Your Macaw parrot will probably be sweet 99% of the time; you just need to be able to read their body language to avoid disaster. A parrot will generally bite out of fear or anger. Each macaw parrot is different; so spend time with your new baby before it comes home. A hand-fed baby is going to be a great addition to your family as you now will have a companion for life.
Your Macaw parrot is a unique individual. Their eye patches are like our fingerprints, each one is different. They are majestic in stature and their colorful plumage only adds to that. The large Macaw parrot is quite striking in an awry of colors like a rainbow. The Mini- Macaw parrots are generally green with coloring on their wings or around their neck. Their tail is probably as long as their body. That is why I highly advise you to get a cage as large as you can get it. Take into consideration that Macaw parrots are very good at staying in their playpen or stand when left alone so this may be another option you may want to consider.
People have begun to breed hybrid Macaw parrots. People reported the overabundance of female Blue and Gold Macaw parrots which differs from the general rule of other captive Macaw parrots and parrots in general, where the males are more abundant; which explains why the Blue and Gold Macaw parrot is the most hybridized Macaw parrot. The only difference with a hybrid Macaw parrot is the true genetics and coloring. Male offspring take on the traits of their mother and the females take on the traits of their father. Yes, they have beautiful coloring but you need to be careful as there may be some behavior issues you will not find in a true genetic Macaw parrot.
I want to point out is that Macaw parrots are not for the first time parrot owner. They are time-consuming and require a lot of attentive attention. They are very social and strong-minded. You need to give them the time and energy they deserve and also be able to set the boundaries for your new baby. This commitment is one for life and Macaw parrots do live beyond 35 years. You need to keep in mind; as to who will care for your Macaw parrot if anything should happen to you. They are not known for great talkers but they make it up in character, how cuddly they are and being a parrot you can easily train. This is only true of any parrot that is socialized, handled properly and fed a proper diet.
Having a macaw is going to be one of the greatest joys you will ever experience. They are majestic, captivating and endearing. My wife used to walk to downtown Santa Barbara with Qazi, a Green Wing (one of the largest of the Macaw species) on her shoulder like a pirate. He would just hang on her shoulder ever so gently and they would cruise State Street telling everybody about her step-mother’s bird store. He was a great conversation piece. When we were in Mexico we went into a restaurant that had a Military, the Macaw was just hanging out and came over to our table ever so curious, he climbed up and sat on my wife’s Louis Vuitton purse and started chewing. This Macaw did not see it as an expensive handbag; he saw it as a new toy to chew. As we were sitting there the owner of the restaurant would put the Macaw on his shoulder and run down the street with him.
From the largest to the smallest Macaws, each one is fascinating and grand with their own individuality. I hope when you decide on a parrot you consider a macaw. You need to ask yourself, “Am I ready for this big commitment.” They are not for the weary at heart; they are for a strong person who wants to take on that responsibility. If a large Macaw wouldn’t fit into your lifestyle, getting a mini-Macaw is just as rewarding and you will get the same satisfaction. Whichever you decide on, know it is going to love you unconditionally and depend on you for life.
When children hear about parrots, the first thing that comes to mind is that this bird is usually on the shoulder of a pirate and it can talk.
Though this creature has a habit of wanting and eating a cracker, studies have shown that this magnificent and colorful animal needs more than that in order to maintain a healthy diet.
By following these simple tips, the person can find other things, which are also essential to the parrot’s diet.
1. Parrots should have also had some vegetables, cooked meats and grains just like humans. This is because these creatures need the same nutrients that people get from eating such produce.
2. A healthy diet also means giving the parrot the right portions of each meal. If the owner gives too much, this should be reduced. This will take some time to get it right so the individual should just monitor the volume each time this is given to the animal.
3. Parrots get sick very easily. If there is excess food on the plate, this should be removed because this becomes the breeding ground for bacteria and molds.
4. Aside from food, the parrot must also be given a fresh supply of water daily. This will avoid making the bird dehydrated, which can also cause it to get sick.
5. Many people see pet owners giving seeds and nuts frequently to the parrot. Studies have shown this should be done sparingly because it does not provide that many nutrients, which are needed for the bird’s diet.
6. Though parrots may eat almost anything that humans eat, these following should never be given. These are chocolates, avocados, caffeine, alcohol, kidney and lima beans.
