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Parakeets, Cockatiels, Cockatoos, & Macaws

Parrots are extremely intelligent, social birds requiring much mental stimulation and interaction. The following information is appropriate for all members of the parrot or hookbill family, ranging from parakeets to macaws.

Hook bill birds - Parakeets, Conures, Rosellas, Parrots, Macaws and more

Without proper care, parrots can develop bad habits such as screaming, biting and destructive chewing. Their wings should be kept properly clipped; ask your AVIAN vet. There are over 350 species of parrots belonging to various groups. Some of the most familiar are the budgies, cockatiels, loris, cockatoos, and rosellas from Australia and the South Pacific; conures, amazons and macaws from the New World, African greys, lovebirds, senegals and jardines from Africa and ringnecks from Asia.

Hookbill is an informal name some pet owners use to refer to members of the parrot family (typically anything larger than a parakeet) based on the shape of the bill, distinguishing them from softbills and other birds such as doves and finches. This indicates the bird will use the bill to be an active climber and is recommended to be put in a cage with horizontal bars. It also refers to the much stronger crushing power of the beak.

They are usually grouped into two families: the Cacatuidae (cockatoo), and the Psittacidae (true parrots), but see below.

All members of the order have a generally erect stance and a characteristic curved beak shape with the upper mandible having slight mobility in the joint with the skull. All parrots are zygodactyl, with two toes at the front of each foot and two at the back.

Parrots can be found in most warm regions of the world, including India, southeast Asia and west Africa. The Carolina Parakeet, now extinct, lived in the United States. By far the greatest number of parrot species come from Australasia, South America, and Central America.

The order is diverse and contains exceptions (notoriously the Eclectus for sexual dimorphism, and the kakapo for flightlessness, diet & digestion, and lek breeding). However, most parrots are cavity nesters, are minimally or not sexually dimorphic, and seem to be highly social. Along with the Corvidae, the Psittaciformes are generally considered the most intelligent of the birds. Parrots are altricial - their young are helpless at birth - and the larger species breed slowly (k-selection). Extant species range in size from the Buff-faced Pygmy-Parrot, at under 10 g and 8 cm (3.2 inches), to the Hyacinth Macaw, at 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs) and 1 meter (3.3 feet).

Housing

Your parrot needs the largest cage you can afford. Cage width and depth are more important than height. Make sure the cage is zinc-safe and lead-free, and has appropriate bar size and spacing; your parrot should not be able to fit its head between the bars, or to bend or damage the bars with its beak. Natural hardwood branches make the best perches; sandpaper perches should never be used. Choose a variety of non-toxic wood or acrylic chew toys to occupy your bird, and rotate them to avoid boredom.

Diet

Parrots need a large variety of fresh, healthy foods, whether on a pellet or a seed diet. Beneficial foods include dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli, dandelions, and chard, as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Healthy table foods like cooked eggs, corn, beans, pasta, and rice can also be offered. Remove perishable foods after a few hours and at bedtime. Grit, gravel, and oyster shells should never be given. A seed-only diet will result in malnutrition. Eventually, a parrot should become acclimated to a diet containing specially formulated pellets. An AVIAN vet can help with more information.

Cleaning

Tray liners should be replaced every day and the cage bottom, fittings and dishes regularly washed with hot water and soap. Once a month, disinfect the cage with diluted bleach and rinse thoroughly. Line the tray with black and white newspaper or paper towels. It is unsafe to use pine/cedar shavings, corn cob or walnut bedding.

Health

Parrots should be examined by a qualified AVIAN vet at least once a year or ASAP if any bleeding, injuries, or other signs are noted. It can be hard to tell when a bird is ill, and by the time you notice a problem, the sickness is usually well-advanced. Delaying a visit with an AVIAN vet or using over-the-counter or human medicines may be fatal.

Warnings

Parrots have very sensitive respiratory systems and should not be exposed to cigarette smoke, aerosols, harsh cleaning products, or other toxic fumes.
 

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