Parrots make wonderful pets for the right owners. They are intelligent, affectionate, and can live long lives with proper care. When considering a pet parrot, it’s important to research the specific needs of different parrot species. The best pet parrot depends on your lifestyle, experience level, living situation, and personality. Some key factors to consider are a parrot’s size, noise level, lifespan, cost, and temperament. With over 350 parrot species, there are many great options for companion parrots.
Best Small Pet Parrots
Some of the most popular small pet parrot species include:
| Parrot | Size | Noise Level | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgerigar (Parakeet) | 5-8 inches | Moderate | 5-8 years |
| Cockatiel | 12-14 inches | Moderate | 15-20 years |
| Lovebird | 5-7 inches | Loud | 10-15 years |
| Parrotlets | 4-6 inches | Loud | 15-20 years |
| Pionus Parrots | 10-14 inches | Quiet | 25-30 years |
Budgerigars, also known as parakeets, are a popular starter bird due to their small size, reasonable cost, and availability. They come in a rainbow of color mutations and do well in cages. Cockatiels are darling little parrots full of spunk. Most cockatiels enjoy human interaction. Lovebirds are feisty and full of personality. They form strong bonds with owners. Parrotlets, while tiny, have huge parrot personalities. Quiet Pionus parrots like White-bellied Caique make wonderful apartment pets.
Best Medium Pet Parrots
Here are some great medium sized pet parrot choices:
| Parrot | Size | Noise Level | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conures | 12-14 inches | Loud | 15-30 years |
| Quaker Parakeets | 11-13 inches | Moderate | 10-15 years |
| Poicephalus Parrots | 8-12 inches | Moderate | 15-20 years |
| Pyrrhura Conures | 10-12 inches | Loud | 15-20 years |
| Monk Parakeets | 10-12 inches | Loud | 10-15 years |
Conures like Green-cheeked Conures make fun-loving pets. Quaker Parakeets, or Monk Parakeets, are pint-sized companions. Poicephalus parrots include species like Senegal Parrots. Pyrrhura Conures include Green Cheek Conures, popular for their affectionate personality. Monk Parakeets are intelligent and active.
Best Large Pet Parrots
Some of the most common large pet parrot species include:
| Parrot | Size | Noise Level | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| African Grey | 13-16 inches | Moderate | 40-60 years |
| Amazon Parrots | 13-20 inches | Loud | 40-60 years |
| Cockatoos | 12-24 inches | Loud | 40-60 years |
| Eclectus | 16-20 inches | Moderate | 40-60 years |
| Macaws | 15-40 inches | Loud | 40-60 years |
African Grey Parrots are renowned for their talking ability and intelligence. Amazon Parrots, like Yellow-naped Amazons, are bold and humorous. Cockatoos are extremely cuddly and affectionate. Eclectus Parrots are gorgeous and bond closely with owners. Macaws are among the world’s largest parrots and require experienced handling.
Cage and Nutrition Needs
All parrots require:
- A balanced pellet diet with fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy proteins
- Clean, filtered water always available
- A large enough cage for exercise with perches, toys and enrichment
- 10-12 hours of darkness for an adequate sleep schedule
- Interactions and supervised time out of cage daily
- Regular wing and nail trimming
The exact cage size and diet will vary based on species. Do your research to understand the needs of any parrot before bringing them home. Proper diet and environment is key to a healthy, happy parrot.
Personality and Temperament
Parrots have distinct individual personalities, but some general traits exist for popular species:
- African Greys: intelligent, excellent talkers, can be shy
- Amazons: bold, silly, energetic
- Cockatiels: affectionate, laid-back, enjoy handling
- Conures: energetic, agile, boisterous
- Macaws: demanding, require experience, bonded pairs ideal
- Parrotlets: feisty, spunky little clowns
- Pionus Parrots: laid-back, excellent apartment birds
Personality varies greatly between individual parrots, even within the same species. Gender, age, environment, handling and experiences can all impact a parrot’s temperament.
Cost Considerations
Parrots range greatly in price depending on species, age, rarity and breeder reputation. Some approximate costs:
- Budgerigars: $10 – $50
- Cockatiels: $80 – $200
- Conures: $200 – $600
- Amazons: $400 – $1,500
- African Greys: $1,000 – $3,000
- Macaws: $1,000 – $4,000
Cage, toys, vet bills and other supplies can cost $500 – $1000+ per year. Larger species eat more food. Factor ongoing costs into your budget before getting a parrot.
Where to Get a Parrot
Purchase parrots from reputable breeders, bird stores and rescue/adoption organizations. Do not support irresponsible breeders or pet stores with unhealthy birds housed in poor conditions. Rescued birds offer the reward of providing a second chance for a parrot in need. Use caution rehoming parrots on sites like Craigslist.
Time Commitment
Parrots require significant daily interaction and supervision outside their cage. Small parrots need at least 1-2 hours per day of quality time. Larger parrots need even more. Parrots thrive on social interaction and can become stressed or aggressive if ignored. Parrots are not suited for busy households that are frequently empty.
Noise Level
Many parrot species are inherently noisy, especially when excited or alarmed. Their calls can be loud and carry over long distances. Even “quieter” parrots can be quite vocal at times. Apartment dwellers and those sensitive to noise should consider quieter species like the Pionus parrot.
Destructive Chewing
Parrots chew enthusiastically and can destroy furniture, wiring, drywall and more. You must fully parrot-proof any areas they access. Provide acceptable outlets like bird-safe wood chewing toys. Supervise their interactions outside of the cage.
Handling and Training Needs
Parrots require patient, gentle handling to become tame, bonded companions. An untamed parrot can bite and be difficult to manage. Reward-based target and clicker training allow parrots and owners to communicate clearly. Train your parrot to happily return to their cage on command.
Long Lifespans
Committing to a parrot is a long-term responsibility, as many species live 40-60 years or more. Ensure you can provide appropriate lifetime care before adopting a parrot. Make arrangements for their care in your will if anything happens to you.
Finding an Avian Vet
Locate an avian vet before getting a parrot to ensure you have access to proper medical care. Seek one experienced with parrots for check-ups and any issues needing treatment. An avian vet plays a crucial role in your bird’s preventative care and healthcare.
Downsides of Parrot Ownership
Parrots have many wonderful qualities, but also potential drawbacks like:
- Messy with food and droppings
- Can be noisy or scream loudly at times
- Require significant time and interaction
- Prone to behavior problems if neglected
- Can live exceptionally long lifespans
- Need large cages and bird-proofed environments
- Veterinary care can be expensive
Parrots deserve an extremely high level of care and commitment. Make an honest assessment before taking on this responsibility.
Research the Species
There is no single “best pet parrot” for everyone. Those best suited to apartment living differ from ideal parrots for families. An experienced owner can handle species too challenging for beginners. Spend significant time researching and asking breeders/owners about any parrot species you are considering.
Conclusion
After assessing your lifestyle, experience level, and preferences, thoughtfully select a pet parrot species well-suited to your situation. Provide the largest suitable cage possible, optimal nutrition, supervised time for interaction, regular veterinary care, and appropriate handling/training. With proper lifetime commitment, parrots make wonderfully engaging, affectionate companions. They deserve thoughtful preparation and dedicated, knowledgeable care. Take your time to find the ideal parrot companion for your household.
