Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Fumipets
Feathered Companions: Exploring the Diverse World of Parrots as Pets
Parrots, with their vibrant plumage and charming personalities, have long captivated the hearts of bird enthusiasts and pet owners alike. Choosing the right parrot species as a pet involves considering factors such as size, temperament, and care requirements.
In this exploration, we embark on a colorful journey through the various types of parrots that make delightful and engaging companions in the world of avian companionship.
Parrots to Keep as Pets
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Parrots are the first birds that most people think of when they think about keeping birds as pets. Many individuals imagine their pet parrot conversing with them and repeating their words. However, just a handful of the 350 known parrot species can learn to communicate!
Given the vast diversity in breeds, the word “parrot” is a bit of a misnomer. Some of the world’s biggest and tiniest parrots don’t even seem to be related!
So, which of these brightly colored flying animals would make the greatest friends? It turns out that there are quite a number of them! We’ll list the 20 best sorts of parrots to keep as pets, with enough information on each to let you get a feel for the various breeds, to help you narrow down your options to the ones that will best match what you’re looking for.
The Top 20 Parrot Breeds to Keep as Pets
1. African Grey Parrots
These are some of the most famous and intellectual parrots in the world, noted for their capacity to acquire a wide range of phrases and use them to communicate with their human companions. That contact, though, isn’t only for show. These parrots need human connection to be happy, and they do not like being left alone.
The fact that African Greys may survive up to 60 years in captivity is incredible! You’ll almost certainly have a lifetime friend if you obtain one while you’re young. If you obtain an African Grey while you’re in your latter years, your pet will most likely outlive you.
Overall, we believe this is one of the most suitable parrots for keeping as a pet.
2. Cockatoos
Cockatoos are obnoxious birds that get almost infatuated with their owners. As a result, they’ve gained the moniker “Velcro” since your Cockatoo will never leave your side!
These parrots are medium to big in size, with projecting crest feathers that distinguish them from other species. Many people compare Cockatoos to two-year-old toddlers because of their high intellect and inclination to throw tantrums when they don’t receive enough attention.
3. Macaws
The Macaw is the image that most people have in mind when they think about parrots. They are large birds with brilliant colors of red, blue, and gold. They may grow to be 20 to 50 inches tall and live for 30 to 50 years. As a result, obtaining a Macaw requires a significant amount of area and time.
One thing to remember about Macaws is that they may be rather raucous. Because their shriek may wake up family members or neighbors in surrounding apartments, they’re perfect for those who don’t share a wall.
4. Parrotlet
If you desire the colorful company of a parrot without having to give up a full room in your house, a Parrotlet is a good option. Because they are the tiniest parrots, they don’t need a lot of room.
They do, however, need a great deal of care. They’re inherently sociable birds, but if left alone, they’ll grow less friendly rapidly. Your Parrotlet will form a strong attachment with you if you give it enough of care right away. If you offer your Parrotlet a companion, they will connect with each other rather than with you.
5. Cockatiel
Cockatiels are the tiniest members of the Cockatoo family and are quite popular in the United States. They’re simple to look after and get along with, making them a good option for a first parrot. Remember that with proper care, they may live up to 25 years, so your Cockatiel will be a part of your family for a long time!
Cockatiels have a distinctive crest on their heads that is easily recognized. It’s fascinating to note that paying attention to your Cockatiels’ crest might reveal their emotional condition.
6. Senegal Parrot
When they’re delighted or upset, many parrots may be rather energetic, screaming and yelling. The Senegal parrot, on the other hand, is a considerably less well-known parrot breed that is much calmer and quieter than other parrots. As a result, they make terrific pets.
Furthermore, these parrots are on average nine inches long. This implies that they don’t need a lot of area to grow. This parrot is ideal for an apartment since it requires little room and has a peaceful demeanor.
7. Parakeets
Outside of the United States, parakeets, sometimes known as Budgerigars, are one of the most popular birds among first-time parrot owners. They’re little parrots, usually approximately seven inches in length, so they don’t need much room. Their vibrant colors, on the other hand, make them quite a sight.
These birds are noted for their inquisitive attitude, often looking for new places to explore. They’re also incredibly sociable, connecting with their peers on a regular basis. Parakeets, on the other hand, are best maintained in pairs or even larger groups due to their strong flock mentality.
8. Eclectus Parrots
Eclectus parrots are medium-sized parrots with a lifetime of up to 30 years. They make good companions. The color difference between men and females is an intriguing feature of this breed. Males have a beak that looks like candy corn and are practically fluorescent green with red and blue highlights. Females have brilliant red beaks and blue highlights on their bodies.
9. Amazon Parrots
Amazon parrots are popular as pets because of their vibrant colors and great intelligence, but you’ll need to be able to offer them with a lot of attention. They need a great deal of social connection almost all of the time. Expect to devote a significant amount of time each day to keeping your Amazon parrot happy.
Amazon parrots come in a variety of varieties, but their numbers in the wild are declining owing to over-trapping. The majority of these parrots are green with a variety of accent colors and grow to be between 13 and 18 inches tall.
10. Pionus Parrot
Pionus parrots express themselves via their feathers. They’ll become reserved and reserved with outsiders, but demanding drama queens who want to be the center of attention at home.
They are little parrots that reach a maximum length of around 10 inches and may survive for up to 30 years if properly cared for. They’re both physically and psychologically vibrant!
11. Conure Parrot
The Conure parrot, while being a medium-sized parrot with an average length of around 20 inches, is quite active and will need more room than other parrots of comparable size.
