The Vet’s Guide to Parrots: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Parrots are one of the most captivating and intelligent bird species, well-loved for their vibrant plumage, playful personalities, and their incredible ability to mimic human speech.

Known scientifically as the Psittaciformes family, there are over 350 different species of parrots, ranging from the petite budgerigar to the strikingly large macaw. These charming birds make fascinating companions but require attentive care, consistent training, and plenty of mental stimulation to thrive.

Background

Parrots have a rich history that dates back millions of years, with their origins traced to tropical and subtropical regions across the world, including South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. They have long been admired by humans, with evidence of parrots being kept as pets as early as 400 BC in Ancient Rome. Their popularity grew over time, especially due to their bright colours and ability to mimic speech, making them a symbol of luxury and exoticism.

Appearance

Parrots are best known for their colourful plumage, which can vary greatly from species to species. Some, like the Scarlet Macaw, display a stunning mix of red, yellow, and blue feathers, while others, like the Amazon Parrot, are primarily green with splashes of colour on their wings and heads. They have a strong, curved beak designed for cracking nuts and seeds, and zygodactyl feet, meaning they have two toes pointing forward and two backward, which allow them to grip branches and manipulate objects with ease.

Physical Characteristics

Parrots vary in size, from the tiny 8 cm pygmy parrot to the magnificent hyacinth macaw, which can grow up to 1 metre in length. Their strong, hooked beaks are not only used for eating but also for climbing and exploring their environment. The zygodactyl feet make parrots exceptionally agile climbers, allowing them to grasp food and toys with remarkable dexterity. Parrots have sharp eyesight and excellent colour vision, making them highly perceptive of their surroundings.

Temperament

Parrots are known for their social, affectionate, and playful nature. They thrive on interaction and bond closely with their human companions. As highly intelligent birds, they are capable of problem-solving, learning tricks, and even understanding human speech. However, their intelligence also means they can become bored or frustrated if not provided with enough mental stimulation, which can lead to behavioural issues. Parrots are very vocal and enjoy communicating, which means they may be prone to loud squawking or chattering.

Health

Parrots are generally robust birds, but like all pets, they can be prone to specific health issues. Common health problems in parrots include respiratory infections, feather plucking (often due to stress or boredom), and nutritional deficiencies. It's essential to provide a balanced diet and ensure they have a clean, safe environment to minimise health risks. Regular veterinary check-ups with an avian specialist are recommended to monitor their health and prevent potential issues.

Lifespan

One of the most important factors to consider before adopting a parrot is their lifespan, which can be significantly longer than most pets. Smaller parrots, such as budgerigars and lovebirds, typically live 10-15 years, while larger species like African Greys and macaws can live 50-80 years or more. Owning a parrot is a long-term commitment that requires dedication and planning for their lifelong care.

What Parrot Should I Choose?

Grooming is an essential aspect of parrot care that ensures their feathers, beak, nails, and overall hygiene remain in top condition. Unlike other pets, parrots engage in self-grooming by preening their feathers, but they still need some assistance to keep them healthy and comfortable. Proper grooming helps maintain a parrot's vibrant plumage, prevents overgrown nails and beak issues, and promotes their overall well-being.

Grooming Requirements

Parrots are naturally clean birds, but they benefit from regular grooming to maintain their health and appearance. This includes weekly checks of their feathers, beak, and nails, as well as monitoring for any signs of parasites, damage, or abnormalities. Feather care, bathing, and nail trimming are the primary grooming activities you'll need to provide. Larger parrot species may require more frequent grooming than smaller ones, so it's important to establish a routine early on.

Bathing

Bathing is an important part of a parrot’s grooming routine, as it helps keep their feathers clean, removes dust, and maintains healthy skin. Parrots love to bathe, and there are a few ways to help them do this. You can mist them gently with a spray bottle filled with lukewarm water, provide a shallow dish of water for them to bathe in, or even let them enjoy a gentle shower with you. Bathing should be done at least once or twice a week, but some parrots enjoy daily baths. Make sure your parrot is in a warm, draft-free environment until they are completely dry, as they can catch a chill if they’re not kept warm.

