Things Every Future Parrot Owner Should Know
Understanding the things every future parrot owner should know is essential before buying a parrot. Parrots are intelligent, affectionate, and emotionally complex animals. However, they are also sensitive, demanding companions that require structure, patience, and long-term commitment.
At L’Espace Perroquet, education comes first. Whether you are considering a conure, African grey, cockatoo, or macaw, the information below will help you make a responsible and informed decision that benefits both you and the bird.
1. Things Every Future Parrot Owner Should Know About Lifelong Commitment
One of the most important things every future parrot owner should know is lifespan. Depending on the species, parrots can live 20 to more than 80 years.
This means your parrot may outlive:
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Career changes
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Moves or relocations
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Relationships
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Major lifestyle shifts
Before adopting, you should already have a long-term plan, not just excitement for the first few years.
2. Things to Know About Parrot Intelligence
Parrots have the cognitive abilities of a young child. They learn routines, recognize people, remember experiences, and form emotional bonds.
Because of this intelligence:
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They need daily mental stimulation
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They can develop anxiety or frustration
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Emotional neglect can lead to behavioral issues
A parrot is not a decorative pet. It needs engagement and interaction every day.
3. Things Every Future Parrot Owner Should Know About Noise Levels
Parrots are vocal by nature. Noise is communication, not bad behavior.
Even small parrots can be loud, while larger species may produce calls that carry far beyond the home. This is normal and cannot be trained away.
If noise is a problem, a parrot is not the right pet. This is one of the most commonly underestimated things every future parrot owner should know.
4. Things you Should Know About Proper Nutrition
Seed-only diets are outdated and harmful. A healthy parrot diet includes:
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High-quality pellets
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Daily fresh vegetables
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Limited fruits
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Healthy grains and legumes
Nutrition directly affects lifespan, feather condition, immune strength, and behavior. Poor diet is one of the leading causes of illness in parrots.
5. Things Every Future Parrot Owner Should Know About Cage Time and Freedom
A cage is a home base, not a prison.
Parrots need:
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Daily out-of-cage time
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Space to fly or climb
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Interaction with their environment
A parrot kept inside a cage all day will often develop stress, aggression, or self-destructive behaviors.
6. Parrot Destructive Behavior
Chewing is instinctive. Parrots chew to explore, relieve stress, and maintain their beak.
Without proper enrichment, parrots will redirect this behavior toward furniture, doors, and walls. Providing bird-safe toys and supervised playtime is essential.
Destruction is not a flaw. It is natural behavior that must be managed correctly.
7. Parrots Social Needs
Parrots are flock animals. In the wild, they are rarely alone.
When isolated too often, parrots may develop:
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Depression
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Aggression
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Excessive screaming
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Feather plucking
Daily social interaction is not optional. This is a core responsibility and one of the most critical things every future parrot owner should know.
8. Parrot Veterinary Care
Parrots require avian veterinarians, not standard pet clinics.
Responsible ownership includes:
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Annual wellness exams
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Emergency care planning
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Budgeting for specialized treatment
Birds hide illness well, so delays in care can be fatal. Preparation matters.
9. About Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is as important as food.
Healthy enrichment includes:
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Rotating toys
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Foraging activities
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Training and interaction
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Learning words or tricks
Without mental challenges, parrots often develop boredom-related behavioral problems.
10. Before Choosing a parrot Species
There is no “best parrot.” There is only the right match.
Each species differs in:
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Noise tolerance
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Energy level
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Social needs
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Sensitivity
Choosing the wrong species often leads to rehoming later. Guidance from parrot care professionals helps prevent that outcome.
Why Education Matters
At L’Espace Perroquet, our mission goes beyond parrots and accessories. We focus on education, ethical guidance, and long-term success for both birds and owners across Canada.
Making informed decisions before adoption leads to healthier parrots, happier homes, and fewer birds needing rehoming later.
Why Trust L’Espace Perroquet
At L’Espace Perroquet, our mission goes beyond selling birds and supplies. We educate, guide, and support families across Canada in building long-term, healthy relationships with their parrots.
From nutrition and cage setup to bonding and daily routines, we help future parrot owners make decisions that are right for both humans and birds.
Check out the Toxic Foods for Parrots | Dangerous Foods & Household Products to Avoid before you buy your first parrot!
feel like giving a 2nd chance to a bird in need? contact Montreal SPCA
or check out our available baby in Montréal Our Baby Parrots Archives – The Parrot Space
