There Are Just Too Many Types of Parrots to Choose From!

When trying to choose a pet parrot, many people are completely overwhelmed by the vast number of different types of parrots that there are to choose from (i.e. over 350 different species). Therefore, rather than trying to look at every possible species of parrot, it is much easier if you decide which parrot type or group you like the look of, and then limit your choice to parrots from within just that one group.

All parrots belong to one main group of birds called Psittacines. Birds in this group share the following characteristics - a very erect stance, a curved beak, and four toes on each foot. This main group of birds sub-divides into 10 parrot types, which are -

* Parrotlets.
* Lovebirds.
* Parakeets.
* Conures.
* Cockatiels.
* Macaws.
* Amazons.
* Cockatoos.
* Caiques.
* Poicephalus parrots.

Parrotlets

The very cute Parrotlet is the tiniest of the parrot species. It only grows to be about 6 inches long. This parrot species originates from Central and South America, and it comes in a variety of colours, including dark-green, blue-green, and bright green.

Lovebirds

This small species of parrots has a short, thick body. It grows to be about 5 or 6 inches long. It originates from Africa. Although they are primarily green, they do come in a massive range of color combinations, which are simply too numerous to mention.

Parakeets

These small parrots originate from South Eastern Asia. They range in size from 7 to 12 inches, which is measured from the top of their head to the tip of their tail. They come in all sorts of different colors, and different color combination's. Typical colors are white, yellow, dark green, light blue, and violet.

Conures

The Conure is a small-to-medium sized parrot, which grows to be about 11 inches long. It originates from South and Central America. It comes in a variety of color combination's, including the following:

* Mainly green, with a red head and wings, and yellow tail.
* Mainly yellow and red, with a dark head.
* Mainly lime green, with a tan head, and a light maroon tail.
* A multi-colored breast, with a tan head, and a lime green back.

Cockatiels

These are small-to-medium sized parrots. They grow to be about 12 inches long (i.e. top of head to tip of tail). They originate from Australia. They come in three main colors - grey, white, and creamy yellow. Regardless of color, they all typically have orange patches on their cheeks.

Macaws

The Macaw is difficult to categorize in terms of size, because they vary so much - from as small as 12 inches long, right up to 39 inches long. They originate from Central and South America. They come in a wide variety of colors, which is evident from the names given to some of the Macaw species - Scarlet Macaw, Red and Yellow Macaw, Blue and Gold Macaw, Blue and Yellow Macaw, Maroon Macaw, Greenwing Macaw, Red and Green Macaw, Red and Blue Macaw, Red Fronted Macaw, and the Red Crowned Macaw.

Amazons

The Amazon is a medium sized parrot. It varies in size from 12 to 16 inches long. It originates from Central and South America, and from a few Caribbean Islands. They are predominantly green, with various brightly colored cheeks, crown and shoulders.

Cockatoos

The Cockatoo is a medium-to-large parrot. It can grow to be anything between 12 and 27 inches long. It originates from Australia, and parts of North Western Asia. The most common color is white, but there are some variations that are tinged with pink or yellow, and with a different coloured crest.

Caiques

The Caique is a stocky, medium sized parrot. It grows to be about 11 inches long. It originates from the Amazon Rainforest. It comes in a variety of color combinations, which includes blue, black, green, yellow, white, and orange.

Poicephalus Parrots

The Poicephalus parrot is a small-to-medium sized parrot. It varies in size between 5 and 13 inches long. It originates from Africa. It comes in a variety of color combination's including:

* Grey, with a blue or green chest, and yellow markings on the head and wings.
* Emerald green, with black wing feathers, and red or orange markings on the head, wings and socks.
* Green and orange, with a grey head.
* Olive green, with a wine coloured head.
* Fawn brown, with a red chest (male) or with a orange or green chest (female).

Hopefully, this brief article has made it a lot easier for you to pick the perfect parrot for you, because you have now only got 10 main types of parrots to choose from, rather than over 350 different parrot species. Whichever one you choose, I am sure you won't be disappointed, because they are all fantastic in my opinion!

John Barlow is a parrot enthusiast. For more great information about the different types of parrots, and all things parrot-related, visit http://ParrotCareAdvice.com/.

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Feeding Your Parrot - Why a Variety of Food is Best

Obviously, one of the most important aspects of parrot care is knowing how, when and what to feed it. Parrot feeding is not as simple as it sounds. With dogs and cats, you can feed them any type of dog or cat-food that suits their taste.

