| Being a parrot owner can be fun and rewarding. Birds | | | | Also, be sure that the parrot's cage is roomy, and |
| have a long lifespan, and are very loving and | | | | provide plenty of toys to prevent boredom. Bored |
| entertaining pets. It's essential to start off on the | | | | parrots turn to attention-seeking behaviors such as |
| right foot with your parrot, as your behaviors in the | | | | loud screeching, cage pecking, and biting. Providing a |
| first few days and weeks will build the foundation for | | | | variety of quality toys, as well as spending time with |
| your relationship. | | | | your parrot on a regular basis, will prevent many |
| Earning trust is an absolute must with any pet. Even | | | | common training problems. |
| more so with parrots, as they are very sensitive | | | | Rewards are an absolute must have in parrot training. |
| animals and are not quick with forgiveness of hostility | | | | Birds respond very well to food treats as reward for |
| or mistreatment. There are many things that are | | | | desired behaviors. Each time that your feathered |
| threatening for birds, and it's important that your | | | | friend allows you to touch him, steps onto your hand, |
| parrot does not perceive you as a threat. Take your | | | | attempts to mimic a sound or word, offer a treat as |
| time! As the old adage says, Rome wasn't built in a | | | | reward. Fruits, vegetables, millet spray, seeds, and |
| day. The same applies to building a strong and | | | | nuts are all good treats. Just be sure that what |
| trusting relationship with your new pet. | | | | you're feeding your bird is safe for it to consume, |
| Placement of the cage is key in making your parrot | | | | and that it's getting a well-rounded, nutritionally sound |
| feel comfortable and at home in his new | | | | diet. |
| environment. There are a few things to keep in mind | | | | Above all, go slowly. Be patient and gentle with your |
| when considering the best placement for the cage. | | | | parrot. Be respectful of his space... parrots are very |
| Birds are happiest in high places. You'll no doubt | | | | territorial. Let your parrot get used to its surroundings |
| notice, no matter where you house its cage, that | | | | first, and then your presence in the room, before |
| your bird will spend the majority of its time on the | | | | attempting to remove him from his cage. Once your |
| highest perch. It's a good idea to put the cage on a | | | | bird is comfortable with you, you can move forward |
| table or cage stand, but be sure that the highest | | | | to more advanced training, such as teaching him to |
| part of the cage is not above your head. When your | | | | talk to perform tricks. Once you've built a good |
| bird is constantly higher than you, it feels dominant, | | | | foundation, your training options are limitless. Be good |
| and can quickly become difficult to handle and train. | | | | to your parrot, and he'll do the same for you! |