It takes time, effort in training a pet parrot. But the correct training will result in parrot that is a pleasant companion.

Statistics show that there are about sixteen million pet birds in the United States. A few million of these are pet parrots. The most popular pets in the US and Canada are cats, then dogs, then fish, and then birds.

There are about 372 species of parrots. Most originate in warm tropical climates and the largest most diverse populations of parrots are in Australasia and South America. Some of the most common parrots kept as pets include the Macaws, Amazons, African Greys, eclectus, and conures. You may not have realized it, but budgies, lovebirds, cockatoos and cockatiels are parrots and are very popular.

The majority of parrots are multi-colored with various bright shades of green, red, blue and yellow. There is a lorikeet that is so colorful that it is called the Rainbow Lorikeet. The plumage of some parrots, such as the cockatoo, is mainly a solid color.

Parrots have strong legs for facilitating an upright stance. They have very strong bills for cracking nuts and large claws for climbing and for holding food while eating.

Most parrot species eat seeds and nuts. Some prefer fruit while others include worms, snails and insects in their diet.

Parrots make great pets, especially if well trained. They have been kept as pets since ancient Egyptian and Roman times. Their popularity stems from their exotic, beautiful colored plumage, their playfulness and engaging personalities, and of course their ability to speak and imitate human and other sounds.

Before buying a parrot you should study up on the characteristics of the different breeds to learn which type may be best suitable for you. Parrots for the most part require lots of training and companionship.

The intelligent African Grey can easily learn to talk. But they crave attention and stimulating activities. If denied this the African Grey is prone to stress.

Other parrots breeds that are excellent talkers and very smart are the Macaws and the Amazons. In order to be happy and healthy, their owners should provide them with activities and parrot training to keep them active. Otherwise they may turn assertive and destructive.

Cockatoos, like the other large parrots previously mentioned, are sociable, active parrots that demand lots of time from their owners. Without this interaction, cockatoos can become neurotic. Some of them can talk, but all possess a very loud shrill cry.

Budgies are the most popular pet parrots. These small, smart birds are easily trained and are extremely affectionate and playful. They are much less demanding than their large parrot cousins, Budgies, most often the males can be trained to talk.

The second most popular pet parrot is the cockatiel. They are a species of cockatoo, but unlike the larger cockatoos, they are easy -going and less needy. Cockatiels are a lot like budgies in personality.

As has been emphasized, all pet parrots need proper parrot training and attention. There are several training books and training DVDs with lots of great tips. With time and patience you will form a loving bond with your well-adjusted pet parrot.

Learn more about pet parrots. Stop by Sebastiian Day's site where you can find out all aboutparrot training and what it can do for you.

Written by Sebastiian Day using tags: caring for parrots, family pets, parrot behavior, parrot behavior modification, parrot breeds, parrot care, parrot species, parrot training, parrot types, Parrots, pet birds, Pet Parrots, Pets, urns-for-pet-parrots

Whether in homes, pet stores, breeding facilities or rescue shelters, parrot care is often times not up to the proper level of excellence needed for happy, healthy parrots. Often times, parrot attention, cage care, nutrition, and grooming care are not up to proper standards. Parrots with potential, but without suitable care, are frequently abandoned because of a lack of commitment on the part of the owner. Parrot behavioral problems (which are the main reason for abandonment) can be remedied when proper care, love, attention, and time are spent with even the most troubled parrot.

Different species of parrots require different care but, for all parr
ots, proper nutrition is vital in maintaining a good quality of life. Most parrot diets are very similar. In general, parrot diets consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, parrot pellets, and a high quality of vitamin enriched parrot seed mix. Owners also need to change their parrots water everyday.

Although birds are typically considered a "dirty" pet to own, it is very important to keep parrots' cages clean. Perches, dishes and other surfaces of the cage should be cleaned daily with water and mild soap. Cleaning products like ammonia, mold and mildew cleaner, and bleach can irritate or burn a parrot's skin, eyes and reparatory tract. The bird's cages themselves also need to be inspected for unsafe situations like sharp points in the metal. Cleanliness is also important when it comes to handling your parrot. Owners need to wash their hands frequently when they are working with birds, handling their dishes, and preparing their meals in order to prevent bacterial infections. Human saliva also contains bacteria that are harmful to parrots so owners should never allow their birds to place its beak in their owner's mouths or noses. The size of the cage is vital to a parrot's well-being. The parrot should be able to spread its wings within its cage. There should also be room enough to hand two to four safe parrot toys.

Parrot cage care is an important aspect of parrot ownership. Because the cage is the main area in which a parrot pet will be spending a majority of its time, it is essential that the cage be the proper size and sanitary. Parrots are larger birds and need plenty of room to move, climb, and stretch their wings. A cage that is too small may cause stress and upset to a parrot. Again, researching ahead of time what the proper sized cage for a specific breed and having open communication with a parrot's breeder, will aid in making a parrot as happy as possible. Parrot's cages should be wiped down, daily, and they should be taken apart and washed thoroughly, monthly.

Grooming a parrot friend is also important for their personal care as well as owner safety. A parrot's beak and claws can become very sharp if not properly cared for. A parrot's beak and claws must be trimmed on a routine basis to ensure that harm does not come to parrot or owner. Because most parrots prefer tropical, rainforest type weather, showering them with a slow showerhead or spray bottle can help to simulate baths they would take in the wild. Bathing a parrot daily can be a form of entertainment for both parrot an owner, and it is also a vital part of parrot care.

Parrots are playful, affectionate, and super smart. Owners need to understand the extreme importance of their needs and how to meet each one. With proper care parrots will thrive in a home environment.

Learn more about parrot care. Stop by Stacey Watkins's site where you can find out all about parrots and what they can do for you.

Written by Stacey Watkins using tags: african grey parrot, parrot care, Parrots, Pets