Parrots are a bit more finicky when it comes to their diet and you may find that your baby parrot has a will have a weak appetite initially. This can be due to a few factors- the sudden change of environment, what you're feeding it and what time you're feeding it. Even people, when nervous, don't have much of an appetite.

To overcome this adverse reaction to its new surroundings, give Polly a treat that's irresistible to them like a cracker with something sweet on it or some fragrant fresh fruit like an apple or pear. This will let Polly realize that the new place is a source of good food and will speed-up his adjustment.

Other pets may gobble-up anything you feed them at anytime of the day. Parrots on the other hand are by nature foragers. Foraging is not just a survival thing for them. It's actually has a social function because they do this in groups. Parrots forage twice a day in the wild- early in the morning upon waking-up and early in the evening at sundown. Another possible reason why your parrot feeding isn't going so well is you're feeding it at the wrong time. Make it a point to feed it at the same time it would be foraging in the wild. Remember that these birds were originally wild and still have innate instincts.

Knowing what to feed your parrot is crucial to its survival. Malnutrition and improper parrot feeding is the major cause of deaths of parrots in the early ages. Proper parrot care involves knowing which foods are good for your valued pet. Seeds may seem like a good source of nutrition for these birds as this is what they eat in the wild, but in reality they don't have enough nutrients like calcium and phosphorous. The seeds used in seed mixtures are the same grown for cooking oils, so they're not really as healthy as Polly's wild brethren eat in the wild.

Pellets are of course more nutritious, but they might be excessively so and this might cause your parrot to become overweight. It might be a good idea to combine seeds and pellets supplemented by fresh fruits and vegetables. Ultimately, a good method for parrot feeding is up to you, so a great deal of extra research can reap benefits.

Ben Greene is a parrot enthusiast and expert. For more information on parrot feeding, visit http://www.happyparrotguide.com.

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Types Or Species of Parrots

There are more than 350 types of parrots. Finding the right one for you and your family can be a bit of a daunting exercise. One must consider cost, maintenance, available space, noise level, food requirements, mess, level of socialization, and owners expectations as to the capabilities as well as the interaction with the bird.

Parrots are among the brightest and most beautiful of all the birds in the world. Because of the large number of different types, they are also among the most diverse among the species. They can range from tiny little cuddly birds that can be held in the palm of one's hand to quite large birds almost a foot and a half in length.\par

Parakeets are part of a fairly large group of small parrots that are among the smallest of all parrots. They have a wide range and combination of colors that would include yellow, green, violet, blue, and white. While these birds can be found almost anywhere in the world today, their origins are from Southeast Asia.

Cockatiels are generally gray in color but there are many color variations among them as well. The mature male may have a yellow head and black feathers. They tend to make good pets and are of a size that is easily manageable. As with all parrots, they are quite bright and readily trainable.

Parrotlets as also small parrots that are very easily trained. They make quite good companions. They tend to have very pleasant personalities with lots of energy. They usually grow to be about 6 inches long. Their colors are similar to the parakeets with bright markings and vivid colors.

Conures are parrots that originated in Central and South America. They are very friendly birds that get along well with people and other parrots. Their colors are quite vivid and they are usually very beautiful birds. They make great pets because of their intelligence and social skills. They love to play and interact with others. The biggest problem with the Conure is the fact that they can be quite loud and noisy.

Lorries & Lovebirds are among the most romantic of all the parrots. When paired they will constantly groom and attend to each other. As with most of the parrot family, they can come in a wide variety of colors. Most often they are caged as pairs which is usually easy as they are small birds generally less than 6 inches long. It's very romantic to watch them sleep all cuddled up.

Macaws are parrots that come in a wide variety of sizes and colors. They are tropical birds that range in size from a pigeon to more than 36 inches long. They have large hard and sharp beaks that they use as both something to break up food but also to act as a hand to hold things. A fun nickname for them is "winged rainbow".

Amazon parrots are generally green parrots with very vivid accents. They are among the larger of the parrot species and therefore need more space, food, and attention. Their diet needs to be very healthy (as with all parrots) almost as if one were feeding a small child.

Make sure they eat their veggies.

Cockatoos are the most easily identified parrots. They can raise and lower a beautiful crest of very colorful feathers. Quite a sight. Many people believe that they are among the most beautiful of all parrots. Like all parrots, they are very bright and fun to own.

