Parrots make popular pets due to their intelligence, ability to mimic human speech, and bright, colorful plumage. However, parrots require specialized care and a lot of attention, so they may not be the right pet for everyone. Here are some key considerations when deciding if a parrot is the right pet for you:
Pros of Owning a Parrot
Intelligence and Trainability
Parrots are among the most intelligent of all bird species. The larger parrot species like African greys, macaws, and cockatoos have cognitive abilities rivaling primates and even human toddlers in some areas. Their high intelligence makes parrots very responsive to training techniques like positive reinforcement through offering treats and affection. With proper training, parrots can potentially:
- Learn their names and come when called
- Learn a large vocabulary of words and phrases
- Learn tricks like waving, nodding yes/no, etc.
- Be potty trained to go in a designated areas
A well-trained parrot can be pleasurable to interact with and show off their skills and charm to guests. Their human-like vocal ability gives the impression of an intelligent companion.
Affection and Bonding
Parrots are social, flock-oriented animals. When a close bond develops between parrot and human caregiver, they can become quite attached and demonstrate a high degree of loyalty. Well-cared for parrots often eagerly greet their owners when they get home and “flock call” if their person leaves the room. With time and patience, many parrots become affectionate pets that enjoy head scratches, cuddling, and hanging out with their humans.
Long Lifespans
Parrots are exceptionally long lived birds compared to other pet bird species like finches, cockatiels and lovebirds that often only live 5-15 years. Different parrot species have varying lifespans, but ranges are:
- Small parrots like budgies and parrotlets: 10-15 years
- Medium parrots like conures and lories: 15-25 years
- Large parrots like macaws and Amazons: 50-70 years
- Extra large parrots like cockatoos: 80-100 years!
This can make parrots a highly rewarding long-term relationship more comparable to dogs and cats than other short-lived pocket pets. However, their very long potential lifespan is a major consideration if adopting a parrot (see Cons below).
Entertainment Value
Between their charming antics, vocal abilities, and interactive personalities, parrots can provide much entertainment and comic relief for their owners once bonded. Examples include:
- Having conversations with their flock
- Dancing and bobbing to music
- Mimicking household noises like doorbells and alarms
- Playing with toys and puzzle feeders
Having an engaged, animated parrot provides fun and amusement during their peak hours of morning and evening activity. Their enthusiasm can brighten long days at home.
Cons of Owning a Parrot
Destructive Chewing
As highly intelligent, active animals, most parrots require constant mental stimulation and physical activity to stay engaged and well-behaved. If bored, they are prone to entertained themselves by chewing on furniture, baseboards, electric cords, books, and anything else they can access. Their large, powerful beaks can cause significant property damage. Providing plenty of safe chew toys can help curb destructive tendencies.
Very Loud Vocalizations
Parrots are flock animals that naturally call loudly to communicate within their groups. This translates to very loud screeches, squawks and calls in captivity at times, especially when excited or seeking attention. Their 130+ decibel voices can be overwhelming in terms of noise level in an indoor home environment. Those sensitive to noise should carefully consider a parrot’s vocal nature.
Require Large Time Commitment
As highly social flock animals, parrots require substantial daily interaction and supervision when their owners are home. They should be provided enrichment like playtime and training sessions outside their cage for at least several hours per day. Parrots prone to behavior problems or health issues may require even more specialized care and time commitments. Busy owners who are away from home for long hours may struggle to meet some parrots’ intensive social needs.
Can Bite or Become Aggressive
Parrots often gently nip or “bill” in play as they form social bonds. However, parrots can deliver a painful and damaging bite if provoked or handled roughly. Aggressive biting tendencies are exacerbated if parrots are not socialized properly or become hormonal during breeding seasons. A parrot requires an owner committed to patient training and gentle handling to cultivate good behavior and minimize biting risk.
Messy with Food and Droppings
Parrots are notoriously messy eaters, often flicking or tossing hulls, pellet crumbs, fruits/veggie pieces out of their food bowls. Their droppings are large and contain both a solid portion and liquid urine, so need regular cleaning from their cage trays. Owners should be prepared for cleaning up food debris and bird droppings on a daily basis. Having a “poop-proof” bird-safe room is advisable.
