In the first part of this article, we explained the groupings of parrot that we use, and that this is distinct from the scientific classification. We went on to consider four groupings in detail: Budgies, Cockatiels, Cockatoos, and Conures. In this article we will look at the remaining groupings:
A Red-shouldered Macaw at Parque das Aves, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. This subspecies is also known as the Noble Macaw. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Often when people think of parrots they have a Macaw in mind since these colorful birds are often used in TV and films. There are in fact six genera that make up the grouping we refer to as Macaws: Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Diopsittaca, Orthopsittaca, and Primolius. Most scientists and aviculturists consider that there are 18 species of macaw. With its preferred habitat being the rainforest macaws have faced threats of extinction from deforestation in recent years, and in fact, six species are extinct. One interesting thing about macaws is that they like to eat clay, and it is thought that this helps them process other poisonous food that they enjoy.
Parakeets
This term is often used interchangeably with a budgie, but this is incorrect as a parakeet is used to group together a number of small and medium-sized birds. And we must also consider that conures (discussed in part one of this series) are part of the parakeet grouping. Other species that we call parakeets are Brotogeris parakeets, Monk Parakeets, and Lineolated Parakeets.
Parrotlets
These tiny, stocky parrots grow to around five inches and are the smallest parrots in the world. A common choice of companion is the Pacific Parrotlet, which is predominantly green with a blue head, other good pets are the Mexican, Spectacled, and Yellow-Faced Parrotlets. These birds pack a lot of personalities, and although they are quite quiet they are reasonable mimics and can pick up a dozen words.
Parrots
There is a classification known as true parrots which are made up of the Psittacidae family and excludes the Cacatuidae family, which includes cockatoos, thus when we speak of true parrots we refer to 330 species. Some well-known examples are the Meyers Parrot, Amazon Blue Fronted Parrot, and Senegal Parrots.
Lovebirds
Lovebird is a term used to group the nine species that make up the Agapornis genus. Native to Africa and Madagascar these stocky parrots grow up to 17 centimeters and live up to 15 years. The Fischer's Lovebird and Black-cheeked Lovebird are amongst two of the best-known lovebirds.
In terms of taxonomy (the scientific classification of animals) parrots belong to the Psittaciformes order, within which there are two families: Cacatuidae and Psittacidae. The Cacatuidae family consists only of the Cockatoo, with all other parrots belonging to the Psittacidae family. However, taxonomy aside, we tend to group parrots under the following headings:
Budgies
Cockatiels
Cockatoos
Conures
Macaws
Parakeets
Parrotlets
Parrots
Lovebirds
In looking at these groupings we will explore beyond the more well-known examples of parrot such as the Meyers Parrot and Amazon Blue Fronted Parrot.
Budgies
The budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) is also referred to as the parakeet, shell parakeet, budgie, and common pet parakeet. However, it is not correct to refer to the budgie using the broader classification of parakeet as the budgie is, in fact, a particular type of small parrot native to Australia. These little birds grow to around 7 inches and a weight of up to 40 grams. They have a green body with black and yellow markings on their back and wings. They have distinctive yellow heads with blue beaks. In captivity, they have been cross-bred to create small parrots with an amazing array of colors.
Cockatiels
The Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), also referred to as the Quarrion and the Weiro is native to the aridest areas in Australia. Many variations of cockatiel plumage have been bred in captivity, but the standard is a grey cockatiel, with some white markings on the edge of each wing, orange markings around the ears, and a yellow head. One interesting thing about cockatiels is that they mimic sounds such as whistling far more easily than voices, and when frightened they hiss like a
snake.
Cockatoos
There are 21 species of cockatoo, one of which is the cockatiel described above. The cockatiel, as the smallest and most popular of the cockatoos, is usually described separately. The cockatoo belongs to the Cacatidae family. This bird hails from a diverse geography, which includes Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Cockatoos are very popular and loving pets and are revered for their skills in mimicry. Some cockatoos face extinction due to illegal trade, and it is recommended that you only consider buying a captive bred specimen.
Conures
Conures is not a scientific classification but are used to group together a number of small and medium sizedparrots. Some of the common characteristics of this group are that they are small with long tails and strong beaks. Some conures are Aratinga, Carolina Parakeet, Enicognathus, Gold-Capped Conure, Golden-plumed Conure, Golden Conure. Jenday Conure, Nanday Conure, Patagonian Conure, Pyrrhura, and the Yellow-Eared Conure.
