Should You Adopt A Parrot?

Are you considering getting a parrot? Polly is small, but her personality and charisma are truly remarkable. These beautiful birds are highly intelligent, as are corvids, such as crows and ravens. Continue reading as a local Mattoon, IL vet discusses some of our most lively and cherished feathered companions.

Which Parrot Is Loudest?

If you want a peaceful pet, you should probably tread carefully here. Some of these colorful birds have volume knobs that go up to 12!

To take a look at the actual numbers, Cockatoos can produce a sound level of 135 decibels.

Eclectus Parrots can produce a sound level of 115 decibels, and Rose-Ringed Parakeets (Indian Ringnecks) can hit 111. Macaws are also quite noisy, reaching a volume of 105 decibels. Conures can reach noise levels of 120 decibels, and Amazon Parrots can reach a volume of 124 decibels. A Lorie can make it to 90 decibels, while a Caique Parrot can reach a noise level of 93 decibels.

In comparison, a Boeing 747 registers at approximately 140 decibels. Rock concerts typically are around 100 decibels.

If you’re looking for a peaceful avian companion—one that won’t garner you noise complaints from unsettled neighbors–you might want to consider a Cockatiel. Parakeets and Budgies are also good options, as are Senegal Parrots. (Note: While they are technically not parrots, finches and canaries are also pleasing to listen to, and keep the volume quite low.)

Who Initiated Parrot Day?

The honorary holiday was established on May 31st, 2004 by the World Parrot Trust. The organization was established by Mike Reynolds, a passionate advocate for parrots and a veteran, who dedicated his life to their cause until his passing in 2007. The organization continues to thrive to this day.

In addition to honoring these vibrant and endearing birds, World Parrot Day serves as a call to action. Parrots can be found in various tropical and subtropical regions. A number of wild species are currently facing the threat of extinction. Surprisingly, a significant portion of wild parrots, up to one-third, are classified as threatened or endangered. Several species are on the brink of extinction. The reasons for this should come as no surprise. The main culprits behind the decline in bird populations are habitat loss, pollution, and the black market trade. Although there are a few protected habitats, regrettably, the majority of them are either too small or do not provide the optimal conditions.

How Many Different Kinds Of Parrots Are There?

There are approximately 400 different types of parrots, which are officially referred to as psittacines. 

The parrot family tree is divided into four branches: Psittaculidae (Old World parrots), Psittacidae (African and New World parrots), Cacatuoides (cockatoos), and Strigopidae (New Zealand parrots like kea, kākā, and kākāpō).

Which Parrots are Known for Talking?

Quite a few parrots are capable of communicating verbally. The African Grey parrot is widely recognized as one of the most verbose species. Interestingly, the current record holder for the bird with the most extensive vocabulary is a budgerigar named Puck. This impressive little bird had an extensive vocabulary of 1728 words, earning herself the top ‘perch’ in the Guinness Book Of World Records.

Here are some additional birds that are capable of talking:

• African Grey Parrot
• Budgerigar
• Rose-Ringed Parakeet
• Moluccan
• Eclectus
• Yellow-Headed Amazon
• Macaw
• Amazon Parrot
• Cockatoo
• Quaker Parakeet
• Quaker Parrot
• Cockatiel
• Hill Myna
• Barred Parakeet
• Common Myna
• Corvids

It is worth mentioning that the ability to communicate through speech can vary greatly among different bird species, and also in individual birds. There is no certainty that even an African Grey will talk.

What Things Should You Think About Before You Decide To Get A Parrot?

People should think carefully before getting any pet. That goes triple for parrots. Polly is undeniably enjoyable and charismatic, but she does require a significant amount of attention and care.

Here are some factors to take into account:

Birds Have Specific Care Requirements

Polly will require a reasonable amount of daily attention. Your winged pal will need several hours outside of her cage for supervised playtime. These beautiful birds need a great deal of love and attention, so expect to spend time interacting with your pet. You will also need to spot-clean her cage and give her new food and water.

Sometimes Birds Make A Mess

Polly could use some improvement in the cleanliness department as a roommate. There will be a certain amount of mess for you to clean up. That’s to be expected!

Parrots Need Great Avian Veterinarians

It’s important to find a highly skilled doctor for your beloved feathered companion. Your Mattoon, IL vet can be an excellent resource for learning about Polly’s care requirements, especially when it comes to things like learning signs of sickness, care and training tips, dietary do’s and don’ts, and, well, pretty much every other aspect of bird care.

Bird-Proofing Is Very Important

Our homes can be especially dangerous for these delicate creatures. Ensuring the safety of your home for birds requires consistent and thorough birdproofing. Consult your veterinarian for further details.

Parrots Can Live A Very Long Time

Parrots are known for their impressive lifespans. Some are able to live to be over 100! Even smaller birds can live for a considerable amount of time, although larger species like Macaws and Amazons tend to have the longest lifespans. That’s quite a significant commitment.

Birds Need Stimulation

In addition to being playful and interested, parrots are very smart. Polly should have a variety of entertaining toys. Regularly rotating and changing these will help keep things fun and fresh for your little buddy. Ask your veterinarian for guidance on selecting toys for your bird.

Parrots Are Hilarious

We’ve spent some time going over possible cons, but we also have to point out the good things about having parrots. They’re not only really cute and fun, they are quite charming, smart, and often absolutely hilarious. Some sing, some dance, and some will entertain themselves by swearing at the dog. One thing we can say for sure: they are packed with personality.

In general, we suggest doing a lot of research before adopting a parrot. It is important to take into account your financial situation, the amount of time you can commit, and any other pets you may have.

What Can I Do To Help Wild Parrots?

There are steps you can take to help. Supporting conservation efforts is a small move that can have significant impacts. Options on how to do this range from donating to organizations focused on parrot protection to advocating for local habitat preservation through legislation. (Although wild parrots may not be present in your area, these steps are still important as they contribute to a broader movement.)

Just spreading awareness can also make a difference.

Conclusion: Parrots are vivacious, animated, fun, and very, very intelligent. While they make wonderful pets, it’s important to do lots of research before adopting one, to ensure they are a good fit.

Schedule An Appointment With An Avian Mattoon, IL Veterinarian 

Do you need any information or guidance regarding parrot care? Is it necessary to schedule an appointment for your feathered companion? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. As your local Mattoon, IL pet clinic, we are here for you.