The Best Types of Parrots for Pets

The Best Types of Parrots for Pets

Assuming that you have decided on getting a parrot as a pet, which type of parrots make the best pets?

I am often asked this question.

I like to turn it around and ask what sort of pet owner are you? Parrots can live as long as 70 years, some even longer. Are you willing to make what is literally a lifetime commitment?

Parrots are social birds and need company and attention. Are you willing to give up that time to keep your pet happy? Although they can need less attention than, say, a dog, you can't lock up the house and leave a parrot on its own for more than a day or two.

There's really no pat answer for choosing which type of parrot. It's a bit like asking what sort of car you should drive or what sort of movie you should watch. It comes down to personal circumstances and preferences.

The easiest type to care for is of course the humble budgerigar. These can be tamed and trained much like a larger parrot and make great low-maintenance companions, especially for children, but they rarely talk.

At the other extreme is the African Grey, these are intelligent and will quickly pick up a large vocabulary. They also need a lot more care and will live much longer. These are popular parrots mostly because of their remarkable mimicry and intelligence. Although each individual can vary, it is common for them to have vocabularies of several hundred words.

Amazon parrots and Ringneck parrots also make good pets, living about 20 years or so. Their diet needs to be varied and include plenty of vegetables. Not quite as talkative as the African Grey, these parrots can still develop a wide vocabulary.

Blue and Gold Macaws, or most other Macaws are also worth considering. They have beautiful plumage and, usually, a laid-back personality.

Cockatiels are another good choice if your funds are limited. Although some will talk they are more reluctant to do so than some other species.

Take time to make the decision and talk to other parrot owners about their experiences. You may also want to find out if there is a local parrot rescue society close to you. they will give you good advice and you may also be able to adopt a parrot at much lower cost than buying a young bird.

For advice on choosing, taming and training parrots visit http://training-parrots.blogspot.com