6 Top Large Parrots To Keep As Pets – Customer Rated!
If you are a pet lover, especially birds, you would have dreamed of getting a pet parrot at least once in your lifetime. Check out this article that gives you some ideas on the top large parrots to keep as pets.
Parrots come under the category of birds that are considered one of the most intelligent birds. And because of this, pet lovers opt to choose a parrot as a pet. Unlike other birds, parrots don’t require much grooming and are regarded as naturally hygienic animals that clean their feathers all day.
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Which Are The Best Large Parrots To Keep As Pets?
These birds are comparatively cheaper to maintain as they don’t need much grooming. Their lifespan is longer than other pets, and even it doesn’t cost much to feed as they are small. Most parrots live for several decades, and because of this, while planning on purchasing a parrot, ensure that you can provide proper care.
Since they are more intelligent, you must keep them engaged. Or else they get bored and could even get ill soon. It needs enough mental stimulation and social interaction that keeps them alive for a long time.
In case you have the idea to bring a parrot on your own, then have good knowledge about the parrot species. Following are some of the large parrots available in the market. Check the listed parrots so you will have a clear vision while choosing your pet.
Which Parrot To Keep As A Pet?
As per the latest reports, there are more than 402 species of parrots. And some among them are considered friendly and easy to maintain while others are not. Each species has its own unique complexion, character, and qualities.
Just as mentioned above, parrots are intelligent birds and can be trained easily. Regardless of the species you choose, proper training and socialization can help a lot. Even though they are considered friendly, they can turn the opposite if left uncared for in a cage.
For beginners, it is always better to opt for a smaller species of parrots like the love birds. Some other species are as follows:
- Parrotlet
It’s a miniature parrot that is often called a pocket parrot. It only grows about 3-4 inches and even has a wide variety of species within this category. But among them, only two varieties are usually used as pets. They are easy to care for and have bigger personalities than their size. And in times when they are left alone without regular attention, then there are chances of wilderness. With regular attention and care, you can make a strong bond with these cuties. It often has a green head and body with a blue back and eyes.
- Budgerigar
This category of parrots is also known as parakeets and is chosen as the best pet. They are very friendly and affectionate when cared for and pampered properly. Since they are small, it is easy to maintain, train, and feed. These species love learning new things including talking and performing bird tricks. It comes with a green abdomen, a black and yellow back, and a yellow head.
- Cockatiel
These small birds are much friendlier and more affectionate pet birds. They are basically from Australia and are hand fed and require a positive environment. These birds can’t talk like most parrots even though they are remarkably clever. Even though they don’t talk much, they could make noises like whistling, and mimicking other common household noises like doorbells, phone bells, etc. they have a grey body, yellow face, and crest.
Are Large Parrots Suitable For Beginners?
As mentioned before, small parrots are always better for beginners. It is because large parrots can be expensive and require much care. At times they need high maintenance and even need much care just like babies. Even though they are intelligent and entertaining, they can be socially demanding and messy if not given proper care. And in such situations, it is better to have a small parrot if you are a beginner.
Small parrots are comparatively friendlier and easy to train. Some examples of such small parrots are mentioned earlier. Parrots like white-fronted Amazons, Pionus parrots, and quaker parrots are some varieties with crazy personalities. And when taking the case of love birds, they share the most powerful bonding even though they need some extra training.
Large species of parrots are not only hard to train but even showcase a wide range of emotions at times. It could be difficult for an inexperienced beginner to handle such a situation. Thus while planning to get a pet parrot, it is better to get a small species and learn from it so that you can learn to control the bird easily.
Top 6 Large Parrots To Keep As Pets
Some of you might have gained experience with birds. And for such people, here are a few choices you can consider while buying a large parrot.
African Grey
This parrot variety is commonly known as the ‘Einstein of the parrot world.’ They are one of the smartest parrots and require more care to avoid boredom. Even though they are loyal, affectionate, and friendly, their brilliance and emotional capability are always the same as that of a 5-year-old human baby.
