In this guide to rearing pigeons and doves as pets, we’ll be dividing each branch of the family up so that you can read about their different care needs separately. There’ll also be a section about the major differences between the two birds so that our readers can better understand which of them would work better as a pet for their household.

Why Own a Pigeons or Doves as Pets

Doves and pigeons have been domesticated for thousands of years, and many breeds of both types of bird may account for great pets. Though some of our feathered friends aren’t suitable to be placed in a domestic setting, many breeds are, and you’ll find that it’s quite common to keep a dove or a pigeon as a pet in certain communities.

Owning a dove or pigeon is seen as more exotic than owning a bird like a parrot because so many bird owners choose parrots as their pet bird of choice. They’re cheap, easy to find, and fairly easy to look after.

Though some of these birds are kept in captivity to be used for their meat and feathers eventually, people who own doves and pigeons as pets are aware of their value and friendly nature. Most common pet pigeons and doves are calm, docile, and friendly. They can be kept in a house in cages, live with other animals, and make excellent pets.

Types of Doves

Several common doves are kept as pets, each with its own unique personality and history. Of the following doves, the top pet dove is the Ringneck or Ring-Necked dove. This dove is a widespread species known for being gentle and easy-going.

Diamond Dove

A small blue and gray bird, Diamond doves, are native to Australia. When people keep Diamond doves as pets or in captivity, they can live up to 10 years. They can be found in the deserts of the north and central parts of the country and are often identified by their coloring and the white spots on their wings. Diamond doves need more room to walk around because these doves spend a lot of time on the ground in nature. Though this is a gentle breed, they aren’t likely to enjoy a hands-on approach unless you rear them from chicks or spend time handling them.

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Eurasian Collared doves typically have a light gray head and neck, which turns to darker gray across their wings and body. In addition, they have a small black patch on the back of their neck that is considered their defining feature. These doves are one of the great colonizers of the bird world, so it’s not uncommon to see multiple doves of this breed at once. This bird was originally found in warmer areas between southeastern Europe and Japan. Today, its main habits are in the Gulf Coast in North America and several other major parts (Florida, California, Alaska, and more).

Java Dove

The white mutation of the Ringneck dove, the Java dove, is a pure white dove that makes an excellent pet for novice bird owners. Most doves of this type are extremely friendly, and they have a delightful laughing sound that many love. They’re thought to be a bit of a comical bird because they can have some strange, almost hen-like habits. These doves eat off of the ground on occasion, searching for crumbs, and will constantly require freshwater because they sometimes leave their droppings in it.

Ringneck Dove

Ringneck doves and Eurasian Collared doves are so similar in appearance that they can easily be confused for each other and other birds that share their traits. The main way to tell the two breeds apart is to look at their coloring. The Ringneck dove is usually a fawn color rather than gray, though they also have that distinct black ring at the back of their neck. Ringneck doves are found in the states, though they originated in Africa. Many doves kept as pets are of this breed because they are low-maintenance pets.

Dove Care

Do you love doves and want to own one as a pet? There are a few important things to know. These include how to set up your dove’s home and what kind of food they eat. Start by looking at large cages online or in your local pet stores to find one that meets your needs. Be aware that doves are monogamous and will usually mate for life with their partner. That means that you might need a fairly big birdcage if you’re buying mated pairs rather than a single dove.

It would also be best to find an avian veterinarian in your area because regular veterinarian clinics may not have the training or equipment to deal with bird care or emergencies.

Your dove will need at least two perches in its cage, and even a single bird needs a cage that is still sizable. Make sure that any climbing equipment you install in their cage varies in size and thickness – variation will help keep your bird’s feet healthy. Do not install perches over any food or water bowls.

Dove Personality

Though each type of dove may have a slightly different personality, most doves are docile and affectionate. Of all of the types of doves we’ve mentioned in this guide, there is not one that is known to be particularly aggressive or restless.

The dove is seen as the symbol of peace. There are plenty of reasons for this, including the gentleness of the creature itself. In addition, when doves are handled and hand-fed, they are more open to touch and will bond better with their owners. This is great for anyone wanting to keep doves as pets instead of raising doves for breeding.

Raising Dove Species

After bringing home your pet dove, do not handle them for the first 3 or 4 days. This will give them time to adjust to their new surroundings and explore their cage. Have everything set up before your dove comes home so that they aren’t stressed by things being moved around them. Doves are good-natured and friendly, so they’ll adjust quickly and be ready to start getting to know you.

Doves should not be allowed outdoors for free flights. They aren’t homing pigeons and will not return. They are more likely to get lost, and, unlike cats, they will stray pretty far. If the cage door is open, you should not open windows in your home.

If you’re looking to raise white doves or any other dove type, you’ll need an aviary rather than a standard cage. Raising doves is different from owning them as a pet. Instead, bird owners raise doves to breed, sell, train, and more. White doves, in particular, are popular for use as birds that can be released at weddings and other special occasions.

Every pair of doves will need their pair of nesting boxes. The number of birds you want to raise will determine the size of the aviary. For example, five pairs of doves need a 6x6x6 foot space to breed comfortably. Hay, straw, and clean water should be provided and be fresh. Clean the aviary often and ensure your birds get direct sunlight in parts of the structure.

Paired doves will nest and lay eggs, so be sure to check for eggs at least once a week. Females tend to exhaust themselves, laying more eggs than they need to if their eggs go missing, so be sure to replace any eggs you take with fake ones.

Types of Pigeons

In this section, you’ll find a list of the kind of pet pigeons you can come across. These pigeons are the most popular types to be kept as pets, for various reasons that we’ll discuss when we introduce each one:

Archangel Pigeon

Seen as one of the most beautiful pigeons in the world, this bird has unusual coloring and a metallic sheen to its feathers. They’re very desirable in the bird-keeping community and are kept as more ornamental birds or used in breeding. They are a type of “fancy pigeon” and aren’t likely to be found flying around in nature. The Archangel pigeon is more of a show pigeon.