Feather Care

Feather care is vital for parrots since their feathers not only provide insulation and protection but also play a significant role in flight. Parrots naturally preen their feathers to remove dirt, dust, and debris, but you can help by gently misting their feathers with water. Regular misting helps keep their feathers in optimal condition and encourages natural preening. Always keep an eye out for signs of feather damage or excessive plucking, which can be a sign of stress, boredom, or underlying health issues.

Nail Trimming

Parrots’ nails can grow quickly, and if left untrimmed, they can become overgrown, making it difficult for your parrot to perch comfortably or even causing injury. Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. You can trim your parrot’s nails at home using specialised bird nail clippers or have a professional groomer or veterinarian do it. Be very careful not to cut too close to the quick, as this can cause bleeding and pain. If you're unsure, it's always best to seek advice from an avian vet.

Parrots are generally hardy birds, but they can still face several health challenges, especially if their dietary, environmental, or grooming needs aren't met. Being aware of the common health problems parrots may face helps you detect early signs of illness and ensures prompt veterinary care.

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)

PBFD is a viral disease that affects a parrot's beak, feathers, and immune system. It is highly contagious and can be life-threatening, particularly in young birds. Symptoms include feather loss, abnormal feather growth, and beak deformities. While there is no cure for PBFD, early detection and supportive care can help manage the disease and improve the parrot's quality of life.

Respiratory Infections

Parrots are susceptible to respiratory infections, often caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. These infections can be triggered by poor air quality, dust, or sudden temperature changes. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. It's essential to provide a clean environment with proper ventilation and avoid exposing your parrot to drafts. If you notice any signs of respiratory distress, consult an avian veterinarian immediately.

Feather Plucking

Feather plucking is a behavioural and health issue where parrots pull out their feathers, leading to bald patches and skin irritation. This behaviour can be caused by stress, boredom, nutritional deficiencies, or medical conditions. It’s crucial to identify the root cause of feather plucking, which may involve providing more mental stimulation, improving diet, or seeking veterinary treatment for underlying health problems.

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection that affects the respiratory system of parrots and is caused by the fungus Aspergillus. It is commonly found in damp, mouldy environments or contaminated bird feed. Symptoms include coughing, laboured breathing, weight loss, and lethargy. Ensuring your parrot’s living environment is clean, dry, and well-ventilated is the best way to prevent this disease. If you suspect aspergillosis, consult an avian vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Parrots are prone to nutritional deficiencies if they do not receive a balanced diet. Common deficiencies include Vitamin A, calcium, and iodine, which can lead to health issues such as poor feather quality, weak bones, and iodine deficiency goitre. A varied diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and high-quality pellet food can help prevent these issues. Regular check-ups with an avian vet will also ensure your parrot's nutritional needs are being met.

Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD)

PDD is a serious, often fatal disease that affects the nerves of a parrot's digestive system, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, and undigested food in droppings. The exact cause of PDD is still under investigation, but it's believed to be linked to a viral infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately, as early intervention can improve the bird's prognosis.

Egg Binding

Egg binding occurs when a female parrot is unable to pass an egg, which can be a life-threatening condition if not treated promptly. It often results from nutritional deficiencies, obesity, or lack of exercise. Signs of egg binding include lethargy, straining, and swollen abdomen. Immediate veterinary intervention is necessary to prevent complications.

Training a parrot can be a rewarding experience, as these intelligent birds are quick learners with the ability to pick up commands, tricks, and even mimic human speech. Parrots respond best to positive reinforcement training, which involves rewarding them for desired behaviours with treats, praise, or their favourite toys. Consistency, patience, and establishing trust are key elements in training your parrot, as these birds can be quite sensitive and easily discouraged by harsh treatment.

Establishing Trust and Bonding

Before you begin training, it’s crucial to build a strong bond with your parrot. Start by spending time with your bird daily, talking to them in a calm, soothing voice and offering treats from your hand. Allow your parrot to approach you at their own pace, and avoid making sudden movements that could startle them. The more comfortable your parrot feels around you, the more receptive they will be to training.

Clicker Training

Clicker training is one of the most effective methods for training parrots. It involves using a small clicker device that makes a distinct sound to signal that your parrot has done something correctly. When your parrot performs the desired behaviour, click the device and immediately reward them with a treat. Over time, your parrot will associate the clicker sound with positive reinforcement, making it easier to teach new tricks and commands. Clicker training works well for teaching basic commands like "step up" and "step down" as well as more advanced tricks like "wave" or even target training.

