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{{short description|Type of pet}}
[[Image:Congo African Grey pet on a perch.JPG|right|249px|thumb|Congo [[African Grey Parrot]] on top of its cage. It has a ring on its right leg.]]▼
{{More citations needed|date=September 2010}}
▲[[Image:Congo African Grey pet on a perch.JPG|right|249px|thumb|
A '''companion parrot''' is a [[parrot]] kept as a [[pet]] that interacts abundantly with its [[human]] counterpart. Generally, most species of parrot can make excellent companions, but must be carefully managed around children and other common pet species like dogs and cats as they might be hostile towards them.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fabclinicians.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Bird-multispecies.pdf |title=Multi-species household |via=fabclinicians.org |publisher=Fellowship of Animal Behavior Clinicians}}</ref>
Some species of [[lories and lorikeets]] are kept as pets but are quite messy, and often more popular as [[aviary]] birds.
▲Most species of parrots have good pet potential. Species of parrots that are kept as companions include large parrots such as [[Amazon parrot|Amazons]], [[African Grey Parrot|African Greys]], [[Cockatoo]]s, [[Eclectus Parrot|Eclectus]], [[Red-fan Parrot|Hawk-headed Parrots]], and [[Macaw]]s; mid-sized birds such as [[Caique]]s, [[Conure]]s, [[monk parakeet|Quakers]], [[Pionus]], [[Poicephalus]], [[Rose-ringed parakeet]]s, and [[Rosella]]s, and many of the smaller types including [[Brotogeris]], [[Budgerigar|Budgies]], [[Cockatiel]]s, [[Parakeets]], [[Lovebird]]s, [[Parrotlet]]s and [[Lineolated Parakeet]]s.
The ''Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora'' (also known as [[CITES]]) has made the trapping and trade of all wild parrots illegal, because taking parrots from the wild has endangered or reduced some of the rarer or more valuable species. However, many parrot species are still common
▲Some species of [[lories and lorikeets]] are kept as pets but are quite messy, and often more popular as [[aviary]] birds. [[Hanging parrot]]s, and [[Fig parrot]]s are normally kept as aviary birds and not as pets. Some species as [[Pygmy parrot]]s and [[Kakapo]]s, [[Night Parrot]]s, and about half of the species of parrotlet, are not considered companion parrots due to difficult dietary requirements or unavailability.
▲The ''Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora'' (also known as [[CITES]]) has made the trapping and trade of all wild parrots illegal, because taking parrots from the wild has endangered or reduced some of the rarer or more valuable species. However, many parrot species are still common; some abundant parrot species may still be legally killed as crop pests in their native countries.
==Maintenance==
[[Image:Black-headed Caique (Pionites melanocephalus) -cage bars.jpg|left|thumb|[[Black-headed
With the right home, parrots have the potential to make excellent, highly interactive, affectionate, and entertaining pets prized by their owners, but should not be considered easy care or low
Other elements essential to a companion parrot's well-being include appropriate toys to chew up and play with; veterinary care; and social time out of the cage whenever possible—preferably on play gyms or other out-of-cage perches. Larger parrots can be expensive to care for, messy, destructive, and loud, and some individuals may exhibit some aggressive behaviors during adolescence. Like dogs, parrots require some amount of basic training and proper early socialization to mature into good companions. Their intelligence means parrots learn new behaviors—both good and bad—easily.
Many birds end up having to be rehomed because their owners did not adequately understand the level of care required when they purchased the bird, did not understand how loud they can be, or did not understand how to properly socialize and train their bird. This is especially true for macaws and other species with dramatic, beautiful colouring, as well as cockatoos due to their intensely affectionate demeanor. These traits unfortunately make them tempting impulse purchases, leading to hundreds of macaws and cockatoos being put up for adoption.
