Helpful Tips to Know When Selecting a Parrot

Parrots, whether in the wild or in your home, parrots communicate by whistling and vocalizing.  Often, vocalizing crosses the line into screaming or loudly speaking the phrases you have so lovingly taught your bird, if you are fortunate enough to have a talking parrot.  While these sounds may be music to your ears , your neighbors may not find your pets antics so charming.

If noise is a concern, do not select a cockatoo or a macaw for your pet because thes two species are among the noisiest.   Cockatoos often great the dawn by screaming, and some feel compelled to acknowledge sunset in the same way.   Certain species, such as Moluccans, may hoot and stampt their feet as part of their natural display.  Macaws' screams are higher pitched than cockatoos, which may make them even more gratign on your ears or those of your neighbors.

Cockatoos in general like to be the life of the party and the center of their owners' universe.  They are emotionally needy birds that require a great deal of time and attention from their owners.  If they do not receive it, cockatoos can become destructive feather pickers--some even turn to mutilation.

For those considering a medium-sized parrot, keep in mind that Amazons, although lively clowns, can whistle and scream frequently throughout the day.   The good news is that  their noise level should not bother neighbors.  How you feel about sharing space with noisy bird is another matter.  For close quarter where noise may be a factor, choose a smaller bird, such as a parakeet, lory or African Grey.

For those concerned with chewing, realize that all parrots chew to some extent.  However, some species, such as conures, are more voracious than others.  My parrotlet is small but can make a good saw dust pile out of anything soft enough to chew.   Providing your parrot with access to appropriate chewables, such as food, nuts or toys will fulfill your birds need to chew while reducing the possibility of your bird chewing on some of your possessions.

Happy Parroting

Storms Bird