How to Choose a Parrot - Family - Pets

I am often asked which type of parrots make the best pets.

Unfortunately, there's no easy answer to this question. It's a bit like asking what movie you should see of what type of car you would like.

You really need to start out by asking what sort of parrot owner would you make? Some species of parrot can live 70 years or more. That's a lifetime commitment unless you buy an older bird. Birds of the parrot family are social animals. They need company to thrive. Can you spend some time with a parrot two or three times a day?

The choice often made with children in mind is the budgerigar. These have many of the characteristics of the larger parrots, such as an engaging personality and training but it's very hard to find a budgie will or able to talk.

Cockatiels are another good choice for those on a budget. Although some cockatiels will talk they are less likely to do so than some other species.

Amazon parrots parrots can also make good pets often living about 20 years or more. The diet for an Amazon needs to be more varied and should include plenty of vegetables. Not quite as talkative as the African Grey, these parrots can still develop a good vocabulary.

Blue and Gold Macaws, or most other Macaws are also worth considering. They have beautiful plumage and, usually, a mellow personality.

The African Greys are intelligent and will quickly pick up a large vocabulary. These are long-lived birds, often reaching 60 years or more. These are very popular parrots because of their remarkable mimicry skills and intelligence. Although each individual can vary, it is common for them to have vocabularies of several hundred words. They will often sound exactly like their owner when speaking which is an unnerving experience.

Take plenty of time to make the decision and talk to several other parrot owners about their experiences with a particular species. You may also want to see if there is a local parrot rescue society close to you. They will give you advice orn the needs of a particular species and you even have a suitable parrot for you to adopt at much lower cost than buying a young bird.

For more advice on choosing, taming and training parrots visit

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