===Pellets and formulated diets===
In more recent years,{{when|date=June 2023}} pellets or formulated diets have become very popular, especially in the US. They offer an advantage over a seed-based diet in that a parrot cannot pick out and eat only its favorite (usually fatty) seeds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://birdcareco-shop.com/pellets-for-birds-yes-or-no/|title=Pellets for birds - yes or no|website=birdcareco-shop.com|access-date=10 December 2019}}</ref> The majority of avian veterinarians will recommend a pelleted or formulated diet, and will extensively discuss with owners what their bird should and should not eat.<ref>Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) [http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-diet-and-health/bird-care/what-to-expect-from-your-avian-vet.aspx "What To Expect From Your Avian Vet"].</ref> However, although these offer an easy alternative to other foods, they are not the best for many species.<ref name=":0" /> Many pellets contain artificial food dyes and preservatives that may be harmful;<ref name=":1" /> however there are "no-color-added" options available on the market.<ref>Susan Chamberlain [http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-diet-and-health/bird-nutrition/polly-doesnt-want-cracker.aspx "The Truth Behind Popular Pet Bird Food Myths"]</ref>
Most pellets contain soy, which is not a part of a parrot's natural diet; however, the diet of wild parrots cannot be replicated in captivity. Avian veterinarians and nutritionists agree the pelleted and formulated diets are the best base diet for pet birds. Although pellets may be advertised as a "complete diet," there are dozens of species of parrots commonly kept as pets, all with varying nutritional needs.<ref>Donald J. Brightsmith & Debra McDonald. [http://www.beaksup.com/articles/Scarlet%20Macaw%20Diet.pdf "Scarlet Macaw diets in Tambopata, Peru: studying wild parrots to improve captive bird nutrition"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707220112/http://www.beaksup.com/articles/Scarlet%20Macaw%20Diet.pdf |date=7 July 2011 }}. Retrieved on 17 December 2009.</ref><ref>Carol Highfill. [http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww72eiii.htm "Different Species, Different Diets Environment, Climate, Evolution"]. Retrieved on 17 December 2009.</ref> There are still many birds which develop problems such as vitamin toxicity, fatty liver disease or gout, despite being on a pelleted diet.<ref>Bill and Sandy Harrison. [http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww47e.htm "FEEDING OUR BIRDS Part I - Nutritional Needs"]. Retrieved on 17 December 2009.</ref>
A common mistake made by owners feeding pellets is over-supplementing them with fresh food. As a pellet is, essentially, a supplemented grain, supplementing them even more "dilutes" the diet, making the pellets less efficient and the diet unbalanced.<ref name=":1">Malcolm Green. [http://www.birdcareco.com/English/Arts/Pet_arts/PelletsOrSeed/POS.html "Pellets - Yes or No"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410072937/http://www.birdcareco.com/English/Arts/Pet_arts/PelletsOrSeed/POS.html |date=10 April 2009 }}. Retrieved on 10 April 2009.</ref> The best diet for a bird should be determined by an avian veterinarian.
====Additional diet requirements====
While a wild diet can never be replicated, it can be used as a guide for a companion parrot’s diet. One aspect that can be mimicked is the variety of foods in the diet. Parrots in the wild spend a lot of time being active, flying and searching for food. In captivity, parrots spend much less energy daily, so the bird will need less food.<ref name=":2">World Parrot Trust. (2017). Parrot nutrition: Keeping your feathered companion healthy. https://www.parrots.org/pdfs/all_about_parrots/reference_library/health_and_nutrition/WPT-Parrot-Nutrition-Guide.pdf</ref> Because of this, foods with a high-fat content (such as fatty seeds) should be fed sparingly, since a companion parrot does not get the amount of exercise to necessitate such a high-fat diet. Adding some variety to the parrot's diet not only adds nutritional value but also enrichment for the mind.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Fruits and Vegetables in Bird Diets|url=http://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fruits-and-vegetables-in-bird-diets|access-date=10 March 2021|website=vca_corporate|language=en}}</ref>
====Adding fresh fruit and vegetables====
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals and are an important addition to a pelleted diet. Raw fruits and vegetables are most suitable, if thoroughly rinsed before feeding them to the parrot. Canned produce has a high-salt content and also requires rinsing before serving to the bird. Cooking the produce removes some of the nutrition.<ref name=":3" /> Companion parrots enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, lists of which are often found on the internet.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
====Foods to limit or avoid====
Some foods (including some fruits and vegetables) are toxic to parrots and should never be fed to them. All fruit pits and seeds, any part of an avocado, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol should never be given to parrots.<ref>Milpacher, D. (2010). Human foods: Are some dangerous for parrots? World Parrot Trust. https://www.parrots.org/pdfs/all_about_parrots/reference_library/health_and_nutrition/dangerous_foods_for_parrots.pdf </ref> <ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=List of Food Not Good for Parrots|url=https://pets.thenest.com/list-food-not-good-parrots-6575.html|access-date=10 March 2021|website=Pets - The Nest|language=en}}</ref> Other foods are not necessarily toxic, but should only be given in a limited capacity. Two examples of this are garlic and onion.<ref name=":4" /> Another food to be limited is dairy products. Parrots cannot digest lactose and can have digestive problems if given too much dairy. Owners are instructed to give dairy products as a treat and only sparingly.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Driggins|first=Christopher|title=Toxic Foods • NW Parrot Rescue|url=https://nwparrotrescue.org/important-documents/toxic-foods|access-date=10 March 2021|website=NW Parrot Rescue|language=en-US}}</ref> While companion parrots can enjoy many of the foods that their human caretakers eat, foods that are too high in salt, fat or sugar can cause health problems and lead to poor diet and nutrition if given to parrots too regularly.<ref name=":5" />
==As pets==
[[Image:Juvenile White-bellied Caique - pet in a harness.JPG|upright|thumb|right|A pet juvenile [[
Parrots can be very rewarding pets to the right owners, due to their intelligence and desire to interact with people. Many parrots are very affectionate, even cuddly with trusted people, and require a lot of attention from their owners constantly. Some species have a tendency to bond to one or two people, and dislike strangers, unless they are regularly and consistently handled by different people.
