Basic Problems & Solutions When Owning a Pet Parrot By Patrick Dell

When not properly cared for, socialized or trained, parrots can develop behavioral problems such as screeching, aggression, and self mutilation. Owners can easily remedy these problems with proper research, care, and patience. With any relationship, sticking through the tough times always results in a stronger, lasting friendship.

Depending on your companion's background, there may be behavioral problems already in place. Purchasing a parrot from a reputable breeder rather than a pet store or shelter will lower the chances of receiving a bird with already learned poor behavior. Most breeders are well educated and provide for the needs of their particular breed. Providing loving, stable care from birth will increase the chances of receiving a happy, healthy, well adjusted parrot. Choosing to purchase from a breeder is an easy solution to troubleshooting many behavioral problems.

However, problems may still arise. Because parrots are such intelligent and sensitive creatures, they can become easily stressed. From one cage to another or from one home to another, they require slow and calm transitions. Providing it with similar sized cage with similar toys and perches will allow your bird to ease into their new home. This rule applies with diet changes, as well. If a new food needs to be integrated into its diet, ease a new food into their meal plan a little at a time. Large changes, executed quickly will cause unnecessary problems that could easily be remedied with proper transitioning practices.

Aggression problems such as biting and chewing can also be solved by providing a parrot with adequate chew toys and foods to gnaw on. Biting can be a reflection of boredom or a the birds instinctual need to taste the world around them. Large chunks of fruits and vegetables can be hung on strings from the top of the cage, woven between the bars, or placed inside of toys. This will not only stimulate the bird physically, but mentally as well. Keeping their interests creatively held will solve many biting and chewing behavior problems.

Most breeds are naturally vocal. Without proper speech training, they may screech and scream as a way to express themselves. Vocal exercising and trick training may serve as an outlet for their socialization and vocal needs. Patient, routine vocal exercises should solve most screaming or screeching problems.

Whatever the behavioral problem maybe, often times the remedy is troubleshooting before the problem occurs. By researching and becoming educated about the particular parrot species chosen, many problems can be solved before they've even begun. However, if problems do occur, patient, well researched, and loving correction can easily remedy most problems, turning a feathered foe into a lifelong friend!

Patrick Dell is a parrot problem and solutions expert. For more great information on common parrot problems and solutions, visit http://www.myparrotcaresecrets.com

Caring For Your Parrot Through Proper Nutrition By Patrick Dell

Proper nutrition is an extremely important aspect of proper parrot care. Because of their need to explore the world around them with their beak and claws, a varied, well balanced diet that is both nutritional and exciting is necessary for a parrot's health and happiness. By providing him with the right balance of protein, fruits and vegetables, and seed and nut mixes for their specific breed, owners can be assured they are doing all they can for the nutritional well being of their pet.

A parrot's dietary needs will vary depending on their breed. It is important that owners be aware of their diet requirements when purchasing a companion. Doing research and discussing with the breeder the dietary recommendations for a particular breed and the previous owner's nutritional plan is important. Depending on the bird dietary classification, parrots can either be a florivore, granivore, frugivore, omnivore, or nectarivore.

Parrots such as the military, gold, blue, and red macaw are considered to be florivores. This means that in addition to a diet of protein pellets, they enjoy seeds, nuts, berries, bark, and roots. A cockatiel's diet classifies them as granivores. This means that they enjoy grains and seeds. The blue throated and green winged macaws are considered to be frugavores, meaning their diet consists mainly of fruit and flowers and some seeds and nuts. Cockitoos and red tailed Amazon parrots are omnivores, which means their diet consists primarily of seeds, insects, invertebrates, and some fruits. And, lastly, the lorikeets are known for having a diet that consists mainly of nectar, pollen, some insects, and seeds. So, as one can see, each classification of a parrot's diet varies considerably.

Formulated foods, such as protein pellets should make up a large portion of a parrot's diet. In addition to protein pellets, fruits and vegetables should be integrated to provide both physical and mental stimulation. Depending on the research acquired and classifications as shown above, dietary requirements even within the classifications will vary. Research must be done on the specific breed to ensure a proper balance of formulated foods, fruits and vegetables, and seed mixes.

Depending on the breed, the fruit and vegetable diet will be slightly different. However, regardless of parrot breed, the diet should never include avocado, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, fruit pits, persimmons, table salt, mushrooms, apple seeds or onions. These foods are considered to be toxic to all parrot breeds. For the health and safety of your bird, they should be avoided entirely.

Regardless of the bird breed chosen, the diet is a very important, very large aspect of their lives. Proper research and open communication with a veterinarian is key in ensuring that the diet is what it should be. A proper diet plays a major role is a parrot's health, happiness and longevity.

Patrick Dell is a parrot diet expert. For more great information on the parrot diet, visit http://www.myparrotcaresecrets.com