The African Gray parrot’s popularity as a pet primarily stems from the bird’s fascinating personality and its ability to mimic a wide variety of sounds. Native to West and Central African rainforests as well as islands dotting the Gulf of Guinea, the African Gray’s unusually interactive intelligence has been well-researched and studied by ethologists and animal behavior experts. Cognitive abilities observed in these exceptionally bright birds include:

Comprehension of complicated speech patterns
Detecting differences among object shapes, colors and sizes
Learning number meanings of “1″ through “6″
Understanding the meaning of “none”
Possessing the intelligence level of a three or four year old child
Exhibiting a rudimentary sense of empathy towards caretakers

Nature of the African Gray Parrot

Evolutionary biologists suspect that the African Gray developed remarkable social skills following their divergence from primates over 250 million years ago. Cortical studies of the Gray’s brain reveals that, while the parrot cortex does not resemble the human cortex, it emerged from very similar cortical areas congruent with primate brains.

Noisy, talkative and vivacious, Grays need frequent stimulation through human interaction, toys and challenging games or they become quickly bored. Leaving an African Gray with little to do will cause behaviorial problems such as feather picking and plucking, destroying items by chewing on them and biting. Never leave an African Gray for extended periods without social and cognitive stimulation. They love communicating with others and enjoy being praised when performing.

Body Language

Just like humans, African Grays exhibit certain actions that can be interpreted as body language. These include:

Pinning–when a Gray’s pupils quickly shrink and enlarge, this “pinning” indicates interest and concentration in what is occurring close around him. However, if this pinning is combined with feather puffing, this may mean he is frightened or angry

Beak grinding–a quiet grinding sound coming from the parrot’s mouth suggests the Gray is feeling content and may be falling asleep

Growling, trembling and flattening feathers–signifies something is scaring the parrot

Head shaking and/or yawning–either the parrot is tired or a piece of food may be lodged in his esophagus

Regurgitating–unless owners are aware of this type of body language, the owner may think the parrot is sick. However, when an African Gray bobs its head, engages in eye pinning, stretches its neck and finally regurgitates, this means they love someone and are attempting to bond with them. It is an instinctual behavior seen in the wild as part of the pair-bonding and feeding process

Bowing–when you African Gray bows, they are asking you to pet or scratch them

Other behavior unique to Grays include hanging upside down (means they are content), standing on one foot (also an indication of contentment) and wing flapping (a way of saying “I want some attention” or “I am happy”).

Health Information

The most common health issues affecting African Grays are weight loss, respiratory problems and depression. All three are preventable by maintaining a healthy diet and proper cognitive and social stimulation. Owners need to remain vigilant of their Gray’s health because of the instinct for parrots as well as other birds to conceal illnesses. This evolutionary adaptation to consistently appear healthy in order to ward off potential predators and avoid possible expulsion from the group is found in most mammals.

Developing low blood calcium is a common health problem affecting Grays who do not receive a satisfactory mixture of leafy greens, vegetables and seeds. Owners should feed African Grays a combination of:

Broccoli, spinach, turnip and collard greens
Cabbage, kidney beans, carrots, dandelion greens and chickpeas
Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and sesame seeds
Cooked eggshells ground and mixed with soft food

Never give an African Gray parrot these foods to eat:

Chocolate (or anything containing caffeine)
Fruit pits (they may contain cyaogenic glycosides which cause vomiting and sometimes coma)
Raw beans (contains chemicals that inhibit protein metabolism)
Tomato, eggplant, rhubarb, tobacco or potato leaves (contains toxic alkaloids)
Avocados (contains persin, a poison causing heart failure and breath difficulties in African Grays)

Fresh water should always be available to drink as well as bathe. Grays need to bathe daily to maintain proper feather hydration, especially when they are molting heavily or indoor air is dry. Some Grays are finicky when it comes to water temperature and method of bathing, preferring cold water over warm or misting over bowl or tub baths.

By showing an African Gray parrot an abundance of affection and attention, owners will be rewarded with years of delightful companionship and unconditional love.

