These are the Parrot “secrets” pet stores don’t want you to know!
Parrot Care
Throughout history the parrot is one bird that has never seized to amaze. These birds are extremely intelligent, which makes them a lot of fun as pets. It may seem a bit tough at first, but don’t get discouraged. Training parrots is a great way to understand their way of being and a little parrot care will not only go a long way but is likely to leave you with a great companion.
Even though there are many varieties of parrots, there are vital care techniques that are universal with all species across the board. One of the most important of these care techniques is undoubtedly the diet. A properly nourished bird will thrive in all of its aspects. From warding of disease, to exhibiting normal behavioral patterns, nutrition is a top priority on the list of parrot care. Conveniently, the diet of a parrot varies little between different species. The menu consists of a few basic items which every pet owner should familiar him/her self with. These include: Parrot pellets, good quality parrot seed mix that is enriched with necessary vitamins and minerals, fresh vegetables, and fruits. It is important to interchange the different items on the parrot menu when feeding your bird ensuring it gets a vide variety of nutrients. As parrots drink only water, it is an important part of their diet. The water must be changed daily, to avoid possible contamination which may cause your parrot to fall ill.
You may have heard others referring to birds as “unclean” or “dirty.” As far as pets go, any pet can be called “dirty” if its owner doesn’t take good care of it. For this reason, parrot care is a key component in erasing that myth. Parrots are not like dogs or cats that can be taught to “ask” to go to the bathroom, or have a litter box in which to do their business. Consequently, it is the owner’s responsibility to maintain a clean environment in which their bird can live. The cage is where the parrot spends most of its time; therefore keeping it tidy is a must. Anything your bird comes into contact with must be wiped down with gentle soap and water. Do not use harsh chemicals when cleaning as they can irritate the bird’s eyes and skin, or reproductive tract. Another item to watch out for is anything that’s unsafe inside your parrot’s cage. Make sure there are no jagged edges or objects inside the cage. It is crucial for the owner to practice good hygiene him/her self when providing parrot care. Washing your hands frequently when feeding/handling your bird, will prevent many microbial infections.
A lot of owners may want to kiss their birds by letting the parrot touch its beak to their mouth. This is a big No-no. The human saliva houses many germ varieties which are very toxic to the birds, so please refrain from this type of contact. It is important that the cage isn’t too small for your bird. It should accommodate the parrot comfortable, providing it with room to open its wings. It should also fit at least two toys, and feeding equipment.
Do not underestimate the closeness you will share with your parrot. Parrots are extremely social, and tend to form rather strong bonds with their keepers. Parrots can live anywhere from 15 to 60 years depending on their size. So before embarking on your parrot keeping journey ask yourself if you are ready for a long-term relationship. Providing proper parrot care for your feathery friend should not wane as the years go by. The more your parrot begins to trust you, the more you owe it to be a good owner, provide it with its basic needs, and then some. For example, setting the cage in a place where you are more likely to interact with the bird is a very good idea. One exception to this rule is the kitchen however. The kitchen is a place where chemicals and cleaning supplies are used frequently, which can harm the bird. A family room or the living room would be a more appropriate choice.
Grooming your parrots is an often missed aspect of parrot care. It is important to clip their beaks and claws about once a month. Clipping your bird’s wings may be another thing to consider. It may seem strange, but “bathing” your bird is an important element of parrot care. This is done easily by misting your bird with fresh clean water everyday. This will help keep their feathers clean and beautiful.