Choosing A Pet Bird:What Species Match My Needs

Choosing A Pet Bird

Research has found that parrots test higher than most primates on intelligence tests and that the average parrot is believed to have the intelligence of a 3- or 4-year-old child. Parrots can master large vocabularies and speak in sentences with comprehension, and even learn to count. Sophisticated, complex and social animals, parrots bond for life and are more loyal than dogs. And, unlike dogs, they are long-lived: A large parrot can live up to 80. For these reasons, we believe that it is important to carefully research which parrot species is right for you before you bring your parrot home.

This useful table will help you identify personality traits and special needs of popular species of parrots so that you can make an informed decision when finding your pet bird. We strongly recommend that you learn as much about any parrot species that you are considering adopting. This list is simply a general guide. Each individual parrot will have it's own unique personality characteristics.

Pet Bird Specs

Scale: 1= low 5=high

SPECIES

AVE. Wt.

Grams

LIFE SPAN

YRS.
NOISE LEVEL
TALKING
SPIRIT
DEMANDS

 

MESS

 
Cockatiels
Parakeets
Lovebirds
50-125
8-15 yrs

2-3 yrs. apartment pets
some
These small parrots are easily found. Daily handling keeps pet bird sweet. Due to size, use caution when other pets are in the home.
2-4
3-4
African Grey Parrots
300-450
50 yrs.
3-5
great
African Grey Parrots need daily socialization & consistent training by all family members. Very intelligent - provide plenty of bird toys and enrichment.
5-6
6-8
Amazon
300-500
40+ yrs.
8-9
great
Independent birds, Amazons need to be well socialized, enriched & trained daily, very intelligent & inquisitive. Provide plenty of bird toys.
5-6
6-8
Caique's
160
30
4-6
poor
Bold, very busy bird. Can't stand still! This parrot makes a great family pet.
6-8
6-8
Cockatoos
300-950
up to 80 yrs.
10
fair
Cuddly, loving, busy, intelligent birds. Demands more attention than many other species of parrots. Tends to be VERY loud. Needs daily misting. This intelligent parrot is best suited for experienced parrot owners.
10
10
Conures
Aratinga
125+
20 yrs
9-10
poor
Outgoing, bold and colorful parrots that can be quite loud.
5-7
5-7
Conures
Pyrrhura
65+
15 yrs.
2-4
poor
Shy, sometimes bold parrots Due to size, use caution when other pets are in the home.
4-6
3-4
Eclectus
300+
40 yrs.
4-8
good
Loving, beautiful parrots. Requires special diets. Prone to feather picking, this parrot needs consistent socialization.
6-8
4-6
Macaws
200+
40-80 yrs.
8-10
good to great
Outgoing, sometimes shy parrots or one person birds. Macaws are intelligent and will need you to provide plenty of large bird toys, socialization and opportunities for mental stimulation.
10
10
Parrotlets
25-29
20 yrs.
2
fair
Bold, fearless "Jack Russell" like parrots. Due to size, use caution when other pets are in the home - especially given their territorial attitude.
4
2-3
Pionus
200-300
40 yrs.
4-5
poor to fair
These parrots tend to be shy, loving. Pionus parrots are great for families, older people, or apartment living because they are relatively quiet and mild tempered
4-5
4-5
Poicephalus
150
30 yrs.
2-6
poor to fair
These smaller parrots are a loving, good family pet, very playful parrots with a strong desire to socialize with family members.
1-6
3-4

 

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