Data sheet parrot
German name:
parrots
Scientific name:
psittaciformes
Origin:
Middle and South America
Size:
up to 100 cm
Color:
many colors possible
age expectation:
20 – 80 years
Behave
Lining:
omnivorous
Behave:
active, social, curious, intelligent
Number:
at least 2 animals
Difficulty level:
Advanced Jerry Bauer., light red, marked as public domain, details on Wikimedia Commons
The homeland of parrots is Central and South America. Their habitat is savannas, river banks and rainforests. There are about 1000 different species worldwide. Most are swarm animals and live together in larger groups of 20 to 50 specimens. Many species are at risk of extinction as their natural habitats shrink. In addition, because of the beautiful plumage, they are hunted and captured.
Parrots are diurnal, agile, social and extremely intelligent. They exist in the different shades of colour from grey, yellow, red, blue to white and black. They have a large and powerful beak with which they can crack even hard shells. Sexual maturity lasts 3-5 years. After fertilization, the female lays and protects 2 to 4 eggs. The male goes in search of food and also takes care of the female. A couple stays together for life.
acquisition and maintenance
If you want to get a parrot, you have to observe a species-appropriate attitude:
– Parrots can not live alone! Even in captivity, the swarm animals need at least one conspecific with whom they are in constant contact.
– You can high age to reach.
– You need a lot Variety as well as employment. Several free flights a day are a must.
– You have to come with me every day fresh food and water be taken care of.
– The cage must be large, clean and varied.
Posture requirements
cage or aviary cannot be big enough for the parrots. The more residents, the bigger! Round cages with a diameter of less than 2 meters are not allowed. The minimum legal cage size for a pair of medium-sized parrots is 2.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 m (length x width x height). Macaws require a minimum footprint of at least 4.0 x 2.0 x 2.0 m. The cage location must be light, quiet, dry and draft-free. In addition, an aviary needs a shelter with a room temperature of at least 5 degrees.
soil substrate: Consists of absorbent and disinfecting parrot sand, enriched with lime or shell grit. Bark mulch and wood chips are mixed in.
Brightness and room temperature: The day-night rhythm is extremely important for the animals! Depending on the species, 8 to 14 hours of light per day are necessary. Otherwise, additional, flicker-free artificial light with an adapted sunlight spectrum must be provided. The lighting duration depends on the parrot species. The room temperature must also be adjusted individually
perches: Tree branches of different thicknesses and lengths are good and can also be nibbled on. Depending on the bird species, the bars are round, flat or wide and swinging. They should be changed from time to time. They are to be attached in such a way that the birds sometimes have to climb, hop and make an effort.
trim rods: They are used for claw care. They should only sit in the bottom third of the cage. The first bar serves as a climbing aid (stairs) next to the door.
Movement, Destruction and Intelligence Toys: The parrots train their muscles and brain with them. They are attached to the highest point of the cage so that there is room to romp and climb. A regular exchange ensures variety. Small cardboard boxes or natural baskets with toys or treats are available for large parrots that like to work with their feet.
Outside the cage, long ladder-like hangers made of sisal and wood entice the cat to climb, fish and sit. A free seat significantly expands the range of motion.
Food bowl and drinking water dispenser: Include fresh food and water daily.
bath vessel: Bathing is fun! A bath house on the wall or a flat bowl of water that is free of dirt on the floor is suitable.
Beak whetstone or cuttlebone: The birds use it to clean and sharpen their beaks and absorb lime.
gender differences
Most parrot species are monomorphic and the gender cannot be clearly determined from the outside.
feed and nutrition
Parrots consume a lot of energy and have high vitamin and mineral requirements. They like a wide range of foods and feed mostly on plant-based food. Depending on the species, they eat different fruits, seeds, nuts, flowers, leaves, vegetables, roots and even insects and insect larvae.
The coveted fruit includes various domestic and southern varieties, for example: cored apples and pears, pineapples, bananas, figs, cherries, kiwis, tangerines, mangoes, melons, mirabelle plums, papaya and grapes. Berries are also popular. Examples of vegetables and herbs include: fennel, cucumbers, tomatoes with no greens, spinach leaves, broccoli, carrots, squash, corn on the cob, bell peppers, lettuce leaves, sweet potatoes and parsley. Bark and roots are also nibbled.
Feeding is fresh every day. All food must be unspoiled, unsprayed, untreated and clean. Treats are cut into pieces and placed in the bars.
All types of nuts should be fed very sparingly, as they contain a lot of fat and can make parrots ill. Macaws are an exception to this, as they need a fatty diet.
Danger: Parrots with kidney problems do not tolerate citrus fruits. Avocados, apple seeds, elderberries and cherry stones are also among the poisonous fruits.
acclimatization and handling
Parrots may only be transported in a suitable transport box and come straight into one prepared cage. The frightened and stressed birds need rest and time to get used to their new home and people.
As long as a bird flinches, hisses, or folds its feathers when approached, it’s scared and needs something more Time. Only when he behaves calmly is he ready for a cautious approach.
All birds should be allowed to explore the home outside of the cage. It is best for them to fly unhindered in and out of the cage as often as possible.