A parrot can provide you with considerable companionship and joy. If you are a new owner of one of these beautiful birds, you should understand how to tend to their physical and emotional needs. From socializing with your parrot to taking them to the veterinarian regularly, below are a few strategies to ensure that they have a long, healthy life.

4 Tips for Taking Care of a Parrot

1. Provide a Nutritious Diet

Just like all other pets, parrots require a healthy diet to thrive. In addition to feeding them seeds and pellets, offer your parrot plenty of fruits and vegetables. Blueberries, leafy greens, mangos, peaches, and apples can boost your bird’s immune system and help them feel their best.

However, you should avoid foods that can be toxic. These include avocados, chocolates, and fruits with pits. These can cause health complications and lead to choking.

2. Play With Them

Parrots need daily socialization to stay happy and healthy. Take your parrot out of its cage at least once a day to play with them. Gently stroke their head and neck and talk to them in a calm voice. Doing this will make your parrot feel loved and appreciated. If you cannot play with them each day, consider getting a flockmate to ensure that your parrot can socialize even when you are not home. 

3. Schedule Regular Checkups

Take your parrot to the veterinarian at least once a year for a health checkup. They will thoroughly assess the health of your bird and look for potential issues—such as parrot fever and nutritional deficiencies—that are difficult to detect on your own. The earlier that your veterinarian discovers a health issue, the easier it is to treat.

4. Provide a Large Cage

Every parrot deserves a large cage that allows them to move around freely. Purchase one that is big enough to fit a perch, toys, and food dishes. When placing the perch inside, try to mimic how branches would be in the wild. This means you should place them at different angles and include leaf coverage throughout the cage. This way, your bird will have a comfortable place to live while you aren’t at home.

If your parrot is due for a checkup, turn to Care Animal Center in Dothan, AL. The veterinary hospital provides exceptional care for many types of pets and will treat yours like their own. From wellness exams to pet vaccines, they offer a variety of different services and use the latest technology in the industry. For more information about their services, visit the website. Call (334) 794-6333 to schedule an appointment.