Which Parrot Species is Best for You?

 
We are looking at Macaws and African Grays but, first of all, the rant!  There is no necessity nowadays to purchase a wild caught bird.  Please do the right thing and buy a captive bred bird.  You will not regret it. 

The trade in smuggled birds is a worldwide disgrace and should not be supported by purchasing one of the survivors of their arduous journey.  Make no mistake, many of them die from suffocation or dehydration when smuggled into the country stuffed into tubes or whatever is the latest method used by the cruel morons who perpetuate this traffic. 

We feel it is important to get this message out and make no apologies for highlighting it here.  A hand reared parrot is a fabulous pet and will supply a lot of information on their care and other considerations.  Our aim is for you and the bird to get the best out of your relationship.

Macaws and African Grays

One of the most rewarding pets that you can ever purchase is a parrot.  Most of these birds seem to possess a very high intelligence which is enhanced by consistent socialization and training.  Along with their unique ability to mimic human speech, these colorful critters are a very popular addition to many animal loving households worldwide.  If you have not acquired a parrot yet, the first things to consider is which parrot species would be best for you. Two of the more popular species of parrots are the Macaw and the African Gray Parrots.

If you are looking for a very friendly bird, the Macaw may be for you.  Possessing four toes like the woodpecker with two in front and two in back, these colorful birds from Central and South America, and even Mexico, use their feet only for climbing.  Although they are considered an endangered species due to the rapid deforestation of their natural habitats, they are finding a sort of salvation in the homes of bird lovers everywhere.

A Macaw’s diet consists of nuts and fruits. They also love to interact with humans.  With an average lifespan of over 50 years, these loving animals usually display nonaggressive behavior that is characteristically seen and heard in most of the parrot species.  The most debilitating part of owning a Macaw is their extremely loud voice, which was designed to be heard for long distances in their natural habitat, and not within the confines of a modern home.

If you are looking for a parrot that may not at first, seem as lovable, but has the genetic predisposition to be able to learn words that mimic human speech, the African Gray parrot is your best choice.  Native to Africa, this medium sized parrot of predominantly gray color has the uncanny ability to be able to learn and say words that mimic human speech.

Even more interesting is the ability of the African Gray to associate human words with their actual meanings.  One African Gray reportedly had a vocabulary of over 1000 words and could speak in sentences.  This ability is probably why even Egyptian hieroglyphics depict these wonderful birds and that the royalty of England appreciated their value as an honored pet.

Like the Macaw, the African Gray parrot also has a very strong beak that is designed for breaking nuts and not interacting with small children and even some adults. 

As long as an early relationship is established between the owner and the African Gray, the bird will more than likely develop gentle human mannerisms along with human like speech.  Including some of those little words and expletives that, perhaps, you would rather friends and neighbours did not hear!  It is often nor realised that parrots are very keen on learning and repeating loud or passionate sounds.  It can be very funny to hear a verbatim report on your screaming and swearing when you tip steaming hot coffee in your lap, but not so funny when it's re-enacted to your Maiden Aunt! 

African Grays have another trick up their wings;  They learn throughout their long lives.  Something they learned as a youngster, may not be heard for many years.  Then, something triggers it in their mind and you will hear it repeated.  Also, the more you comment on it and reveal your amazement; the more you will hear it.

The African Gray parrot also has special dietary needs.  These include calcium and foods rich in vitamin A like broccoli, almonds, and an assortment of greens.  Therefore, the usual sunflower seed diet that is commonly seen in most parrot cages will not be enough to ensure the health of your bird. A healthy vitamin rich diet will ensure that your parrot has enough energy and brainpower to learn the words that you want it to speak.

Both the Macaw and the African Gray parrot require and enormous amount of attention.  Purchasing toys and interacting with them for several minutes to an hour a day will be a mandatory necessity if you choose to own one of these magnificent birds.  Whether you are searching for a bird that is loving and in need of attention on a continual basis, or a bird that you could perhaps teach to speak, either one of these parrots would make an ideal pet for an owner that has the time and the proper facilities to take care of these animals.