Fantail Pigeon

Considered to be one of the more beautiful breeds of the pigeon, the Fantail pigeon has a large, fan-shaped tail. Unfortunately, there’s no information about where the bird originates from, but many believe it may have been somewhere in Asia. They come in a variety of colors, including pure white. Their amazing tail has four times the number of feathers of a regular pigeon. There’s even a variation of the bird that has feathered feet!

Homer Pigeon

Also known as Carrier or Homing pigeons, these birds have a fascinating history. They’ve been used to carry important missives during the war and are often showcased as letter carriers in period pieces. White homing pigeons are rarer but extremely sought-after as a species. Carrier pigeons can fly a long or short distance, with their special group of neurons helping them understand direction better than other birds.

King Pigeon

These large pigeons originated in the United States and can weigh up to 900 grams. A more common pigeon, such as the Rock dove, is only 240 to 380 grams. Therefore, King pigeons weigh approximately three times the weight of the average pigeon. They are usually white, black, light gray, or brown and are considered cute pigeons because of their coloration and size. They aren’t aggressive and are largely domestic birds, often kept on farms.

Tumbler Pigeon

Like many other pigeons, Tumbler pigeons are descended from the Rock dove (the common pigeon). This variety is known for its ability to roll or “tumble,” which is where its name comes from. Tumbler pigeons perform these tumbles innately – it’s a genetic trait passed on from their ancestors, who were thought to tumble to avoid birds of prey.

Pigeon Care

Like owning a dove, you’ll need an avian veterinarian if you’re considering owning a variety of pigeons. Pigeons and doves are closely related, and you’ll need someone qualified in bird care to ensure that your pigeon is getting the correct treatment. At the same time, the dove is monogamous; the pigeon mates for life.

They need an adequate amount of food to be healthy and breed properly. Without enough food, pigeons won’t lay as much, though they can have young up to 8 times in a year. You’ll need a perch or two for your pigeons, and you should always house mated pairs together and give them enough space to fly.

Do not let them free fly outside if you don’t own a homing pigeon or a pigeon that is a descendent of that variety. Lie doves, they won’t come home. Instead, be sure to tag your pet birds with a leg band and let any local wildlife organizations know that you own them in case they do get out. You have a much better chance of recovering them that way.

Pigeon Personality

Pigeons are very social creatures. In the wild, they are often seen together in flocks and frequent spaces where humans live because they have adapted to our presence. A pet pigeon will be extremely friendly after they’ve had time to settle into their new home,

Most pigeons of the domestic type are gentle. Compared to other pets like dogs, the pigeon is a great pet to own and care for. Of the pigeon variations that we’ve listed here, none are aggressive. The only thing you might want to consider is the larger size of the King pigeon or the expense of a fancy pigeon like the Archangel pigeon.

Raising Pigeons

Pigeons are one of the most popular birds to own and raise. They are a common pet, even when kept as a mated pair. If you want to raise or breed pigeons, you’ll need an appropriate place to do so, with enough space for mated pairs to have their perches and nest.

When raising any birds, consider the amount of cleaning you’ll need to do and what products you need to keep their housing area sanitary. Bird droppings have the potential to carry diseases, so it’s not enough to clean them up.

Thankfully, pigeons are easy to manage even when you’re breeding them. Depending on how many pigeons you want to raise, you may not need a full-sized aviary, though it’s suggested that birds do have their place and that you don’t try to raise them in a small nook of your existing home or farm buildings.

Raising pigeons commercially can be profitable for experienced owners. But, as with any hobby, interest, or job, there’s a bit of a learning curve. Be aware that the average pigeon can live between 12 and 15 years.

Differences Between Owning Doves and Pigeons as Pets

• Appearance-wise, doves are smaller and more streamlined, while pigeons are usually larger with more rounded tails. Both bird types are friendly, though pigeons have more experience around humans and are more likely to settle into their new home faster.
• Pigeons are more cost-effective than doves. The common Rock dove pigeon is extremely affordable, even for the novice breeder.
• You will need an aviary or similar building if you decide to raise these birds rather than just keeping one or two as pets in cages. Doves usually need more space.
• Female doves will exhaust themselves to lay eggs if they feel they need to, while pigeons lie based on how much food is available.
• Most doves and pigeons should not be allowed to free fly, except the Homing pigeon, who has the correct instincts to return home once properly trained.

Feeding Your Birds

Do not feed bread to your birds. It’s common to see people feeding ducks and pigeons bread in public, but it can be very harmful to their health. Street pigeons – the ones you see in city centers and the like – have adapted to eat whatever food they find, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for them to eat leftover pastries and garbage.

Dove Diet

• You should give doves a diet between 15-25% pellets and 50-60% birdseed.
• The remainder of their diet should consist of dark, leafy greens and vegetables that they can be given every couple of days and a weekly treat of fruit.
• Fruit such as berries, melon, and kiwi are acceptable treats.
• A honey stick once a month will provide an extra special treat for your bird.
• Your dove should always have access to fresh, clean water.

Pigeon Diet

• 50% of your pigeon’s diet should consist of a high-quality seed mix or pellet that’s formulated for pigeons.
• Pellets are better for pigeons than seed mix because they’re specifically formulated to meet the bird’s needs.
• The other half of their diet should be fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, dandelion greens, apples, and pears.
• Pigeons can also eat some insects, but they don’t have to be included in their diet if they’re getting enough protein from their pellets.
• Your pigeon should always have access to fresh, clean water.