Caiques are the newest entry into the world of "parrots as pets". They are very brightly colored, playful, intelligent, outgoing, curious, and great talkers. As a result, they are quickly becoming a popular choice for people selecting a parrot as a pet.

Finding the right parrot for you and your home is not a task that most people take lightly, but with research and time finding the right parrot for you and your family will provide many years of fun and enjoyment as well as wonderful companionship.

Bob Cotto is a parrot expert. For more information on different types of parrots, visit http://www.yourparrotguide.com/.

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Parrot Conservation - Part One

Parrots face significant threats as a result of their popularity as domestic pets. This popularity leads to hunting that reduces their numbers in the wild, and this is complemented by changes in their habitat as a result of man encroaching on their territories. Domestic owners of parrots should take a keen interesting in the conservation of their pets' counterparts in the wild if they are truly to be called parrot lovers.

As the parrot habitat is being fragmented and destructed there has been a rise in domestic trade in parrots. As the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has reduced the international trade problems, so the domestic trade in captured parrots has boomed. It is the combination of trade and habitat factors that are the biggest threat to parrots. However, in addition to this introduced species and diseases have further pressured parrots.

One of the challenges of parrot conservation is being able to count the current population numbers. You not only want to count the numbers, but also to consider populations trends and measure the habitat area. To meet these requirements you need to measure the population at significant intervals, and also measure other biological factors to identify whether population changes result from diseases.

There are a number of different methods for measuring parrot populations: roost counts, nest enumerations, river transects, mark-resighting studies, fixed lookout counts. We will discuss these methods and other conservationism issues in this series that looks at how we can preserve parrots in the wild.

Danny Oakes writes about caring for parrots and covers conservation of wild parrots and pet parrots.

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Is the Parrot Diet You Are Feeding Your Pet Parrot Slowly Killing Him?

Feeding your pet parrot a proper parrot diet is one of the fundamental keys to ensuring that he lives a long and healthy life. Parrots are really no different to humans in this respect - any human who lives on a diet which mainly comprises of junk food isn't likely to be very heathy, and is unlikely to live to be a ripe old age. There are other important things you need to do for your parrot to be healthy, such as interacting with him, and grooming him etc..., but, if you feed him the wrong diet, you might as well not bother! A proper parrot diet is that important.

Unfortunately, even though parrot experts all agree that what you feed your parrot is absolutely vital, they don't agree on what that diet should consist of. This is because not enough research has been undertaken regarding the foods that parrots eat in the wild. Having said that, there is an agreement that just feeding a parrot a diet of seeds isn't adequate. This is due to the fact that seeds do not have the many nutrients that parrots require (e.g. calcium, and vitamins), and they also contain far too much fat. Most parrot experts agree that seeds should not make up more than 10% of a parrot's diet.

In an attempt to resolve the inadequacies of a seed-only diet, parrot pellets were developed. These pellets do contain a good balance of grains, minerals, vegetables, fruits, seeds, and vitamins, but the big problem with them is that parrots quickly become really bored with eating the same food, over and over again. For this reason, the consensus view amongst parrot experts is that these pellet foods should not account for more than 60% of a parrot's diet.

In my opinion, the ideal parrot diet should consist of 40% - 50% pellets, and 50% - 60% fresh vegetables and fruits. This kind of a diet will provide three major benefits for your pet parrot:

* It will provide all of the nutrients required to keep him healthy.
* He will actually enjoy the taste and variety.
* It will mentally stimulate him, because, in order to eat larger pieces of food, he will need to grasp them with his claws.

The following vegetables are ideal for your parrot - green beans, cucumber, sweet peppers, carrots, eggplant, cauliflower, and corn.

The following fruits (ensure all pips or seeds are removed, because some are toxic to parrots) are ideal for your parrot - melon, papaya, kiwi, pineapple, mango, grapes, peaches, apples, cherries, and oranges.

Now you know what you should feed your parrot, here is a list of things that you must not feed him, because they are very toxic to parrots - caffeine, mushrooms, alcohol, chocolate, cocoa, guacamole, and any food that contains a lot of salt, food coloring, grease, and food preservatives.

Even though you need to be aware of the toxic foods listed above, don't panic about accidently feeding your parrot something which isn't good for him. This is because parrots are normally intelligent enough to avoid eating something that is really harmful to them.

