Parrots Are One Of The Most Colorful Members Of The Entire Bird Kingdom

The subfamily Arinae encompasses all the Neotropical parrots, including the Amazons, macaws and conures, and range from northern Mexico and the Bahamas to Tierra del Fuego in the southern tip of South America. Seed eating parrots have a strong tongue which helps to manipulate seeds or position nuts in the bill so that the mandibles can apply an appropriate cracking force.

The first think you should realize is that parrots have very long lifespans. Some people even have to put their parrots in their will. Some parrots can live to be over 75 years old! This is important to thin about because you may have your pet for the rest of your life. Some other questions to ask yourself are:

- Are you planning on going to college? - Not only have parrots demonstrated intelligence through scientific testing of their language using ability, but some species of parrot such as the Kea are also highly skilled at using tools and solving puzzles? - Do you like to travel a lot? - Will your parrot out live you?

Some people have said that owning a parrot is like having a 2 year old child for the rest of your life. Although there are a few exceptions, parrots are monogamous breeders which nest in cavities and hold no territories other than their nesting sites.

Aviculturists working with parrots have identified the need for environmental enrichment to keep parrots stimulated. Is there enough room for a large parrot cage, stand, and toys? Also, do you have any other pets? Dogs and cats may be dangerous for your parrot. If you are getting a smaller type parrot, a ferret may even be fatal for your bird.Parrot species are found in most zoos, and a few zoos participate in breeding and conservation programs.

Some parrots have also benefited from human changes to the environment in some instances, and have expanded their ranges where agricultural practices, and many parrots have declined as well. Pet parrots may be kept in a cage or aviary; though generally, tame parrots should be allowed out regularly on a stand or gym. Your parrot's beak is very strong and you will be going through bird toys pretty fast. You'll also have to keep buying your parrot's food and treats! Not to mention your parrot's cleaning supplies, you have a lot of things to buy every month and you may be spending around $100 a month for your parrot which may be a lot of money!

Another factor to consider is of course... noise. Parrots can be very vocal at times -- including early in the morning and late at night. You can imagine why I don't recommend parrots as pets for people that live in apartments or townhouses...

If you have children then you should realize how strong a parrot's beak is. Without question the most important of these to most true parrots and cockatoos are seeds. This could do a lot of damage! An absence of stimuli can retard the development of young birds, as demonstrated by a group of Vasa Parrots kept in tiny cages with domesticated chickens from the age of 3 months; at 9 months these birds still behaved in the same way as 3 month olds, but had adopted some chicken behavior!