Having talking parrots as pets go way back to at least the time of Ancient Greeks. By the time of the Roman Empire, it was even more common and courses were given to teach people how to get their birds to mimic human speech. The material covered in this article is much more effective than those courses of ancient times and the training myths of ancient times have been omitted. One of the craziest myths was that the parrot should be placed in a completely dark room during training.
As the following joke suggests, having a talking bird is one of the reasons that people purchase parrots.
One day a man went to an auction. While there, he bid on an exotic parrot. He really wanted this bird, so he got caught up in the bidding. He kept on bidding but kept getting outbid, so he bid higher and higher and higher. Finally, after he bid way more than he intended, he won the bid - the fine bird was finally his!
As he was paying for the parrot, he said to the Auctioneer, "I sure hope this parrot can talk. I would hate to have paid this much for it, only to find out that he can't talk!" "Don't worry", said the Auctioneer, "He can talk. Who do you think kept bidding against you?"
If you're interested in having a talking bird, this introductory article is for you. This article will cover which birds are good "talkers" and will cover some techniques for encouraging your bird to be a "talker". Whether parrots mimic or communicate using human speech has been fodder for debate for a long time. The Alex Studies by Dr. Pepperberg goes into great detail regarding this subject. Alex is a Congo African Grey Parrot that Dr. Pepperberg studied extensively. Some consider her studies, training techniques, and discoveries the foundation of modern avian cognitive understanding. If you are interested in the cognitive abilities of parrots and their "speech" capabilities, I recommend that you read her book. Though technical at times, I'm sure that you will find it a fascinating book. If you ever find yourself looking at your parrot and wondering what it is thinking or how much it understands then check out the links at the end of this article to her book.
Mimicking, Speaking, or Communicating
Let's start with some ground rules for this article and a quick disclaimer. The terms used in this article may not be universally accepted. The terms that I use in this article are defined just to delineate the different categories of "Talking". The word "Talking" has several meanings and depending on your level of technicality it also has several different implications. In my opinion, there are three basic categories of "talking". The first and lowest level is "Mimicking". This is simply the echoing of a word. In this case, the parrot doesn't associate the word with any object or action. A common example is when a parrot vocalizes "pretty bird". Unless it's a really vain parrot or there's another pretty bird in the area than the parrot, in this case, is just vocalizing something that it has heard. The term "talking" in this article usually refers to mimicking but may also refer to "Speaking" or "Communicating" as defined below.
The second category of "talking" is "Speaking". For the purposes of this article, it means interacting appropriately with human speech. An example would be the parrot responding with its name when it is prompted with the question "What is your name?" At first glance, this appears to be communication and it may be but it doesn't prove communication. The parrot may have simply been conditioned to respond with its name when it hears this question. The parrot's responsive behavior suggests a higher level of "speech" beyond simply mimicking. Since it is responding appropriately and not just mimicking, it is referred to as "speaking" in this article. This is much harder to teach than mimicking. One technique to teach "speaking" is to form the question using a boring tone and then provide the response in a more interesting tone. For example, you may say "How are you doing today?" in a quiet calm tone than say "SUPER DUPER HOW ARE YOU?" in a louder more interesting tone. The parrot is more likely to begin saying "SUPER DUPER HOW ARE YOU?" in response to your question "How are you doing today"" just because it is more appealing. This is at least "mimicking" and maybe "speaking" depending on who you ask.
The third category is "Communicating". In this case, the parrot actually has an understanding of its vocalizations. This is sometimes referred to as cognitive speech. An example of this would be to show the parrot a red key that it has never seen before and ask the parrot "What color is this?" If the parrot responds with "red" then it is communicating. There is a subtle difference between "Speaking" and "Communicating". For example, if the parrot is conditioned to say "red" when you show it a particular red key then it doesn't necessarily have an understanding of red. It may just be conditioned to respond with "red" when it sees that particular object. Whereas, "communication" uses an unknown object so the parrots could not have been conditioned to respond with a particular word when presented with the object. As mentioned before, The Alex Studies by Dr. Pepperberg is an excellent source of information on this topic. You can find a link at the end of this article to her book.
What Birds Talk?
