#27 Parrot Gazette: Debunking Common Parrot Myths
Can I Have Two & Still Bond?
In this issue:
Xelha’s note
Debunking Common Parrot Myths
Movie Time: 🍿🦜 Eclectus Parrots!
Reader Resources
Thanks for being a regular! We love your feathers! 🌞📚🦜
Xelha’s note:
Common question answered: Will my parrot still bond with me if I get a second?
So many people get a parrot instantly fall in love!
TIME - But they quickly find that they don’t have the time to dedicate to their bird that their bird would like. After all, most people have to go to work, school, or take care of other things.
FRIEND - So, many think about getting their parrot a friend and ask themselves, will my parrot still bond with me if he or she has a buddy?
Take the case of Ita, my sweet Rosie-fronted Conure, who thrives on human interaction. Life gets busy for me, now that I’m in college, so I got a friend for Ita named Limeade, a Green-cheek Conure.
What a great solution!
Ita and Limeade are happy together and are well bonded. They play, cuddle, and keep each other company while they sleep. I make sure to spend quality time with them, especially with Ita. After our time together, I gently place her back in her cage for the night, and as I say goodnight, which she whistles back to me, her birdie night-time farewell. It’s our little bedtime routine!
The Benefits of a Buddy
When you introduce a companion bird, it can actually enhance your parrot’s overall happiness and well-being. Limeade’s presence has provided Ita with a sense of security and social interaction that can be hard to achieve alone. Parrots are social creatures by nature who often live in large flocks. Having a buddy can help fulfill their social needs, which can reduce stress and boredom while boosting emotional and physical well-being.
OTHER PARRONTS - Interestingly, we’ve had many owners also find that the addition of another bird didn’t diminish their bond with the original pet. Instead, it enriched the dynamic. Ita isn’t our only bird with a buddy, we try to make sure that they all have one.
Strengthening the Human-Bird Bond
In Ita’s case, we’ve notice that she continues to enjoy cuddles, kisses, and human interaction. The key is to ensure that you still spend quality time with your bird, maintaining that special connection. Engage with both birds during your interactions to foster relationships on all fronts.
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2.
Debunking Common Parrot Myths
by Lorenza, the Yellow-Naped Amazon
Hello, feathered friends and human companions!
It’s me, Lorenza, your favorite Yellow-naped Amazon, here to set the record straight about some common myths that often flutter around about us parrots. We may be colorful, chatty, and full of personality, but there’s a lot more to us than meets the eye! Let’s dive into -6- common misconceptions and reveal the truths behind them.
1. Myth: Only Male Parrots Can Sing and Talk
You might hear that only the boys in the parrot world are capable of making beautiful sounds or mimicking your words. Well, let me tell you, that’s just not true! Both male and female parrots can chat up a storm. Sure, I might have a little more flair in my vocalizations, but it really comes down to the individual bird and how much we’re encouraged to express ourselves. I love to chime in when the mood strikes!
2. Myth: Two Parrots Will Bond Less with You
Some humans think that if they have two of us parrots, we’ll just stick to each other and ignore them.
Not so!
While we are social creatures and love our fellow feathered friends, we also thrive on human companionship. We are curious and interested in you because you are a little like us, intelligent!
With the right socialization, my pals and I can enjoy each other’s company while still showering our humans with affection. So don’t worry; you can still be our favorite!
3. Myth: Parrots Only Eat Seeds
Ah, the classic seed-only diet myth! While seeds might be a tasty treat, they shouldn’t make up our entire meal. I was fed only seeds for some time before I joined the Parrot Bliss flock and it made my liver sick :(
Don’t worry, though. My diet has been corrected and I’m doing much better.
Us parrots, we need a colorful array of fruits, veggies, and pellets to stay healthy and happy. Eating only seeds can lead to nutritional deficiencies, so make sure you offer us a balanced diet.
It took me a couple of years to adjust to a healthy diet, but just look at me—I love my veggies, especially when they’re fresh and crunchy!
4. Myth: Parrots Don’t Understand Human Language and Can Only Mimic
This is a big misconception that undermines our intelligence.
Sure, we’re great mimics, but we also have the capacity to understand some of what you say. For example, when I greet you with “Hello,” I know what it means and when to use it. It’s all about context!
I also know what to say when I don’t like someone, “Bye, bye!”
Or when I want a human to share their food, I say “Want some!”
So, let’s keep chatting—your words matter to us!
5. Myth: Parrots Aren’t Emotionally Intelligent
Oh, how wrong this one is! We parrots are emotional beings, capable of forming deep bonds with our caregivers. We can feel joy, fear, and even grief. When a parrot nuzzles up to you, it’s because they trust and love you. It’s essential for our well-being to understand and acknowledge our emotional needs, just like you would with any other cherished companion.
Parrots Are Low-maintenance Pets –
The myth that parrots are low-maintenance pets ignores our specialized needs. We require a varied and carefully balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition and avoid serious health issues.
Additionally, we need time outside of our cages to exercise, socialize, and explore, so we don’t get bored and to promote our mental well-being.
Our cages should be kept clean, with fresh food and water daily. Exposure to natural sunlight or UV/UB light is also essential for our health, as it aids in the production of vitamin D and overall bone and feather health.
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By debunking these myths, you can enhance your experience as a parrot parent. Remember, we’re not just pets; we are intelligent, emotionally complex beings deserving of respect and care. Let’s continue to learn from each other and build a beautiful bond together.
Now, who wants a snack?
Squawk!
3. Movie Time!
🍿🦜 Parrot Myth!
You are too old to get a parrot! True? I don’t think so!
4. Reader Resources:
Looking For A Bird?
Rescue, Baby Or Rehome
Looking to RESCUE? Try Bird Gardens of Naples
Looking for a BABY? Visit Parrot Bliss
We have baby parrotlets, White-bellied Caiques, Blue-headed Macaw, Indian Ringneck, Green-cheek Conures and a Hahn’s!
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About Kalyn
I’m an author, parront and quite passionate about my parrots. I love learning about parrots, having them and sharing what I learn in my books and videos. I also like writing novels, I’ve created child and adult parrot coloring books - all to help support our flock.
About Xelha
I’m a college student who loves parrots! Conures are my favorites! I also love digital art and traveling.
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Having over 22 species means we have a loud, colorful and loving home!
Thanks for visiting! I think you are crown-tastic! Diva, Major Mitchell
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Very good and informative. Keeping parrots together is great. For example, Floki and Knute, are caged together. They actually hit is off right away. When caged, they play, cuddle & sleep together, preen and have little spats. They have 2 dishes but interestingly they both eat out of one dish then move on to the other without spats or fights. When they are out, Knute is on and off of me. He’s more interested in flying. Floki will sometimes fly but she’s more interested in staying on me. Floki surfs and preens me. If I put her down on a perch she comes right back. She’s a boomerang bird. One of my black headed hens, Siggi comes to me. She’s another surfer! She now says, “Watcha doin” and kiss, complete with kiss sounds. I’m working on putting her with Ivar. Siggi is attentive to Ivar and he to her. Ivar has become sweeter with me. I credit that to seeing me interact with the other birds. There are many different personalities in my flock. Some birds are pretty independent, coming to me for interaction but only when in the mood. Others tend to be more needy. And lastly, diet is soooo important.😊