While birds can be very lovely companions, there are certain species of birds that require advanced care, understanding, and dedication. For experienced bird owners, species like African grey parrots, macaws, and cockatoos have pretty unique challenges, but also rewards.
So, in this post, we are going to examine why they are best for more advanced owners. We will also highlight some important ownership info for you to remember! If you’re an advanced owner looking for a pet bird, this blog is for you!
1. African Grey Parrots
African grey parrots are very well known for their vocal abilities and remarkable intelligence. They are often considered one of the smartest of all avian species! This is because they are capable of mimicking human speech and understanding complex commands. However, because they’re so smart, they require significant mental stimulation and social interaction.
African greys aren’t just companions; they are super social birds and very emotionally complex. They need more than just food and water to thrive. An experienced owner will need to be prepared to invest lots of time in training, socialization, and mental stimulation.
Owners will need to spend several hours per day engaging with their pet birds to avoid boredom and behavioral issues. These animals need toys and puzzles, as well as a balanced diet to be truly happy. You should avoid high-fat and unhealthy treats and instead feed high-quality pellets, good treats, fruit, and vegetables.
These birds live for up to 50 years or more. So, potential owners must consider this life-long commitment.
2. Macaws
Macaws are known for their vibrant personalities, stunning looks, and insane intelligence. These large parrots are quite social and form strong bonds with their owners. However, their big size and energy levels make them a very demanding choice for bird lovers. When they don’t get enough playtime or interaction, they become lonely and engage in destructive behavior.
These multi-colored birds thrive in environments where they can engage with their owners and play to their heart’s content. An experienced owner will need to be prepared for this and provide them with a stimulating environment to ensure their well-being. Due to their large size, they need big cages with lots of room to stretch their wings. They need a large play area to thrive.
Macaws can be very loud, whether when mimicking human speech or just plain squawking. For that reason, having one of these pet birds in an apartment may not be ideal.
3. Cockatoos
While cockatoos make great pet birds, they have demanding social needs. They thrive on interaction, are very prone to separation anxiety, and can develop behavioral problems if their constant need for stimulation isn’t met. What’s more, cockatoos generally do best in pairs or small groups. So, you can’t get just one!
An experienced owner will understand the value of enriching their pet birds and mitigating stressors, such as loud noises, hectic environments, and general chaos. In the long term, this will prevent feather loss and other health issues arising from instability.
Offering a nutritious diet, along with regular grooming, is critical to ensuring a cockatoo’s well-being. Before jumping headfirst into the demanding world of advanced aviary care, consider getting a bird suited for beginners, like budgies or finches. These can help you prepare for cockatoo ownership.
4. Amazon Parrots
Amazon parrots are very lively and engaging birds known for their playful behavior and impressive vocal skills. They are straightforward to train compared to some other species, but they do still need a committed and experienced owner.
Amazon parrots, because of their social needs, often develop strong bonds with their owners. This makes them really incredible companions. However, they do need A LOT of mental stimulation and social interactions.
Amazon parrots really do thrive on companionship. Owners need to be prepared to regularly interact with their birds and play with them. Otherwise, they may show some behavioral issues. They are known for being very vocal birds and can be very loud. Owners need to be prepared for this noise.
A benefit of owning an Amazon parrot is that you can train them to perform various tricks and commands. This can strengthen your bond and offer much-needed interaction. Keep in mind that these birds live a long time—sometimes beyond 40 years. Again, if you’re planning on getting a bird, know that it’s a years-long commitment.
5. Eclectus Parrots
Eclectus parrots are known for their sexual dimorphism, with males having vibrant green feathers and females having red and purple coloring. These birds are extremely calm and gentle, making them enticing for any owner. However, they should only be owned by experienced owners––and for good reasons: eclectus parrots need specialized care, particularly regarding their diet and social needs.
When it comes to their unique dietary requirements, they need a high-fiber diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. A high pellet diet is not suitable because they need a high carb intake. You should also provide your eclectus with toys and puzzles to keep them engaged. You should swap these toys out as much as possible to maintain their interest. A bored parrot may engage in destructive behaviors, such as feather-plucking, to keep themselves busy.
Always do your research when bringing home a new pet, whether it’s a pet for first-time owners or a parrot suited for advanced keepers. In the long run, this can help you make informed decisions.
