Best Parrots For Pets? From Small Parrots to Talking Parrots

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Different Breeds of Parrots

Like any pet, researching information on which Parrot breeds make the best pets can be dependent on a variety of factors, such as your home, lifestyle and the amount of time and money you have to spend on them.

Understanding what differentiates Parrots from other birds is the first step.

 

The difference between Parrot breeds and other bird species is that:

  • They mainly stand upright
  • They have strong, curved beaks
  • They have clawed feet with 2 toes pointing back and 2 toes pointing forward
  • They can learn to mimic sounds and human speech

Different Breeds of Parrots For Pets

Throughout history, Parrot breeds have been favored above other species to keep as pets, mainly due to their ability to talk and their willingness to interact and be handled, when socialized correctly. They also tend to have longer lifespans and can be quite entertaining.

Finding the best pet parrot breed for you could mean wading through a lot of research and Parrot information, so read on for our list of the different breeds of Parrots to help you with your choice.

 

Small Parrots For Pets

Small Parrot

If size is an issue, you might be better off choosing a small Parrot, as they will be easier to handle. Their cage size and the location in your home should be conducive to giving them and you a happier life, without feeling cramped or in the way.

 

Lovebirds (Pocket Parrots)

Among the smallest Parrots in the world, Lovebirds are green and sometimes have red faces and rings around their eyes. While you don’t have to keep 2 of this species to keep them company, it’s probably a better idea, unless you’re willing to spend a lot of time interacting with them.

There are 9 species of Lovebirds and the most common ones to keep as pets include the Fischer’s Lovebird, the Peach-faced Lovebird and the Black-masked Lovebird. These pocket parrots can live up to 15 years of age and they are feisty, affectionate and playful with a loud-pitched screech when ignored.

 

Parrotlets

One of the most assertive parrot breeds is the Parrotlet, who looks a lot like a Parakeet with a larger body and fuller tail. They average at 5 inches in length and their big personalities make them a well-loved pet Parrot breed, along with their ability to learn how to talk.

The 2 most common species include the Pacific Parrotlet, which isn’t noisy but can be very boisterous or even aggressive when not handled consistently. The 2nd species is called the Green-rumped Parrotlet, which is gentler and a bit timid in comparison to the Pacific species.

 

Budgerigar

Also called Parakeets, Budgerigars are among the most popular of Parrot breeds. Originating from Australia, they are easy to care for and love to sing and whistle. Budgerigars can be trained to talk and they usually cling to the person who cares for them the most, due to a high level of affection.

Sweet, loyal and colorful, these small birds can live up to 10 years, however some owners have reported that their Budgerigars made it to 20. If you are looking for a lively Parrot who will form a strong bond, then this is the bird for you.

 

Medium Parrots For Pets

If you’re not quite ready to splash out on a larger Parrot but don’t want your bird to be too small, then mid-sized Parrot breeds could be the answer, especially if you have experience with smaller birds but want to build yourself to owning a big one before taking on the largest Parrot breed.

 

Quaker Parrots

This species is also called Monk Parrot, from the story of these birds mimicking the prayers of the Monks who owned them hundreds of years ago. Known as Quaker Parrots for the pattern of their face feathers, that look like an old-fashioned Quaker costume, these birds can live up to 30 years of age.

Measuring between 11 to 12 inches in length, Quaker Parrots are unusual in that their sex can only be determined by DNA or surgical testing. These sweet birds can be quite comical and some are so intelligent they can figure out how to open their doors and escape their cages.

 

Conure Parrots

If you do some research to find Parrot information on Conures, you’ll discover that they’re well-loved and can range from small to medium in size. They have a playful and cheerful personality, which makes them the kind of bird to keep in general living areas where they can interact and see what’s going on.

Conures come in a variety of different colors and they can have long tail feathers, which can reach up to 20 inches long. Their voices can be loud and high-pitched and they love a cuddle, but make sure you handle them correctly if you don’t want their strong beaks to pierce your skin.

 

Pionus Parrots

With a ride range of colors and types, the Pionus Parrot is larger and full of personality, with less of the so-called negative attributes that some Parrots have. These birds can live more than 30 years and their sizes can range from 10 to 12 inches long. One of their best qualities is their easy-going attitude.

Pionus Parrots can be quiet and somewhat aloof or shy, so it’s important to either get a well-socialized bird or socialize them when they’re young. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time interacting with their bird, then this one is the Parrot for you.

 

Large Parrots For Pets

A Large parrot
image credit danielmennerich/flickr

If you’re experienced or think you’re game enough to take on this type of larger bird, then these Parrots might help you decide. It’s important to note that larger birds can be a bit of a handful and they require more space, in and out of the cage, so do your research before taking the plunge.

 

African Grey Parrot – Best Talking Pet Parrot

Said to be the most intelligent of the Parrot family, the African Grey has an amazing capacity for learning to talk and has one of the widest vocabularies in the talking bird category, some reaching 1,000 words or more. Many owners have advised that their birds actually speak in context, which is surprising.

These highly sociable Parrots are really only meant for those more experienced owners, who understand their needs and behavior. African Grey’s can be temperamental and they don’t appreciate too many changes in their routine. They don’t mind a head scratch but don’t expect them to be too cuddly.

 

Amazon Parrots

With approximately 27 sub-types and a large variety of colors, there’s a lot to choose from if you’re considering an Amazon Parrot. These birds need a lot of attention and they are quite sociable, making them a perfect pet for people who love to interact, provided they are treated with care.

Active and hilarious at times, Amazon Parrots love to vocalize, so think again if you live in an apartment. The males love to show off and can be quite boisterous, which adds to their charm, although they can be quite destructive, so make sure they have a lot of toys, so they don’t tear up your furniture.

 

Eclectus Parrots

What’s not to love about a bird with feathers that look like highly colored fur? The male Eclectus Parrots are usually bright green with red or blue wings and tails and beaks that are colored like candy corn, while the females are bright red and blue or violet, with black beaks.

Relatively quiet, gentle and intelligent, these Parrots don’t do well in noisy households as they require a certain level of tranquility. Vocal with the ability to achieve a large vocabulary, the females tend to be bossy and can be quite territorial, with a propensity to nest in hidden places around the home.

 

Conclusion

So, you can see there’s a lot to consider before bringing a pet Parrot into your home and deciding which Parrot breeds make the best pets depends on your level of commitment, among other factors.

Whether small, medium or large, your Parrot will benefit from your dedication to its well-being.

 

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