Parrot Tip Sheet Flashcards
Knowledge
kept as companion birds for over 2,000 years.
One Parrot, Two or More?
A single, tame bird that has a close bond with his caregiver can be an amazing source of love and pleasure.
There is no doubt that a single parrot will be more attentive to his caregiver than one that has a buddy of his own.
However, there are benefits of having more than one, the most obvious being the constant companionship of a flock mate.
Their bird should reside in their own cage in a shared room so they can converse, but still have their own safe space when unsupervised.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Cage
Get the largest cage that you can.
Often parrots prefer a smaller cage for nighttime (more security),and a roomy day cage with lots of area for climbing, stretching and playing.
Your parrot cage will need horizontal bars (good for climbing).
Steer away from round cages, since they do not provide the security your parrot needs.
Make sure the room in which he is placed is draft free, away from heat or air-conditioning vents, and not in direct sunlight all the time (in view of a window is great).
Most parrots will be comfortable with a room temperature that is agreeable for people.
Make sure your parrot is getting the rest that he needs by having a quiet room for his night cage without distractions.
Your parrot will need approximately 12 hours of sleep.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Lighting
Your parrot requires exposure to ultraviolet light on a daily basis.
Since it is not possible in our climate to have them outside on a daily basis, and placing them in front of a window only allows ineffective filtered light inside, the use of a full-spectrum light is vital.
UVB is necessary to prevent calcium and vitamin D3 deficiencies, which can cause a tremendous amount of health problems.
It also has been suggested that UVA light is beneficial in preventing colour blindness and reducing or eliminating abnormal behaviours such as feather damaging disorders, screaming, phobias and aggression among just a few.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Perches
Birds were not meant to stand on the same diameter of a tree branch or perch.
Your parrot must have a variety of perch sizes and textures to allow his feet proper exercise.
Perches made of rope or natural wood with bark provide the best surfaces for your parrot’s feet.
Your parrot’s opposing long toes need to extend at least a little more than half way around the perch.
Inside the cage, situate two of the perches at the same height as the seed and water dishes, and not directly over them where fecal matter could spoil the food
ENVIRONMENTAL
Playground or Bird Tree
A playground or bird tree is a necessity for your parrot if he is to be healthy, happy and fit.
A playground area provides a secure and happy place to exercise and play, preen and snooze outside of the cage.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Transportation Carrier
A carrier will be necessary for safe travelling to their new home, visiting friends or a sitter, the vet, or for emergency situations.
Desensitize them to the carrier with regular visits or practice carrying them in the carrier at home.
NUTRITIONAL
Staple Diet
Approximately 90% of your parrot’s diet should be made up of pellets designed for parrots.
Pellets have balanced nutrition in each bite and help to fill the nutritional gaps in his diet.
NUTRITIONAL
Daily Salad
Approximately 10% of your parrot’s diet may be made up of carefully selected vegetables to be fed as his morning meal.
Broccoli, beets, green beans, navy and lima beans, sweet potatoes and carrots (to name a few) are all good sources of essential nutrients.
Fruits, such as papayas, apples and bananas, have other nutrients that are beneficial, but should be offered in moderation.
Feed all perishable foods in a separate dish, and remove it after one or two hours.
NUTRITIONAL
Vitamin/Mineral/Amino Acid Supplement
If your parrot’s diet is made up primarily (90%) of pellets and he enjoys a variety of fruits, vegetables and other nutritious table foods, then a vitamin supplement is not necessary.
However, if your parrot’s diet is not ideal, we recommend the addition of a high-quality powdered vitamin.
It is always wise to consult an avian veterinarian because it is possible to over-vitaminize his diet, which can lead to health problems.
NUTRITIONAL
Clay Cal
Clay Cal is a dietary supplement that helps to mimic a bird’s natural geophagic practices.
In the wild many parrots have been observed consuming clay.
Experts believe that birds ingest the clay to ensure the proper intake of minerals, such as calcium, into their diets.
As an added bonus, the clay also absorbs toxins and removes them from the body.
NUTRITIONAL
Cuttlebone
Cuttlebone will supply your parrot with calcium, phosphorus and other minerals necessary to keep him in optimum health.
Hang it in his cage, out of the way from droppings, which could soil it.
Change it every two montns. as they are very porous and absord smells and tastes in the environment, such as smoke and cooking fumes.
If your parrot does not show any interest in his cuttlebone, grind it up into powder and mix with his salad or favourite treat.
NUTRITIONAL
Iodine Block
Provides iodine, copper and many other minerals, in small quantities.
The iodine block is fun to chew, tasty too.
A pellet staple diet meets the required iodine level in birds, making the iodine block unessential unless feeding a seed staple diet.
NUTRITIONAL
Spray Millet
Millet is the only food available for birds that they would typically find in the wild.
When you bring home your parrot, you should provide spray millet for them on a daily basis.
This may be the only thing that your parrot will feel comfortable eating in the beginning.
Once your bird has adjusted to their new home, offering them spray millet once or twice a week is fine.
NUTRITIONAL
Treats
Packaged treats, honey sticks, and spray millet are great options.
They provide your parrot with the variety he craves and the behavioural requirements (such as foraging) he needs.
Some toys have an added benefit of providing a treat inside too (see toys; behavioural needs).
