When it comes to parrot ownership many people ask me and want to know which type of parrot makes the best companion parrot. Unfortunately this question although simple has a very complex answer which actually is made up of many variables that can alter the outcome a great deal. What may be an ideal companion to one owner may well be different to another parrot owner. You need to ask yourself some initial questions and then set some ownership parameters. Just a few questions that you need to consider are:-
- What size of parrot would you ideally like to own and does that match your home environment limitations?
- Do you need to consult neighbors regarding the noise that your parrot may make?
- How much time can you or your family devote to giving your parrot attention?
Inevitably the deciding factor will be how much money do you want to spend or can you afford on your parrot, not only the initial purchase cost of the bird but also the associated equipment and food you will need both now and in the future?
Once you have answered the questions above you will have some parameters to work within. You can then move onto the different species of parrots which will fit into your ideal parameters. You will need to do some detailed research on the different types, so please use this website and its resources to help with that as you can choose a species of parrot that ranges from 5 inches to over 26 inches in size and from $50 to over $1500 in cost and can live anything from 5 years to over 60 years, so there are different combinations of parrot so that everyone can find an ideal match for them.
Now that you have decided on the species of parrot you now have to locate and choose whether you wish to buy your adopted companion from the pet store, rescue center, breeder or in rare circumstances a private individual. Although you can find many well adjusted and well behaved birds at rescue centers and pet stores, the only way you can have proof of your birds history and know for sure how it has been raised and cared for is to go to a breeder who will be able to show you your parrots environment and provide detailed answers to all of your questions and this in turn will help you in raising a well adjusted, happy and healthy parrot which goes along way to fulfilling what can be a best companion parrot.
Your parrots environment is another major factor in promoting the health and good behavior of your new best companion, so make sure that you invest the time and effort in creating the best environment for your new pet companion which includes the birdcage, its’ size and location within your home, the amount and variety of toys to keep your parrot amused and entertained as well as a full spectrum light and the correct variation of diet. When you get all of this right you will be rewarded with a very engaging, highly intelligent and sociable companion. A lot of owners choose to adopt a parrot for their ability to talk or make amusing sounds through mimicking and although there are certain species of parrots who are considered more accomplished talkers than others, the ability to talk is very much bird specific as well as influenced by the way in which the parrot is trained and taught in its formative years however it is generally accepted within the parrot community that African Grey’s and most Amazon’s have the correct voice and intelligence to not only learn an extensive vocabulary but also pronounce words very well as well as the ability to mimic various other sounds.
Hopefully throughout this article you have realized that there is no one single best companion parrot but there are many choices for people to choose a parrot that will fit in with their home environment, family and friends as well as provide hours of entertainment, pleasure as well as a strong companionship bond.