7. Parrots should be fed twice daily and enjoy it if the food is mixed with water in the bowl. It is advisable for the pet owner to wash the dish first before and after each meal to make sure it is free from bacteria and other germs that could endanger the life of the bird.
These are just a few tips for feeding the parrot. The owner can read up more by buying a book or doing some research on the Internet.
Before buying any food for the parrot, it will also be a good idea to seek the advice of a veterinarian. This specialist can check on the bird and recommend the proper items to be bought from the pet store.
African Grey parrots have been popular pets since the time of King Henry VIII of England. Because of its ability to speak, more and more affluent families adopted the possession of this parrot.
Today, countless of African Grey parrots are being hand-reared by various breeders for because they are amazing and loving companions not to mention one of the in-demand species in different pet trades for possessing high intelligence.
Despite its superb characteristics, African Grey parrots are not suitable for all environments—especially those with children—because they can be strong, they can bite using their pointed beak, and they can scratch with their daunting claws.
If you are planning to buy an African Grey parrot or planning to have one, it is a must that you know almost everything about this specific type of parrot so you would know what to expect.
African Grey Parrot Basics
Considered as the best mimics of all parrots, African Grey parrots are known for causing people to place a lot of expectation on their eventual performance because of their phenomenal gift of speech, for their problem solving and reasoning skills and their ability to understand the human language.
Although they are considered as one of the superior types of parrots there are, African Greys are the most neurotic, temperamental, nippy, and one of the shyest parrot species.
Usually, African Grey Parrots are medium-sized parrots native to Africa. Primarily grey with accents of white area around the eye, African Greys are also famous for their red or maroon tail.
Basically, there are two subspecies of African Greys: the Congo—which are about 12 inches to 30cm long, with light grey feathers, deep red tails and black beaks—and the Timneh race—which is smaller, has a darker charcoal gray color, a darker maroon tail, with a horn colored beak. Today, there is also known a third and fourth sub specie—the Ghana African Grey that is similar to the Congo African grey but darker and smaller and the Cameroon African Grey or the “big silvers.”
Determining the sex of an African Grey parrot will sorely depend on their physical traits: males are generally bigger in size, round eyes, have a flatter and broader head while females have a long and slender neck, small rounded head and elliptical eyes.
These relatively quiet parrots have an average lifespan of 50 to 65 years and are known to feed primarily on nuts and fruits, usually supplemented by vegetables. These birds are known for having a tendency to pluck their feathers if they get bored and tend to bond to only one person if they are not used to interacting with different people on a regular basis.
Like any pet parrot, African Grey parrots require a large commitment and dedication. If you’re planning to buy one, African Grey parrot prices range from $ 750 to $1000 in the market today.
Have you ever had much to do with a Quaker parrot? They are an engaging parrot and love being around lots of people. Traditionally Quaker parrots are bright green on top with a white to grey face and chest feathers. They are about mid-range in size, growing in length to about 12 inches.
A Great Talking Bird.
The Quaker parrot may be the answer for you if you are looking for a talking bird. It learns quite easily and the parrot does bond well with its owner. In fact, he loves to be involved with people on a regular basis. When teaching a parrot to talk it is best if the teaching is done by just one member of the family but I am sure you will find the bird making sounds or words that other members of the family use as well.
Family Parrot.
One feature of the Quaker parrot is that it is gentle and very affectionate which makes it a wonderful pet for a younger member of the family. This is not true of some of the larger parrots like macaws and cockatoos that can be quite aggressive when upset.
Colors of the Quaker Parrot.
As mentioned they tend to be known as the green and white parrot, but over the years there has been a lot of breeding in captivity so more color combinations are appearing and with different shadings so you could be forgiven for being confused about their colorings.
Play Toys.
The Quaker parrot is an active parrot and when there are no family members around he will like to keep amused with toys. Something like a climbing gym with bells and mirrors will keep him happy for hours. There are lots of toys on the market, but just make sure they are safe before giving them to the bird.
Keeping a Quaker parrot.
You can see why these parrots would be so popular as a family pet and there is one other feature that also makes them so sought after. They can adapt very well to different climatic conditions which are a bonus as most parrots only like the warmer weather. This is a very big plus for a pet parrot, but unfortunately, it does come with its drawbacks.