One final point is that you must actually monitor the amount of food your parrot eats. Just because you are giving your parrot the right parrot diet, it doesn't mean he will eat it - if he doesn't like the taste of the food, he won't eat it, no matter how hungry he is! Unchecked, this can quickly result in a parrot that is suffering from malnutrition, which is one of the major causes of parrot problems. So, please be sure to carefully monitor his food intake.

John Barlow is a parrot enthusiast. For more great information about the best parrot diet, and all things parrot-related, visit http://ParrotCareAdvice.com/.

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A Pet Parrot - What You Need to Know

Knowing about the needs of parrots and how to give them the basic care they require, makes it much easier when it comes to the decision making part of purchasing your pet parrot.

Parrots need to have attention because they are essentially social birds. A pet parrot is dependent on their human friends for the company they need.

Having knowledge of what foods, besides bird seed, to feed your pet parrot will ensure that your new feathered friend will stay in good health. Some foods such as avocado are not good for parrots whereas some other vegetables can be extremely good for them.

If you are fully aware of what effort is required to look after a pet parrot, you won't be surprised when the cage needs cleaning or there is seed everywhere and things like that. Having this prior knowledge before buying a parrot makes it much easier to provide an environment for your bird that will ensure both its health and happiness.

Information on the right size cage, the right food and what type of toys are suitable for a pet parrot is critical to the health and safety of the bird. As a pet, it is dependent on you supplying all of its needs. That is why it is so important to make sure you know all about these things before buying the parrot. Having the right knowledge can make all the difference in your success in having a parrot as a pet.

Another consideration is whether to buy one or two parrots. Because parrots are so social in nature, having two can work very well. They are less likely to become lonely when you have to be away. A lonely, bored parrot can create problems. A contented happy parrot will give hours of enjoyment and companionship. Many people say that pet parrots are indeed the perfect pet.

This content is provided by Bruce Hodgson. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on how to learn about pet parrots, please visit http://parrot.brucehodgson.com

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Five Top Parrot Training Tips

Parrot training shouldn't be viewed as a "take it or leave it" activity. You may very well be happy to just have an attractive bird sitting in a cage in your home, and therefore you really aren't very interested in investing any time into training your pet. This would be a major mistake, because training parrots involves much more than simply teaching your parrot tricks (even clever tricks!) - it actually contributes to the health and well-being of your pet!

It is one of the keys to raising a healthy, sociable, and well-balanced parrot - a parrot that won't end up developing behavioral problems. If you use the right approach, the training is very simple, because parrots are extremely intelligent birds. They have an aptitude for learning new things, and they actually enjoy the learning process, because they find it very stimulating. It prevents boredom, which is one of the major causes of behavioral problems in parrots.

Parrot Training Secret #1

Keep parrot training sessions very short (i.e. no longer than 10 minutes). Any longer than this, and your pet will become tired, and he will not enjoy the training session.

Parrot Training Secret #2

Choose a location for the training session that is quiet, well-lit, and where there aren't any distractions.

Parrot Training Secret #3

Make sure you are in the correct frame of mind for the training session. You need to be feeling very relaxed, and very patient.

Parrot Training Secret #4

The very first "trick" you should teach your parrot is the step up onto your finger, or arm. This is important, because it is the fundamental skill that is required if you want to enjoy handling your bird. To teach a parrot to do this, you simply place your finger in front of him, and, using a very calm and low voice, ask him to step up. If a bit of encouragement is required, you can always offer the bird a small piece of food, but only give it to him after he has stepped up.

Parrot Training Secret #5

Teach your parrot to talk by picking a simple word (e.g. hello), and repeating it over and over to your parrot. When your bird attempts to copy what you have said, give him a bit of food to reinforce the behavior. Do not try to increase your bird's vocabulary by more than one word at a time, because it will just confuse him, and slow down the progress. Also, please remember that although most parrot species have the ability to talk, not all of them will become "talking parrots", so don't lose your patience if your parrot remains silent!

In conclusion, if you take your time, and you are patient, parrot training isn't difficult at all. You will need to invest a fair bit of time into the activity, but you will find the whole experience to be very rewarding. You will also be surprised at just how quickly your parrot will learn new things. One the major benefits of training parrots, is that the human-parrot interaction that is involved will pay dividends, in terms of making your pet a very healthy, well-balanced, and sociable bird.

John Barlow is a parrot enthusiast. For more great information about parrot training and all things parrot-related, visit http://ParrotCareAdvice.com

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