Pet parrot care guide for beginners freddyfeather is the best live birds breeder and seller in the USA. We’re your one-stop-shop for all your feathered friend needs. Explore our vast collection of parrots, including the majestic African Grey colorful Macaws playful Cockatiels, and many more.
Pet parrot care for beginners. At Freddy Birds Store, we’re passionate about providing top-quality, healthy, and well-socialize pet birds to families and bird enthusiasts across the United States. Our expert breeders and caregivers ensure that every bird receives the utmost care and attention.
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Beginners Guide To Parrot Care
Before buying a new feathered friend, it’s important to know that birds are a long term commitment. Pet parrot care for beginners Many people are surprise to learn the estimate lifespan of many popular species. Many parrots can live for several decades. You should of course only adopt a bird if you are prepare to keep it for life.
Parrots Need More Than A Small Cage
Pet parrot care for beginners When looking for a cage or aviary for your parrot you should always aim to give your bird the largest space possible. And whilst birds certainly shouldn’t be keep in a cage all the time and need exercise outside of the cage, it’s still important to provide a cage or enclosure as a ‘home base’.Pet parrot care for beginners Instead of viewing this cage as a means of constant restraint, think of their cage as their ‘house’ from which they are free to leave from under supervision provide they are tame enough to do so and the surrounds have been made safe for your parrot. For untam aviary birds, providing a large enclosure in which they can fly, forage, explore and access shelter is a must.
Parrot care – a guide to caring for your parrot
How to care for a parrot
This parrot care guide offers you lots of useful information on how to care for your parrot.
Your Parrot’s cage
Pet parrot care for beginners When buying a parrot cage, think big. The size of your parrot’s cage is important so provide as large a cage as you can. Don’t let considerations of cost sway your decision as to size.
Look on eBay or parrot forums where secondhand cages are offered.
Parrots (apart from budgerigars and cockatiels) are still only a generation or two away from their wild cousins. Their wild instincts are only superficially hidden by a veneer of civilisation so the more space you provide the better.
It is quite common for the smaller birds to have cages that are too small.
According to DEFRA guidelines, a bird must be able to open both wings fully. I’d say buy a big cage – even for a cockatiel. She will look handsomer in a large cage and if later on you acquire an African Grey, the cage will be waiting.
Some owners turn a spare room into a bird room. If you have any space outside, every parrot benefits from fresh air and sunshine. An aviary is not a luxury.
If taking her outside, you should ensure she’s safe and secure. You could try harness training her – so that if she did get spooked, she wouldn’t be able to fly far.
Some flat dwellers have wired in their balcony to provide fresh air for the birds.
Parrot perches
Pet parrot care for beginners A variety of perches are required for all parrots. Some poorly designed cages may have plastic perches. Throw them away. They are not good for the birds’ claws and feet.
The DIY shop sells dowels and broom handles which make excellent perches. Check that the diameter suits your birds’ feet and place different sizes in the cage.
The trees in your garden will freely offer you natural branches which you can cut down – parrots actually prefer these. If you worry there may be some mould or insects on the branch, wash with a weak antiseptic solution, dry and use.
If you’re new to parrot keeping, why not read our article Parrots – 12 essential points you should know
Keeping the parrot cage clean
The cage floor needs covering. We are avid newspaper readers so that problem is solved; brown paper looks nicer though.
Many well-designed cages have a skirt that takes the spilt food. I notice that the pet shops are advertising non-spill food containers. If buying from new, they’d be worth trying.
Plastic food dishes are ghastly for parrots. They stain easily and get chewed. Investing in stainless steel works out cheaper in the end. Ceramic bowls also look nice, if you are sure that you have not got a pot flinger.
Parrots in my opinion are the messiest pets to keep and I have known pet pigs and kept pet goats. Parrots win claws down ‘Messiest Pet in the World’ competition.
As long as you change the cage floor covering, renew the water and wash the food bowls, the schedule can be flexible.
Where should I put my parrot’s cage?
Pet parrot care for beginners The sitting room or kitchen (with reservations) are the best places for the cage. Make sure the cage is not in a draught from doors or windows and not in direct sunshine. Furthermore, don’t put them in an isolated corner as they are sociable animals.
Think of parrots in the rain forest perching on swaying branches in dappled shade. Parrots can accept low room temperatures but draughts can affect their health.
Pet parrot care for beginners have evolved to live in a flock so situating the cage where the bird sees nothing most of the day is unkind.
Can I keep my parrot in the kitchen?
Yes, you can. Keeping your bird in the kitchen can be great for companionship for you both but bear in mind that it holds some dangers.
For example, Teflon fumes are toxic for parrots. Conscientious carers will never use non-stick pans, burn scented candles or use strong cleaning products.
I have taught my birds not to land on the glass hob, although they are often at liberty in the kitchen.
Can I cover my parrots cage?
Yes you can, provided it does not appear to be causing your bird distress. Many bird keepers use cage covers to regulate sleep patterns or provide protection from draughts.
Some owners who keep the bird cage in the living room but who also stay up late may take the bird to a sleep cage in a quiet location and bring it back next morning, as an alternative to using a cover.
Personally, I don’t like covers. I worry that they cut off the flow of air and I do not think that they are necessary.
One bird or two?
It depends on the the birds’ breed. Cockatiels, lovebirds and parrotlets will thrive better with a partner.
The larger parrots like African Grey’s or Amazons can do well as sole birds – provided that the owner acknowledges their need for company and makes sure they do not spend long, lonely hours alone.
If your pair of birds came together from a pet shop or breeders, they will share a cage provided that it is large enough.
Introducing two mature parrots needs to be handled carefully.
Your parrot, illness (yes it can happen!) and insurance
The main reason pet owners buy pet insurance is to cover unexpected vet bills. Vet bills can be very expensive, and can cause a lot of distress for pet owners. With the introduction of more specialised equipment the kind of treatment you bird can receive has improved. This means they can get better more quickly, however, it does mean vet bills can be eye watering! Vet fees can range from the hundreds to even thousands of pounds!