Most pet parrots take readily to trick training. Trick training can also help to redirect a bird's energy and prevent or correct many behavior problems. Some owners successfully use well behaved parrots as therapy animals. Some owners have trained their parrots to wear [[parrot harness]]es (most easily accomplished with young birds) so that they can be taken to enjoy themselves outdoors in a relatively safe manner without the risk of flying away. Parrots are prey animals and even the tamest pet may fly off if spooked.▼
When tame, parrots may allow and appreciate petting and cuddling from their owner; however, in certain circumstances, such as petting the back and beneath the wings (in the wild, only the bird's mate will touch a parrot in this manner), the bird may misinterpret this physical contact as sexual behaviour. This may then lead to unwanted hormonal aggression, nesting behaviour and [[chronic egg laying]] in pet birds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://threebirdsandacloud.wordpress.com/2014/01/19/cuddles-mean-sex/|title = Cuddles Mean Sex|date = 19 January 2014}}</ref>
Although parrots can be messy pets -- often throwing food and damaging furniture with their beaks if they can -- most parrots may be potty trained to some extent and are generally odorless; however, certain species of Amazons and Pionus have a distinctive odor most owners find pleasant. Most parrot species, with some notable exceptions, are relatively good pets for most pet allergy sufferers. However, all the species of white cockatoos produce large quantities of feather dust and may be problematic for people with allergies. Cockatiels, rose-breasted cockatoos, and African greys also produce smaller amounts of feather dust.▼
▲Most pet parrots take readily to trick training.
▲Although parrots can be messy
==Behavior==
[[Image:Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) -chewing wood.jpg|left|thumb|A [[
Different species (sometimes even different individuals within species) can vary greatly in temperament, noise, and talking ability.
Many of the larger parrots are unsuitable in an apartment setting due to noise level. Although all parrots will make some noise, species that are generally less noisy include
Many people are initially attracted to parrots for their ability to talk, sing, and mimic noises they are exposed to. Some parrot species such as
Budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds, and parrotlets have been bred in captivity the longest and are popular and readily available in many color mutations; by some definitions they are domesticated. These species make up the vast majority of individual parrots kept as pets. Although small parrots are generally much easier to care for than larger species, they are still intelligent birds who need attention and interaction. Budgies have been bred as pets for over 150 years, exist in two distinct breeds (American and English), and generally have excellent pet qualities. Many
[[File:Macaw bite.jpg|thumb|left|Bite wounds inflicted by a pet [[Blue-and-yellow Macaw]]]]▼
Toys (enrichment) are necessary for pet parrots. Different birds may have very different toy preferences. Toys should be sized appropriately for the bird's size and destructiveness; for example, a small plastic budgie toy could be dangerous for a large parrot that could break off and ingest a piece. Some birds may prefer wooden toys to chew up; some may prefer bells or other toys that make noise; some may prefer toys with leather strips they can untie; some may prefer a bowl of small 'foot toys' they can throw around. Some birds may destroy their toys quickly. Although commercial bird toys can be expensive, it is possible for owners to save money by making their own toys and providing other items such as cardboard, blocks of wood, pine cones, or freshly cut branches from non-toxic trees for a parrot to chew on and play with.
▲It is also very important for your parrot to have a cage large enough to exercise in. Parrots love to stretch their wings, so ensure you have a cage big enough that your bird can climb and stretch. Without exercise, your bird will tend to become obese and unhealthy.
▲[[File:Macaw bite.jpg|thumb|left|Bite wounds inflicted by a pet [[
Parrots use their hooked beaks to help them to climb around, as well as to shell seeds and nuts. It is normal for a parrot to use its beak to explore and to get around; it is common, for example, for a parrot to rest its beak on a person's hand to steady itself as it steps up. Many parrots also like to gently beak or attempt to preen their owner's hands. However, even tame parrots can bite humans, particularly if confused or frightened, so it is wise to keep larger birds caged around small children they are not familiar with. Large parrots such as macaws and cockatoos have powerful beaks they use for crushing large nuts.<ref name=":0" />
It is generally not recommended to have any large parrot on the shoulder, because it is difficult to observe the parrot there for warning signs prior to a bite, and it is also easier for a parrot to slip and bite to catch itself. A large parrot bite to the face can do severe damage and destroy the trust between owner and bird. Often bites are not intentional; for example, if the bird slips from the owner's shoulder, it is likely to try to grab the nearest thing to hold on to, which may well be an ear or part of the owner's face.
