Caring for Your Parrot

5 Things You Should Know About Caring for your Parrot

1. Parrots are not just conversation pieces or home decor enhancements. They are highly intelligent, sociable animals that have distinct personalities likes, and dislikes. Learning how to read your parrot's body language is essential for cultivating a rewarding, lifelong friendship with your parrot that both of you will enjoy.

2. Bird-proof your home to give your parrot as much time out of the cage as possible. Parrots cooped up in their cages all the time suffer maladaptive behaviors and frequent illnesses due to anxiety and depression. Bird-proofing involves covering windows with shades, making sure your window screens are intact, and turning off ceiling fans. Also, don't forget to close your toilet lid when letting your parrot enjoy free-flying time!

3. Birds and rabbits have one thing in common--they both love to chew on cords, wires, furniture, and anything else that is chewable. Keep your parrot (and your household items) safe when he is exercising by covering all exposed wires and closing doors to rooms that contain numerous electronic devices.

4. Because smaller birds are "flock" animals, they tend to hide signs of illness for fear of being ostracized. However, there are subtle signs of sickness in parrots that owners have learned to watch for, such as not eating normally, eyes that are half-closed most of the time, and wetness or discharge around the bird's "nose", which is located at the widest area of the bill just under the parrot's feather line.

5. Consider getting two parrots instead of one. Since birds have an instinctual need to socialize with other birds, parrots are happier and live much longer when they have a parrot companion.

Just like any pet, parrots also need yearly examinations by a veterinarian who specializes in bird health and diseases. Call the North Central Animal Hospital today to schedule a check-up for your new parrot or to ask about caring for your new "feathered" family member.