Using Bird Feeders

While some bird owners like to feed their pets from a bowl, there’s no harm in using bird feeders instead. They’ll certainly make feeding your pet more effortless, though bird feeders are usually only suitable for seeds or pellets. Be sure to buy a feeder that works for your bird and the type of home they have. For example, a window bird feeder wouldn’t work for pet birds but is perfect for feeding wildlife.

Squirrel-proof bird feeders are great for the outdoors, too. If you have an aviary, you might consider this type of bird feeder if any rodents find a way inside without you noticing.

If you want a bird feeder for your bird’s cage or inside their aviary, the simple tube-shaped hanging feeders will work well enough. They’re great for seeds, and the larger ones usually work for pellets.

Housing Pet Birds

If you decide that you want a couple of pet birds instead of going to the trouble of raising birds, you’ll need a decent birdcage. Thankfully, doves can’t climb bird cage bars, but they do like to fly around a little in their home. So if you manage to find a big enough bird cage for your doves or pigeons, they may even be able to do a little free flight (or you can just shut your windows and open their cage so they can fly around in your home).

If you let your birds free flight in your home, make sure that you shut the doors to any rooms you don’t want them to get into. Most bird owners will house their birds in a simpler room without any precious or expensive items around and keep that door shut during free flight time.

The recommended minimum cage size is as follows:

• For one or two pigeons: 42″ wide, 30″ high, and 27″ deep.
• For one or two doves: 32″ wide, 32″ high, and 21″ deep.

As for aviaries, here’s what’s recommended:

• 7′ long, 4′ wide, and 6′ high for two to four pigeons (or eight doves).

Sources:

1. Colleen Cancio, 10 Myths About Pigeons, HowStuffWorks
2. Laurie Hess, DVM, Feeding Pigeons, and Doves, VCA Hospitals
3. What To Do About Pigeons, The Humane Society
4. About Pigeons, The MSPCA–Angell

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Alongside their core grain diet, we explore what else you should feed them, and ask the question – what can parakeets eat, when it comes to fruit and vegetables?

What is a Parakeet?

Also known as budgies (or budgerigars), parakeets are a native bird species from Australia, and are the world’s third most popular pet, after cats and dogs. Smaller than a parrot, these cute little pet birds love human company and come in a host of colors, although they are predominately seen in shades of blue, green, and yellow. They also have gorgeous long tail feathers to create a sleek body shape and are renowned for their ability to mimic sounds and words, making them entertaining pets.

As an indigenous Australian species, the parakeet’s natural habitat in the wild is the outback, where they nest in hollow trees. The parakeet is naturally a flock bird and survives by foraging seeds and vegetation they can find in the wild, as well as wild fruits. They also eat insects.

Pet parakeets are reasonably easy to care for, although their diet needs to be balanced and varied, to ensure your little bird is getting all the nutrients they need.

What is the Ideal Parakeet Diet?

While parakeets eat seeds and are known as ‘grainvores’, they need a more varied diet to thrive, both as a domestic pet and in the wild. And their desire to forage means they can eat much wider than the seeds they find, and so their diet as a domestic pet also needs to reflect this variation.

The ideal parakeet bird’s diet should include protein-rich foods such as seed and nuts – which can be found in shop-bought parakeet food, including parakeet pellets, as well as fruits and vegetables. Your aim is to feed your parakeet an appropriately balanced mix of essential protein, carbs, good fats, and essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The core diet that parakeets eat can be found in a high-quality bird pellet that contains the right nutritional balance, but you can also feed them fresh produce, including fruit and vegetables as well extras such as sprouted seeds. And don’t forget that your parakeet needs constant access to fresh, clean water.

How Often Should You Feed Them?

Parakeets should be fed every day and you can choose to either free feed (put out their daily food allowance in one go and let your bird feed as they feel like it throughout the day) or provide two separate mealtimes. This can also be the best option rather than free feeding if the weather is hot, as their food can quickly spoil. And when feeding at any time, never put fresh food on top of stale and always remove uneaten fruit or vegetables, as hygiene for your pet is essential.

To help you plan your parakeet diets, here are the main fruits and vegetables he can eat for a nutrient-packed treat.

What Fruits Can Parakeets Eat?

Parakeets can eat fruit, but before we look at the different fruits to feed your bird, it’s important to highlight that all fruits contain sugar. Too much of the sweet stuff can not only cause weight gain but lead to health problems such as diabetes. So, while fresh fruit can be good for your feathered friend, don’t overfeed, but use it as a treat.

The best fruits for parakeets are those that are excellent sources of key vitamins and minerals, including potassium and magnesium, as well as the vitamins C, A, and K. However when feeding fruit to your parakeet, you need to prep them properly, as the seeds, stalks, and skin of certain fruits can contain traces of cyanide, which can be harmful to your pet.

The fresh fruits to feed parakeets that will complement their birdseed diet include:

Apples

Apples are completely safe for parakeets to eat, as long as they are free of their seeds and are cut small enough to not be a choking hazard for your pet. And for many parakeets, apples are their favorite treat, plus they are packed with vitamins, including the all-important vitamin C as well as fiber.

Bananas

A super source of fiber and potassium, bananas are a nutritional treat for parakeets. With no fruit seeds, there’s no risk of cyanide poisoning when parakeets eat bananas and the soft flesh is easy for your feathered friend to eat and digest. Just be mindful of your portion size and don’t feed your pet too much in one sitting.

Blackberries and Blueberries

Juicy and budgie beak-sized, black, and blueberries are ideal for parakeets and mirror the bush fruit they would forage in the wild. And while the blackberry does have seeds, they don’t represent any risk and will pass straight through your bird (although this could cause you a bit of a mess as their droppings may then leave stains).

