How to Care for a Parrot to Keep the Pet Happy: The Best Tips for Beginners
Parrots are unusual and intelligent pets with a long lifespan. But unlike cats and dogs, few people know how to properly take care of a parrot so that the pet is healthy and happy. If you are thinking about getting a parrot, our step-by-step guide is for you.
Buy a spacious cage
A domestic parrot spends most of its time in a cage. Therefore, it should be comfortable there. At least the pet should be able to calmly spread its wings. But it’s better to choose something more spacious so that the parrot has some freedom of movement.
Do not forget about the internal content — perches, swings, various interactive toys that will serve as entertainment.
Also, it won’t be superfluous to buy a small padlock for the cage door. Parrots are very smart and easily open the standard latch on the door. Therefore, if you don’t want the bird to get out and fly around the apartment in your absence, take care of the lock.
Put the cage in a good place
The location of the cage plays an important role in a pet's health. Putting it near a window for a good view is a bad idea. A parrot can overheat in the sun, and drafts are also harmful to it.
You shouldn’t put the cage in the kitchen either. Vapors released into the air during cooking, as well as by cleaning products, can be fatal to a parrot.
The best place is a room in the home where you spend a lot of time (such as the living room), but not in a draft or in the sun.
Clean your cage often
The cage must remain clean. At the bottom you can pour torn newspapers, paper, paper napkins. The main thing is that there is a grate on top — you shouldn’t let your parrot to walk in dirt. The bird might become infected with bacteria and get sick.
Feed it with good food
The situation with food for parrots is quite simple. The basis of nutrition is usually a balanced diet, which can be bought at a veterinary store. Consult with your veterinarian to find the right food for your parrot species.
In addition, you need to give them fresh fruits and vegetables so that the parrot receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Nuts and seeds can be used as a reward for good behavior.
Buy toys and chews
Parrots like to chew on anything — this is important for the health of their beaks. Therefore, they need toys and treats to chew on. It can be tree branches, natural fiber ropes, cones, corn cobs, and even cardboard.
To prevent the pet from tearing everything in the apartment, take care of special toys for this purpose.
Help your parrot with hygiene
Daily care of a parrot has already been described above — keep the cage clean, make sure that the parrot has water, food and entertainment. However, in addition to this, the parrot needs help with grooming.
Organize for your pet periodic water procedures. You’ll have to watch the pet a little to understand exactly how it likes to splash. Some parrots like to be under a light stream of a shower or even a kitchen faucet, while others like to splash in a shallow bowl.
Well, to pay tribute to the stately beauty of your pet, order his unique portrait. In the picture, a pet can be depicted as a historical figure — a king, a general, a cowboy, anyone. Hang up such a portrait near the cage, and all your guests will appreciate the sense of humor and taste of the hosts. Similar portraits can be ordered for cats and dogs, as well as other pets.