In some states in the US, it is actually illegal to keep the Quaker parrot as a pet. Due to the fact that it can adapt so well, feral Quaker parrots have caused major problems in the agricultural industry and some states have ruled them illegal. In fact, if this parrot is found in these states, it will be euthanized. So if you are considering having one of these parrots as a pet, do check out the local laws before purchasing. The problem does tend to exist more in the southern states.
Interestingly enough the Quaker parrot is also known by other names because of its color. You may have heard him called the ‘Green’ parrot or the ‘Monk’ parrot.
A pet juvenile White-bellied Caique (Pionites leucogaster xanthomeria) in a harness. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Parrot as a pet has to be out of the cage once in a while. Now, this is quite a big deal raising parrots to abide silent rules of knowing when it must be inside or outside of a cage. The reality of having parrots as a pet is all about the freedom it can get to interact with its owners. If a parrot is constantly in the cage wailing repeated shrieks all the time, then it is nothing but a talking trophy.
It takes daily minutes of patience to gain your pet parrot's respect. Take note, a parrot is just a bird, but the amount of loyalty you can get out of training it is priceless. By giving it firm orders to climb on its perch up or down is just the start. It is quite an accomplishment to see your bird do it in a command. It means the next tasks are at the right stake.
Freedom and discipline don't go handy with parrots. Just like spoiled brat kids, it will have the tendency to abuse freedom. Once a parrot uses its wings on its first fly, it is dominating the situation. It has the tendency to follow around and do unexpected and menacing things like pecking furniture, especially woods.
Once a parrot has gained this confidence while your house is not intended as parrot flying skylines, then it is the start of a mess. Do not let your parrot take the full control, but never attempt to punish it harshly at the same time. It takes a lot of patience to watch again and again until the bird settles down with closed wings, picking it up and putting back on its perch constantly until the bird understands the meaning of getting behaved.
After taking control of your parrot's behavior, you cannot avoid being nipped once in a while, especially if your parrot is younger and curious. Parrots must be trained not do this as a habit by giving a "NO" command. You can also blow its face after biting you or giving it an earthquake shake while settled on your palm.
In extreme cases, deprivation is the best solution to erase the habit. Any strong pecking must be followed by effective punishment of putting your pet parrot in an isolation cage for 15 minutes or so. By constant practice, the parrot will finally understand why it loses freedom after a bad behavior like biting.
As part of being amused, parrots scream with all their might as a sign of boredom. To avoid too much of this, distract this parrot's habit by placing it close to a TV where it can watch. Provide playthings at a tender age and make sure not to neglect its need for fun.
Yellow-headed Amazon (also known as the Yellow-headed Parrot and Double Yellow-headed Amazon) at Cougar Mountain Zoological Park, USA perching on zookeepers left hand. This subspecies is sometimes called the Tres Marias Amazon and originates from the Tres MarÃas Islands, off west-central Mexico. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Originally from the coastal regions of Mexico, the Yellow-headed Amazon parrots have become popular pets partly because of their attractive markings.
These birds are predominantly green with a striking yellow head and a red patch on each wing. They can also be found south of Mexico in Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras.
Although they prefer habitats like tropical or subtropical forests, savannahs, mangrove swamps, or cultivated land where trees are available for nesting, Yellow-headed Amazon parrots are now considered rare and on the endangered list because of poaching and illegal trade and because of deforestation resulting in the loss of their nesting habitat.
Captive bred Yellow-headed Amazons are widely available as pets but can be somewhat expensive. They are an extremely popular parrot species to own because of their vocal abilities.
They are a close second to the African Grey parrot which is considered the best talker in the parrot world. Although all Amazons are capable of talking not all do.
Their talking ability varies with each bird. Some birds are excellent talkers while other may never talk. Yellow-headed Amazon parrots are extremely intelligent, funny, and active birds. They like to receive attention and do so by sometimes being loud and playful. They are said to be the loudest of all the Amazon parrots. But, it is possible to replace screeching with human speech with a little bit of training.
Because Yellow-headed Amazon parrots are active they thrive in an environment that allows them to fly and move around. An aviary is a great enclosure but they can also adjust to indoor cages as long as sufficient daily exercise is offered by their owner.
These parrots are also easily tamed and trained. But, like most large parrot species, Yellow-headed Amazons can be destructive. Owners need to provide their birds with plenty of chewing toys and braches.
