Big Bird, Little Bird?
Originally published at Harmonic Pets. Please leave any comments there.
One of the questions people ask when they think about getting a parrot is do they want a big bird or a little bird? There are many different species within those designation and a bird that may seem big to some, for example my blue head pionus is as “big” as I want to go in the avian world, might be small to someone who loves macaws or some of the large cockatoos. And within each type of bird there are many options. In cockatoos there are goffins or umbrellas. There are some size differences there.
But just thinking in general terms, how “big” do you want your bird and how can you tell?
One of the biggest purchases you’ll make in regards to your pet parrot is its cage. And don’t think that small birds equal small cages. Your bird will spend a large portion of its time (for example when you are sleeping or at work) in a cage. So you want to purchase the biggest one you can afford. Also, a little bird, such as a parrotlet might only be three to four inches long, but he’s such an active little guy that he needs a cage at least 18″ square and bigger if you can do it.
But still, my parrotlet’s cage is smaller than my pionus’ cage, though in both of their cases they should be called palaces, not cages. So how much space do you have? Can you spare at least a two foot square space? Or can you spare something five foot wide and three foot deep? If you have room for something larger in your house, then that’s a good first step.
Second, noise level. Smaller birds aren’t necessarily quieter, though they do have less lung capacity than a larger bird. However their noise might be higher pitched.
Third, needs. Is the bird more of a “you admire me from afar” type of bird like a finch or grass parakeet, which might not form close bonds with its owner? Or is it a boisterous bird which needs a lot of interaction and care?
Once you know the space you have, the noise level you would prefer, the pitch you would prefer, and the needs of the bird that fit your schedule, then you can start looking at the various species. Research the bird you want to buy. Know that there are individuals who may not conform to species norms. People are individuals, so too are parrots. But knowing these three basic things will help you on your quest to find the parrot companion that’s best for you.