Bright, colorful feathers, a sharp little beak and a piercing gaze is what immediately comes to mind when you think of parrots. Whether it is parakeets that have caught your fancy or the charming budgerigars, parrots are exciting creatures. Frequently domesticated, these birds make flashy pets that love to squawk at their owners while a few varieties can even be trained to chatter away! This write-up will enlighten you about some curious facts about the fascinating parrots.

1. The Many Varieties in the Parrot Family

If you wish to bring home a pet parrot, you have a lot of options for there are several colourful types available at a pet-store near you. Parakeets from the same feathery clan make excellent pets, as do the domesticated Cockatiels, Parrotlets and Conures. While many are fond of the colourful Lovebirds, the chirpy Lorries, and stunning Macaws; others prefer Amazons that can be difficult to procure.

Cockatoos are ideal for homes with children as are Caiques or Poicephalus. Based on the size of the cage or aviary, you can decide on the number of parrots you can comfortably house. It would be wise to ensure that the climate you live in is one that the Cockatiel or Parakeet can adjust to.

2. Are all these Birds Screamers?

Quite contrary to what people believe, these creatures are not inherently very loud. Even though you can expect an angry or playful squawk once in a while, they are generally quiet creatures. It is only when they try to engage their owners is that they begin to create a ruckus.

3. Vegetarians Through and Through

These creatures are no meat-eaters, for they can survive on anything from mere pellets to hemp seeds and grains. You can feed your pet with canary seeds, sunflower seeds or store-bought pellets. You will find that some love to chew on vegetables while others prefer germinated seeds.

4. Specific Dietary Needs

Certain parrots have delicate beaks that compel them to have a diet of berries and fruits. Those with sharp and hard beaks would love to crunch away on soyabeans, pulses or even oats for a healthy snack. It is however, important that you pay attention to the nutrition that your pet is getting and a variety of pulses and fruits each month.

5. Biting Truths

A lot of people remain fearful of these birds because they fear they shall sustain a bite. The truth is that these creatures never attack unless they feel threatened. If you want to ensure that you’re not bitten, you can keep a keen eye on your feathered friend and monitor its habits.

6. Tell-Tale Body Language

Parrots are generally very mild creatures that are easily domesticated; however, it would be wise not to get too close to your new bird in the initial weeks. Since every pet has a different personality, you will soon know when Polly’s pupils narrow or she looks like she is in a temper.

7. Playful Creatures

These pretty creatures love to scramble around their cage with the help of their talons and beaks. You will often see one climb the side of the cage with the help of the strong and sharp beak that is used to grip the metal bars.

8. Birds that Mimic

Budgerigars are perfect for small families or ones with kids for they are easy to train. These fascinating creatures produce a wide array of sounds with the right training. The best part is they can soon imitate humans, which will lead to their learning the popular phrases you use. With time, the budgerigar can become a much-loved pet that never shies away from an audience.

9. Talking Facts

You could spend years trying to make the wrong kind of parrot talk and get nowhere. The truth is only a few varieties of these birds have the uncanny knack of being able to chatter back to you. Quakers as well as the massive African greys are known for their vocal abilities. Although you can have a fun time with your kids training the creature to say a few words, you should know that not all Quakers talk. Some simply choose to stay mum and no amount of training will get them to speak a word to you.

• They are Quite the Opposite of Bird-Brains

Even though people are often teased by being called bird-brains, these creatures steer clear of this stereotype completely. Their feathery plumes and flashy colours are not all that these birds have to flaunt. Intensely intelligent, they can keep occupied only when they are in an interactive atmosphere.

• Turning Tricks

The species that cannot talk can be trained to perform a number of tricks that they will willingly delight you with. Positive reinforcement is the way to go with them and you can use their favorite sunflower seeds to tempt them into performing a neat set of tricks.

12. Lovebirds can Indeed Live by Themselves

When bringing home lovebirds, a lot of folks believe that purchasing couples is a must. This is a myth however, as they can do just fine by themselves. In the event that you do decide to bring home two, most households are better suited for a pairing or males or that of two females as opposed to one of each gender. This gives them a better shot at living together in harmony.

Whether you have a huge aviary or a large cage for your pet, cleaning can always be a nuisance; however, it is a small price to pay for such an adorable companion.