Did You Know?

The below information is NOT intended to scare you,
or offend you.  It is simply information to think about and educate. So hopefully, if you choose to become
"owned by a Parrot", your Parrot won't one day end up being shuffled from home to home, or end up in a Rescue or Sanctuary like ours.

What to feed you Companion Parrot?

Your Companion Parrot should eat a healthy diet that includes a pelleted diet, fresh foods, cooked foods, bird bread, and some seeds.  This is essential to maintain a healthy, happy bird.  Our birds are all given Harrison's Pellet daily.  We feed fresh fruits in the morning, fresh & cooked vegetables and bird bread in the evenings.  We feed a seed/nut mix 3 days per week.  Seed is very high in fat content and should be fed in moderation, not as the regular daily diet. 

Most birds love table food.  Eating with your Companion Parrot is a good way to bond with your Companion Parrot.  However, you should be aware that some types  of "people" food is not good for your bird.  For example, birds are lactose intolerant and should not be given cheese.  They should not be given coffee, chocolate, alcoholic beverages or avocadoes.  These things can be toxic to your bird.

What about smells? 
Plants & Trees?
Other household items?

Some household smells like cleaning agents, carpet cleaners, scented candles and even teflon coated pans can be toxic to your bird.  Some plants and trees can be toxic to your bird. 

Why People Give Up There Companion Parrots:

The most common reasons people give up their parrots

~ They are too loud/scream too much
~ My husband/wife girlfriend/boyfriend doesn't like the bird 
~  We're having a baby
~ They are too messy
~ It bites

Unlike dogs or cats your Companion Parrot will most likely be a "lifetime" commitment, and may even outlive you.  Most species of parrots have a lifespan of 50/60/70 years or longer.

They are messy.  Some like to throw their food. 
They shed feathers and destroy toys. 
They may even eat the woodwork in your house.

And YES ~ they can be VERY loud.
Large birds are not a good idea if you live in an apartment.

And YES ~ they can bite.
There are many reasons a bird bites.  Understanding what those reasons are, whether they be maturity and aggression, fear, protection, etc. and working to understand and correct these things are keys to maintaining a healthy relationship with your Companion Parrot.

Where are you going to be in 5/10/15 years or more?
IS A PARROT THE RIGHT COMPANION FOR YOU?

What about a Baby Parrot?

What don't the breeders tell you about Baby Parrots?  They grow up.  Parrots are a lot like having toddlers for the rest of your life.  BUT, they do grow up and become sexually mature.  Depending on the species of  Parrot this can be anywhere from 2 years to about 6 years.
Your sweet, cuddly baby Parrot might not 
stay sweet and cuddly when it grows up.

Parrots, unlike dogs/cats are not domesticated animals.
They are only 1 or 2 generations removed from their natural habitat.