So what birds talk? As the buyer in the above joke correctly suggests, not all parrots talk. This is true of different species and different birds within a species. For example, African Grey Parrots are known to be excellent talkers but that doesn't mean that all African Grey Parrots will talk. Hopefully, your only reason for purchasing a parrot is not because it can talk. Parrots have so much more to offer than talking and you would be cheating yourself and your parrot if that is your only reason for getting a parrot. Talking should be considered a bonus and not a requirement. However, if "talking" is important, the only way to make sure that you are getting a parrot that will talk is to purchase a parrot that already talks. Having said that, there are certain species that are known to be more inclined to be good talkers. Here is a list of some parrot most likely to "talk" with the better-known groups in parenthesis.
As mentioned previously, not all birds in the list will talk and not all birds that talk are on this list. The order of the list is a good approximation from best talkers (African Grey) down to not-the-best talkers. This list isn't perfect and is just a basic guide with no guarantees. For example, there are some Cockatiels that talk better than some African Greys.
Three General Training Techniques
So you have a parrot that is capable of talking and you want to teach it to talk. This section will cover three basic techniques. These three techniques are Audio Recordings, Parent-Parrot teaching, and Modeling. The first two methods use useful for teaching your parrot to mimic. The second and third methods can be useful for teaching your parrot to "speak". And finally, the third method is most useful for teaching your parrot to communicate.
Technique #1 - Audio Recordings
The first technique is Audio Recordings. This may be an Audio CD or tape that you purchase or create that is capable of looping over and over. You can purchase these on the Internet or create them yourself with your home computer. Most people use this method for long periods of time when the parrot is alone. But does this technique work? The jury is still out on this one. Some people with some parrots have had some success with this method while others have not had success with this method. It is certainly not the best method to use but in some cases, it can be effective. This is probably the most common technique used to teach the classic Andy Griffin Theme Song. However, the same thing played over and over will quickly become very boring. Parrots just like people will eventually tune out the boring stuff in their environment. For this reason, it is recommended that you keep the sessions short. Sessions should be about fifteen-minute sessions 2 or 3 times a day. This technique is used to teach "mimicking" as defined earlier. This is a cheap and easy way to teach your parrot to mimic. As with most things in life that are cheap and easy don't be surprised if it doesn't work.
Technique #2 - Parent-Parrot Teaching
The second technique is Parent-Parrot teaching. This is where you talk to your parrot. This method is effective because it provides your parrot with a very important need. That need is to bond with its "flock" and to communicate with it's "flock". In most cases, you'll find that the more you talk and communicate with your parrot, the more it will respond and talk back. Most parrots are very social and thrive on this kind of attention. This method will never get boring to your parrot and can be fun for you and your parrot. If properly rewarded for talking, your bird will happily talk and talk and talk. You should talk to your parrot while feeding, cleaning, doing dishes, preparing meals, watching TV, walking through the house, etc, etc, etc. You can maximize this method by using your speech in context. If you're putting food in the bowl then tell your parrot that you're giving it food. If you're cleaning the cage then tell your parrot that you are cleaning the cage. This method is useful for teaching "mimicking" and "speaking" as defined earlier.
Phrases that indicate mimicking are phrases such as "want to peanut?" or "Watcha doing?" In these cases, it is just mimicking things that it has heard you vocalize. This method can also be used to teach communication as defined earlier. In this case, you should use the same word in several different contexts. Examples would be "Do you want this peanut?", "Here's a peanut", "This is a good peanut", "is that peanut good?" Initially, your parrot will mimic you and use the word out of context much like a child learning to speak. You can take the mimicking to the speaking level by simply correcting the parrot-like you would a child. By doing this, you will eventually teach the parrot to use the word in context. For example, it may begin to vocalize "this is a good peanut" when you give it a peanut. This technique can be used for teaching your parrot "mimicking" and "speaking" as defined earlier. This technique can also be used to a lesser degree to teach "speaking". The third and final technique (Modeling) is more effective for teaching "speaking" and "communication".