No prep, both blackberries, and blueberries are also nutrient-rich and are amongst the best fruit you can feed your pet birds.

Cherries

A good source of copper and potassium, as well as vitamin C and with juicy, soft flesh, cherries, are safe and nutritious for your parakeet, as long as the pit is fully removed as it can be toxic for birds. And make sure you cut the cherry into small portions and avoid feeding them whole, as they can get stuck in a parakeet’s narrow throat.

Grapes

Another fruit favorite of many parakeets, grapes are not only juicy, but they are also a good source of copper and vitamin K. But if you are wanting to treat your bird, then make sure you opt for the seedless variety and don’t feed grapes that are too large for their mouth. A small bunch of seedless grapes hung on the inside of their cage is a good way to serve as part of a balanced parakeet diet.

Oranges

The sweet citrus flavor of oranges is another fruit hit for parakeets, and they are also cheap to buy so make a good snack to have to hand. But never give an orange to your bird with its peel on, and always remove any seeds. Cut orange segments into bite-sized pieces too, so it’s not a struggle for your parakeet to eat.

Pineapple

This tropical fruit is an excellent source of vitamins B and C and will be a refreshing change when added to your parakeet’s diet. But prep is key with pineapple as you don’t want to feed your budgie any of that tough, woody skin and you will need to cut up the fruit flesh into smaller pieces. And be mindful of the amount of pineapple you do feed to your parakeet as it’s full of sugar.

Strawberries

 Some pet owners worry when their parakeets eat strawberries as it’s impossible to remove all those tiny pips on the outside skin. But there’s no need to worry as parakeets love strawberries and the seeds are small enough to pass right through without causing any harm. And the strawberry flesh is a rich source of both vitamin C and folic acid as well as being soft and easy for smaller birds to eat.

Watermelon

Our final superfruit is the watermelon. Parakeets eat watermelon not just for the nutrition, but also for the water content. This makes melon a hydrating treat that can ensure your parakeets drink enough, especially on a warm day. A good source of vitamin C as well as the antioxidant, lycopene, the flesh is soft for your parakeet to eat. Just make sure you remove any seeds and the outer rind and cut them into small pieces. And watermelon should be fed sparingly as it is surprisingly high in sugar.

Fruits to Avoid

Fresh is always best when it comes to giving fruit to parakeets, so you do need to be careful if you are giving them dried fruit. Dried fruit can have a covering of sulfur, which is used to prevent mold, and this is something birds such as parakeets have a hard time digesting. If you do want to give your pet dried fruit, buy specific dried fruit for birds rather than the grocery store varieties.

However, there’s some fruit you should avoid feeding to your parakeet altogether, with the most notable being avocado. The skin, seed, and even the flesh of avocados can be toxic to all birds and can cause heart failure.

What Vegetables Can Parakeets Eat?

With less sugar than fruit and a healthy dose of nutrients, vegetables are a good addition to your parakeet’s core diet. However, balance is needed as too much veg can lead to watery droppings. The key to giving vegetables to your feathered pet is to ensure they are as fresh as possible and served raw. This way they can max out on those essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, B, C, and vitamin D as well as calcium and iron as part of a balanced diet.

The best fresh vegetables for parakeets include:

Beetroot

We all know beetroot is nutrient-rich, and there’s no reason why your parakeet shouldn’t benefit from all that goodness, which includes fiber, vitamin C, and iron. The best way is to serve it raw, peeled, and cubed, hanging the pieces from treat clips for an entertaining snack. Be warned – it can leave your pet with a temporary beetroot-dyed face!

Broccoli

Bursting with iron and calcium, broccoli is one of the easiest vegetables to give your parakeet, simply snap off a few of the tree-like stalks and feed through the wire or hand-feed.

Carrots

Carrots are one of the favorite vegetables that budgies eat, and they also get the benefit of its nutrients, including vitamin C and beta carotene. And they can eat the green carrot tops as well as the main veg. Serve in washed, appropriately sized chunks as a hand-fed treat or scatter around their cage for a snack on the go.

Cucumber

While they have little nutritional value, the beauty of cucumber is its water content, which means it makes a tasty, easy to digest, and hydrating snack on a hot day. Just be careful not to feed too much or too often as it can cause diarrhea in your bird.

Leafy Greens

If you only give one group of veg to your parakeet, then make its leafy greens. Not only do most parakeets find them delicious, but they also pack in the nutrients as well as extra hydration. Opt for dark green spinach, sweet romaine lettuce, dandelion leaves, or turnip greens.

Sweet Corn

As entertaining to watch them eat as they are delicious for your pet to eat, sweet corn is an ideal addition to the diet of your pet parakeet. Served raw and on the cob, cut into small sizes, sweet corn chunks can be placed on treat hooks or left on the floor of their cage for a sweet, nutritious mealtime treat.

Sweet Potato

Unlike all the other vegetables listed so far, sweet potato should be served cooked (either in chunks or mashed) as it can be too hard for parakeets to eat when raw. Along with pumpkin, sweet potatoes are a nutrient powerhouse for your pet bird, packing vitamins and minerals including vitamin D, calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Related Post: How to Tell If a Parakeet Is Male or Female

What Shouldn’t a Parakeet Eat?

So now we know what fruit and vegetables are good for your parakeet, we finish on what you shouldn’t feed your avian pet. And those foods are largely the things you find on your own plate. Human food, particularly processed junk food or fried food kind, are not good for birds as they are high in artificial coloring, fat, sugar, and salt which can cause a host of health issues.

And some human food is worse than others for your pet. In particular, you should avoid letting parakeets eat peanut butter as it can contain fungi which tends to grow on peanuts and can prove fatal. Avoid other types of nut butter too, as they are high in saturated fats, and don’t let your parakeets eat crackers, even the seeded variety.