Using Treats and Incentives

Parrots are highly motivated by food, so using treats as incentives is an excellent way to encourage training. Choose healthy, bite-sized treats that your parrot loves, such as pieces of fruit, nuts, or seeds. Keep training sessions short (about 10-15 minutes) and focused, and always end on a positive note, even if your parrot hasn’t mastered the command. This helps keep your bird motivated and eager to learn. Be mindful not to overfeed your parrot during training; adjust their daily food intake to prevent weight gain.

Teaching Basic Commands

One of the first commands you should teach your parrot is "step up," which is the action of stepping onto your finger or a handheld perch. Hold a treat in front of your parrot and gently press your finger against their lower belly, just above their legs. As they step onto your finger, say "step up" and reward them with a treat. This command is fundamental for handling your parrot safely and building their trust.

Another essential command is "step down," which teaches your parrot to step off your hand or perch. When you’re ready for your parrot to step down, offer them a treat on the surface where you want them to go. As they move toward the treat, say "step down" and reward them for following the command.

Mimicking and Trick Training

Parrots are excellent mimics, and with patience, you can teach them to repeat words, phrases, or even mimic sounds like doorbells and whistles. Start with simple, clear words, and repeat them frequently in a cheerful tone. Always reward your parrot when they attempt to mimic the sounds you’re teaching. It’s important to be patient, as not all parrots learn to talk at the same pace.

Once your parrot has mastered basic commands, you can introduce more advanced tricks, such as waving, spinning, or even fetching small objects. Use the same positive reinforcement techniques and break down each trick into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if teaching your parrot to wave, reward them for lifting their foot slightly, then gradually increase the height before giving the treat.

Patience and Consistency

Training a parrot requires time and patience. Consistency is crucial, as parrots thrive on routine. Practice training every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and always use the same words, gestures, and rewards. Never scold or punish your parrot for not performing a trick correctly, as this can lead to fear and mistrust. Instead, focus on rewarding the positive behaviours you want to encourage.

Handling your parrot is an important part of building a strong bond, but trust must come first. Parrots are social and intelligent, yet they need to feel safe before allowing close contact. A calm approach and gentle, consistent handling will help your bird feel secure and connected to you.

Building Trust and Bonding

Start by spending time near your parrot’s cage, speaking in a calm voice so they can get used to you. Offer treats through the bars before slowly introducing your hand. Allow them to approach at their own pace. Forcing interaction can lead to fear or aggression. Once comfortable, teach them to “step up” onto your hand or a perch, rewarding each success with praise and a treat.

Handling Techniques

Support your parrot gently but securely, letting them perch on your hand or arm. Move slowly to avoid startling them and offer regular handling so they remain confident around you. Safe, supervised out-of-cage time is also essential. Always make sure the space is free from hazards such as open windows or ceiling fans.

Reading Body Language

Watch for signs of comfort such as relaxed feathers, head tilts, or quiet chattering. If your parrot fluffs up, hisses, or lunges, they may be stressed or defensive. Respect their signals and give them space when needed. Patience is key to a trusting relationship.

Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining a healthy and vibrant parrot. Parrots require a balanced diet that provides all the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats to support their overall well-being. A well-rounded diet helps prevent health issues, supports feather growth, and ensures your parrot remains active and happy.

Basic Nutritional Needs

A parrot's diet should consist of a mix of high-quality pellet food, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, and occasional treats. Pellets are an excellent source of essential nutrients and should make up around 60-70% of your parrot's diet. Choose pellets formulated specifically for parrots, as these contain the right balance of vitamins and minerals.

Fresh fruits and vegetables should make up about 20-30% of your parrot's diet. Offer a variety of options, such as apples, bananas, carrots, spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers. Always wash produce thoroughly and remove seeds from fruits like apples, as they can be toxic to parrots. Leafy greens, in particular, are rich in vitamins and minerals that support your parrot’s health.

Seeds and nuts can be given as treats but should only make up around 5-10% of their diet, as they are high in fat and can lead to obesity if given in excess. Sunflower seeds, almonds, and walnuts are popular options, but be sure to offer them sparingly.

