by Caitlin

Parrots make great pets because they’re beautifully colored and have the unique ability to imitate human voices. Importantly, parrots are intelligent, which makes them sociable and affectionate companions that require stimulation beyond a few toys or a couple of minutes’ playtime at the end of your workday.

So one of the most important things to consider before buying a parrot is how much time you can give to him or her. Parrots’ life spans, (particularly large parrots) rival human life spans, and so buying a parrot means gaining a companion for life.

Research suggests that a parrot’s time is divided up between eating, resting and playing. While you can diversify her diet by offering things like mineral chew stones and seed toys, you can really bond with your pet during play time. Try not to leave your parrot unattended or in silence for too many hours of the day as this can result in a bored or depressed bird. During work hours, turn on the radio softly, and try to look in on him during lunch times.