These parrots can grow to the average length of fifteen inches although females are slightly smaller than males.
Yellow-headed Amazon parrots have a stout, hooked beak that is not only used for cracking the hard shells of seeds and nuts but also for grasping, exploring, and climbing.
They also use their feet to climb and it is almost like another hand for them. Amazons have two toes pointing forwards and two toes pointing backward which make them perfect for grasping. They will use their feet to hold food while eating.
In the wild Yellow-headed Amazons eat a variety of fruits, berries, nuts, blossoms, and leaf buds. They have also been known to raid agricultural crops like maize. When living in a home environment with an owner these birds enjoy vegetables, fruit, seeds, nuts, berries, and pellet food.
ike all parrots nutrition is very important to their health and their lives.
When considering having one of these beautiful birds as a pet, owners should consider the longevity of their commitment.
Yellow-headed Amazon parrots can live to be sixty to eighty years old. Although no pet is perfect, these parrots are sure to give their owners hours of entertainment and pleasure.
Joseph Keith has been caring for parrots for more than 10 years.
Parrots and parakeets are gregarious birds and are rarely seen alone. They’re intelligent birds and are quite noisy in the early morning and again in the late afternoon as they move about in large groups. We often see large flocks of parrots flying from tree to tree around Ojochal numbering in the 100’s. Many species mate for life and will be seen flying in pairs.
The central and southern Pacific regions of Costa Rica are home to the majority of both parrots and parakeets found within the county. The Corcovado Reserve, located in the Osa Peninsula, contains many birds, as does the southern coastal plain. The Carara Biological Reserve, located about 45 miles south-west of San Jose, is a popular place to spot numerous types of parrots, parakeets, and macaws.
Many parrot populations worldwide are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and collection for the pet trade. The loss of nest trees and chick poaching can drastically reduce reproductive success. However, due to the long lifespan of many parrots, populations are unlikely to become extinct rapidly even with complete reproductive failure. Since 1975, an international agreement known as CITES, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, has helped to protect native populations of threatened and endangered species by limiting trade in these animals. These days, parrots and parakeets sold at pet stores are raised domestically by Aviculturalists however some species are difficult to breed in captivity and unfortunately are still sought by collectors.
There are about 16 types of parrots and parakeets seen frequently within Costa Rica as well as two types of Macaws. Of the parakeets, common varieties include the Orange Chinned, the Brown Throated, the Orange-Fronted, the Sulfur Winged, the Olive Throated and the Crimson Fronted Parakeet. Parrots include the Yellow Naped, the Red Loret, the Mealy Parrot, the White Fronted, the White Crowned, the Blue Headed, the Brown Hooded Parrot and the Red Fronted Parrotlet. Macaws of Costa Rica include the Scarlet Macaw and the Green Macaw. Since Parrots seek fruits and nuts for their diet, various fruit trees, almond and macadamia nut trees have been planted along the beaches of southern Costa Rica to provide ample sources of food for these feathered friends.
Zoo Ave, located in Alajuela, Costa Rica, is the largest aviary zoo and breeder in Costa Rica. The organization breeds birds for release to help replenish and re-establish wild bird populations throughout Costa Rica and sponsored a large public awareness program in Costa Rica to discourage the caging of wild birds as pets.
About the Author: Steve Linder is the marketing manager for Pacific Lots of Costa Rica www.PacificLots.com, the largest expat development in Costa Rica and located in the southern Pacific region of the country. Now in their 22nd year, Pacific Lots is the largest seller of real estate, ocean view home sites and custom homes and properties for expats in Costa Rica. Click here to request more information.
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To most breeders and pet lovers out there, the African Gray parrot has got to be one of the most charming parrots out there. Known for its wonderful character, the African Gray parrot is also one of the most preferred species for possessing an admirable combination of high intelligence and extraordinary charm.
If you are one of those who was instantly drawn to the beauty of African Gray parrot, it is a must that you supply yourself with enough information about these wonderful birds.
According to taxonomy, there are basically two subspecies or types of African gray parrot that can be found in today’s pet trade: the Congo African gray and the Timneh African gray. The former type is characterized by being slightly larger than latter with bright, red tail feathers. The Timneh, on the other hand, is overall darker than the Congo African.
