In Part 3 of the “Best Parrots for Beginners” series, we will focus on behavior and engagement.
Behaviour
I think the easiest and kindest parrots to live with are the lilac-crowned, double-yellow-headed and yellow-crowned Amazons, but really, apart from the yellow-naped Amazon, this family of parrots is the most adapted to living with humans. . . They are also less susceptible to behavioral pathologies than other birds. Which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take great care of them!
The flip side of the remarkable intelligence of African Grays is that they can be quite phobic and apprehensive. Never surprise a Gray, as it only feels good when everything around it is safe, that is, when it perfectly understands its surroundings. He will develop a very strong bond with his human or feathered companion, but can become very possessive.
The Quaker Parrot is territorial and a bit of a control freak when it comes to his cage, where he will build the most amazing nest. It is a very sensitive bird that does not adapt very well to changes and can easily develop anxious behaviors.
Commitment
A final recommendation would be to keep in mind that having a parrot as a pet is a huge commitment, “not to be taken lightly”, because these sentient and sensitive beings can have a very, very long life. Smaller birds typically live between 15 and 30 years, mini-macaws can reach 40 years, Amazon parrots have a lifespan of 50 years, and African grays can live up to 60 years. But large macaws have a lifespan of 80 years!
This can also influence your decision to purchase a hand-reared baby from a breeder or to adopt an adult pet parrot from a former owner or parrot rescue organization. While it may be more reasonable to adopt an adult bird if you choose a larger species given its lifespan, it is easier to socialize a pet parrot if you have it from a young age, especially if you are a beginning owner.
Remember: falling in love at first sight with a baby parrot that you see in a pet store and buying it right away is the same as meeting a beautiful stranger in a bar and running away to Las Vegas to marry him the same day …
Also note that these broad guidelines do not take the luck factor into account – each bird has its own individual personality, and your new African Gray may not be as talkative as Alex the African parrot. Do not be disappointed and give him all your love and affection.
I hope that all the things to take into account before going out to buy or adopt your parrot do not scare you, but on the contrary help you to make a well-informed decision. Believe me, even though there is a “parrot owner learning curve”, the relationship you will establish with your pet bird is well worth it!