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Hook bill birds - Parakeets, Conures, Rosellas, Parrots, Macaws and
more
Without proper care, parrots can develop bad habits such as
screaming, biting and destructive chewing. Their wings should be
kept properly clipped; ask your AVIAN vet. There are over 350
species of parrots belonging to various groups. Some of the most
familiar are the budgies, cockatiels, loris, cockatoos, and rosellas
from Australia and the South Pacific; conures, amazons and macaws
from the New World, African greys, lovebirds, senegals and jardines
from Africa and ringnecks from Asia.
Housing
Your parrot needs the largest cage you can afford. Cage width and
depth are more important than height. Make sure the cage is
zinc-safe and lead-free, and has appropriate bar size and spacing;
your parrot should not be able to fit its head between the bars, or
to bend or damage the bars with its beak. Natural hardwood branches
make the best perches; sandpaper perches should never be used.
Choose a variety of non-toxic wood or acrylic chew toys to occupy
your bird, and rotate them to avoid boredom.
Diet
Parrots need a large variety of fresh, healthy foods, whether on a
pellet or a seed diet. Beneficial foods include dark green, leafy
vegetables like kale, broccoli, dandelions, and chard, as well as
carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Healthy table foods like cooked
eggs, corn, beans, pasta, and rice can also be offered. Remove
perishable foods after a few hours and at bedtime. Grit, gravel, and
oyster shells should never be given. A seed-only diet will result in
malnutrition. Eventually, a parrot should become acclimated to a
diet containing specially formulated pellets. An AVIAN vet can help
with more information.
Cleaning
Tray liners should be replaced every day and the cage bottom,
fittings and dishes regularly washed with hot water and soap. Once a
month, disinfect the cage with diluted bleach and rinse thoroughly.
Line the tray with black and white newspaper or paper towels. It is
unsafe to use pine/cedar shavings, corn cob or walnut bedding.
Health
Parrots should be examined by a qualified AVIAN vet at least once a
year or ASAP if any bleeding, injuries, or other signs are noted. It
can be hard to tell when a bird is ill, and by the time you notice a
problem, the sickness is usually well-advanced. Delaying a visit
with an AVIAN vet or using over-the-counter or human medicines may
be fatal.
Warnings
Parrots have very sensitive respiratory systems and should not be
exposed to cigarette smoke, aerosols, harsh cleaning products, or
other toxic fumes.
Pet Hookbills - Parrotlike birds by species
Additional Reading
Mickaboo Cockatiel Rescue
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