==Household settings==
[[Image:Agapornis fischeri -toddler-6.jpg|upright|right|thumb|A pet [[Fischer's
[[File:Parrot Cockatiel lutino.4months.jpg|upright|right|thumb|A pet [[cockatiel]] on the hand of its companion]]
While many parrot species do well with well-behaved children, and can be good family pets, they are generally not a good ''child's'' pet due to their potential lifespan and care required. Parrots require consistent daily care and attention and are also longer lived than most other companion animals. Lifespans range from around 15 years for a budgie or lovebird, to 20–30 years for a cockatiel or small conure, up to 80 to 100 years for Amazons and Macaws -- although a more reasonable lifespan for larger parrots is estimated at 50–60 years. Additionally, a young child could unintentionally injure a small bird such as a budgie; some parrots unaccustomed to children may find the high energy level and noise of a young child threatening and may bite. Households that are suitable for pet parrots are said to be "[[bird-safe]]".▼
▲While many parrot species do well with well-behaved children, and can be
Additionally, a young child could unintentionally injure a small bird such as a budgie; some parrots unaccustomed to children may find the high energy level and noise of a young child threatening and may bite. The bite strength of larger birds such as Macaws can be very dangerous and is well in excess of even a pit bull dog (375 psi compared to 275 psi).<ref>Dr. Brady Barr of National Geographic, Dangerous Encounters: Bite Force</ref> Parrots that have been raised and socialized around children from a young age typically do much better with children than parrots who are introduced to children at a later age.
Households that are suitable for pet parrots are said to be "bird-safe". Parrot owners may take steps such as refraining from the use of ceiling fans, covering mirrors and electrical wiring, avoiding open flames, removing all cookware containing [[Teflon]] (which may release fumes that are toxic to parrots when heated) and restricting the use of aerosol sprays, due to the parrot's sensitive [[Respiratory_system#Birds|respiratory system]]. To prevent their pets from suffering [[heavy metal toxicity]], owners also ensure that their parrots are unable to chew on items such as keys and jewelry and that cages, cage equipment and parrot toys are free of zinc and lead.<ref name="petmd">{{cite web |last1=Desfosse |first1=Rebecca |title=Bird-Proofing Your Home 101: Everything You Need to Know |url=https://www.petmd.com/bird/care/bird-proofing-your-home-101-everything-you-need-know |website=PetMD |access-date=8 January 2021}}</ref>
==Adoption==
[[Image:Umbrella cockatoo chicks 31l07.JPG|left|thumb|Hand reared [[
There is a small industry in breeding parrots for the pet trade. Breeders may range from small hobby breeders caring for just a pair or two to large breeding farms that may house hundreds of pairs. When chicks are small, breeders may
Some breeders leave the chicks in the nest longer and thus have to use an open band on the bird's leg. However, some breeders do not band the smaller commonly bred parrots, and some owners may have their bird's band removed after purchase because of the possibility that a band might become caught on a toy or other object and cause injury (removal of a band should be done by a veterinarian or experienced person). Bands are the main method for identifying an individual bird, which is helpful if that bird is lost. Sometimes the larger and more expensive parrots are micro-chipped with a tiny security device, as well as being tagged with a leg ring.
As with other pets, there are good and bad breeders. The best source for a young parrot is from a good breeder or good specialty bird store that takes the time necessary to ensure their chicks are healthy, well socialized with people and raised properly. It is important that hand-reared chicks are fully fledged (have been allowed to learn to fly), can crack nuts and seeds for themselves, and are fully weaned from semisolid hand-rearing food to an appropriate diet before going to a new home. Some breeders will additionally accustom their young parrots to different experiences, such as harness-training, traveling, and handling by a variety of people including children, taking advantage of this impressionable period of development.▼
▲
Adult parrots that are rehomed by their owners or offered for adoption from a parrot shelter often make excellent pets after they adjust to a new home. Some of these, however, may have been neglected or abused in the past, and may do best with an experienced parrot owner. Most parrot shelters condemn the large-scale breeding of parrots as pets as long as there are adult parrots out there that need a good home. The rehoming of a companion parrot, in most cases, can be avoided by doing enough research before acquiring one and determining whether the potential buyer has a lifestyle that suits the species he/she is considering, and choosing a bird that is most compatible with the human's lifestyle. An owner should also consider potential lifespan when selecting a species, and make appropriate arrangements if the bird is likely to outlive the owner.▼
▲Adult parrots that are rehomed by their owners or offered for adoption from a parrot shelter often make excellent pets after they adjust to a new home.
==See also==
*[[Parrot training]]
==Notes and references==
{{
{{DEFAULTSORT:Companion Parrot}}
{{Pirates}}
[[Category:Aviculture]]
[[Category:Parrots]]
[[Category:Pets]]
[[Category:Birds in culture]]
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