Most agree that parrots are some of the most beautiful and interesting members of the bird family. When kept as pets, they are known to be as loving and loyal as dogs. Their levels of intelligence and humorously quirky behavior are reasons enough to have the urge to bring one into your household. Purchasing a parrot from your local breeder is usually the first thing that comes to mind, but adoption can be another option. Sometimes because of a parrot’s long lifespan, the owner’s situation will change over the years, forcing them to put their beloved pet up for adoption. Because of this, there are many organizations that are trying to find homes for older parrots. However, before adopting a parrot, there are several things to be aware of so that you are fully prepared for this sometimes life-long responsibility.

After having made the decision to adopt a parrot, it is recommended that the future owner finds a reputable parrot adoption organization. This will insure that the birds have been checked over by a veterinarian and are in reasonably good health. The future owner should never jump into the adoption process hastily without knowing all there is to know about the parrot. Many of these birds had to be given up for reasons such as behavioral issues or aggression towards humans. Some of the other problems that may occur within a parrot adoption are as follows:

Emotional Issues- Sometimes a parrot may have been given up for adoption because of its emotional issues. This can occur for a number of reasons. It may have been traumatized in some way, by the hands of a human or possibly another house pet. A parrot will show signs of emotional issues in several ways. It may become withdrawn, aggressive, or unusually loud. Many times a parrot will show signs of emotional issues through undernourishment or obsessively plucking its own feathers.

Prior Abuse- If a parrot has been abused by its previous owner this may cause it to demonstrate aggressive behavior. This can be modified through retraining and a behavior modification process, but it will take a considerable amount of time and patience.

Separation Anxiety- Particularly when a parrot had been happily residing in its previous home for several years, it will be likely to develop separation anxiety when it is forced to leave its home. It will be leery of its new surroundings and very much afraid of its new handler. However, this problem can also be handled through special care and retraining. This must be done slowly and carefully, giving the bird plenty of time to adjust to its new owner.

Although there are several adversities to get over when adopting a parrot, there are many good aspects about parrot ownership that will make it all worth your time and effort. Some of these are as follows:

Companionship- After you have brought a parrot into your home and gained its trust, this bird will be one of the most loyal companions that you have ever had. Not unlike a dog, a parrot will stay by your side as long as you allow it to, and when you leave the house it will impatiently wait for you to return. Parrots are known to be protective of their owners and would risk their lives in an attempt to protect them. Most parrots will go anywhere with their owner and are content just to be with them.

Intelligence- Parrots are said to be the most intelligent birds in the bird kingdom. Their ability to mock language is testament to that. Some parrots have a language capacity of more than 100 words. They can be fairly easily trained to perform simple tricks such as picking up a small item and moving it to a designated area. Although they do have small brains, they seem to have great memories as they have the ability to recognize different items or people and call them by name.

Playful Behavior- Parrots are very playful and entertaining to watch. It is not unlike these birds to act like 5 year olds on a playground. For a parrot, there is never a dull moment.

There are many things to consider when adopting a parrot. It should not be done on the spur of the moment, but parrot ownership can be a very rewarding experience.

One of the most popular companion birds is the Green Cheek parrot or Conure. Averaging about 12 inches in length, counting their dark red tail feathers, these beautiful parrots boast deep earthy green feathers combined with those that are gray, cobalt blue and sometimes maroon. What makes them favorite pets, though, are their sweet, yet lively temperaments that have earned them the reputation of being smaller parrots with big, popping personalities.

Social and Affectionate

Green Cheek Conure parrots are definitely not satisfied being kept to themselves. These guys are highly interactive, social and flock –oriented, happiest when considered members of the family and content when their cage is placed in the center of activity. Unlike some other parrot breeds, Green Cheek Conures are real cuddle-lovers and enjoy being held and petted by their humans, with a special fondness for having their heads and necks rubbed. They will often bond with more than one family member, though they usually have one particular person they grow more attached to. Favorite family time activities may include hours spent hanging out on a shoulder, snuggling inside a shirt, riding around in a pocket or perching amid and chewing on locks of long hair.

