The parrot family consists of more than 350 different species of birds. They include groups such as Amazons, African Greys, Macaws, Cockatoos, Eclectus, Conures, Lories, Poicephalus, Parrotlets, Cockatiels, Parakeets, Lovebirds and Budgies. They share the basic traits all parrots possess: A strong beak with the upper beak overhanging the lower (hence the name Hookbill), their feet have 4 toes, with two pointing forward and two backward; a broad head, a short neck, a stout body, and a tail. Each species vary in color, size, length of body and tail, lifespan, talking ability, loudness in voice, & other basic species related character.
All parrots, however, are wild animals. They are not domesticated animals like dogs & cats. They may be domestically bred and handfed by humans, but they have only lived with humans for no more than two generations.Their natural ways are adapted to life in the wild for over millions of years. Humans that are fascinated with them and choose to keep them as indoor pets, must understand their complexities, natural wild tendencies, their needs so as to stay calm and tame towards humans, and understand their diet and health - to be able to enjoy them as house pets.
Humans are attracted to parrots as pets because of their unusual personalities, being highly intelligent, and have the ability to share and give a lot of love and attention when they choose to. Parrots have their own minds and they decide when they want to do something and when they don't. Going against their wishes will call for some sort of aggression, or in their case, is their way of telling you NO. However they are wonderful, loyal and loving creatures, and humans that want them in their lives have to work to earn their trust, and create an environment that brings out the best in them. The most successful and happy parrot owner understand their birds to the point where they are able to set scenarios for their birds to behave the way they plan for it. It's about being smarter than them, and helping them move towards your goal, in their time frame. Unlike dogs, parrots cannot be given a command and be expected to do so if they don't want to. Humans have to set the stage knowing beforehand that a parrot will react in a certain way, and then only give a command knowing that the bird will happily oblige, and then praise lavishly. Parrots do not understand punishment or scolding - as it only means Danger to them, and their natural reaction is to flee in terror, and they will quickly lose their trust in you. Never, ever abuse a parrot in any way.
Parrots are prey animals. They have natural enemies in the wild - rodents, monkeys, snakes and other birds. In the wild they are often prey to raptors. Things in nature - like hurricanes, flood, and other weather conditions are a constant danger for them. Their reaction towards danger is to flee from the situation as fast as they can. In a household pet situation, they will do the same when in fear, & bite if they are taught that biting will make humans back away. The destruction of a parrot owner's trust has a detrimental effect on future human relationship for the parrot. Young parrots will trust humans quite easily and continued loving care can create a parrot similar to the companionship of a young human child. However, abuse and a sense of danger very quickly revert a parrot to its wild behaviors and many continue that way in fear. That is why as many wonderful pet parrots as there are out there, they are many abused pets that their owners claim are aggressive - with biting, screaming and behavioral problems. Not to mention some sadly malnourished pet birds. Understanding parrots as pets will hopefully educate humans to adopt them only when they are ready to take on the responsibility of giving these wild animals an unnatural, domesticated, yet fulfilling and happy life. And knowledge will hopefully lessen many impulse purchases humans make from only loving how parrots look on the outside, but having no understanding of how they function as house pets.
Parrot babies are adorable, innocent hatchlings when feathered, although at first will look like a naked baby dinosaur of some sort. Depending on the parrot species and lifespan, each chick grows and weans at a different pace. Also depending on the species, they reach adulthood and sexual maturity at different ages. They all do possess natural breeding behaviors at sexual maturity - especially during the spring and summer months. Many of their personalities will change a little due to their hormones, but will calm down after the season. As they get older, this period of their lives become easier for them to handle, and you will notice much less of a difference from their usual self during those times.
Habitat destruction and excessive capture of parrots in the wild, have now threatened many populations of parrots in their native habitats. Many measures have been enacted to stop the endangerment of these beautiful birds. The continued importation of parrots into the United States has been effectively halted by the Wild Bird Importation Act of 1992. International treaties have also limit the importation of wildlife. In many cases, captive breeding may be the only way to keep up parrot population levels, and there are many species of endangered parrots which you should never consider keeping if you are not planning to breed them.
If you are interested in parrots, get involved in parrot conservation efforts by learning about these wonderful birds, in both their natural habitats, as well as in captivity. Read and educate yourself on the conditions of their habitats and species preservation, and help make others aware of these conditions. This will continue the growth & population of beautiful parrots in the wild, and increase the quality of lives for many captive-bred parrots and pets.
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