Everything You Need to Know About Pet Parrots
Parrots easily woo pet lovers with their beautiful plumage, abilities to sing (and sometimes talk!), comical social skills, and witty intelligence.
We visited with Monika Sangar, co-founder of the Prego Dalliance Sanctuary in California, to learn more about these wonderful avian pets. At her parrot rescue, she provides a loving, safe home and health care for homeless, unwanted, and special needs birds.
"They often bond deeply with their caretakers, mimicking words and sounds, dancing to music, and engaging in games or training sessions," Sanger explained of these feathered friends. "Each parrot has a unique personality. Some are jokesters, some are cuddly, and others are little problem-solvers who love a challenge. Their playful, often mischievous nature makes every day interesting!"
Budgies, cockatoos, and macaws are all parrots.
What Is a Parrot?
Parrots are birds from the psittacine family. All have curved, hooked beaks and feet with two front and two rear-facing toes. Many parrots boast long lifespans up to 70 years! Several species originate from tropical areas, such as Australia, South America, and Central America.
You may know of a few of the 350 species of parrots, such as:
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Quakers
Parrots have a long lineage, dating back to the Jurassic period and possibly sharing ancestry with bird-like, winged theropod dinosaurs.
Parrots come in a wide range of bold colors to soft pastels.
What Do Parrots Look Like?
Parrots often get a double-take due to their visually stunning appearances.
They flaunt bold shades of red, orange, yellow, blue, and green; may have feathery crests atop their heads; ring-shaped marks around the eyes; and unique facial patterns.
For example, macaws come in 17 species and an array of beautiful color combinations. A Green-winged macaw has a deep red body with blue and green on the wings and tail. A Scarlet macaw features a bright red body with orange, yellow, blue, and green on the wings.
Cockatoos and cockatiels, on the other hand, both sport crests, or funny feathery mohawks. They can raise and lower these head feathers to express themselves and communicate with their human companions.
What Sounds Do Parrots Make?
Parrots vocalize. The sounds they make vary by species, but it's common to hear parrots whistle, chirp, squawk, sing, mimic human speech, or repeat sounds they hear in their environment, such as doorbell chimes or microwave beeps.
"Sound can indicate many things — joy, boredom, hunger, or a call for attention. Mornings and evenings are often the noisiest times (aka "the flock call"), but every bird has its own voice and rhythm," Sangar shared.
And yes, some parrots can chat with you.
"Talking species like African greys, Amazons, and Indian ringnecks can develop large vocabularies," Sangar explained. Simply work with your parrot by talking to them, and they will slowly mirror your words and phrases.
Large or small, parrots have big personalities.
How Big Are Parrots?
Parrots range in size from small to large, depending on their species.
Sangar says the smallest parrot originates in Papua New Guinea and measures just over 3 inches long. It's called a Pygmy parrot (genus Micropsitta). On the other end of the spectrum, the largest parrot is the Hyacinth macaw that can reach 40 inches in length.
When shopping for a parrot, ask the rescue staff or store employee how large your pet will get so you can best plan for the space needed in your home and estimate the aviary size. An exotic or avian veterinarian can also answer questions about setting up the perfect habitat for a new parrot pet.
Sangar says parrots need spacious aviaries that allow for wing stretching without touching the walls and room for playtime. She says "the bigger, the better," and opt for a model made of non-toxic stainless steel or a powder-coated finish.
"Bar spacing is important too. Smaller birds need narrower gaps to avoid escape or injury," Sangar educated. "Add natural perches, foraging toys, and swings to simulate the wild and reduce boredom. Time outside the aviary every day is also essential for mental and physical health."
Air quality matters when choosing a place in your home for an aviary. Parrots should never be kept around cookware with non-stick coating that can give off toxic fumes or items that emit smoke, such as candles or incense.
Feed your parrot a food designed especially for them and supplement with fresh veggies.
What Do I Feed My Pet Parrot?
Pet parrots thrive when fed a diverse diet of pellet foods and fresh produce. Offer seeds and nuts in moderation. And like all pets, parrots need fresh water daily.
"A healthy parrot diet includes fresh vegetables, leafy greens, limited fruits, grains, and legumes," Sangar explained. "Many parrots love a fresh chop mix filled with seasonal produce."
She says some favorites of the parrots at her rescue include cooked sweet potatoes, whole grain pasta, quinoa, and steamed broccoli. Prepare all of the food items plain, without seasonings, oils, or sauces.
