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Choosing a Pet Parrot

Choosing A Pet Parrot

Animal Science Research has found that parrots test higher than most primates on intelligence tests and that the average parrot is believed to have the intelligence of a 3-5 year-old child. Parrots are capable of mastering large vocabularies and speaking in sentences with comprehension!  Some can even learn to count. Sophisticated, complex and social animals, pet birds parrots bond for life and are more loyal than dogs. But, unlike dogs, they are long-lived: A large parrot can live to 80 years. For these reasons, we believe that it is important to carefully research which parrot species is the right pet for you before you bring your pet bird home.

Our useful table helps you identify personality traits and special needs of popular species of parrots so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your pet bird. We strongly recommend that you learn as much about any parrot species that you are considering adopting. This list is simply a general guide. Each individual parrot will have it's own unique personality characteristics.

About Parrots Time Demands:  All parrots are flock animals and require more time than other pets. 

Scale: 1= low 5=high

SPECIES
AVE. SIZE
LIFE SPAN
NOISE LEVEL
TALKING PARROTS
SPIRIT
TIME DEMANDS

MESS
Cockatiels
Parakeets
Lovebirds
50-125 gr.
8-15 yrs

2-3


good apartment pets
some, especially males
Some of the smallest parrots. Readily available. Handle daily for a loving pet bird
Due to these pet birds small size, use caution when other pets are in the home.
3-4
3-4
African Grey Parrots
300-450 gr.
50 yrs.
3-5
great
African Grey Parrots need daily socialization and consistent rules by all family members to remain socialized lifelong companions;  Very intelligent - provide plenty of foraging bird toys and a bird stand for socialization.
5-6
6-8
Amazon Parrots
300-500 gr.
40+ yrs.
8-9
great
Outgoing; needs to be well socialized and trained daily, very intelligent provide plenty of bird toys
5-6
6-8
Caiques
160 gr
30
4-6
poor
Bold, very busy bird, can't stand still! This parrot makes a great family pet.Needs a lot of parrot enrichment.
6-8
6-8
Cockatoos
300-950 gr
up to 80 yrs.
10
fair
Cuddly, loving, busy, intelligent birds. Very intelligent - provide plenty of bird toys and opportunities for mental stimulation. Bird trick training helps provide for these needs. These parrots are very loud and dusty so get a shower perch. Best for experienced parrot owners.
10
10
Conures
Aratinga
125+
20 yrs
9-10
poor
Outgoing, bold and colorful parrots.
5-7
5-7
Conures
Pyrrhura
65+
15 yrs.
2-4
poor
Shy, sometimes bold parrots; Due to size, use caution when other pets are in the home
4-6
3-4
Eclectus
300+
40 yrs.
4-8
good
Loving, beautiful parrots. Prone to some feather picking; This parrot needs consistent socialization - bird stands are a useful accessory; Specialty Eclectus bird food is needed.
6-8
4-6
Macaws
200+
40-80 yrs.
8-10
good to great
Outgoing, sometimes shy parrots; These parrots very intelligent and will need you to provide plenty of wood bird toys, foraging bird toys, a lot of socialzation and opportunities for mental stimulation such as with Bird trick toys
10
10
Parrotlets
25-29 gr
20 yrs.
2
fair
Bold, fearless "Jack Russell" like parrots,
Due to size, use caution when other pets are in the home - especially given their territorial attitude
4
2-3
Pionus
200-300 gr
40 yrs.
4-5
poor to fair
These parrots tend to be shy, loving. Pionus parrots are great for families, older people, or appartment living because they are relatively quiet.
4-5
4-5
Poicephalus
150 gr.
30 yrs.
2-6
poor to fair
These smaller parrots are a loving, good family pet, very playful parrots with a strong desire to socialize with family members.  Needs a portable bird stand.
4-6
3-4

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