Parrots as pets

Lots of different characteristics, actually. First off, let's get that scientific name out of the way. Parrots belong to a family called Psittacidae, otherwise identified as climbing birds.

Within this large, extended families are different branches, including the parrot proper as one branch is referred to, Macaws, Cockatoos, Lories, Paroquets or Parakeets depending on the spelling.

Parrots are so terrifically diverse. Just what makes them all parrots? Quite a bit apparently. Every parrot, no matter his size, color, or personality, all share certain traits.

Each member of the parrot family has a tongue. But not just any tongue. It's soft, thick and fleshy. And it's really quite mobile. And each member of the parrot family possesses a complex larynx that has three distinct muscles. And this not only helps to distinguish them as parrots but it allows them to "parrot" us humans quite well.

In a few of the parrot species the tongue even comes to a point, looking somewhat like the end of an acorn. Additionally, you may find that the skin of the tongue is covered with small papillae - fingerlike appendages that are slightly flattened and arranged longitudinally.

Even though you may think that the tongue on these birds evolved specifically for mimicking sounds, nothing could be further from the truth. In the parrot, the tongue is actually one of the sense organs, much like it is for us. The parrot tastes, touches and swallows with this organ.

And, of course, each parrot has a beak. Some possess one that's larger than another specie, but make no mistake about it, each parrot has a distinctive beak to call his own. If you were to study the beak of each member of this bird family, you'd learn that each is large, thick hard and fairly solid. And it's more than often has a rounded shape. The beak is also a very valuable tool he uses in climbing, walking, and even resting his body weight comfortably on his beak.

The jaw is only loosely hinged with the skull. It's, nonetheless, connected to the beak with a strong membrane as well as bones placed on either side of the bird's head. And because of this the parrot can lift and depress his upper jaw at will. This also allows the bird to open his bill wider.

It's that little cock of his head that makes the parrot so delightfully cute - and at the same time gives him the appearance of great intelligence, when he seriously studies an object that is close to him.

And there's good reason for this. His eyes are placed on either side of his head. He actually cannot distinguish small objects which are held close to him without turning his head to one side.

The upper and lower lids of his eyes are actually a continuous single lid, forming a rounded opening for the eyeball. If you ever really take a good, long look at a parrot, you'll notice that he seldom winks like you or I do. He really doesn't need to.
Even though the upper portion of the lid is mobile, the bird possesses the power to contract his pupil at will, independent of the presence of light or dark.

This contrasts to our pupil which dilates or expands automatically when we enter either the bright daylight or a dark room. He uses this power, most notably, when he's angry, fearful or struck by some other strong emotion. As the bird ages, additionally, the color of his iris deepens.

Don't think for a moment that this these gorgeous birds are low maintenance. Because they're not. Like any pet they require your daily feeding. They also do need grooming, veterinarian care, training as well as toys to keep them from getting bored.

Frustrating. Time consuming. Even exhausting. These are all words used by those individuals who keep parrots as pets. It's no secret that these birds demand more time and effort than many people would like to think - or really expect.

Yet, the ranks of parrot owners swell year by year. In some cases, people adopt parrots not really knowing how complex a creature he is. Being highly intelligent, this animal demands more of your time than your average dog or cat.

You can expect a complex creature. And a creature that has various needs and then quite a few desires as well. If these needs and desires aren't met, then not only can these birds come down with physical illnesses, they may also develop psychological problems as well. They don't do well being alone. And if they don't have other birds to interact with, they'll basically adopt you as another bird.

Parrots are just "noisy" animals by their very nature. They scream! There's no other way to say it. And the larger the parrot is, the louder he screams. And these birds squawk naturally at certain times of the day - guaranteed. Expect your bird to squawk like clockwork several times in the morning, then around noon and again in the evening. It's a given.

They make noises at these particular hours because these are innate calling and gathering times for them. If you walk out of the room, the odds are very good that they'll call to get you back in there with them.

The success of this combination depends on the characteristics of the individual bird, the ages and personality of the children and the type of household everyone is living in.

No parrot should be allowed to be left alone with very small children. If you adopt a parrot and you already have small children, this needs to be understood from the very beginning. This protects both the child and the parrot.

While for the most part parrots tolerate and some even love children, you'll always hear the stories of a parrot who discovers a child he just will not tolerate. And the only way the parrot has to express this displeasure is through biting. One of the species that is particularly prone to intolerance of children is the Conure.

Macaws are another species require adult supervision. Macaws are not inherently mean, but they do have powerful beaks. Should this bird get provoked, he may bite a child and cause considerable harm.

The Poicephalus parrot, on the other hand, is a friendly bird who is known for his exceptional gentleness around children.

Many households have dogs, cats and parrots coexisting quite peacefully under the same roof.

Let's take a quick look at the most notorious of animal rivalry in a house: Dog versus cat. While historically these two species are considered rivals, the truth is that when raised in the same house many a dog and cat have become the best of friends. Why not give them a parrot friend as well?

The key to this arrangement working rests primarily on one consideration: You!