More PARROT FACTS for Fun

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Potential parrot owners need to do plenty of research about parrot facts before taking that final plunge. Of course, because there is so much to know about these beautiful pets, lots of it is just plain fun. Be careful not to get so caught up in the fun, though, that you ignore the serious aspects. 

1. Parrots have to be parented, especially the larger, smarter ones. They require as much attention and care as a three-year-old human child. They need love, persistence, and patience, too.

2. Parrots need huge amounts of exercise. In the wild, they forage for more than 50 miles every day, so in captivity, they have tons of energy that must be burned. If they don't get it, the owner will be more than a little sorry.

3. Parrots need a lot of entertainment and stimulus to their intellect. The larger ones can be almost brilliant, among the smartest of all the animals, along with magpies, ravens, and jays. They can copy sounds, and everyone knows that many can imitate the human voice. African Grays have even been taught simple sentences and how to answer simple questions. To keep them entertained when you can't, make sure they have several parrot toys in their cages at all times, and rotate them every week or so.

4. The larger birds whose beaks are huge, strong and sharp, and who have talons as well, are not good pets for young children who don't realize the bird might not be friendly. You should supervise them with guests, as well.

5. They can live a long, long time. Macaws and other larger parrots can sometimes live for up to 80 years. Even little parakeets, lovebirds, and cockatiels can live from ten to fifteen years, longer than many breeds of dogs. Even small birds need a significant commitment from prospective owners.

6. Parrots' beaks are curved and they have 4 talons, two pointing back and two pointing forward. This is known as zygodactylism. Obviously, parrots need strong feet that can grasp since their only physical position is sitting on a branch.

7. Of all the parrots, most people think the African Gray is the smartest. Two, in particular, Einstein and Alex, were able to speak as many as 1000 vocabulary words.

8. In order to breed parrots, all you need is a cage big enough for two and a nesting box. They pretty much take care of the rest themselves.

There are a lot more parrot facts to be learned.

By Alan Stables - Article Source: EzineArticles

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