7 reasons to get a parrot

Most keep cats or dogs at home. Parrots, especially large ones, are still considered exotic, despite the fact that caring for them is much easier, and they are just as enjoyable. Our family decided to get a large parrot, as we had heard about their intellectual abilities and already had experience in keeping birds - budgerigars. Since then, for nine years now, our Eva breed noble parrot, or eclectus, pleases us with her company.

The parrot as a pet has not so little merits.

1. Parrots do not have hair

Instead of wool, like dogs or cats, parrots have “powder”. These are the smallest horny particles of down feathers, which resemble talc in their properties and are needed in order to repel water if the bird gets wet. But certain species of parrots (eclectus are among them) do not produce any powder, but have sebaceous glands. Such birds are suitable even for those who have feather allergies.

In addition, parrots do not smell as much as other animals. A healthy, well-groomed bird smells like honey or a sun-dried feather pillow.

2. Parrots can learn to talk

Parrots are great imitators. They are able to reproduce the hum of a washing machine, a telephone melody, the sound of a doorbell. If you show patience and work with the bird, it will learn not only to pronounce individual words and phrases, but also to repeat sentences in the desired sequence. Our parrot, for example, knows how to tell a fairy tale about Ryaba Chicken and laughs very contagiously.

The talkativeness of a parrot largely depends on its species. The first place is rightfully taken by the African gray parrots, followed by the Amazons. Cockatiels and budgerigars can also learn to pronounce up to a hundred words or more.

In order for a parrot to learn to talk, it is better to keep it alone, without other birds, so that there is a lack of communication, which will induce the bird to make contact. The secret of training is simple: you need to practice regularly, pronounce the words emotionally and do not forget to praise and cheer your pet up with his favorite treats. Sometimes the best reward for a bird is to scratch the top of its head against the feathers.

3. Distinguished by intelligence and ingenuity

The most capable is rightfully considered to be a gray parrot, or African gray parrot. This species can even analyze and reason logically at a basic level. Parrot Alex (in the first letters Avian Learning EXperience), one of the representatives of this breed, was specially selected for the experiment by Dr. Irene Pepperberg. The psychologist aimed to prove that parrots are able not only to imitate sounds, but also to make informed decisions.

Jacot could identify up to 50 different objects and describe their colors, shapes and materials. Alex had the ability to be aware of the concepts of "more", "less", "the same", "different", "above" and "below". His vocabulary was about 150 words, but his main feature was not even that.

The parrot was able to understand what he was saying, could ask a question, make a request and ask again if he was not given the promise, or even complain of fatigue.

Alex had reached the intellectual level of a 5-year-old and an emotional level of a 2-year-old, and according to the researcher, this was not the limit. Alex died at the age of 31. The last words he said to the hostess: “Be good. See you tomorrow. I love you.

4. Parrots are social animals

Parrots, like people, are very fond of communication and try to avoid loneliness. If deprived of company, a bird can develop depression, which can lead to self-plucking syndrome. That is, stress forces the bird to pluck out its feathers.

At the same time, parrots are able to keep themselves occupied, for example with the help of mirrors and baby rattles, and do not require much attention. When you go to work or are busy with business, the feathered friend can be placed in a cage.

If educated, a parrot can be no less affectionate and loving than a dog or cat. There are many examples when birds miss their owners and cannot even imagine their existence without their own family. And our parrot is no exception: Eva is always sad when we go on vacation, and rejoices at our return.

5. Easy to maintain

After the parrot, you need to remove feathers and droppings. Daily cleaning of the cage is much easier than endless litter box cleaning and hour-long walks on the street. To keep the parrot healthy, it is enough to bathe it once a week and trim its nails in a timely manner. The birds themselves monitor the cleanliness of the feathers, regularly putting themselves in order.

Eating a balanced diet is not difficult either. In addition to quality commercial feed, the bird's diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables (except for avocados). Some parrots, especially large ones, benefit from sprouted grain: wheat, buckwheat, oats, mung bean.

For our family, feeding a parrot has become an incentive to start germination: seedlings are useful for humans as well, since they contain minerals, vitamins and enzymes.

6. Take up little space

The parrot cage can be placed on a table, on a bedside table, on a stool, or even hung. The bird does not take up much space and can be the best choice for those who want to save living space.

7. Give aesthetic pleasure

The parrot gives your home or room a special touch. Their appearance is very attractive, and the fun way of playing and communicating not only allows you to admire your pet, but also helps to reduce stress. If the bird is tame, you can always offer your guests a photo in the role of a pirate. Or even dance with a parrot.

If you decide to buy a parrot, get it from experienced breeders. When buying a large parrot, ask for the bird's passport.

Parrots brought from other countries can be psychologically and physically traumatized, and it may not be so easy to tame them and find a common language with them. In addition, hand-fed chicks perceive humans in a completely different way and, as a result, consider themselves a full-fledged part of the family flock.

A parrot can become your real companion and friend, but you shouldn't buy an exotic animal just for beauty. A beautiful "toy" will quickly get bored, and large parrots live for 30 years or more. Like other pets, birds require attention, love and affection, and in return give their owners a lot of positive emotions.

Why do you choose birds? Share in the comments.