Technique #3 - Modeling
The third technique is "Modeling". This is the method that Dr. Pepperberg discusses in her book The Alex Studies. This method involves two trainers (usually two humans) and the parrot. Though not practical for most of us, it can be very effective if you have the means to use this technique. The parrot takes turns being the "trainee" with the other human. An example would be to have the Trainer human and the trainee human demonstrate what is required while the parrot watches. For example, the Trainer may ask the trainee "what color is this" while holding up an object. The trainee will respond with "blue" and the trainer will respond with "no, the color is red". The trainer will repeat the question and the trainee will respond with "red" and the trainer will reward the trainee for the correct answer. The reward may be verbal ("good girl") or the reward may be a treat. Then the parrot will assume the role of the trainee while the human trainee watches and the process repeated. This method has been shown to be very effective in teaching birds, other animals, and humans with learning disabilities. This modeling technique was used to teach Alex the Congo African Grey for Dr. Pepperberg's studies. This method is effective at teaching "mimicking", "speaking", and "communication" as defined earlier.
As you may guess, the second technique is the most common technique used to teach pet parrots how to talk. This technique is more effective than using Audio Recordings and it only requires one "trainer" compared to the third technique. More importantly, the second technique provides the perfect opportunity for the Parent to bond with the Parrot. This is a win-win technique because bonding is essential to the parrot's well being and it provides a means to teach the parrot to talk. The next section covers some miscellaneous Tips, Do's and Don'ts. Most directly apply to the second technique of Parent-Parrot teaching but also apply to the other techniques.
Tips, Do's and Don'ts
Be patient.
Make your vocalizations interesting.
Have fun during talking training sessions.
Keep training sessions short (10-15 minutes)
Talk, Talk, Talk to your parrot.
Talk in context to your parrot.
Use diction, drama, and inflection to make your speech more interesting.
Phrase your talk from the parrot's perspective. "Give me a peanut" instead of "Do you want a peanut?"
Reward your parrot when it talks with treats, praise, and/or attention.
Start when your parrot is young (though not necessary).
Communicate while out of site to simulate contact calls.
Sing songs to your parrot.
Tell stories to your parrot.
Read stories to your parrot.
Repeat phrases at appropriate times. For example "I want water" when giving fresh water.
Start with words and work up to phrases.
Pronounce words clearly.
Don't say words that you don't want to be repeated.
Create verbal cues such as saying "Good Morning" in the morning.
Place the cage where your parrot hears family communication.
Don't teach whistling before teaching talk.
Use interesting-sounding words.
For some reason, words with "tt" seem to be favorites such as "pretty" or "kitty".
Use the word in different phrases "This is a peanut", "Do you want a peanut", "I like peanuts"
Don't put the parrot in a covered cage during training. This myth goes back to ancient Greek times.
Do speech training early in the morning and at dusk if possible when most parrots are very talkative.
Summary
If you've ever heard a parrot joke, most likely it involves a talking parrot. The parrot's ability to "talk" has captured our imagination for thousands of years. I'm sure that you will agree (if you own a parrot) that its ability to talk is just one of the many characteristics that make parrots fascinating companions. A lot of people purchase a parrot for their ability to talk but eventually learn that with or without its ability to talk, it is an awesome pet and companion.
Hopefully, this introduction to teaching your parrot to talk has been useful. Check out some of the book links below if you're interested in learning more. "The Pleasure of Their Company" by Bonnie Munro Doane and The Alex Studies by Dr. Pepperberg are two good sources to start with. You will be amazed by the Dr. Pepperberg's successes and fascinated with her findings. Though technical at times and not necessarily a required reading for all parrot owners it is a fascinating book.
A juvenile Regent Parrot (Polytelis anthopeplus) at the Bird Walk (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There was a time when parrot food was only about seeds. This really is so simply because seed products are thought to contain the majority of vitamins and minerals that are essential for bird development. Seeds are likewise the most typical element in a bird's diet plan. The commercially created ones usually might have the balance and various types that a normal bird will need.
But these times, seeds aren't the sole ones that are being given to these avian species. As bird breeders grow in knowledge and expertise in coping with their pets, they are now a lot more mindful of the numerous outcomes of diverse foods to their pet parrots. The pellet is yet another choice apart from seeds. Some would probably declare that pellets are actually healthier for a bird's diet plan than seeds. One of the explanations may be that pellets give ideal nutrients and the entire nugget is digestible. Compared to the seed that leaves the hull behind, the pellet is completely edible and therefore there is absolutely no waste product that comes about along the way.
Another food alternative that bird breeders have is to get organic and natural. Whatever this entails is offering food item that is natural or fresh or homemade. This might possibly include fruits, pasta, vegetables and some vitamins and mineral supplements. But bird breeders should always understand that just before offering their bird any of these or picking out this sort of eating plan, an overall consultation with a veterinarian should be done first. A veterinarian can really help pick which combination of a range of food would have the correct quantity and right form of nutrition the pet bird should have.
