Assuming you have decided to have a parrot as a pet, what kind of parrots make the best pets?
I am often asked this question.
I like to turn it around and ask what kind of pet owner you are. Parrots can live up to 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 may need less attention than, say, a dog, you cannot lock the house and leave a parrot alone for more than a day or two.
There really is no easy answer to choosing what type of parrot. It’s a bit like asking what kind of car you should drive or what kind of movie you should watch. It all comes down to personal circumstances and preferences.
The easiest type to care for is, of course, the humble parakeet. These can be tamed and trained like a larger parrot and make excellent low-maintenance companions, especially for children, but they rarely speak.
At the other extreme is the African gray, these are intelligent and will quickly learn an extensive vocabulary. They also need a lot more attention and will live a lot longer. These are popular parrots primarily due to their remarkable mimicry and intelligence. Although each individual may vary, it is common for them to have vocabularies of several hundred words.
Amazon parrots and Ringneck parrots also make good pets, living for about 20 years or so. Your diet should be varied and include lots of vegetables. Not as talkative as the African gray, these parrots can still develop a large vocabulary.
Blue and gold macaws, or most other macaws, are also worth considering. They have beautiful plumage and generally a laid-back personality.
Cockatoos are another good option if your funds are limited. Although some will speak up, they are more reluctant to do so than other species.
Take the time to make your decision and talk to other parrot owners about your experiences. You may also want to find out if there is a local parrot rescue society near you. They will give you good advice and you can also adopt a parrot at a much lower cost than buying a young bird.
For tips on choosing, taming and training parrots, visit http://training-parrots.blogspot.com