Expensive Initial and Ongoing Costs
Between a large cage, toys, perches, vet bills and premium diet, a parrot is not a low-cost pet. Larger parrot species often cost $1000+ to adopt. Ongoing expenses like food, cages/supplies, routine vet care and emergencies can cost hundreds to thousands per year. Parrots are a long-term financial commitment on par with other exotic pets.
Potential Health Issues
Parrots tend to hide symptoms when ill, so owners must be vigilant. Common health issues include:
- Respiratory infections
- Obesity if overfed and under-exercised
- Feather damaging behavioral problems
- Egg binding in female birds
- Certain cancers
Vet bills mount rapidly treating any issues. All parrots should have annual exams plus immediate vet care if showing any signs of illness. Exotic bird specialty vets may be required.
Need Specialized Veterinary Care
There are relatively few avian vets compared to more common pets like dogs and cats. Avian vets have specialized training to properly handle and treat parrots and other birds. Owners should locate an avian vet nearby and establish care before adopting any parrot. Be prepared to drive your parrot significant distances if needed for medical care.
Highly Destructive If Provoked
Though parrots are not generally aggressive animals, their large, hooked beaks can inflict serious injury if they do bite or turn aggressive from fear or poor handling. Parrot bites can sever fingers down to the bone and cause permanent disfiguring injury to the face if incited to attack. Owners must be extremely gentle and patient during handling and socialization.
Are Parrots Good Pets for You?
Good Situations for Parrot Ownership
Parrots thrive in homes that provide:
- A regular daily schedule with plenty of direct interaction time with human flock
- A bird-safe environment and supervised playtime outside the cage each day
- Regular vet exams to stay healthy
- A balanced diet with fresh foods and limited treats
- Foraging activities, toys and training for mental enrichment
- Other birds or pets to form social bonds and flock with
- Peaceful, low-stress environment without loud noise or commotion
- Bird-friendly family willing to interact with parrot daily
Ideally parrots do best as the only pet in a home with bird-loving retirees, work from home owners or families with stay at home parents who have time to positively interact with them many hours each day.
Situations Where Parrots May Struggle
Parrots often have difficulties in home environments with:
- Owners away from home 10+ hours daily
- High-traffic households with frequent guests or noise
- Small children who may scare or get injured by parrots
- Multi-pet households with other species like dogs
- Owners unwilling to maintain training and provide enrichment
- Owners ignorant of proper parrot nutrition and care needs
- Abusive or neglectful treatment leading to behavior issues
- Owners who impulse-adopt but later lose interest
Parrots may become bored, lonely, unhealthy or develop behavior problems if their complex care needs are not met through proper housing, diet and enrichment.
Key Considerations Before Adopting a Parrot
Prospective parrot owners should reflect on the following key points:
- Can you commit to interacting consistently with a parrot for many hours out of each day? Parrots are highly social and require near-constant direct attention.
- Are you comfortable with loud vocalizations throughout the day? Parrots are noisy birds.
- Can you provide a safe, enriching housing setup with ample out-of-cage time?
- Are you a patient, gentle animal trainer? Parrots require ongoing positive reinforcement training.
- Can you manage the mess from food, feathers and droppings parrots naturally create?
- Are you financially prepared to spend $1000+ per year on a parrot’s needs?
- Do you have access to specialized avian vet care nearby?
- Can you accommodate a parrot’s potential 60+ year lifespan in your long-term life plans?
If the answers to most of these considerations is “no”, a parrot may not be the ideal pet at your current stage of life. Smaller bird species with less intensive care needs may be better alternatives. If you can answer “yes” to most, then an adoption process with a parrot-specific rescue may lead to a fulfilling life with your new feathered friend!
Conclusion
Parrots can make delightful, engaging pets for the properly prepared owner willing to invest significant time and resources in their lifetime care. However, impulse-adopting these high-maintenance birds or providing improper husbandry often ends badly for both parrot and human. Do your research, be honest about your ability to meet a parrot’s needs for decades to come, and ensure you have access to specialized avian veterinary services before adopting one of these long-lived creatures into your home. An ideal parrot-keeper match brings joy to both bird and human!
