Bird Information

This information was taken from the World Parrot Trust tri-fold brochure
How to have a healthy parrot!

1. Provide a Big Cage. Parrots need room to move about, exercise, and stretch their wings comfortably. Plus, more room to keep toys, branches, food, and water. Please get the biggest cage you can afford.

2. Air Space. If a cage is really big, your bird may be able to fly from one end to the other. This is great, but a flight around a safe room (windows covered and cat free!) will be better. Many pet owners ask their vets to clip the wing feathers if your bird is not in a safe environment for flying.

3. Diet is key! Variety is the spice of life, and that is exactly what your parrot needs. Not just seed or pellets, but fruit and veggies too. Ask your vet or pet store for advice on diets and supplements.

4. Branches to Chew. In the wild parrots chew all the time, so please give your parrot fresh bird-safe branches once or twice a week if possible. Apple, willow and sycamore are perfect.

5. Toys! Wild birds are always doing something. In the forest they keep themselves busy by being active. Parrots are intelligent, inquisitive, and just plain nosy! So provide interesting toys to keep their brain, claws, and beak busy!

6. Water. Parrots need lots of water to keep their feathers in good conditions. In the rainforest, parrots bathe in the treetops, but you can give a lovely shower with warm water twice a week.

7. Company (Human or Bird). Every parrot needs a friend. If they don't have a parrot companion then a human must provide the companionship that a bird cannot. Talk to your parrot, feed it sensible tidbits, play with it, and love it to all ends. 

8. An Aviary is a great tool if you can manage it. An indoor or sheltered outdoor aviary would give your parrot a superior quality of life. Remember, Plenty of Space = Sheer Bliss for your parrot.

9. Veterinarian: Parrots are wild animals and have very special medical needs. Find a local vet that is an expert in keeping parrots happy and healthy. An annual "Well Bird Exam" is a good idea.

How YOU can help save the parrots of the world!

LEARN all you can about these fabulous birds. There are many good books and magazines, including our own "PsittaScene" which comes with membership of the World Parrot Trust.

ACCEPT a small share of responsibility for ALL parrots, even if you only have one.

NEVER buy a wild caught parrot. For every one that reaches a store, four will have died along the way. Aviary bred, hand-reared parrots make much better, friendlier pets.

TAKE an interest in saving the HABITATS of the parrots, and other animals and plants that live in them (We humans need the rainforest too!)

JOIN a local club, meet other bird people in your area, read all you can, become a knowledgeable pet parrot owner.

SEND a donation to the World Parrot Trust. Or better yet, Join Them!

To find out more information visit their website at www.worldparrottrust.org