Pet Bird Day is coming up on September 17th. This is the perfect time to talk about some of our cutest and most charismatic feathered friends: parrots. A local vet offers some tips on parrot care in this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO animal clinic, serving Louisville, CO and surrounding areas.

Basics

Parrots have been charming us for over 5,000 years! There are over 350 types of parrots, though not all of them make good pets. Some of the most popular ones include budgies, cockatiels, cockatoos, African Greys, Amazon Parrots, Quaker Parrots, and Macaws.

Housing

Polly will need a clean, comfortable cage, one that offers her lots of room to climb and play. Choosing one that’s the right size and shape for your pet is critical. Do lots of research on your winged pal’s breed, and get the biggest cage you have room for. The cage should also be sturdy enough to withstand bites. Avoid ones that contain lead or zinc, as they’re toxic to birds. You’ll also need to provide several perches.

​Stimulation

Birds are very active and curious, and need a variety of fun toys to play with. Choose playthings made from natural materials, such as wood and paper. Avoid rubber and plastic items, as your colorful pet could get very sick if she were to ingest them. Change Polly’s toys out regularly to keep things fun and fresh for her.

Keep Things Clean

Keeping Polly’s cage and belongings clean is crucial. Every day, you’ll need to remove waste and uneaten food. You’ll need to do a more in-depth cleaning every week, and a thorough deep clean about once a month.

Grooming

Polly will preen herself, but she does still need some help here. She’ll need regular nail clippings, and possibly wing trims. These things should be done by professionals. Ask your vet for more information.

​Temperature

Parrots are native to many tropical and subtropical regions, as they are generally found in warmer areas. Polly’s ‘room’ should always be at a comfortable temperature. Don’t put her cage in direct sunlight, drafts, or near heaters or vents.

Attention

Parrots are very fun and lovable, but they need lots of care and attention. Spend quality time with Polly every day! Contact us at Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO animal clinic, serving Louisville, CO and surrounding areas, anytime. We’re always happy to help!