Some of the concerns for this would be that table food or "human food" that is fed to birds may not be acceptable for them if they possess an excessive amount of sodium or if the size is not suitable for the bird. Small sizes should be taken into account when serving these, especially when giving nuts. A justification that this kind of feeding is looked at is for variation. In reality, avian species also get tired of having to eat the same thing again and again. Not to mention that they may not be receiving adequate and assorted nutrients from the same food. Bear this always in mind when giving parrot food. Furthermore, do not ignore the need to consult with a veterinarian first before making a choice which diet program to pick.
It's well known that we now have food sorts which are good and helpful for your bird's health and fitness. In contrast, there are also food varieties which should be prevented at all costs. Samples of these would be foods that are too salty or too sweet. Those with alcohol and caffeine should also be prevented. Also included in this list are garlic and onions.
Curry powder is a no-no. Mushrooms are not motivated too because some forms may contain a fungus that can detrimental to your bird's health. As well as leaves that are found in tomatoes. Avocados in their entirety are also unhealthy for your bird as they can cause cardiac arrest. Stay away also from plants such as amaryllis, shamrock, azaleas, lantana, and daffodil among a good many others. These types of plants could bring different kinds of health issues that can range from gastrointestinal problems to depression.
Certainly, picking out which parrot food to feed your bird is something that is not done flippantly. Nonetheless just do bear in mind that what is healthy for you may also be healthy for him but consider so when you have got the consent of the veterinarian. You would know that you are doing a fantastic job at taking care of your pet if his feathers are gleaming, his beak is smooth and solid, his stool is well formed and his eyes are clear and glowing.
About The Author by Paul Nedrich
Of course, you want to give only the best for your beloved birds! From parrot food to cockatiels cages. But where to buy one? Especially for first-time buyers? Get quality products and services only from www.bird-supplies.net/ and have your bird sing a happier tune!
Feather plucking is known to be a very nasty habit of the African grey parrot. They are notorious feather pluckers. It is said that the Timneh African Grey parrots are not as bad as the Congo African Grey Parrots when it comes to feather plucking. But this is not a proven fact.
First of all, any parrot keeper should ask himself why do parrots pluck their feathers. There are many different reasons for this nasty habit. The African grey parrot is a parrot species that need quite much attention from his human owner. If this doesn't happen then the bird will probably get bored and this can result in feather plucking. But believe me that this feather plucking problem is very complicated because it's very hard to resolve it.
There were cases when the African greys plucked their feathers because of getting too much attention. So you just don't know exactly how to treat your bird. Dietary imbalances or environmental problems may also take to feather plucking. Some environmental problems could be smocking very much in the room where the parrot is kept or keeping him in a space with dry air. Also is recommended for African grey parrots to get regular baths or to be exposed to some kind of moist air. The African grey parrots shouldn't encounter any frightening experiences because this can take to feather plucking.
If this nasty habit appears in your bird's daily activities than you should first see a veterinarian. He will probably try to find a physical explanation for the bird's problem. It's best to try to understand what the veterinarian explains and try to find some ways of resolving the problem. It is proven that the African grey parrot is the most intelligent species. His higher degree of intelligence, along with possible incorrect early socialization at the breeders and not understanding the bird’s intellectual needs when it becomes a companion parrot often leads to neurotic habits -- such as plucking.
Timnehs African grey parrots don't pluck their feathers as much as the Congo African grey parrot. This could be because they were not as popular as the Congo African parrot. Because of their duller coloration, they weren't as licked as the congo.
In conclusion, the feather plucking is a major problem for the African grey parrots because they are very difficult birds to take care of.
African grey parrot pet (Psittacus erithacus) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It is clear some people want to have a parrot as a pet. If you are that person, you may be anxious about getting the finest one for your personal satisfaction, care, and business. Parrots are for sale all around, and selling such pet is 100% different from selling home commodities. It will need time and dedication.
This will be a guide if you want to know what species you would prefer. Here are the descriptions of selected parrots perfect for sale:
1. LOVEBIRDS - very adorable little small breed from Africa, lovebirds can be tamed like common parrots except for the aggressiveness towards opposite sex, the male rubs the perch as a distinct sexual behavior, which is quite disturbing to some owners. They have to be housed in different cages. Generally, lovebirds are excellent in parenting their siblings and very good inbreeding.