Intelligent

Quick, clever and curious explorers, Green Cheek Conure’s can hold their own against most mid-size and medium-large parrots in the smarts department. Not too much stumps them when it comes to figuring out the strategies of enrichment toys and the workings of the variables in their environment, including how to snatch a cookie from your mouth. Though their vocabularies are somewhat limited, they are great mimickers and most can and do learn to talk some. Simple tricks are a breeze and they usually master kissing, wing-waving, taking a bow, rolling over and rope and ring climbing. More complex tricks, like bowling and placing colored rings on their matching pegs, can be taught with time and patience as these birds respond favorably to positive reinforcement. Many owners say they are very receptive to obedience training and can even be taught to “go potty” when taken outside.

Comical and Playful

Thumb wrestling, rope climbing, flinging things, swinging and hanging upside are among the antics Green Cheek Conure clowns like to perform. Young Green Cheeks enjoy engaging in wrestling matches with each other, but do usually grow out of the sport. Avid chewers and shredders, Green Cheek’s can create wonders out of paper towels, old phone books and empty toilet paper rolls, and are often content to work diligently on their art for long periods of time.

Quieter Vocalists

One of the quieter parrot breeds, the Green Cheeked Conure is not too much of a screecher unless he wants attention. For many owners, this is one of the Green Cheek’s most positive traits and makes the breed great choices for those who live in apartments. When they talk, it is frequently with a gravelly voice, so their human companions are often the only ones who can translate what they are saying.

The Cons

The chief complaint about these guys is that they can be nippers, though it is very rare to meet one that is threatening and aggressive. Because they have smaller and less powerful beaks, they are not as destructive as other conure varieties, but that isn’t to say they can’t unleash some serious gnaw and chaw damage. They can also be pretty gutsy and have been known to muscle up to larger birds and even the family cat, so supervision is a must.

Conclusion

Green Cheek Conure parrots make delightful pets for people who are available and willing to give them the time, attention and affection they need to happily thrive. Like all birds, though, their natural instinct is to hide illness until it becomes serious and life threatening, which means they can appear to fall ill very quickly. Companions need to know their birds well in order to pick up on subtle signs of illness so that care from a reputable avian vet can be given. When kept safe, healthy and happy, these birds can be a loving part of the family for about 25 years.

If you own or are considering owning a ringneck parrot, it is important to know what to feed it and how often. They are beautiful, smart birds and not difficult to keep. However, as with any exotic pet, the proper ringneck parrot diet is the key to maintaining its appearance and health.

It is important to feed your ringneck parrot a variety of foods that will keep it interested. They are omnivorous birds and therefore will eat grains and seeds, leafy greens, and even chicken. In the wild during mating season, they require a greater intake of protein and will consume more insects and mealworms.

For captive birds, it is important to add calcium to their diets during breeding, as well as germinating seeds. Cuttlefish and calcium blocks are two great sources for calcium. It is important when feeding germinating seeds to ensure they are free of mold and bacteria. If they have a sour odor or just smell bad, discard them. If they have a sweet odor, they should be good for feeding.

Ringneck parrots have so much to choose from when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet. Some owners will only feed seeds or pellets which can result in a very bored bird. They need variety and enjoy trying new foods. By not providing more variety, these birds may not be receiving the maximum nutrition they need for optimum health.

If you are feeding your parrot pellets, it is best to feed them separately from seeds as they will most often pick out all the seeds and leave the pellets behind. It’s important to note, however, that because they are nutrient-rich, pellets should be fed in moderation. Too much of a good thing can be harmful.

Seeds, too, should be fed in moderation and should not be the bird’s soul source of food. Seeds are very fatty and too much can create serious health problems, even shorten the life of your bird.

Vegetables and especially fruits are a big favorite among ringneck parrots. Apples, strawberries, mangos, bananas, and oranges are just a few of the many fruits the parrot will enjoy. Vegetables can include carrots, squash, celery, zucchini, and pumpkin, to name a few.