Chocolate is also toxic for birds and can also contain caffeine which raises their heart rate. Meanwhile dairy contains enzymes that cause diarrhea in birds. And anything ‘sugar-free’ should be avoided at all costs as it can contain the artificial sweetener, xylitol which can cause severe liver damage.

In short, to boost your parakeet’s health, you need to make the right food choices so it eats as near to its natural diet in the wild to thrive. And so, alongside its core parakeet food of seeds and millet pellets suitable for birds, you should add bird-safe fruit and vegetables to create the ideal parakeet’s diet.

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As such, bird feeders are created to allow us to feed free-flying avian species with high-quality food without necessarily impeding their sense of freedom. Bird feeders come in different types, shapes, and sizes and have become the centerpiece of any garden whose goal is to serve as a temporary haven for local and migratory birds for the whole family to enjoy. And if you’re thinking of adding a bird feeder in your garden, backyard, lawn, patio, or even in your window, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re your online resource for the best bird feeders to buy in 2019.

The 10 Top Rated Bird Feeders

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The Basics: How To Tame A Bird

If you want to train and tame your parrot pal, it’s worth understanding how birds interact with the things around them. Most birds are incredibly timid. You would be, too, if you had hollow bones and certain feline foes following you around. A bird’s sensitive nature can be both a help and a hindrance when it comes to training. But don’t worry, if you train your bird using the following tactics, your parrot is sure to be tame in no time.

• Give them time and space

Birds new to your home will need plenty of time to accustom themselves to their surroundings. It may take them a little longer to feel comfortable in their new home. To help them out, place your bird cage in a quiet space, near where you usually like to spend your time. Keep their cage away from loud areas, like the kitchen. This will get them used to your company.

• Speak in soothing tones

Like with any animal, your tone of voice is incredibly important to get them to trust you. When communicating with your bird, use soft, soothing tones. Speaking to birds can help them understand that you aren’t a threat to their wellbeing. You are, in fact, a friend!

• Use slower, gentler movements

Just like with tone of voice, your movements should be soft and gentle when first approaching your bird. It can be easy to get excited and reach out for feather rubs, but remember to take your time. Parrots and other birds need time to acclimate to their new surroundings. By moving slowly, your bird will quickly learn to trust you, ensuring they’ll be chilling on your shoulder in no time at all!

• Get them used to your hand

Your bird will become comfortable with you fairly quickly if you follow this advice. It’s important to remember that birds use all their senses to better access a situation. This includes sound, smell, and sight. You can use this to your advantage by being near them as often as you can.

To get them more used to you, put your hand against their cage (as long as it is safe to do so), and speak in calming tones. This is especially helpful during feeding them. After two weeks, you can try feeding them from the palm of your hand. Simply place some seeds in your open palm, right near their cage. This action can certainly help encourage your bird to interact with you, but don’t rush it. If your bird isn’t interested, then backpedal a little and return to calmly feeding them via their bowl at regular intervals.

These suggestions are great ways of introducing your bird to you and your shared home. However, taming a parrot can be slightly different. Keep reading to learn more about parrots and how best to work with them!

Taming Parrots

Your parrot is a unique type of bird in a myriad of ways. This includes their size, frame, and even how they socialize with other animals (including you). Most birds are happy with just one or two friends as their sole seed providers and social companions. The average parrot is also extremely sociable. They are known for being monogamous (like most humans!) and can live up to 90 years. In other words, a parrot will rely on you as their main source of interaction and socialization. Especially if there are no other birds around.

Better still, most parrot breeds are incredibly intelligent. Training your parrot is a great way to keep them mentally stimulated, also ensuring they are safe and sound. Interested? Read up on the process below.

The “Step Up” – Getting Your Bird to Sit On Your Finger Like a Perch

Certain parrots will automatically know how to “step up” – meaning when the bird transfers from their perch to your hand – simply if you hold out a finger. Sometimes it takes your whole hand, if they’re a larger bird. A younger parrot may need some basic training in this area. A great way to introduce this movement is to place your finger just under your bird’s breast and gently press against their body. It may take a few tries to get this right, as a young bird is more likely to try and fly away at the touch. If this happens, don’t chase them around their cage, as this will be seen as a threatening action. Instead, try again a little later. Next time you try, return with a treat. That should help motivate your bird buddy to step up onto your finger!

Finding the Best Treats to Tempt Your Parrot

Your new parrot is certain to be motivated by food – especially treats! Depending on their previous life and where you adopted them from, your bird may not have had much treat variety before. The good news is that it’s super easy to find, buy, or even make bird treats from scratch! All you need are the right seeds, nuts, and fresh and dried fruit, depending on their preferences.

The parrot is a much pickier eater than most other bird types. They will pick at food in order of their most to least favorite. This can be incredibly helpful, since a watchful owner will soon be able to notice their preferred treats. Lucky for you, many bird treats are ready-made for purchase at pet stores. These are also available for smaller breeds, such as parrotlets. Once you’ve figured out their favorites, training becomes much easier. You’ll know exactly how to entice your bird onto your hand and/or shoulder with these chosen delicacies!

Working With Older Parrots

Older parrots can be more aggressive and stubborn when it comes to being handled by humans. For this reason, owners may have a harder time taming an older bird. In these cases, it’s worth beginning your training at a distance and while your parrot is still in their cage. Simply step up to the cage with their preferred treats in-hand and encourage them to take the food through the bars. This is less about training and more about building up a level of trust between you and your bird. It certainly allows your parrot to feel at ease. They’ll know that being around you equals treats!

Utilize the Curiosity of Your Bird

Parrots are incredibly curious and love to explore, making basic training techniques easy! One way to encourage your bird to follow simple commands is by using a clicker. This tool functions the same way as training a dog. If the clicker scares your bird (as it may cause alarm for some), then you can opt for a short stick instead.