2. AFRICAN GREYS - More than vanity, this parrot species is the best sound imitator from among the species. It doesn't mean this parrot has to be on high sale just because of the talking qualities. Owners getting disappointed with non-talking African Grey species often tend to neglect their pets afterward.
3. COCKATIELS - Lovely because of the distinctly pointed crown, this species can learn tricks easily, very affectionate, and can live a lifespan of 15 to 20 years given the proper care. The coating on its feather can cause allergies. Cockatiels have this distinct behavior when left in dark, which can cause self-injury.
4. SENEGAL PARROTS - Medium-sized species good for apartments because of its more quiet behavior. Much adept at imitating sounds of surroundings than the distinct speech of people. It is not recommended for outdoor and spacious free walks as it can fly farther and get lost.
5. PARROTLETS - Comes in tiny sizes, these species have no problem with dark places, considered brave. The voice is quite small, best if you only tolerate chirping when bred in a small flat or room. Prone to accidents, they must be looked after all the time when out of the cage.
6. CANARIES - Specifically attributed to Canary Island, after Romans named it. The Canaries have three types. Song Canaries are known for the distinctive voice and singing. Color Canaries have attractive and bright colors, making the collecting of several varieties popular to breeders. The Canaries are territorial and not so sociable. From among the parrots, this species has the sweetest voice.
The sale of parrots worldwide happens silently. It comes with interest and passion, but believe it or not, thinking about the small world you can give to these lovely birds is a journey. Living with parrots is worth a quality life.
A pet juvenile male Eclectus Parrot perching on a woman's shoulder in Brighton (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
An Eclectus parrot will give you the most inspirational experience if you are a dedicated owner. These birds are known for their mellow temperament and also for their unparalleled beauty. They have a very laid-back character that makes them a favorite of every family and you hardly ever see these parrots getting furious or misbehaving.
Eclectus birds are known for their extraordinary talent to master any mimicry. Although they do not make strong bonds with their pair they love to seek human attention and might get a bit noisy sometimes.
Although these parrots are scientifically known as Eclectus roratus, an Eclectus parrot is known by various other names which might depend upon the species it belongs to. The various names of such kinds of Eclectus birds are:
Blue Bellied
Yellow Sided
Red Sided
Solomon Island
Vosmaeri
How big do they grow?
These parrots are basically from the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Australia. An adult parrot may reach approximately 18 to 20 inches when measured from their beak to tail and can cost you around $500 to $3000 US. Interestingly, the female parrot is more expensive than the male because female parrots are more colorful and have more gentle temperaments than the male parrot.
How do you differentiate their sexes?
Eclectus bird sexes can be differentiated by their color as they are sexually dimorphic birds. If you see a bright green color on the head of these birds, along with the yellow-green blended wing covert, then you can ascertain that it is a male parrot. These male parrots furthermore have red patches under their wings and around the breast area. The tail will be almost black with a yellow tip. The iris will be of dark orange and the beak may have a black color at its lower base.
A female bird can be identified when you see them having rich red color on their breast as well as their head. They have deep red wings with a dull blue and purple belly. The tail can be identified with an orange tip and the eyes will have a blue ring around them.
How about their temperament?
These birds are a highly intelligent species with a very passionate personality. They love the companionship of humans and enjoy socializing with people. If you would like to keep an Eclectus parrot along with other birds, then this is definitely possible.
However, you must keep a watch out, as you might see some kind of jealous tendencies.
Eclectus birds will require a large cage as they need a lot of space for their housing requirements and mostly consume a diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables.
These parrots are highly intelligent with a charming personality and can be quite impressed with their ability to talk and they will become passionate pets. They love to interact with every member of the family making them quite sensitive in nature.
For information on how to care for your parrot and how to best rare a pet parrot from parrot expert
The blue mutant of the Masked Lovebird Agapornis personata. This variety is called blue Masked Lovebird. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
* Exotic birds can come in many various colors; the number of different colors they have can't be determined by just examining one individual. Every different individual bird can have their own unique pattern and colors relevant to their species.