It is imperative to keep a clean environment for your parrot and to remove any spoiled or rotten fruit or vegetables from its cage. Not only is this unhealthy for a parrot to eat, it can attract bugs and create a toxic environment.

You should also give your parrot some dark leafy greens such as kale and chard. They enjoy tearing the leaves apart as they eat them, which is a good way to keep them busy and entertained for awhile.

Protein is imperative to the health and nutrition of ringneck parrots. Meat is the best way to provide for their protein needs. Do not feed your parrot raw meat. Be sure to cook the meat thoroughly and avoid adding anything to it, such as seasoning or oil. Boiling the meat is probably the easiest and best way to prepare it. Shredded chicken or turkey are a big favorite and should only be served once a week.

Ringneck parrots enjoy wild vegetation such as chickweed and dandelions. They also enjoy human foods like cooked beans and rice. All add a nice variety of textures, flavors, and nutrients.

Be sure not to get into a routine of serving the same foods day after day. Serve a few of your parrot’s favorite foods for two or three days, then offer something different for a few more days. This will enhance your parrot’s eating experience and result in a very happy bird.

The best rule of thumb when feeding your ringneck parrot is to offer it variety and everything in moderation. Too much of anything can cause a host of health issues, even an early death.

When introducing a food your parrot hasn’t tried before, only give a small amount at a time so it won’t have any adverse affects. A sudden change can upset a parrot’s delicate system. Gradually add more over time.

Ringneck parrots are not difficult to care for, and with a little love and extra attention to their dietary needs, they will be happier, healthier birds.

The Electus parrot is a medium-sized parrot that has several characteristics that make it an ideal pet. Not only is it a friendly and sociable bird, it is also one that is fairly quiet and docile for a parrot. It has the standard parrot-like curiosity, but it is less noisy. When trained correctly, these birds make excellent and entertaining pets. If you have an Electus parrot that you would like to train, make sure that you consider some of these basic steps.

First, it is always better to start with a bird that has been hand-raised by a responsible breeder. Hand-raised birds are an ideal choice especially for first-time owners as they are already sociable and comfortable with humans. Talk with the breeder before you buy a bird and make sure that the Electus parrot that you choose is going to be an easy one for you to handle.

When training your bird, one of the first thing that you can teach it is how to step up on your hand. One way to teach an Electus parrot to step up on to your hand is to gently nudge its shins with your hand while repeating the command “step up.” This disturbs the bird so that it automatically steps up in surprise. One thing to remember about Electus parrots is that they like to lead with their beaks. They may investigate your hand before they are willing to step up onto it.

Electus parrots are often nippers. As they explore, they may like to give your hand a soft or even slightly painful pinch. Even though this is natural behavior, it should not be encouraged in your bird. Instead, whenever the bird bites you, put it back in the cage and ignore it for a little while. Electus parrots are very social birds and they take separation from their “flock” very seriously. In most cases, this enough to remind them to behave.

Remember that the more time that you spend with your parrot, the better trained it will be. Most guides recommend spending at least two hours a day with your parrot. Whether you are playing with your parrot or simply keeping it with you, this type of behavior makes your pet bird a great deal more loving and social in general. It also prevents negative behaviors like plucking and other acts associated with frustration and boredom.

Avoid using gloves when you are handling your Electus parrot. A hand-raised parrot is going to be used to bare hands. Gloves smell different, have a different shape and feel different. This combines into something thing can give the bird quite a scare, causing it to be more nippy. Instead, use your bare hand wrapped in a towel if you are concerned with hard bites. For the most part, however, bites from an exploring Electus parrot are very gentle.

Reward the bird when it is behaving well. Electus parrots love attention, and you will find that you can reinforce good behavior simply by repeating that it is a good bird over and over again, scratching its head and offering it a treat.

Do not let your bird sit on your shoulder. While Electus parrots are very docile, they are still flock animals that have a deeply ingrained sense of hierarchy. Being higher than another animal means that they have dominance over it. Instead, allow your bird to sit on your arm or on the back of a chair as you stand. This insures that the bird stays submissive and docile in your care.