Parrots cannot properly digest table salt, refined white sugar, caffeine, chocolate, avocados, or any fried foods, so avoid those items.
As you shop for the perfect parrot pet, keep in mind that you can choose a food that matches their dietary preferences and size. Larger parrots, such as Amazons or African greys, can crack open larger nuts and consume bigger pellets than a smaller budgie (parakeet) or conure.
Kaytee offers several foods formulated for parrots.
Conures, Lovebirds, and Small Parrots
Our petite bird friends do best with food blends made of smaller, more manageable pellets, seeds, grains, and add-ins, such as dried whole egg, canary grass seed, ground oat groats, and dried cane molasses.
Macaws, Cockatoos, and Large Parrots
For larger birds, offer a mix containing larger food items. Your parrot will love cracking open peanuts and sunflower seeds, or munching on bigger food pellets.
Cockatiels and Parakeets
If you're parenting a parakeet or cockatiel, try a food specially created for the species. Choose from a pellet option or various food blends.
Treats
And parrots love treats too! Be sure to keep a few of these on hand for special snacks while training or socializing your bird.
Toys help parrots avoid boredom and keep their brains sharp.
Do Parrots Like Toys?
Parrots not only love toys, they need them to encourage physical and mental activity.
"Parrots thrive on toys that challenge their minds and beaks. They need chewable wood toys to keep their beaks healthy, foraging toys to simulate natural behaviors, and puzzle toys for mental enrichment," Sangar explained.
She also advises rotating toys in and out of the aviary each week to keep things exciting for your pet. She says focus on variety and keep an open mind. Some birds love to play with things other than typical bird toys, such as shiny metal spoons or durable plastic cups. As long as they play and don't ingest any of the pieces, uncommon "toys" entertain just fine!
Note: Avoid offering children's toys that may contain toxic paints, tiny removable pieces, or sharp edges.
If you're crafty, you can even make parrot toys yourself.
Parrots can get bored easily. If your pet acts withdrawn or not like herself, consult with your avian veterinarian for guidance.
Parrots can bond with their humans as you spend time together.
How Can I Bond with My Parrot?
Parrots emotionally attach to their human companions, becoming social and loving. However, it may not happen when you first get your pet. It's best to give a new parrot a little space and time to adjust to her new environment.
When you initially bring your pet home, she may become suspicious and try to bite. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises and let the bird familiarize herself with her new space.
Then create a daily routine that allows you and your bird to bond over familiar tasks, including refilling fresh water, offering new food, and tidying up the aviary.
"Bonding with a parrot takes patience, consistency, and respect," Sangar explained. "Simple daily routines — like feeding, talking softly, offering treats by hand, or sharing a quiet moment — build trust."
Once your pet shows interest in spending time outside her aviary, you can start working on training and physical touch.
"Many parrots love training sessions using positive reinforcement or cuddling during calm times. Reading or singing to them, or just being in the same room, helps them feel like part of your 'flock.' Never force interaction. Let the bird come to you at their own pace," Sangar shared.
She says parrots have a smart, inquisitive side too. She's observed parrots opening locks and unscrewing bolts, so keep a close eye on your feathered friend! All playtime outside of your pet's aviary requires human monitoring. Close all windows and doors and turn off ceiling fans for a safe playtime.
Parrots Require Ample Attention and Care
Most parrots don't fit into the "starter pet" category.
They can vocalize loudly and often, make messes when shredding toys and cracking open seeds, and need regular bonding and playtime with their human companions.
"They aren't low-maintenance pets. They require daily attention, mental stimulation, and a carefully balanced diet," Sangar explained. "They can be loud and destructive, but also incredibly loving and loyal. I wish more people knew that parrots are emotional, intelligent beings who need commitment and enrichment to thrive."
Parrots make great companions for the right person.
Parrots Make Great Pets
If you have ample time for bonding with a new pet, love to chop up fresh fruits and veggies daily, and have space for an aviary in your home, a parrot might become your new family member.
Sangar suggests spending a day or two at a parrot rescue to see which species you enjoy spending time with before making a final decision. Most rescues gladly welcome volunteers. As you help the staff, you will gain valuable insight and knowledge into what it means to parent a parrot.
Learn more about parrot care in Bird Housing and Environment and Pet Birds' Eating Behaviors and How To Identify Them.