When it comes to temperament, there are significant differences between the two. Timnehs are believed to be more laid back and less prone to feather picking and other neurotic behaviors compared to the Congo African gray.
Generally, African Gray parrots live from 25 to 50 years depending on the history of the bird, lifestyle, stress factors, diseases, and another aspect that may affect its lifespan. When it comes to intelligence, this parrot species is considered as an extremely intelligent bird because of its ability to talk or mimic different sounds and noises and for having a unique capacity for putting their words and sounds into the right context.
Despite its admirable traits, there are some behavior issues you have to deal with when you possess an African Gray parrot. Because of their intelligence, this bird is quite demanding because you need to spend a lot of time in giving social contact and for mental stimulation. A lot of patience and attention should be given to these birds. These birds are also known for biting and feather picking when they get bored or depressed.
Here are some dos and don’ts in taking care of your African Gray parrot:
1. Make sure that you know the species of your parrot because having a good knowledge the will provide you better guidelines for taking care of it.
2. Make sure that you provide you African Gray with the basics it needs like large and safe cage, good and healthy diet, a wide range of toys, a dependable T-stand, as well as a gym or play stand, scale, and a commercial carrier.
3. If possible, take time off to talk to the breeder and pet shop assistants who have dealt with your parrot. Talking to them will give you an idea how the bird has been treated in the past.
4. Make sure that you objectively assess if the African Grey Parrot is compatible with your living space and lifestyle. Since these birds are quite demanding pets, attention and clean environment will keep them healthy and happy.
5. Because of its quite demanding nature, an African Grey parrot is not suitable for everyone. Make sure that you think a thousand times before purchasing it and have a written guarantee of its age if possible.
6. Never, ever buy an African Gray parrot on impulse because it can be quite stressful.
7. Don’t keep questions to yourself if you want to know something about the bird.
8. Don’t forget to make a list before you go to the breeder so you won’t miss out on important information you need to know in taking care of your pet.
Red has been long known as the color love. It also signifies love and passion but also danger. People associate the color red with love, Valentines, danger, desire, speed, strength, violence, anger, emergency exit signs, stop signs, and blood. Its usual attributes are strength, force, power, control, and leadership. Stimulation, warmth, excitement, good health, physical energy, love, sex, passion, courage, and protection are also associated with this strong color. But in pet birds especially in parrots—being red is an entirely different story.
The red in parrots
When it comes to colors in parrots, the most common is green. But did you know that there is no pigment or tinge of green present in parrots’ feathers? According to experts, although parrots appear green, only pigments present in parrots’ feathers are red and yellow.
Red parrots becoming popular pet parrot preferences because they exude mystical beauty. But did you know that some parrots are red because of their melanin chemistry and feather structure?
Studies show that some parrots are red due to Tyndall Effect. During Tyndall Effect, light scatters, thus, reflecting off the feather structure. This process also results in the illusion of a variety of colors.
Another reason why some parrots are red is that specific kinds of this bird have pigments in their feathers called psittacine or carotenoids—the ones that give carrots and yellow squash their respective colors. These are usually influenced by certain environmental factors and elements like food intake or diet.
Experts found out that red parrots emerge because the colors of the nutritional elements of the food they take are intensified. Although foods don’t usually influence a parrot’s color, it is quite significant in the process because good food will result in good health shown in the sheen of a parrot’s feathers.
Since feathers are parrot’s—generally birds’—most distinctive characteristic, on-going studies about the coloration of parrots are conducted worldwide. Most of these studies have found out that a parrot’s color can mean several things like assertiveness and other behavioral contexts.
The most popular red parrot in pet trades today is the Red-Breasted Senegal. Although it has a moderate talking ability, many parrot enthusiasts purchase this red parrot because they are playful and independent Always climbing, chewing and playing with their toys, red-breasted Senegals are among the favorite selection of parrot pets because they have friendly nature and their ability to learn and perform tricks.
Since they create very low noise, this red parrot is suitable as a family pet bird especially for those who live in city apartments. Although it has a friendly nature, this red parrot should be handled and trained regularly so they will remain tame.
are very intelligent. It has been said that they have an intellect similar to that of dolphins and chimpanzees. African Grey parrots have the ability to mimic up to 2,000 different sounds. They can understand the use of many words they learn and are known to be the best talking parrots.