* Exotic birds are available in all sizes and shapes to ensure that you are able to determine on which kind of bird you should have from the cage you are able to afford. Most of these birds are really big and have big wings whilst other birds could be extremely tiny. A small cage could be spacious enough to let it even fly inside it.
* Even if you are not there to exercise the pet or keep it challenged throughout the day, a few toys would be sufficient to keep the animal occupied throughout the day. Just like children they adore playing by themselves and watching them play can be really the treat.
* Some species of parrots try to discover how to speak for themselves. You can discover your parrot trying to mimic the sounds it is hearing through the course of the day. This would be a good sign which means you could attempt training it to speak much more and much more.
* Most species of exotic birds like parrots and Macaws are very lively animals which are extremely playful and are active all day. You can anticipate hrs of fun playing with them without tiring them out.
* Birds are some of the most lovable pets around the world due to their playful nature and natural beauty. Getting a bird can be so much enjoyable whilst it teaches the owner to become responsible and care for the pet.
* A nicely groomed and loved pet bird can turn out to be very lovable and it can turn out to be extremely loyal to you. It could usually be about you look out for you if someone comes too close they might even attack that individual.
* Exotic birds can be groomed to be very clean simply because it is feasible to bath them every day. Some birds will adore bathing every day and even like to play with water. This tends to make certain you have a clean pet that likes water and is simple to bathe.
About The Author Galen Goodwin
Lovebirds, Lovebird Lovebirds adore to play and they are comical to look at whether or not they are playing alone splashing in their water dish or having fun with your hair and sneaking into your collar. Lovebirds make wonderful pets. Lovebirds, Lovebird
A per parrots cage in a living room. A model of an African Grey Parrot is standing above the television. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Fascinated by the world of the fast-talking, fun-loving parrots? Are you contemplating on the idea of getting one as your pet bird? If you have plans of purchasing one in the future, then you must familiarize yourself with the different parrot species existing in the pet trades and pet stores today.
As defined, parrots are a very popular group of birds for possessing high intelligence depending on the degree of its socialization and training. Famous for its ability to imitate human speech and various sounds, these tropical colorful birds are mainly found in Australia and South America.
Having a variety of species, parrots differ in size and color. Some parrots are bigger and grander while others are smaller and typical. When it comes to colors, green is considered the most common shade of parrots and are usually wonderful pets for their amazing talking abilities. Several types of parrots are multi-colored—with a distinctive combination of bright blue, yellow, green, and white mixtures.
These birds are also characterized by having powerful hooked bills and feet meant for tree climbing. Mainly vegetarian, other basic foods of almost all types of parrots have included fruits, chicken or meat and a lot of seeds. Although they belong to only one family of birds, parrot species have distinctive personalities and nature. Some of them are naturally friendly while some are moody and destructive because they pluck their feathers if they are bored or unhappy.
Parrot species include Macaws, Conures, Amazons, African Gray Parrots, Cockatiels, Cockatoos, Budgerigars, and Eclectus. Macaws are one of the most coveted birds in aviculture because of their comical and affectionate nature. Conures, on the other hand, are small cousins of the Macaw that has 2 sub-species: Aratinga and the Pyrrhura.
While Conures are known for its variety of color and gentle personality, Amazons are famous for their superb talking ability. Considered as the most popular large parrots in aviculture that exhibits distinct personalities, amazons are often considered as delightful pets for imitating sounds well.
African Grey Parrots is probably the most intelligent parrot there is. Despite their intelligence, greys can be hard to handle because they are generally quiet, resulting in stress attacks and reactions.
Cockatoos are considered among the favorites because they are beautiful, smart, playful, cuddly, and good talkers. Although they are generally tame, cockatoos can be hard to handle because they thrive in too much attention.
Cockatiels are most common pet birds because they are easy to breed and are relatively inexpensive pets; Budgerigars or “parakeets” that are usually afraid of humans if not trained properly; and the Eclectus that are “sexually dimorphic” or the male and females look markedly different.
Meyer's Parrot pet parrot. Its wing feathers have been clipped and the bird is clinging to a draw handle. It looks anxious, and it would probably fly to a safer perch if it could. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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.
Mature breeding pair of Red-Bellied Parrots (Poicephalus rufiventris) on a perch in a cage. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Parrots can be pretty hard to take care of. Unlike other pets that can be left alone in their cages, parrots are restless creatures who you have to check up on a couple of times every day. Here are just some things that parrots can do to your home.
