Before purchasing a parrot, it is important to ensure the pet is suitable for the owner’s lifestyle. If the apartment is empty most of the time, it’s better not to choose a parrot. Out of boredom, it might start screaming loudly and plucking its feathers. In such cases, it is better to buy small parrots that live in pairs.
Parrots
Most parrots are very friendly creatures. They often behave comically and amusingly, bringing joy to their owners and delighting children. Many birds can learn to play and perform various tricks. Some species can mimic various sounds and human speech. To choose the right pet, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the most common types that are suitable for home care:
Budgerigars are the most common domestic birds. These are small birds with a variety of colorations. They are smart and easy to train. With some effort, they can learn to perform tricks and even speak. These birds also quickly get used to being handled.
Cockatiels are medium-sized birds. They have a calm nature and quickly adapt to their new home. This species, which resulted from crossing white and gray cockatiels, is very popular alongside budgerigars. Cockatiels love interaction, are easily tamed, but are not known for their ability to speak. At best, they can learn a few phrases.
African Grey Parrots (Jaco) are considered the most intelligent species among parrots. They have a calm demeanor, quickly bond with people, and learn to talk. What sets the African Grey apart is its ability to link words with real-life actions. For example, if it wants to eat, it will say so. It considers itself a full member of the family and expects to be treated accordingly.
Lovebirds are small birds with beautiful plumage and a cheerful personality. However, they are not the best choice. They are difficult to train, do not speak, have strong beaks, and can be very loud. This species is also not the best option for families with children. But if you are looking for beautiful birds, lovebirds could be a great choice.
Macaws are large parrots. They are intelligent and train well, but they are also very loud. They use their voices to attract attention, and inexperienced owners often unintentionally encourage this behavior. These sociable birds can learn to talk. They require constant intellectual stimulation and physical exercise.
Cockatoos are long-lived and make excellent lifelong companions. These birds have strong beaks and large crests. Cockatoos are considered to be cheerful, easy to tame, but difficult to teach to talk.
Amazon Parrots are great for those who want active birds. They quickly bond with their owners, and their life cycle aligns well with a human’s daily rhythm. They can learn to speak and even sing on occasion.
Lories are small parrots known for their trick-performing abilities. They are talkative, playful, and possess calm yet playful personalities. These birds are also very possessive and form strong attachments to their owners. Tamed Lories love being held and enjoy bathing.
Ring-necked Parakeets are one of the most demanding parrot species. They learn well and can talk, but training must occur within the first three years. After this period, they lose the ability to learn.
Which Parrot is best for children?
When choosing a parrot for a family with children, it’s important to follow a few guidelines. If you’re getting a bird for the first time, a budgerigar or cockatiel is a great place to start. They are intelligent, affordable, easy to care for, and small in size. These species are relatively quiet, so they won’t disturb a child’s sleep. These types are also optimal in terms of safety and are easy to train. Children may also enjoy Lories.
Among larger birds, Amazons or cockatoos are the best choices. These species are non-aggressive and very sociable. They live long lives and will remind their owners to feed or play with them if they are forgotten.