Parrot Care

From our experience in caring for parrots at Macaw Mountain, we recommend the following:

A.
House your birds in an aviary of adequate size, allowing exercise. Plan on removing your pet several hours each day.

B. Keep their cages clean. Fresh food should be removed after 2 hours to avoid spoilage. Water should be kept clean. C. A mixed diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and wheat bread works well for our birds. With quality food and a good variety, health problems are rare.

D.
If your bird is alone, provide toys, things to chew on, and places to climb about to keep him entertained and active. We feel it is best to have a pair of birds if you spend many hours away each day, as they can entertain each other (be sure that they are compatible).

E.
Parrots are quite intelligent and need attention and interaction daily from their “family”. If bored or stressed they may begin to mutilate their feathers. If feather picking begins, try to determine the source of stress and alter their living conditions – more space, a new location, more interaction, a friend – until a solution is found.

F. Educate yourself on your particular species of bird and potential health problems. If possible consult a veterinarian if your pet “looks unhealthy” or becomes lethargic. Act promptly, as birds are delicate and may worsen quickly.

To learn more, click here for a list of parrot-related websites.

Bird FAQ's > Parrot FAQ · Parrots In Captivity · Parrot Care · Birding List

Projects > Bird Bank: Informative Resource Center
Captive Breeding Program · Ancient Maya Connections
Scarlet Macaw Project · Honduran School Programs
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