Mary Allen
Those who see parrots for the first time are taken aback: The small birds are reminiscent of budgies without tail feathers. These are real New World parrots, also known as “real parrots”. The parrot’s parrots differ from the popular Australian pet birds mainly in their stocky build and their much more controversial behavior.
Sparrow Parrots – Miniature Climbing Bird
The natural habitat of parrot parrots stretches from Mexico in the north to roughly central South America. There are currently seven known subspecies of the parrot; those common in domestic animal husbandry are the blue-necked parrots from Ecuador and Peru as well as the ring-eyed parrots from Panama and Colombia and the green-necked parrots, which are represented from Venezuela to northern Brazil. The offspring is unproblematic so that the birds are also becoming increasingly popular as pets.
The Species-appropriate Sparrow Parrot Husbandry
The following applies to all parrots: They must never be kept alone. Sparrow parrots are also birds that absolutely need a partner, better still: a small flock around them. If you plan to keep a flock in an aviary, make sure that there are at least three pairs. If there are only four birds, there may be territorial disputes between the roosters. In addition, you should not socialize with other bird species – that also harbors the potential for conflict.
The absolute minimum dimensions for accommodation that serves as sleeping accommodation and temporary residence are 1 x 0.5 x 0.5 meters. It goes without saying that a lot of free flights must be guaranteed with such an attitude. The accommodation and flight zone should contain plenty of climbing opportunities and natural wooden poles and toys. Sparrow parrots are not suitable for permanent housing in an outdoor aviary: The animals need temperatures of at least 15 ° Celsius. In the winter months, you should treat the birds to UV lighting – special bird lamps are best. The tropical animals need light for the formation of the body’s own vitamin D. With good care, the life expectancy of the parrot is ten to fifteen years.
From Green is Pied – the Color Variations of the Parrot
The color of the parrot’s parrots is an even green, roosters have some blue feathers on their necks and wingtips. Due to the targeted breeding of the animals in captivity, further shades of color in blue, yellow, white, and even piebalds have emerged on the basis of natural mutations.
Seeds and Berries – That’s What the Parrot Likes
In its natural habitat, the parrot finds beak-friendly food in the form of seeds, berries, and grasses. It is important to know if you are putting together a suitable feed mix or want to buy it ready-made: The proportion of grass seeds should be very high, and that of oilseeds (for example one and sunflower seeds) as low as possible. As a supplement, the animals need fresh feed every day in the form of suitable vegetables and fruits in smaller quantities – too much fructose can promote the development of yeast fungi in the goiter. By the way: Sparrow parrots tend to feed envy. Divide the food ration into several pans so that they can eat undisturbed. Grit and mineral stones should not be missing in the parrot home.
How Tame Do Parrots Get?
To make parrots trusting is possible with patience and millet. Be prepared, however, that the animals react a little more shyly and aggressively to approach than other birds and that it can take a while before they gain confidence in their humans. If the relationship is stable, the sociable birds like to communicate with their owner and can be animated to play. Parrot roosters are also able to imitate sounds and human speech. However, they do not succeed – presumably due to the anatomy of their vocal organs – as well as budgies or larger parrots. Sparrow parrots are suitable pets for older children from the age of twelve.
Sparrow Parrots
Origin
Mexico, parts of South America;
Size
10 – 13 centimeters;
Weight
25 – 35 grams;
Appearance
Teardrop-shaped body with a slender, short tail, rounded head shape with a small, light-colored beak;
Plumage
Natural green to yellow-green; Taps with blue feathers; Color mutations in blue, yellow, white, and piebald;
Life expectancy
10-15 years;
Temperament
Careful, argumentative, lively, and curious.