Use the stick to indicate where you want your parrot to go. This is done by training them to touch the stick with their beak. Hold the stick a few inches in front of their face: Not so close that it can be uncomfortable for them, but not so far that they would need to move to reach it. Once your bird has touched the stick, or gripped it in its beak, pass them a treat. Once your bird gets this down, you can place the stick in other parts of the room, or onto your shoulder, to encourage your bird to move to this spot next!

Quick Tips And Tricks For Taming Parrots

• Take your time.
• Never chase your parrot around their cage or force them to move somewhere they don’t want go.
• Learn your parrot’s favorite spots and use their favorite treats (see “how to” above).
• Always speak in a calm, soothing voice. Combine this with smooth, slow, and gentle movements.
• Always bird-proof your room before opening up a cage. That way, they can’t escape or go somewhere dangerous.
• Read up on each bird breed as much as you can before adopting. You should know their general breed tendencies and preferences.
• Your bird will be much happier to train during the morning and evening – when they’re at their hungriest!
• Be sure that guests and family members all use the same, basic techniques so that your bird can become accustomed to one training style and know what to expect.

Best Parrot Breeds To Tame And Train

Birds can be great company. They are relatively easy to tame and train, though some breeds have a better knack for it. These breeds possess a natural tendency to please and the right level of intelligence to work with humans. If you are interested in training an eager, intelligent bird and haven’t chosen your breed yet, here are some that would suit you best:

• Macaw

This breed is a great choice! Macaws are one of the most colorful parrot breeds, both in personality and in feathers. These intelligent birds are sassy and will soon let you know if they’re bored! Bare in mind that they require a larger space to exercise and fly. They are best suited to large homes and preferably ones with aviaries.

• African Grey

Another popular breed that is beloved by all bird lovers. Often considered the most intelligent bird on Earth, African Greys possess a wide emotional range and develop deep bonds with their owners. Anyone considering this breed type should know they are very sociable and have remarkable memories. They can also get grumpy if you don’t spend enough time with them, so keep that in mind when you leave them alone to go to work!

• Amazon

Known for their chattiness, these birds are best bought in pairs. The Amazon Parrot can develop a large vocabulary. They WILL pick up on the language you use (so best keep your cursing to a minimum!). These birds can develop behavioral problems if they aren’t given enough attention, so make sure you have the time before purchasing this parrot.

FAQ’s:

Q: How do you get a parrot to trust you?

A: The best way to ensure your parrot trusts you is to take your time and move on their terms. While it can be a little frustrating at times, especially with particularly cautious birds, it’s always worth starting slow. Once you’ve gained your parrot’s trust, it’ll be no time at all before they want to spend more time with you. That’s when they can be trained.

Q: How long does it take to tame a bird?

A: Remember that every bird is different. While some breeds are more friendly and willing to work with their owners than others, owners should also take into account the background of their new pet. They should be willing to take as long as needed to gain a strong level of trust. That said, for birds without any difficult backgrounds, it usually takes around 2 weeks for a bird to trust their owner.

Q: How can you tell if your bird is bonded to you?

A: Bonded birds will display excitement and pleasure at seeing you. These are usual visible signs, like chirping, excitedly bobbing their head up and down, or shaking their tail feathers. Others will simply try to copy you. For example, they’ll sit where you sit, watch TV with you, or simply follow you from room to room.

If a bird wants to be near you at all times, that is a sure sign they have bonded with you. Another good sign is if they keep trying to preen you. This involves them playing with your hair or giving you a nibble on the cheek, which is a pleasant little kiss for them. You may even find that your parrot tells you off when you leave, by banging their toys or screeching for your attention!

Q: How do parrots show affection?

A: There’s a wide range of ways that parrots show affection. Some of the most common signs include kisses, preening, squeaks for snuggles, and perching beside you frequently. Some birds may become so affectionate that they do some not-so-sweet things, including regurgitating their food for you or giving you nips as a request for more attention. Because of this, it’s important to create boundaries for your pet!

Sources:

1. Dr. Ian Tizard, Parrots as Pets – Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

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Related Post: Bird Cage Covers

1. African Grey Parrot

Parrots, understandably, dominate this list of brainy birds, and we start with the African Grey Parrot. This bird is often considered to be a genius due to their intelligence which rivals that of a 5-year-old child. While many parrots simply mimic you, African Greys have demonstrated a real ability to communicate.

Most famously Dr. Irene Pepperberg worked with African Greys and found that they could be taught colours, shapes, and numbers. What was most amazing was that they were taught, and responded, using accurate, contextualised speech. They built their own logical sentences, such as one who told an owner ‘You’re good like cake’. Some have even begun to read, of a sort, by recognising and sounding out two letter combinations.

Although these birds can also be a little nervous and socially awkward, they make fantastic pets, not only due to their intelligence but due to their sense of humour and long lifespans of 50 years. This can also make them demanding pets, however, so you must be able to commit to them. But, ultimately, this is a highly rewarding experience as they have been known to sweetly tell their owners, ‘I love you’.

2. Macaws

Macaws are so known for their intelligence that one team of scientists has worked to map its entire genome in order to understand it. A female named Neblina from Iowa was chosen for this important task and it was found that she had very many similarities with a chicken. The biggest difference, however, was in brain development and volume, which, of course, is the foundation of her species’ great intelligence

As very emotionally intelligent birds, Macaws are known for their loving and social nature. However, their social nature can also lead them to become aggressive in certain environments. Their other most notable trait is their longevity, which is thought to allow them to live up to 100 years if they are cared for properly. This makes this bird another serious obligation as their intelligence requires frequent stimulus and their longevity requires commitment.

