Things To Know Before Adopting A Parrot

May 31st is World Parrot Day! Polly can be a wonderful pet, filling our lives and homes with affection, energy, and melody. These beautiful birds, along with corvids like crows and ravens, are among our most intelligent avian friends. In this article from All About Animals Veterinary Services, serving the Villa Rica area,  a Carrollton, GA veterinarian discusses these vibrant and beloved birds.

How Many Different Species Of Parrots Are There?

There are over 400 distinct varieties of parrots, or psittacines. Polly’s family tree is divided into four branches: Psittaculidae (Old World parrots), Psittacidae (African and New World parrots), Cacatuoides (cockatoos), and Strigopidae (New Zealand parrots, like the kea, kākā, and kākāpō).

Which Parrots Are Capable Of Speaking?

Parrots have a remarkable ability to communicate. Undoubtedly, the African Grey parrot is widely recognized for its conversational abilities. Surprisingly, the bird with the most impressive capacity to speak is … Puck, a budgie! This little birb was renowned for her impressive command of language. The adorable little ball of feathers had an extensive vocabulary of 1728 words, which earned her the prestigious top spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Rose-Ringed Parakeet, Moluccan Eclectus, and Yellow-Headed parrots are all beautiful and fascinating bird species that can talk.

Other chatty birds include the following:

• Amazon Parrot
• Hill Myna 
• Barred Parakeet
• Budgerigar
• Macaw
• Common Myna
• Cockatoo
• Eclectus Parrot
• Quaker Parrot
• Cockatiel 
• Quaker Parrot

It’s important to note that the speaking abilities of birds can vary greatly. There’s no assurance that even an African Grey is going to have the capacity to speak.

Speaking of African Greys, we have an incredibly heartwarming story to share: Not long ago, Gizmo, an African Grey parrot, caught the internet’s eye and quickly became a viral sensation. Gizmo was finally set free after enduring 16 years of captivity. His newfound talent for speaking left his new owners pleasantly surprised, and he has since transformed into a lively and chatty bird. (Stay connected with the charming bird online here.) 

Gizmo’s story is a testament to the profound range of emotions, sensitivity, and compassion that these remarkable animals possess, and highlights how they thrive when they are showered with affection.

What Factors Should Be Taken Into Account Before Making The Decision To Adopt A Parrot?

We strongly urge people to thoughtfully contemplate the decision to adopt any pet. This holds particularly true for parrots. While Polly is undeniably fun and adorable, she does demand a bit more attention and care than other pets.

Consider the following:

Longevity

This is a major one. Parrots are renowned for their remarkably extended lifespans. Some surpass the age of 100! 

Taking Polly in requires a significant level of dedication due to the long-term commitment involved. Only continue if you are prepared for such a level of dedication. Parrots form strong emotional bonds with their owners, and can feel quite upset when they are transferred to a different home.

Polly Requires Toys

Parrots are vibrant, curious, and incredibly intelligent. Polly will require plenty of free time outside of her cage. She’ll also need a variety of captivating toys. Rotate these out regularly to keep things fun for her. Ask your Carrollton, GA vet for more information. 

Parrots Require A Lot Of Care And Attention

Polly has a mischievous nature. It is important to consistently address bird proofing measures and closely supervise your pet when she is outside of her cage. 

Ensuring a high standard of cleanliness in her cage and providing her with constant access to fresh food and water are crucial. In general, daily spot cleaning is recommended. That would require removing waste, providing fresh food and water, and replacing the cage liner. (Hint: Adding layers of newspaper or butcher paper at the bottom of the cage can simplify this process. Just remove the dirty one from the top, and you’ll find a fresh one underneath.)

Parrots Are Hilarious

Despite acknowledging some of the downsides, there are numerous advantages to consider. Our avian companions often display a delightful sense of humor and charm!

Of course, finding a highly skilled avian vet for your winged buddy is very important. This can also offer valuable insights into Polly’s care needs.

Bird Proofing Is Key

While all pets can encounter hazards in a typical household, birds are especially susceptible to the hidden dangers that exist in our homes. You’ll need to be extremely meticulous when bird proofing.

These are some factors that can endanger your feathered companion:

• Small/Sharp Items
• Ropes And Corts
• Other Pets
• Open Doors And Windows
• Fans
• Window Dressings
• Water (Sinks, Toilets, Pots, Fish Tanks)
• Fumes (Perfume, Smoke, Candles, Incense, Cooking Fumes)
• Mirrors

If you need more information, feel free to contact your veterinarian in Rapid City, SD.

Is It A Good Idea To Bring A Parrot Into My Home?

Possibly. Parrots are a great fit for some, and a complete mismatch for others.

Generally speaking, before choosing to adopt a pet, we advise doing a lot of research. You’ll need to take into account your financial situation, the amount of time you can commit, and the presence of other pets in your household.

It’s also very important to learn about different types of parrots and become acquainted with symptoms of disease, proper care standards, appropriate toys and rewards, and efficient bonding methods. Your vet can provide you with a wealth of advice. It is important to thoroughly evaluate the situation before making any decisions.

Which Parrot Is The World’s Loudest?

When choosing parrots as pets, it’s important to consider their volume levels. Some individuals are not particularly vocal. Others have volume knobs that go up to twelve! Rose-ringed parakeets, also known as Indian Ringnecks, can produce a sound level of 111 decibels!

Here are some other loud birds:

• Macaws – 105 DB
• Conures – 120 DB
• Cockatoos – 135 DB
• Eclectus Parrot – 115 DB
• Amazon Parrot – 124 DB
• Lorie – 90 DB
• Caique Parrot – 93 DB

In contrast, a Boeing 747 produces a noise level of approximately 140 dB. The typical sound level for a rock concert usually hovers around 100.

Some kinds of parrots that are not too loud are the cockatiel, parakeets and budgies, Pacific Parrotlets, and Senegal Parrots. Finches and canaries, while not parrots, are also fairly quiet.

What Is The History Of Parrot Day?

The World Parrot Trust established the honorary holiday on May 31, 2004. The group was established by Mike Reynolds, a devoted parrot enthusiast who dedicated his life to advocating for these magnificent birds until his passing in 2007. The organization is still thriving today. They are also very much needed. Many of the world’s wild parrot population is threatened or endangered.

Please visit their website here to learn more about them and how you can help parrots.

Schedule An Appointment With A Carrollton, GA Avian Veterinarian

Do you have any inquiries regarding parrot care? Are you interested in scheduling an appointment for your beloved bird? Feel free to contact us anytime you require assistance. Please reach out to us at All About Animals Veterinary Services, serving the Villa Rica area. As your Carrollton, GA pet hospital, we are here to provide you with the best possible assistance for your furry friends.