In the world there are a huge number of parrot breeds. Each of them has characteristic features and differs in size, shape and plumage. By purchasing a tropical feathered pet, each of us hopes to have a beautiful bird, which will also be an excellent conversationalist. But do not forget that parrots of large breeds require the necessary care. Therefore, before buying it is better to familiarize yourself with all the nuances of keeping feathered pets.
Advantages and disadvantages
Buying a parrot requires an objective assessment. You should soberly assess the situation and weigh the pros and cons before you get a tropical bird at home. It is worth emphasizing that large parrots require more space, so it is best to put them in aviaries. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of keeping feathered pets.
pros
- Big parrots become very attached to their owners and become their best friend.
- Sociability. Tropical birds can easily learn to imitate speech.
- Most species have a very contrasting color of plumage, which cannot but please the eye.
- Large parrots are easy to learn. If you give them a little time, then they will learn not only to talk, but also to perform various tricks.
- In comfortable conditions and with proper care, such parrots can live for more than a dozen years.
- These feathered pets are notable for their cleanliness. You do not have to constantly clean due to the actions of the bird.
- There is practically no need to walk a tropical bird.
Minuses
- Buying a large parrot can be very expensive.
- Some species are considered quite rare in the domestic market, and it happens that they are very difficult to obtain.
- In the case of illness, it is very difficult to find specialists for the treatment of a parrot, and the price for admission is exorbitant.
- By virtue of its size, a parrot requires a sufficient amount of space, a minimum - an aviary, a maximum - a separate room. It is also recommended to install around the perimeter of the pole for sitting birds.
- Loud noise. Large parrots are quite loud in their speech, so lovers of silence are not recommended to plant such birds at home.
- Parrots are very active birds, so the possibility of spoiling their furniture or clothes is not ruled out.
- Changeable mood. In a state of aggression, birds can cause various injuries to their master.
- Large parrots require a lot of attention. With a lack of communication, they may experience depression. In some cases, it can reach the pinch. The consequences of this can be tragic.
Kinds
There are not many varieties of large parrots that can survive at home. Each of them is distinguished by a peculiar character and requires an individual approach.
Ara
Among large feathered macaws is considered the largest variety of parrots. The tropical bird’s natural habitat is central and southern America. In the image of a pet, it is quite rare due to its size (from 50 to 100 centimeters).
It is very difficult to keep such birds indoors because of their loud voice and powerful beak, which can ruin a lot of things in the house. These birds are considered smart enough, but to teach them how to speak, you need to spend a lot of time and effort.
For maintenance in the house, it is best to purchase the following types of macaw parrot.
- Red. The length of the case can reach 85 centimeters. It got its name thanks to the bright red plumage.
- Blue yellow. Body length can vary from 80 to 86 centimeters. The parrot itself is colorful. The abdominal part of the body is colored yellow, and the back and wings are blue. Feathers located on the frontal part are colored in green.
- Hyacinth. It can reach one meter in length, the plumage has a rich purple color with blue tints.
Cockatoo
The natural habitat of this parrot breed is Australia and Oceania. The body length can reach 50 centimeters, and body weight - up to a kilogram. It has a powerful beak and bright crest. Cockatoos live in packs, so at home they will be very attached to all household members.
These artistic birds love when they pay a lot of attention and will never make their owners bored. Parrots are also very sociable and easily trained.
Due to the unstable nervous system, they are prone to sudden mood changes.
Varieties.
- Mourning. The price for such a bird is very high, and the species itself is rare. Color - black. For males and females, the presence of a red strip on the tail is characteristic. Females differ in that there are yellow spots on the black plumage.
- The black. These large parrots can weigh up to one kilogram, and the length of the body can be 80 centimeters. The plumage is green-black. It is not recommended to contain at home.
- Yellow-crested. Easy to train. Speaking quickly. The length of the case can reach 50 centimeters. Weight on average - 1 kilogram.
Unlike other colored parrots, these birds have a modest white color. The crest is painted yellow.
Amazon
Unlike previous varieties, the size of these birds is much smaller (30-40 centimeters). Amazons have green plumage. In the wild, these large parrots live on the South American continent. Life expectancy of birds is long and can reach 70 years. A parrot can easily be taught to speak. Amazons are restless and curious birds. The parrot of this breed will be the best friend for its owner.
The most popular types.
- Yellow-headed. Body length can reach about 40 centimeters. The plumage of a parrot is painted green. The crown of the head has a yellow tint.
- Chenille. Case size can reach 45 centimeters. The plumage of parrots is also painted green. The feathers on the head have a bluish tint. Blue-faced birds are an endangered species.
Chinese ringed
This variety of parrot has a fairly large size. The length of the body can reach 50 centimeters, most of it falls on the tail. The bird weighs about 350 grams. The plumage on the head of a Chinese parrot is blue. It smoothly passes to the abdominal part of the body. The plumage on the wings and back is green. His head is characterized by the presence of black stripes. By the beak, you can set the floor of parrots. In males, the upper part of the beak is red, and in females it is painted black. Birds have high intelligence and need constant attention.
The natural habitat of the Chinese parrot is China and India.
Content Rules
If you are still ready to have a large parrot in the house, then you should familiarize yourself with the basic rules for caring for feathered pets. According to statistics at home, the life expectancy of a tropical bird is significantly reduced due to improper care.
Feed
Due to their size, large parrots require a lot of food. It is recommended to feed them no more than twice a day. We bring to your attention a ration for feathered pets:
- nuts
- seeds;
- cereals;
- berries;
- fruits;
- greens;
- vegetables;
- porridge without salt;
- dairy products.
It is strongly discouraged to feed a parrot with foods from your own diet. The forbidden list includes meat, fish, as well as smoked products.
Do not forget to include a sufficient amount of water in the daily diet of the bird.
Cell
Large parrots need a large space. It is best to place feathered pets in an aviary or to give them a separate room in the apartment. You can also put a cage for a parrot, given that the bird will spend more time outside its small home. Cell parameters should be 100 * 100 * 170 centimeters. For the rods of the cage, heavy-duty metal material is used. Their thickness should be at least 5 millimeters. This is necessary so that the parrot could not damage the structure.
It is also recommended to put a good and reliable lock. Due to its smartness, a feathered pet can easily open a cage. You can also not paint the design.
Accessories
Accessories are a necessary component in home improvement for birds pets.
- Feeder. It is recommended that you buy a feeder exclusively from material such as stainless steel. It should be durable and quality.
- Wooden sticks and additives. These accessories can be made of any material. Most prefer wood. But there is a nuance - they will often have to be changed. That's because the pets simply crack them. A more economical way is to make poles with your own hands.
- Drinking bowl. This accessory is located directly inside the aviary. Owners of such pets recommend buying closed bowls with a pocket below, otherwise the water will become very contaminated very quickly.
- Mineral stone This item is needed in order for the bird to receive a sufficient amount of nutrients. It is advisable to place the stone inside the cage.
- Toys. Feathered pets require a lot of attention and do not like to be bored. To fully meet the needs, it is recommended to buy a pet various toys.
- Butterfly net. It will be needed at first, until the parrot is tamed.
- Bathing. To bathe feathered pets, you must install a special tank. Parrots are very clean birds, therefore water procedures must be carried out regularly.
See below for more details.