Choosing the right parrot for your lifestyle is not like selecting a beautiful bird if you're buying. They are brilliant, accommodating, and often require dedication and a conducive environment to thrive. Some parrot species love affectionate interaction while some are independent and energetic. If you don't choose well, you might end up with a loud, expensive bird that won't suit you. Before you take any feathered animal home, find out which bird fits you.
Discovering your lifestyle before selecting a parrot
All parrots are not the same. We have high active, social and independent ones. To get the correct parrot for yourself, you must consider some factors like your home space, time schedule, noise tolerance, and commitment level.
How much time can you dedicate?
Parrots are highly interactive birds. People who work long hours or travel a lot might want to go for a less interactive parrot. Parrots like Budgies and Cockatiels are more likely to entertain themselves, unlike Cockatoos or Macaws, which are high-demand species.
- Species for busy people: Pionus, Budgies, Cockatiels.
- For active homes: African Greys, Cockatoos, Macaws.
Required space: Big or small?
Your home space matters a lot when selecting a parrot. Larger ones require bigger cages, plenty of room to move about, and dedicated play areas.
- Best for apartments: Lovebirds, Budgies, Cockatiels.
- Species for large homes: African grey, Macaws, Amazons.
What is your tolerance level for noise and screaming?
Some parrots are very quiet in nature, while the rest can be loud and demanding. If you live in a noise-sensitive area, do not go for species like Cockatoos or Sun Conures, which are known for their extreme loudness.
- Quiet species: Senegal Parrot, Bourke's Parakeet, Pionus
- Loud species: Cockatoos, Macaws, Sun Conures.
Lifespan: Do you want a lifetime commitment?
Parrots are known to live for 10 to 80 years in any habitat. Hopefully, you're ready for a lifetime responsibility.
- Short lifespan (10-20 years): Budgies, Cockatiels, Lovebirds
- Long lifespan (40-80 years): Amazon, African Grey, Macaws.
Choosing the right parrot species for you
Best Parrot For Beginners
If it's your first time getting a bird, go for species that are easy to care for.
Cockatiels: It's a friendly bird with a playful and charming personality.
- Budgies: Very social, small, and easy to train.
- Green-cheeked Conures: Not so loud but brilliant and affectionate.
Best Parrot for Experienced People
For experience owners, intelligent parrots can be rewarding and also stressful.
- African grey Parrot: Very intelligent but needs steady mental stimulation.
- Macaws: Big in size and very chatty.
- Cockatoos: Highly affectionate and clingy but can suffer Anxiety when isolated.
Best Parrot For Families
Parrots that are gentle, social, and easy-going are considered to be the best for families with children.
- Indian Ringneck Parrots: Talkative and very entertaining.
- Amazon Parrot: Playful and very good at mimicking.
- Eclectus Parrot: Naturally beautiful, intelligent, and calm.
Best Parrot for single people
Some parrots can live in a quiet home and can be very clingy to one person.
Senegal Parrot: Naturally sweet and very quiet.
Caiques: Fun birds, playful, and clown-like.
Quaker Parrots: Loyal and chatty, forming strong bonds with humans.
Common Mistakes When Selecting a Parrot
- Looks consideration: Color alone is not enough reason to buy a bird.
- Noise levels: Some parrots can scream loudly for attention.
- Commitment level: Some parrots have a long lifespan.
- Lack of knowledge about their dietary needs: Parrot dietary needs vary according to their species.
FAQs
What Is the Easiest Parrot To Take Care of?
Cockatiels and Budgies are the easiest parrots for beginners. These species are very quiet, need little or no living space, and have less dietary needs. Because they are low-maintenance and naturally friendly, beginners are advised to go for them.
Which Parrot is the most Talkative?
The most talkative parrots are said to be Amazon parrots and African grey parrots. They are good at mimicking human speech with an incredible accurate sound. African grey parrots and Amazon parrots are known to need regular mental stimulation and socialization to keep their speech abilities sharp.
Which Parrot lives the longest?
With proper care, African grey and Macaw can live more than 80 years. Due to their long lifespan, owners should be ready for a lifelong commitment and also plan for their future in case they're unable to continue caring for them.
Are Parrots Good For Apartment Living?
Yes, smaller species like lovebirds, cockatiels, and budgies can live in an apartment because of their quiet nature and less space requirements.
Which Parrot are Best for Children?
Species like Cockatiels, Amazon, and Green-cheeked conures, when properly socialized, can be very friendly, playful, and good with children.
Children tend to learn tenderness and care if they are allowed to care and fend for a parrot.
Conclusion
Getting the right parrot for your lifestyle involves careful consideration of your space, availability, and long-term commitment. There's a perfect parrot for you out there, whether you're a lover of small and quiet or large and social talker parrots. Carry out your research at your own pace and decide on the right parrot that will suit your lifestyle before choosing a feathered friend.