As the bird grows older, its emotional capacity won’t grow much and remains the same forever. And as per studies, it is found that this African Grey has a lifespan of around 50 years and more.
This parrot species require much attention from their owners or they can be one of the best escape artists. It is difficult to make the bird engaged as it is more intelligent and for that, a new method has to be found regularly.
The bird grows typically from 9 to 14 inches and usually weighs up to 11 to 19 ounces. They have grey plumage, black beaks, and bright red tails. This variety has been grown as a pet for many decades as they have a great ability to mimic human speech.
Eclectus
Eclectus is one of the largest parrot species that grows up to 17 to 20 inches. This parrot category provides multiple options as they are sexually dimorphic species. It means that the male and female birds have distinguishable plumage. The male Eclectus is of vivid green while the females have red with bluish purple accents. Also, it has three distinct subspecies and has a lifespan of over 50 years when proper care is given.
A fully grown Eclectus weighs around 13 to 19 ounces and is so charming and intelligent making them a captivating beauty for the customers. These birds can talk and have a lovable personality. Although they have exquisite beauty, you should think twice before choosing these parrots as pets. Because these parrot species require more attention and have complex social needs.
Blue And Gold Macaw
This large parrot species grows up to 30 to 36 inches and weighs 28 to 46 ounces. They are appreciated as one of the most popular parrot species as a pet because of their colorful plumage. It comes with a green forehead that fades into teal in the nape, back, tail, and wings.
Their chest and the inner side of the wings are yellow and have a large black beak. When given proper care as a pet, they could live up to 50 years. Since they are very intelligent, they learned new tricks and even talked a little bit. It even has a strong personality which keeps them happier with people.
Cockatoos
It is one of the most beautiful parrot species that melt the heart of any bird lover. They are also very affectionate compared to others and have friendly in nature. Because of this bird lovers mostly opt to get them as a pet. They need special care in terms of their diet and exercise to keep them more active throughout their life. While purchasing this bird, you must take care of the bird for around 70 to 80 years as they have a longer lifespan.
Within this category of parrots, there exists a wide range of interesting species. Since they are so gentle and sweet, they can make a strong bond with their owners if given proper care. They are just like pups who love to cuddle a lot with their favorites. Also, when separated from their favorites it can cause severe trouble to these birds. It grows up to 18 inches and weighs around 16 to 26 inches. This bird category mostly has white plumage with pale yellow wings and tails. They even have a white crest and a black beak.
Amazon Parrots
They are one of the best talkers in the parrot family and are also a perfect avian mate. They bond quickly with people and have stunning personalities. Since these birds have a lifespan of over 70 years, you must be very careful while choosing them as a pet. It grows to 12 to 15 inches in length and weighs over 17 to 24 ounces. They basically have bright green plumage with a flare of yellow around their neck. It even has a yellow patch on the head and red wings. As these birds have excellent speech capacity, they are ranked top of the most popular parrot species.
Hyacinth Macaw
It is one of the largest among all other parrots and has a life span of over 60 years. Since they are bigger in size, they need a spacious atmosphere which at the same time should be escape-proof. Also, they must be given an adequate flying exercise to keep them healthy; because of this, only trained caretakers choose them as a pet. They grow over 40 inches and weigh around 42 to 51 ounces. Just like its name, it has solid blue plumage with yellow patches around its eyes and beak.
These birds are categorized as one of the biggest macaws in their species and are usually found in Brazil. Also, they are now categorized as vulnerable species due to the growing pet trade.
Conclusion
From this article on the top large parrots to keep as pets, it has been comprehended that choosing a pet, especially a parrot is not as simple a task as you think. It requires utmost care and attention and also you must think twice before choosing one as they could live for several decades. This article could help you to get some ideas about the perfect feathered companion that you can choose.
Thus, if you are planning on getting a pet parrot, remember that you have a wide range of varieties including smaller Budgerigars to massive macaws. And as mentioned above, get a pet only if you assure to pay more attention to them which could affect their health.
Read More:- How Long Do Cockatiels Live In Captivity?