Take a look at our article on the Best Bird Cages.

3. Cockatoos

While African Greys are vocally intelligent, and Macaws are emotionally intelligent, Cockatoos are very physically and spatially intelligent. Cockatoos are known for their dexterous behaviour, and a great fun activity for them is ripping things apart in their cage. They are very good at learning complex tricks and have been known for their escape attempts as they are able to figure out and conquer many standard locks. They have also demonstrated an understanding of the concept of delayed gratification, as, when tested, they patiently ignored an immediate treat, in favour of waiting for a better one.

This is not to say that cockatoos don’t communicate intelligently. One breeder noticed one of her cockatoos, named Elvis, communicate with their mate, Mimi, as he chastised her for bumping into him by saying ‘What are you doing?!’. But, the greatest demonstration of their intelligence is in their tricks and jokes, such as imitating phone calls only to laugh as their owner rushes across the room to answer.

This Australian native can vary in characteristics between varieties but is always known for its affection and bond with their owners. This makes them loving, but sensitive, pets that can easily suffer from intense emotional distress if not properly cared for. As they live for up to 70 years, they can make great life-long companions.

4. Budgies

Parrots come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes the smallest ones can pack the biggest punch. Although a popular choice as a pet, budgies are often overshadowed by their adorable stature and cheap price. In reality, their curiosity and communication ability has made researchers compare them to the intelligence of a two-year-old child.

There is even a group of researchers dedicated to the study of budgie intelligence. The Budgie Research Group has found plenty of evidence of their ability to communicate in context. Victor, their first subject, reportedly had a vocabulary of over 800 words. Similarly, another subject, Herbert, has demonstrated an understanding of time by exclaiming ‘I can’t wait until four!’ after being told that was the time he would be let out of his cage.

These sweet, happy birds are famous for their dancing and good nature, so it is easy to see why they are so popular. Their shorter life expectancy of around 10 years makes them less of a commitment. However, like all intelligent animals, they require plenty of activity and stimulation to keep themselves entertained and happy.

Check out our guide on the Best Bird Feeders.

5. Amazon Parrots

Unsurprisingly, our last intelligent bird is yet another parrot. What can I say? Parrots are clever little cookies! Amazon parrots come in a vast variety, but all of them excel at problem-solving and talking. For example, they are able to forage for food in difficult circumstances, including using their feet and beaks to pull up inaccessible food attached to a string, and they have been known to mimic humans so closely that they are mistaken for other family members.

Their mimicry and communication skills are not often seen in the wild, however, which suggests that many breeds, such as the Blue-Fronted Amazon, require frequent human interaction and a properly socialised bond to develop these talents.

You May Also Like: 10 Best Talking Birds in the World

Like many birds, they require companionship from humans and from their own kind, so taking care of them can be expensive and a burden. But, if you know you can commit to these birds, their large vocabulary and sociable nature will keep you entertained for years.

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A Short History Of Parrots

The earliest parrots existed 40 million years ago in what is now England, Austria and Germany. As the climate changed more than 1.5 million years ago, the early parrots moved to warmer areas, and this is how they ended up as natives of Africa and South America. Only one breed of parrot migrated to become a native of North America – the Carolina Parakeet. Unfortunately, through hunting and habitat loss, the Carolina Parakeet is now extinct, with the last known wild sighting reported in 1904, and the last captive bird passing away in 1918.

Evidence that humans have long found this beautiful bird entrancing starts with the Egyptians, and develops through 5,000 year old cave paintings in Brazil to 3,000 year old writings in Indian literature. Most often during this period, parrots were companions to the wealthy throughout Asia and Africa, but their popularity spread to Europe with Alexander the Great. Soon, talking parrots became fashionable with the Romans, and there is even evidence to suggest professional parrot teachers could be hired to teach the pets to talk in Latin.

Although their popularity waned during the middle-ages, birds continued to be a popular pet with the wealthy all throughout Europe, leading to one Pope, Pope Martin V, appointing a ‘Keeper of the Parrots’ to care for his birds. The discovery of the ‘New World’ reignited parrot passion. Christopher Columbus received them as part of a gift exchange with the Caribbean natives, and is known to have presented Queen Isabella with a pair upon his return.

By the 19^th century, the middle classes were able to afford budgerigars and it became the fashion in the United States to cage them in unique and carefully designed replicas of famous buildings and ships. However, as with many enjoyments, the 20^th century negatively impacted the exotic bird industry. Not only blighted by war and economic depression, there was also a health panic over ‘parrot fever’ in 1929.

The birds remained fairly unpopular until the 1970s, possibly due to the popularity of a cockatoo named Fred in the popular TV show ‘Baretta’. Unfortunately, in recent years parrot breeding is on the decline due to the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992, a lack of parrots that can be bred, and fewer breeders. This brings us to the most important issue facing pet parrots today: the unsustainable number of parrots going to sanctuaries, and the increase in the illegal trade of wild parrots through organized crime.

Why Do Parrots Make Great Pets?

If you are considering getting a pet parrot, I’m sure you already have an idea of why they might be a fun and enjoyable companion. While most of this article might make you think that you shouldn’t seek to have a pet parrot, I don’t want to discourage you from this enthusiasm. We only want you to take the responsibility seriously.