These birds are gregarious and boisterous. They don’t hold back when it comes to expressing their emotions, and they tend to express all of them. Colorful birds, they often deviate from the typical greens and reds of most parrots, and may be found in a variety of orange and yellow hues.
12. Burrowing Parrot
The Burrowing parrot is far more placid than other parrot species, making it an excellent option for bird-keepers who don’t want all the commotion and excitement that comes with parrots. But don’t worry, since Burrowing parrots are loving, you’ll still be able to build a deep relationship with them.
Indeed, one feature that distinguishes these parrots from others is their ability to form bonds with whole families rather than just a single individual. They’re also known to be monogamous birds, remaining devoted to their companions.
13. Caique Parrot
The Caique parrot is short and stocky, with powerful legs, yet they aren’t the finest fliers. Instead, they often leap and rise to reach their target, limiting the length of their flights.
These parrots can imitate speech, however they aren’t the best at it. They are, however, quite friendly and may even learn to do tricks. The Caique parrot is an excellent choice if you want a smaller parrot with whom you may have a lot of fun.
14. Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrot
These are a few of the most often kept Amazon parrots as pets. This is due to the fact that they are quite common and have a proclivity for memorizing a large number of words. A Yellow-Naped Amazon parrot is one of the best-speaking parrots, so if you want to hold a conversation with your bird, get one.
Although this parrot is normally cheap, certain unusual color variants attract high-dollar premiums. In fact, an extremely uncommon blue mutant with a white spot may fetch as much as $30,000!
15. Meyer’s Parrot
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The Meyer’s parrot does not want to be the center of attention, despite the fact that they are typically gregarious and form tight bonds with all members of their family. They want to be a part of the family, yet they prefer to stand back and observe from afar. These birds, unlike many other varieties of parrots, will not demand your attention, however they will want a lot of handling.
These little brown and green parrots are related to the Senegalese parrot. They’re popular as pets, but not quite as much as the Senegal, who is the family’s show-stealer.
16. Ring-Necked Parakeet
The bright ring around their necks has given these birds their name. They’re medium-sized parrots with a kind demeanor. They may be fairly vocal, which is one of the reasons they’re so popular. They aren’t the greatest at imitating human speech, but they are quite noisy and good at communicating their feelings via sound.
17. Kakariki Parrots
These parrots are fantastic companions since they are little, colorful, and have a silly demeanor. They’re quite intelligent, easily picking up new tricks and phrases.
Kakariki parrots are tiny, averaging 11 inches in length. However, nearly half of its length is made up of tail! For parrots, noise isn’t a big deal, but they do generate a number of varied noises to show how they’re feeling.
18. Timneh Greys
African Grey parrots are well-known among bird enthusiasts. Many people are unaware, however, that there are two separate species of African Greys. The Congo African Grey is the more widespread and well-known species, but the Timneh Grey is just as desired, although for different reasons.
The Timneh Grey parrot is more docile than its more popular relatives, yet being just as clever and capable of learning just as much human speech. They may start mimicking words even before the Congo African Grey, albeit they don’t imitate voices like their cousin parrots.
19. Quaker Parakeet
If you’re searching for a tiny parrot that can converse with the best of them, the Quaker parakeet is a good choice. These birds, also known as the Monk Parakeet, are roughly 11 inches long and are noted for their word-copying ability.
You should attempt to communicate with your Quaker parakeet about whatever you’re doing. With enough practice and repetition, this bird may learn a variety of words and become fairly loud.
20. Lovebirds
Lovebirds get their nickname from the deep relationships they build with only one partner. Though folklore has it that they must be maintained in pairs to be happy, or that if they are removed from their partner, they will die, none of these claims is accurate.
These are some of the tiniest parrots that make excellent pets, with heights ranging from five to six and a half inches. Lovebirds, unlike many other parrots, have short tail feathers, which makes them easier to distinguish.
Conclusion
There are many different parrots to pick from if you’re searching for a colorful friend with a cheerful attitude. Though the legendary Macaw or African Grey may be the first parrots that come to mind when you think of them, there are many more lovely kinds to pick from. Whatever sort of parrot you end up getting, make sure you’re fully prepared before bringing it home.
Make sure you know all there is to know about the parrot you’re getting so you can meet all of their demands. Some birds want a lot of engagement, while others require a lot of space. However, all birds require a lot of love.
Q&A: Navigating the World of Pet Parrots
What are some popular parrot species suitable for first-time bird owners?
For beginners, smaller parrot species like budgies (parakeets), lovebirds, and cockatiels are excellent choices. These species are known for their friendly nature, relatively simple care requirements, and ability to form strong bonds with their human caregivers.
Which parrot species are renowned for their talking abilities?
The African Grey Parrot and the Amazon Parrot are widely recognized for their exceptional talking abilities. These intelligent birds can mimic a diverse range of sounds and words, making them sought-after companions for those seeking interactive and vocal feathered friends.
What are the considerations when choosing a large parrot species as a pet?
Larger parrot species, such as Macaws and Cockatoos, require substantial space, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Potential owners should be prepared for a long-term commitment, as these intelligent and social birds thrive on companionship and mental engagement.
Are there parrot species known for their colorful plumage?
Yes, several parrot species boast stunning and vibrant plumage. The Eclectus Parrot, for instance, is famous for its strikingly bright and diverse coloration, while the Scarlet Macaw is renowned for its vibrant red, blue, and yellow feathers, creating a visually captivating presence.
What are the general care requirements for keeping parrots as pets?
Parrots, regardless of species, require a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and high-quality pellets. Mental stimulation through toys, social interaction, and regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for their well-being. Adequate cage size and a safe environment free of toxins are also essential considerations.