Get everyone involved. If you have more than one person in the house, encourage them to help you train the Electus parrot. One issue that many parrot owners have is that they end up with a bird that is strongly bonded to them and that hates everyone else. Have other people run training sessions with the bird and make sure that the bird remains docile with everyone in the household. When you first start training the bird, only allow one person to do the training at a time. Two people can confuse or startle a young bird.

Electus parrots are excellent pets, so make sure that you train them accordingly. A little time and patience at the beginning can go a long way.

Pet lovers in search of a long-term companion often contemplate purchasing a parrot. These beautiful birds are intelligent, interactive, and long-living, so potential owners are attracted to the idea of owning one of these exotic animals. Owning a parrot is not easy, however, and several facets of parrot purchase and ownership should be considered before you buy a parrot.

Parrots are often noisy. They scream, screech, and repeat words and phrases over and over again. While some parrot calls are pleasing and melodic, others are more strident and piercing. Some parrot owners enjoy listening to their birds squawk and talk, but others find parrots’ repetitive noises irritating. Those considering whether or not to buy a parrot should spend time around a variety of parrots to make sure that a parrot’s calls and noises will not be a source of irritation.

Another potential irritant for would-be parrot owners is parrots’ penchant for messiness. When parrots eat, they drop more seeds than they consume. While this action is beneficial in nature, it is not beneficial for an owner’s floor beneath the parrot’s cage. Parrots can also be highly destructive due to their need to constantly wear down their beaks by chewing on hard objects. If an owner does not provide destructible toys, the parrot will destroy the owner’s things in a desperate attempt to keep its beak trimmed.

Potential parrot owners should also be aware of the high level of socialization parrots require for healthy lives. Parrots are immensely intelligent; some scientists believe them to have the intellect of a four-year-old child. Children are curious and social, and parrots are the same way. They require interaction and socialization with their owners, so anyone who works all day or has no free time should consider purchasing a pet that requires less stimulation.

Another important consideration for those interested in buying parrots is that of environment. If a person lives in an apartment or a duplex, he or she needs to consider whether neighbors would appreciate the parrot’s noise. Some rental places have rules against owning parrots specifically or pets generally, so renters should check the rules to make sure they are permitted to purchase a parrot. Even if a person is a homeowner, who else lives in the house? Will children and other pets be able to get along with the parrot? Purchasing any pet is about more than just one person when others are involved, and buying a parrot is no exception.

Parrots often boast extraordinary longevity in comparison to other types of pets. Some parrots can live upwards of 80 years, and some parrots–despite incomplete hatch date records–are believed to be nearly 100 years old. Given the uncertainty of life and the rapidity with which it changes, people should consider more than just the short-term future when thinking about purchasing a parrot. Parrot owners should also make sure that they have arranged for someone to take care of their parrot should the bird outlive the owner.

Parrot breeding is largely unregulated, so potential parrot purchasers may have difficulty finding a parrot breeder that is legitimate. Dog breeding has long been regulated since the rise of puppy mills decades ago, but parrot mills still exist in abundance today. Beyond the obvious desire would-be owners probably have to not support breeders who fail to maintain proper environments for their birds, potential parrot owners should beware of purchasing anything from inferior breeders due to the potential for behavioral problems that may arise in parrot mill birds. Psychological trauma can cause parrots to engage in self-destructive behavior such as pulling out their own feathers.

Parrots are not the simple and cute pets many people think them to be, so they should not be purchased on a whim. Those who are serious about buying a parrot need to consider the parrot’s lifestyle and their own before committing to ownership. While parrots can be wonderful pets, they require attention and affection in order to flourish. Owners will also need to be accepting of several messy and destructive traits that are inherent to a parrot’s nature. If a person decides to buy a parrot after considering all the factors, then he or she will hopefully procure a life-long companion.

