Written by Ringo the African Grey
Alright, humans, listen up! If you’re thinking about welcoming one of my feathered friends (or me, Ringo, but I’m taken 😉) into your home, you better be prepared. Parrots are smart, social, and high-maintenance—we're basically feathery toddlers with wings and a lifetime supply of sass.
To make sure you're ready, here’s my Top 10 Must-Have Essentials for new parrot owners. Trust me, get these before you bring a parrot home!
1. A Proper Cage (Bigger is Better!) 🏠
First rule of parrot life: We hate feeling cramped. The bigger the cage, the better! We need space to move, flap, climb, and cause chaos (the good kind).
✔️ Size matters! Research cage dimensions based on your bird’s species.
✔️ Horizontal bars = better climbing!
✔️ Avoid round cages—we need corners to feel secure.
💡 Ringo’s Tip: Get a cage that’s at least double the wingspan of your parrot. Too small? Expect lots of loud complaints.
2. The Right Perches (Ditch the Plastic!) 🌳
Those basic plastic dowel perches? Trash them immediately. We need variety to keep our feet healthy!
✔️ Natural wood perches (like Sekelbos) = comfy grip + chewing fun.
✔️ Rope perches = cozy and flexible for a change in texture.
✔️ Flat platform perches = perfect for resting our busy feet.
💡 Ringo’s Tip: A mix of perch sizes helps prevent foot sores—because we’re on our feet ALL the time.
3. A Diet Plan (Seeds Alone Won’t Cut It!) 🥦🍎
If you think parrots can survive on seeds alone, put that seed bag down immediately. We need a balanced diet to stay healthy.
✔️ Pellets (Harrison’s, Roudybush, or TOPs) = Nutrient-packed & essential!
✔️ Fresh veggies (carrots, peppers, leafy greens) = Super healthy!
✔️ Fresh fruit (apples, berries, mango) = Tasty, but in moderation.
✔️ Cooked grains/legumes (quinoa, lentils, brown rice) = Great for variety!
🚫 AVOID: Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onions, garlic, and salty or sugary foods.
💡 Ringo’s Tip: 80% pellets, 20% fresh food is a good rule! If all you feed us is seeds, expect a grumpy, unhealthy parrot with a short lifespan.
4. A Variety of Toys (Because We Get Bored FAST!) 🎭
A bored parrot = a destructive parrot. Give us plenty of toys to shred, chew, and play with!
✔️ Foraging toys – Hide treats inside and make us work for them!
✔️ Shredding toys – Paper, seagrass, balsa wood = endless fun!
✔️ Chew toys – Pine blocks, leather, and cork keep our beaks busy.
✔️ Puzzle toys – Keep our big brains engaged!
💡 Ringo’s Tip: Rotate toys every week so they feel new! We’re smart—we know when we’re getting the same old stuff.
5. A Safe Cleaning Routine (No Harsh Chemicals!) 🧼
We’re super sensitive to toxic fumes, so you’ll need parrot-safe cleaning supplies to keep things fresh.
✔️ F10 Disinfectant – Safe for cages, bowls, toys & more.
✔️ Nature’s Nest Cage Cleaner – Keeps things smelling amazing.
✔️ No Teflon/non-stick cookware – The fumes are deadly to us!
💡 Ringo’s Tip: If you wouldn’t use it near a newborn baby, don’t use it near a parrot.
6. A Routine (We Like Predictability!) 🕒
We thrive on structure and routine—random changes stress us out.
✔️ Consistent mealtimes = Happy, well-fed parrot.
✔️ Regular out-of-cage time = Exercise & social bonding.
✔️ Daily interaction = We love attention! (And yes, we notice when you ignore us.)
💡 Ringo’s Tip: Establish a schedule early! If you suddenly change things up, expect loud protests.
7. A Vet Plan (Find an Avian Vet Before You Need One!) 🏥
Not all vets can treat birds! Make sure you find an avian vet BEFORE there’s an emergency.
✔️ Schedule a vet visit within the first month of bringing your parrot home.
✔️ Annual check-ups are a must!
✔️ Know the signs of illness—fluffed-up feathers, sitting at the bottom of the cage, or changes in droppings = a problem!
💡 Ringo’s Tip: By the time we look sick, we’re VERY sick. Don’t wait—get us checked out ASAP.
8. A Safe Environment (No Open Windows!) 🏡
Parrots are curious and sneaky, and that means safety first!
✔️ No open windows or doors – If we escape, we might never find our way back!
✔️ No toxic plants or candles – Many household plants are deadly to birds.
✔️ Supervised out-of-cage time – We get into EVERYTHING. Trust me.
💡 Ringo’s Tip: Flight training or a harness can be a lifesaver if you ever want to take us outside safely!
9. Socialization & Bonding (We Are NOT Low-Maintenance!) 💕
We’re flock animals, which means we need social interaction every single day.
✔️ Talk to us, interact, train us—we LOVE attention.
✔️ If you work long hours, consider two parrots so we have a buddy.
✔️ Leave on music or TV if we’re alone—we don’t like silence!
💡 Ringo’s Tip: If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, I suggest a goldfish. 🐠
10. Patience & Realistic Expectations 🕊️
Parrots are not like dogs or cats—we have our own way of doing things. It takes time, patience, and consistency to build trust with us.
✔️ Some parrots take weeks (or months) to warm up to new owners.
✔️ Biting happens! It’s part of our communication—learn to read our body language.
✔️ We’re NOT for everyone! Parrots require long-term dedication.
💡 Ringo’s Final Tip: If you’re not 100% sure about a parrot, visit a rescue or foster first! We’re a BIG commitment—but for the right person, we’re the BEST companions. ❤️
Final Thoughts: Are You Ready?
If you made it this far and still think you’re ready to adopt a parrot, congratulations! 🎉 You’re one step closer to a rewarding, entertaining, and lifelong friendship.