Information on Parrots

Pet birds have now become the fourth most popular pet, behind dogs, cats and fish; and parrots are often the first birds that spring to mind when you think of pet birds. The types of birds that are included under the group name of parrots are: parrots, cockatoos, amazons, macaws, conures, lovebirds, parakeets, cockatiels and budgerigars.

Parrots have been extraordinarily favored among pet owners and it’s not hard to grasp why. Two of the preferred reasons why they make entertaining and lovable pets are due to their high intelligence and their power to talk. Although there is little evidence to suggest that they understand the words they are using, it is still quite amusing to the owner to hear pet parrots repeat the words they’ve been taught. As pets they are delightful, but they can become extremely moody and temperamental.

African Grey parrots have been said to have the intellectual capacity of a 5 year old child with the emotions of a 2 year old. Because of this higher intelligence, they can be demanding pets, and rightly so. African Greys have been kept as pets for over 4000 years. The Egyptians are thought to be the first to keep the African Grey as pets, as depicted in their hieroglyphics.

Because these birds are so popular, there is a large and thriving trade in smuggling the animals out of various countries, with many dying in transit. There are also moral questions about the keeping of such reportedly intelligent and wide flying birds in cages.

Parrots are again flying wild in the United States; even if they are not native to the states they now inhabit. These populations are made up of abandoned and escaped pet birds, and there are differing opinions on whether this is a good or bad situation.

Due to their popularity, parrots are following in the footsteps of cats and dogs in that they are also facing homelessness. There are over 150 rescue organization in the United States, and many overseas to face this growing problem. Sadly, many of these organizations are now full, and there are not enough caring individuals who are able to open more rescues. We are now beginning to see the use of euthanasia to control their numbers. Most birds living in animal shelters and avian rescue facilities are under the age of five! This is startling considering that some species of parrots can live to over 60 years in captivity.

Parrots are very intelligent birds and can provide us with many years of loyal companionship. It is up to us to provide everything these beautiful birds need when we make them part of our home and our lives.
Respectfully submitted by Idaline Hall. For more insider secrets in the areas of home & garden, pets, health & fitness, business, sports and recreation, natural and alternative healing, visit: http://QuickHelpTips.com