Ringneck parrots, native to Southeast Asia, are found across Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and even some parts of Africa. Actually a subspecies of parakeet, these birds have long tails and a black ring around their necks.

Ringneck parrots are fast learners and easy to train. They will generally grow to be gentle and lovable as long as they are raised in a caring environment with plenty of love. This species is one of the few that is able to mimic human sounds. With time, attention, and lots of persistence, your Ringneck parrot will be talking your ears off. Other tricks that are commonly taught to Ringneck parrots include stepping-up, stepping-down, contact calling, giving a high five, waving hello, riding a bird-sized wagon, as well as, of course, general domestication.

The most important Ringneck parrot training tip we can impart to you is consistency. It is crucial that your bird learn to love and trust you, and that takes consistency. Always talk softly to your Ringneck parrot with soothing tones and a gentle attitude. A calm demeanor will help your bird to bond more quickly with you and ensure that she is easier to train and handle.

The first step in training a Ringneck parrot is to domesticate it. Once you’ve given your bird enough time to settle into her new environment and grow accustomed to her surroundings, spend some time sitting in front of the cage with its door open. An hour a day for three to five days should be enough time to begin to get your bird used to you.

Next, get your parrot used to the presence of your hand in her cage. Don’t try to grab the bird, but instead simply offer a finger to her as a perch. You may want to put some snack mix in your palm and allow your bird to eat off it. This will help to show her that you pose no threat.

When training your Ringneck parrot, be sure to keep the training sessions brief. Ten minute training sessions a few times a day work great and will keep your bird’s attention. Make sure your training location is quiet, secluded, and free of anything that might distract your bird. Once she is domesticated, hold your bird’s training sessions outside of her cage and with the cage safely out of her sight. This will keep all of her attention focused on you.

Routines are important to your Ringneck, so make sure to train at the same time of day every day. Another good routine idea is to come up with a certain special treat that she loves and use it exclusively during training. This treat should be small enough to allow her to consume it quickly and get back to the training right away.

Training should always be kept on a positive note. Positive reinforcement always works far better than negative even in the Ringneck parrot world. Lavish her with praise and positive reinforcement every time she makes even a little step in the right direction. Don’t expect her to get the whole trick down at first, but reward her even for getting part of it right.

To teach your bird to step up onto your finger or wrist, offer her your hand at approximately the area of her stomach where the top of her legs begin while simultaneously cuing her to step up. Raising her foot to step onto your hand should be automatic. When she does so, shower her with rewards and repeat the process. Soon she will be able to step up on command.

To teach your Ringneck parrot to talk, begin with a short phrase such as “good morning” or “hello.” Repeat this phrase as frequently as possible and she should begin to mimic it. It’s important to start voice training when she is still quite young in order to achieve the best results. Although it can take a while for your Ringneck parrot to learn her first word, keep at it and she will eventually start talking.

Once she has gotten her first phrase down, add new words and phrases. Expect to have to repeat each new phrase as many times as you did the first one, but don’t be surprised if she starts absorbing them more quickly. Be sure to reward your parrot generously for each small sign of progress.

Parrots are beautiful and highly intelligent creatures that come in all shapes and sizes and have been seen as a great companion animal for humans for thousands of years. There are a huge variety of different types of parrots, in all shapes, sizes and colors, but not all of them are suitable as pets. There are many different species that make their way into exotic pet stores each year, but these birds require specialized care and can live for a very long time. This is why it is very important that you do your research before purchasing a parrot as a pet, as you want to ensure that you can make the commitment needed to provide proper care, and that you chose the type of parrot that is right for you.

What follows is a brief list of the most common and popular types of parrots kept as pets, with brief descriptions of temperament and level of responsibility it takes to properly care for one of these birds.

