How Do I Care for a Baby Parrot?

When caring for a baby parrot, it's important to have the bird's favorite food on hand, to keep loud noise and activity to a minimum for several days after bringing him home, and to feed him properly. He will also need a suitable cage that is large enough to accommodate him as he grows. A parrot's wings will also need to be clipped so that he cannot fly off, cause damage to furniture, or injury to himself. Parrots will also need toys and other supplies to keep them entertained.

The first thing to keep mind when choosing a baby parrot is that it is vitally important to buy from a reputable breeder. Parrots should not be purchased before they are properly weaned, since having to hand feed the bird could lead to complications. It could also lead to difficulties in bonding later on, as most parrots eventually migrate away from their infant caregivers and join their new families. For these reasons, and others, it is best to go with a baby parrot that has been weaned and which has a stable eating schedule already.

Before bringing a baby parrot home, there are supplies which will be needed. First, the parrot will need a cage that is big enough to support him as he grows. Since parrots can become quite large, a spacious bird habitat is usually necessary. Parrots also do well with toys, since they can become bored easily. Additionally, you'll need food and water containers, and lining for the cage's bottom to catch droppings.

Many birds enjoy toy bells and other noise makers. Others love small, non-glass, mirrors that can be mounted in their cages. The most important thing to remember is that toys should be safe, too large to choke on, and unbreakable. Many pet stores carry toys that are specially designed for birds of various species, so that would be a good place to start.

New baby parrot owners should speak thoroughly with the breeders they deal with in order to find out what the bird prefers to eat, and what the feeding schedule is. Stick with this schedule to keep your new bird's routine as normal for him as possible. As the parrot grows, new foods can be introduced into the diet, assuming they are safe and healthy.

During the first several days home, handling of a baby parrot should be limited to feeding and cleaning the cage. Birds can be easily upset, so there will be an adjustment period as it gets used to being in a new environment. A blanket should be kept over the cage at night to promote sleep, and the cage should be placed somewhere out of the way during daytime hours. As the days progress, it is okay to handle the bird more and more so that bonding can occur.

A baby parrot's diet should consist of a specialized hand-feeding formula designed for parrot chicks, which can be purchased from pet stores or veterinarians. According to the World Parrot Trust, the formula should be rich in nutrients and fed at appropriate intervals, usually every 2-3 hours for very young chicks, with the frequency decreasing as they grow.

In the early stages, baby parrots require feeding every 2-3 hours, including nighttime. As they grow, the frequency decreases. By the time they are 4 weeks old, they can typically be fed every 4-6 hours. It's crucial to follow a feeding schedule that mimics their natural weaning process, gradually reducing feedings as they learn to eat solid foods.

The ambient temperature for a baby parrot's environment is vital for its health. For newborns, maintain a temperature between 95-100°F (35-37.8°C). As they grow, you can gradually decrease the temperature by 5°F per week until it reaches room temperature, ensuring they are comfortable and able to regulate their body heat effectively.

A healthy baby parrot should be alert with bright, clear eyes and clean feathers. It should have a good appetite and be gaining weight consistently. Regular, well-formed droppings are also a sign of good health. Any deviation from these norms, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal droppings, may indicate illness and should prompt a visit to an avian veterinarian.

Socialization should begin early, ideally when the parrot is still being hand-fed. Gentle handling and exposure to various stimuli, including different people, safe pets, and household sounds, can help the parrot become well-adjusted. Positive reinforcement and consistent interaction are key, as parrots are highly social creatures that thrive on engagement.

Consistency is crucial in teaching a baby parrot good behavior. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as offering treats or praise for desired actions. Establish a routine that includes regular training sessions, playtime, and rest. Avoid reinforcing negative behaviors by ignoring them or redirecting the parrot's attention. Early training sets the foundation for a well-behaved adult parrot.