Parrots can be pretty messy
If you are the type that would like the house to be spotless, try to reconsider getting a parrot or any pet for that matter. Parrots can be really messy, even a small parakeet.
Their food can be flung everywhere even when they are inside the cage. Your floor can be filled up with pellets, seed, and nutshells. Sticky foods may also be plastered on the walls, on the bars of the cage and even at the ceilings. Foods will literally be everywhere.
Another problem that you may have are their poop, which you really have to clean every day. And they are not that disciplined to only poop in one place. They actually poop everywhere, in bars, in their food dish and even with the toys that you give them. They may even poop in between bars, which may end up on the floor and sometimes even on you.
If you have a cockatiel variety or the grey breed, you will also have to contend with the powder that they have on their feathers. The feathers will stick everywhere. So, you really have to dust every day.
Because of this, you have to scrub the cage, their dish and the whole of the area at least once a day to prevent bacteria from settling in and of course the bad smell.
Parrots chew on everything
Parrots love chewing wood. In fact, owners of parrots often give them wooden toys to play and chew with inside their cages. Parrots, however, are not satisfied with just these toys. When they get the opportunity, they will chew on everything that they get their hands on. They will puncture your clothes, your furniture, even your books.
This can be really frustrating especially if you are the type of person who wants a clean house. Parrots are not recommended in homes that have dainty and fragile furniture. They should also not be placed in areas where they can break things and chew on antiques.
Be careful with wearing jewelry because they will sure to grab it or chew it. Parrots love shiny things. They can claw the stone right out of your favorite jewelry.
Many questions are asked by people considering a Blue And Gold Macaw as a pet.
1. Will my bird do things I find attractive?
2. Will he be loving, talkative, intelligent, affectionate, playful?
3. How about my kid and all the other family members? Will a Macaw be likely to get along with them?
4. Will I be able to train a Macaw?
5. How difficult is it to teach a Macaw to talk?
6. Will a Macaw be friendly to other people or just me and my family? Will he become attached to only myself?
7. How do I avoid my Macaw becoming a biter?
The simplest answer to all these questions of Macaws will come down to this. If you properly socialize a Macaw all things are possible. It is mostly up to us as owners and caregivers to be sure our Macaw meets not only our own expectations but his maximum capabilities.
Other than the actual physical care of each bird, food, living conditions, living space, and exercise. Socialization may the most important word when talking about Macaw parrots or any parrot for the matter.
The Macaw cannot socialize himself. If you believe it takes a village to raise a child. Then it takes a state to socialize a Macaw. It takes a dedicated state of mind at the very least.
If you intend to buy a baby Macaw Blue And Gold or any large Macaw. It is highly recommended for everyone to do business with a trusted breeder if at all possible. Breeders begin for us the entire socialization process. Around the sixteenth day after hatching most breeders begin hand feeding.
A baby Macaws eyes open about the nineteenth day of life. The importance of recognizing humans as the source of food, care, affection along with fun and entertainment cannot be overstated. We have an advantage if humans are perceived as all important and pleasurable to a Macaw.
Before purchasing a Macaw it is extremely important to understand. Macaws and parrots, in general, are not domesticated animals as are dogs and cats. Humans through their actions hand feeding, comfort, and care simply are associated with mom and dad then become members of the bird's flock.
The beginning processes of the breeders get us off on the right foot. However, it is extremely important that the process is continued and expanded consistently by new owners. The socialization process of a Macaw is a lifetime commitment and should not ever be discontinued.
As important as constant care and handling by all family members and including friends truly is. Socialization also includes an introduction to new and different places and new situations.
Often unfamiliar situations and locations are the cause of an upset or frightened bird. Subjecting a Macaw to different locations and situations early in life is every bit as important to you and the bird as is constant handling.
Macaws can be upset and frightened easily. The gentlest Macaw upset or frightened can be a real handful to deal with. As the owner of a Macaw, it is a must that your bird trusts you in any and all locations and any situation.
Exactly how your Macaw or parrot turns out is more up to you than it is the bird. Remember both good behavior and bad behavior are learned. Most of what is learned will be up to you.
" by Bonnie Munro Doane and The Alex Studies by 
are two good sources to start with. You will be amazed by the Dr. Pepperberg's successes and fascinated with her findings. Though technical at times and not necessarily a required reading for all parrot owners it is a fascinating book.