African Grey Parrot. The African Grey parrot is a popular parrot kept as a pet. It is a beautiful dusty gray color, with patches of white, black and, in rarer varieties, deep red tail feathers. These parrots are known for being excellent talkers. They are highly intelligent, with a great memory, which means they pick up sounds and phrases quickly and can easily imitate people’s voices, sounds, and mimic speech. This type of parrot is one of the larger varieties and is most suitable to those with a large area of space that the bird can frequent for exercise and play. These birds are very affectionate. They are long-lived birds and can live 50 years or longer! Due to their high level of intelligence, they need a lot of stimulation, as well as a structured routine and training that is started at an early age.

Quaker Parrots. The Quaker parrot is a medium sized bird that has vibrant green plumage with bits of white and gray. This bird is not nearly as large as an African Grey, and lives about 20-30 years. Quakers are also great talkers and are very intelligent and thus, need a lot of stimulation, play and training. These are friendly birds, but they tend to bond with just one person and show intense loyalty to that individual.

Amazon Parrots. This large type of parrot is well known for its vibrant green color and yellow or red cap. These birds, like the African Grey, can live 50 years or longer. They are good talkers, but they are also generally noisy birds who will scream, screech and make other loud noises on a regular basis. They are playful, intelligent and social. They can also be moody. These birds need a lot of stimulation, attention and care.

Conure Parrots. Conure parrots are a medium sized, very colorful type of parrot that is known for being incredibly affectionate and playful. These birds have an amazing temperament. They are vocal birds, but not talkers. They are very sociable and active birds and they require a lot of attention. They are also very picky eaters. They are known for being trouble makers if not properly trained, and it is recommended that training begin with conures at a very young age.

Parrots are highly intelligent creatures that can be incredibly sweet and affectionate and make for entertaining and cherished pets and members of the family. There are a variety of different types of parrots that are suited towards being pets, but the type you choose depends on the time you have to spend with the bird, what your expectations are and how much responsibility you want to take on. Parrots can live a long time and require more than just feeding and watering. They are intelligent creatures that require a lot of stimulation. But the right parrot can bring great joy to a home, enriching the lives of everyone who meets it.

You’ve seen them on TV, in the movies, at the zoo, in Facebook photos and maybe in the home of a friend. The beautiful, social sun conure parrot seems like a perfect choice to make for your next pet, but how much do you actually know about this bird? How much time and attention do you have to invest in incorporating a sun conure into your daily life?

Much of the media attention given to sun conures focuses on their affectionate, social nature. These beautiful members of the parrot family are both smart and beautiful. While the movies sometimes exaggerate the sun conure’s ability for reproducing human speech, they are playful imitators who often repeat fun sounds like a doorbell or telephone ringing, and some of them are able to repeat simple sounds that resemble human speech. Just like any pet, a sun conure parrot needs to be trained, and even after an owner spends hours each week with her, she will never be able to repeat the complex phrases some other parrot species are known to mimic.

Before adding any pet to your family, it is important to understand the commitment required to successfully care for the new family member. Sun conures live for 25 to 30 years, so unlike the impulse to take home a cute hamster or pretty goldfish, the decision to get a pet sun conure involves the need for forward-thinking and a lifestyle that will accommodate your new pet for many years to come.

Sun conures are not quiet animals. Sadly, their screaming, often considered misbehavior by uninformed owners, frequently becomes an excuse for pet-abuse, neglect or abandonment. If you want the rewards of caring for one of these affectionate and social birds, you will need to decide if you are able and willing to live with this joyful noise for the next 30 years.

While fairly small members of the parrot family, sun conures still need plenty of space. An ideal cage will be at least large enough for your bird to be able to fly around a bit as well as keep tail feathers off the bottom of the cage while perched. Sun conures need exercise, like any other pet. They will be happiest if able to fly around the home outside of the cage for an hour or more each day. As sun conures are easily housebroken, it won’t be long before you and your sun conjure can enjoy each other’s company throughout your home. Just be sure to keep an eye out for her indication that it is time to relieve herself in her cage.

Sun conure parrots have naturally pleasant personalities and, much like exuberant puppies, simply need a kind hand to train them properly. For example, sun conures scream only when there is a good reason, at least in their own minds. With the right amount of loving attention, they can be trained to calm down when they are simply wanting attention. This is done by gently blowing on the bird’s face when she is getting worked into a frenzy.

