General Parrot Care:

The most basic things that parrot owners should be aware of. While each species of parrot has its own, unique needs. This list is a good place to start.

• Nutrition:
  • Parrot WeeTweet babies are weaned onto a diet of fresh vegetable chop, Zupreem Natural pellets and small amount of Higgens Safflower Gold seed mix.
  • Pellets: Formulated, natural pellets should make up 70-80% of the diet.
  • Fruits and Vegetables: Dark green vegetables and fruits can make up 10-30% of the diet. More vegetables than fruits. Fruits sold for human consumption are very high in sugar and more likely to trigger hormonal behaviors.
  • Treats: Seeds (millet, etc.) should be limited to treats and make up less than 5% of daily food intake.
  • Fresh Water: Clean, fresh water should always be available. Scrub water dishes often to prevent bacteria build up.
  • AVOID: Avocados, chocolate, onions, caffeine, salt, alcohol and high-fat or sugary food.
• Housing:
  • Cage Size: The cage should be large enough for the bird to fully extend its wings and flap without touching the sides. Bigger is almost always better.
  • Perches: Include a variety of textures, sizes and heights.
  • Location: Place in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight and drafts.
  • Cleaning: Regularly clean and disinfect the cage. Be sure to use only bird safe cleaners. We recommend using warm water with just a splash of white vinegar and a drop of regular Dawn dish soap.
• Enrichment:
  • Daily Interaction: Parrots are social birds and need daily interaction and frequent handling.
  • Toys: Always have a few toys available to keep your bird mentally stimulated. Change them out frequently.
  • Foraging. Hide treats in wrapped paper or within foraging toys. Their natural behavior of “hunting” for food should be encouraged.
  • Training; The best way to get close with and communicate with your bird is through target training. There are many videos online explaining in detail how to do this.
• Grooming:
  • Nail Trimming: Providing a variety of perches will reduce the need for trimming nails. Even so, nails will need to be trimmed every so often. It’s best to have this done by an experienced person.
  • Beak Trimming: Ignore the latest internet trend of people recommending beak trims. It’s painful for the bird and never needed unless there is a serious medical condition that should be handled by a qualified vet.
  • Baths/Showers: Regularly bathing your bird is important for health and feathers. Every bird has their own preference. Some like to be misted, some showered and some just like to splash in a bowl of water. Try to provide this activity a few times per week.
• Household Dangers:
  • Air quality: Teflon pots and pans, self-cleaning ovens, ozone producing items, cooking bags put of fumes that can instantly kill a pet bird. Always be safe. Any strong scents have the potential to cause irreversible harm to your pet bird’s sensitive respiratory system.
  • Cleaning Products: Strong and/or harsh cleaning products should never be used near your birds. Bleach and ammonia products are particularly harmful to your bird’s heath. We like to be safe and use a mixture of water with a splash of vinegar and a few drops of Dawn dish washing soap. This mixture will clean and sanitize most surfaces and save you money as well
  • Air Purifier: We strongly recommend a good quality air purifier be run in the area of your pet bird. In addition to being good for your bird, it will reduce the powder down produced by the bird and lessen the chance of it causing you illness. BE SURE THE UNIT DOES NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO PRODUCE OZONE!
  • Insect/Rodent Control: Always think of your bird before using any type of insecticide or trap. It must be out of reach of your bird and never allowed to spray into the air.