1. Most people know that parrots are smart, after all some of them can even talk! They can figure out puzzles, and may even manage to escape some simple cages. Having an intelligent pet is usually a lot of fun. It means they can learn tricks and might even understand you on a basic level when you talk about your day.
2. Parrots are known to be social and loving. Along with their intelligence, this means they might genuinely care if you seem to be having a bad day, and they can cheer you up with sweet little chirps, chats, and nuzzles.
3. Generally odorless. Unlike some other pets, parrots usually don’t create unpleasant smells. Some owners argue that their breeds have an actively pleasant smell. Obviously, you must keep their living area hygienic, and parrots do create a lot of mess, but, mostly, there shouldn’t be a bad smell.
4. Often allergy-free. If you can’t own a dog or cat due to allergies, you might be able to live with a parrot. White cockatoos are the major exception as they can produce a high quantity of dust with their feathers. Some other breeds also produce a lesser amount of dust. You should consult a vet or doctor as allergies can vary.
5. Often inexpensive. Although specialist vet bills may be higher, generally food and hygiene products are not too expensive, particularly for small parrots. Unfortunately, buying a large or rare parrot can still be very costly.

Taking Care Of Your Parrot

Now that you are convinced that you want a parrot, you should know how to take care of them. Parrots require a lot of care and attention, mostly due to their intelligence and long life spans. Some can live up to 100 years! Due to this, some people argue that parrots cannot be pets, but are life-long companions and members of the family. You might end up living with your parrot longer than you live with your own children!

Adopting a parrot is a serious life commitment, and you should go into it with your eyes open. Here are some tips to give you an idea of what it takes to look after a parrot:

• Consult with an avian vet. You need a specialist to help you with vaccinations, health problems and general care.
• Your parrot will probably make a lot of noise. If you have thin walls and grumpy neighbors, you will need to train them to only squawk during the day.
• Making a mess. Parrots eat continually throughout the day and enjoy shredding things. Their hook bills can shred wood, so you must watch out for your furniture and electrical cords.
• All animals need exercise. Ideally, you would invest in an aviary, but you can just provide them with a flight-safe room. This means windows and mirrors are covered, doors are shut, no other pets are present and there are no obstructions like ceiling fans. It is possible to clip their wings. In this case, they will enjoy exercising by climbing, swinging and flapping. They still need space, toys and climbing structures to stimulate them.
• As a general rule, the more intelligent your pet is, the more time you need to invest in them. Intelligent animals need mental stimulation as well as physical, so talk, play and train with them. They will appreciate the challenge.
• Parrots are known to bond with one or two people, but may be suspicious and unfriendly to strangers. Make sure to introduce your friends to your parrot regularly so that your parrot becomes used to them. Also check to see if your breed needs a mate or a friend to be happy. Some birds can become very depressed, and even die, without social contact.
• All birds need variety in their diet. They can eat pellets, grains, beans, fresh fruit and veg. Although seeds are the most famous food for parrots, they are not very healthy as they are entirely fat and have no nutritional value. They are still great treats, but should not be the basis of their entire diet.
• Parrots can be dangerous for young children. Even the smallest parrots have very sharp beaks. Cages can also be a problem for tiny fingers. At best, parrots can be frightening to young children due to their large wingspan, noise, and speed when they fly. Even a well behaved bird may be antagonized by a young child who does not understand how to treat animals.
• Put them in your will. If there is even a chance that your parrot will outlive you, make sure they are cared for. This might mean you need to discuss this with a parrot sanctuary and donate funds to provide for their care, or leave them to a trusted family member or friend.

Typical Parrot Breeds

There are still plenty of pet parrots in the USA, particularly as birds remain the third most popular choice of pet in the country. Of these many parrots, there is a huge variety as there are over 330 species of parrot. If you are considering becoming a parrot pet parent, it is important that you are aware of the differences between the breeds to make sure you find the right parrot for you. To help you, we have compiled a list of the characteristics of some of the most popular breeds:

• Budgerigars can live up to 10 years, are 6 to 8 inches, and are very social.
• African Grey Parrots can live up to 50 years, are 13 inches, and are the most talkative and intelligent birds, but are nervous, shy and require a lot of time and attention.
• Amazon Parrots can live up to 70 years, are 14 inches, and can be moody, aggressive and require lots of time and attention.
• Macaws can live up to 100 years, are the largest parrots at almost 40 inches, and can be very loud, playful. They require a lot of time and attention, particularly as they are difficult to train.
• Cockatoos can live up to 80 years, are around 20 inches, and also needs a lot of time and attention.

Generally, the larger the parrot, the more intelligent it is and the more time and effort you are going to need to put in to caring for it. If you want a bird that can talk, you are going to have to put in the work to keep them happy and to train them. There is no such thing as an easy parrot. The easiest you can get are small birds like budgies, but even they are very very social and you will need to spend a lot of time with them. You might even need to invest in friends for them to play with.

Adopting A Parrot

As we’ve established, there are a lot of reasons why you might want to own a parrot. They are beautiful, intelligent and charming. If you have done your research and are prepared to make the commitment, whether you are getting a budgerigar or two to light up your life for 10 years, or are settling down with a Cockatoo, then you might be wondering how best to get your new family member.

We can’t stress enough the serious issue of abandonment that is currently a major problem with pet parrots. It might be a good idea to volunteer at your nearest parrot rescue centre before you commit to owning your own. You might even find the parrot of your dreams there. It is a great idea to adopt from a shelter, but as some may be coming from backgrounds of abuse, or may just be suspicious of strangers, you must be willing to invest the time to introduce them to new surroundings and train them.

You can go to a breeder, but you must be aware of the issues surrounding the support of bird mills, who breed without any regard for the health and safety of the animals, and illegal imports and organized crime. It is worth noting that many wild parrots are considered un-trainable, so if the ethics of illegal trading doesn’t caution you to do your research, then perhaps the idea of paying a lot of money for an un-trainable pet might!

Sources:

1. How Long Do Parrots Live As Pets?, WebMD
2. Vanessa Voltolina, All About Parrots, PetMD
3. Mikkel Becker, Parrots: 8 Things to Know Before You Get One, Vetstreet

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