Much like good watchdogs, sun conures will scream when they feel unsafe or notice that their territory is being invaded. Once an owner establishes a secure relationship with the bird, the sun conure will be able to effectively alert the family to dangers such as break-ins or house fires.

One of the most important issues for new pet owners is understanding the amount of time and attention a particular animal needs. Especially if there are no other sun conures in your home, you will need to devote time each day to socializing with your bird. Lonely sun conures quickly develop bad habits such as frenzied screaming and biting to get attention. Additionally, like other social birds, a sun conure’s health is likely to fail if her social needs are not properly met.

For people in a stable home environment who have plenty of time for bonding with a new pet, the sun conjure parrot is an ideal choice. With a sun conure as a pet, the loving owner’s care and attention yield unlimited rewards of affection and companionship.

A blue Quaker parrot may also be known as a Quaker parakeet or a monk parrot. Its blue coloration is a variation on the standard green of the Quaker parrot, and for the most part, the blue version of this species is no different in behavior from the rest. If you are thinking about purchasing a bird for a pet, a blue Quaker parrot may be a good choice, but first you should consider how well you can integrate this bird into your lifestyle.

In the first place, blue Quaker parrots tend to be slightly smaller than their green cousins, though many blues end up being the standard 12 inches tall. Similarly, they tend to be sweeter in temperament, even shy, and some blues do not seem to talk as readily as the standard greens do. If you are looking for a sweet bird, a blue Quaker parrot is a good choice.

It is important to remember that the blue Quaker parrot is a highly social bird. It is one that requires a great deal of love and attention, and it might not be a good choice for a household where no one is at home very often. They can bond very strongly to one or two people, and when those people are not around, the bird can become lonely, frustrated or upset.

Before purchasing a blue Quaker parrot, it is important to remember that it will live for between 25 and 30 years. While that is not as long-lived as the parrot, this species will be a long-term investment. If you cannot make a commitment of this length to your bird, choose another species.

On the other hand, Quaker parrots are a fairly hardy breed. They are are originally from Brazil, where they live in relatively warm, humid climes, but they adapt easily to colder environments. This can be seen in the way that feral birds have adapted to several states in the United States, making up a relatively sizable feral bird population.

In terms of personality, a Quaker parrot is an engaging, intelligent pet. They are highly social and they can easily recognize the person that they have bonded with. However, the intelligence does come with a downside as some of these parrots are proven escape artists. They can unlatch their own cages and escape in this fashion. They are bold birds which are typically not afraid of people. In some cases, they will harass other household pets if they are allowed to do so.

Blue Quaker parrots can be very territorial, to the point where they will be frightened and angry if someone that they do not know comes close. They can also be very aggressive even if a known person comes to clean their cage. The owner of a blue Quaker parrot should be ready to remove the bird to a play pen before undertaking any kind of cage cleaning event.

These birds are extremely vocal. Many of them can talk, and they also whistle, chirp and imitate other human vocalizations. Despite this, they are not considered to be terribly loud compared to other parrots, though of course there are exceptions to the rule. They are also known for being noise competitors. If something makes noise, they may be inclined to become louder than it, whether it is the television, the radio or your conversation with another person. Many owners report, however, that the birds can be distracted from starting contests in the first place.

A single blue Quaker parrot requires a cage that is about 18 inches wide, 18 inches tall and 18 inches deep at the very least. Ideally, your Quaker parrot will have the biggest cage that you can manage. The bars should be at most 5/8 of an inch apart.

Quaker parrots are fairly easy to feed, and they do well on a pellet diet that is formulated for their needs with the regular inclusion of fruits and vegetables. Like all birds, they should have fresh water on a daily basis.

Blue Quaker parrots are charming, lovely birds, but they are not for everyone. They should be avoided if you are unable to commit to their long lifespan or if you are not in the house very often. Otherwise, they are an excellent pet for even a beginning bird owner and their bubbly personalities make them a joy to be around.