Parrot Chick Nutrition

Baby parrots (chicks) have different nutritional needs than adult parrots, as they are growing rapidly and need the right balance of nutrients for healthy development. In the early stages, parrot chicks rely on a specialised hand-rearing formula that provides essential nutrients, proteins, and fats needed for growth. The formula should be mixed with warm water and fed using a syringe or feeding spoon, following the instructions carefully to ensure the right consistency.

As the chick grows, you can gradually introduce solid foods, such as soaked pellets, soft fruits, and finely chopped vegetables. This process, known as weaning, should be done slowly, allowing the chick to explore new foods at their own pace. Always monitor their progress and consult with a veterinarian or avian specialist if you have any concerns about their nutrition or growth.

Specific Nutritional Needs

Parrots have unique nutritional requirements depending on their species, age, and size. Larger parrots, such as macaws and African Greys, may require higher fat content in their diet, while smaller species like budgerigars and cockatiels need lower-fat options. It's important to research the specific dietary needs of your parrot species to ensure you're providing them with the best possible nutrition.

Calcium is a crucial nutrient for parrots, especially for egg-laying females, as it supports bone health and eggshell formation. You can provide calcium supplements, cuttlebone, or mineral blocks to ensure your parrot gets an adequate supply.

Vitamin A is another essential nutrient for parrots, as it supports eye health, immune function, and feather quality. Foods rich in Vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and bell peppers. Ensure you include these in your parrot's diet regularly to prevent deficiencies.

Water is equally important, and your parrot should always have access to fresh, clean water. Change their water daily and wash their water dish to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Bringing a parrot into your life is a decision that should be made with care and commitment. These intelligent, long-lived birds need the right environment, diet, and social interaction to thrive. Choosing a responsible source, whether through adoption or from a reputable breeder, is essential to ensure your parrot is healthy, well-socialised, and suited to your lifestyle.

Adoption or Rescue

Adopting a parrot from a rescue organisation or shelter is a rewarding way to give a bird a second chance. Parrot rescue groups in Australia often assess the bird’s health, behaviour, and history before rehoming. They also provide valuable guidance on parrot care and help match the right bird to the right home. Adoption may involve an application, interview, and home check to ensure the environment is safe and appropriate.

Buying from a Breeder

If you choose to buy from a breeder, look for one who prioritises the health and welfare of their birds. Ethical breeders will keep parrots in spacious, clean aviaries, provide enrichment, and allow regular human interaction from an early age. They should be transparent about the bird’s age, species, diet, and health history, and should welcome questions about their breeding practices. Avoid breeders who cannot provide proof of veterinary care or who keep birds in poor conditions.

Breed Clubs and Resources

Australian avicultural societies and parrot clubs can be excellent sources of information. They often maintain breeder directories, provide species-specific advice, and host events where you can meet experienced parrot owners. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to parrot care can also offer guidance, but always confirm any advice with a qualified avian vet.

Key Questions to Ask

• What species and age is the parrot?
• Has the bird been checked by an avian veterinarian?
• What diet is the parrot currently eating?
• How has the parrot been socialised?
• Do you offer ongoing support for new owners?

Starting your parrot journey with a responsible breeder or rescue organisation sets the foundation for a long, healthy, and enriching relationship.

Love the parrot’s intelligence, bright colours, and playful personality? Here are other bird species with similar traits in companionship, character, and charm:

Cockatiel – Gentle, social, and easy to train, cockatiels are perfect for first-time bird owners and thrive on human interaction.

Budgerigar – Small, colourful, and talkative, budgies are friendly companions with big personalities and a love for learning tricks.

Rainbow Lorikeet – Vibrant and energetic, rainbow lorikeets are social birds that enjoy playtime and have a cheeky sense of humour.

Galah – Known for their affectionate nature and intelligence, galahs form strong bonds with their owners and love daily interaction.

Eclectus Parrot – With striking colours and calm temperaments, Eclectus parrots are intelligent birds that adapt well to family life.

Each of these birds has unique care requirements, but all share the parrot’s engaging personality, intelligence, and ability to form deep bonds with their human companions.

Whether you're already a proud parrot owner or considering welcoming one into your home, we hope this guide has provided valuable insights into parrot care. While this article offers a great foundation, always seek more knowledge from trusted sources. Share your experiences with fellow parrot enthusiasts, and keep learning about your bird’s unique needs and behaviour to know how to provide them with the best care possible.

This article was written by Dr. Jane Miller