I am the proud owner of a Yellow Nape Amazon parrot. I don’t have him yet, but he is scheduled to fly in (no pun intended) 2 weeks from today. I’m really excited, and want everything to be ready for him when he arrives.
Today I went to the local pet store (one of the larger chains), to buy a cage. I was surprised to find that only about 3% of the total store was devoted to birds! The selection of parrot cages was limited to one floor model, and you had to order and have it delivered.
I decided that if I had to wait for delivery, I would look online. Glad I did. The selection of parrot cages available online is huge. I found the perfect cage and ordered it. It has a guaranteed delivery of 4 days, shipping is free, and it cost less than getting it from the pet store.
I also ordered toys. The cost of bird toys is insane, especially since the main purpose is for the bird to have something to chew up and destroy!
Next thing to buy is parrot food. There is a division in the bird world on what to feed domesticated birds.
Many prefer to feed their birds pellets. Pellets are man made; you can think of them as dog kibble for birds. The ‘pro-pellet’ people argue that the pellets are made to give the bird 100% of the nutritional value needed, and they are not as messy as seed.
The other side of the equation argues that pellets are not natural. After all, in the wild birds are not supplied with pellets, and they seem to do quite well without them. I am on this side of the divide.
Birds need seed to crack open, it is part of their instinct. Good quality seed mix will contain different seed types; each seed type gives the bird a needed nutritional requirement. In addition to the seed, a good quality seed mix includes dried fruit, and pellets.
Additionally, you should give your bird some fresh fruit and vegetables, daily if possible. Birds love ‘people’ food and they can eat everything except avocado, chocolate, alcohol and coffee.
I’ve always thought this was a little cannibalistic, but birds love scrambled eggs and chicken. Give your larger bird the chicken leg bone or thigh bone – they will crack the bone open and eat the marrow. They also love crab, pasta and breads. Your bird will let you know what he likes and does not like.
The main ingredient to give a bird to keep him healthy and happy is love and attention!
