May has gone to the birds! The 31st is World Parrot Day. Polly may be little, but she’s full of personality and flair. These beautiful birds, along with corvids, like crows and ravens, are among our most intelligent feathered friends. While we’re celebrating our avian companions, it’s worth noting that other animals have their special days too. For instance, did you know about Pallas Cat Day? It’s another fascinating celebration of unique animals. Continue reading as a Las Vegas, NV veterinarian discusses some of our most vibrant and beloved feathery friends.

What Is The World’s Loudest Parrot?

If you want a peaceful pet, you should tread carefully when choosing parrots. Some aren’t very loud at all. Others have volume knobs that go up to twelve!

Here are a few of the loudest:

• Cockatoos: max volume 135 decibels
• Eclectus Parrots: max volume 115 decibels
• Rose-ringed parakeets (Indian Ringnecks): max volume  111 decibels
• Macaws: max volume 105 decibels
• Conures: max volume 120 decibels
• Amazon parrots: max volume 124 decibels
• Lorie: max volume 90 decibels
• Caique parrots: max volume  93 decibels

In comparison, a Boeing 747 is approximately 140 dB. The average for a rock concert is roughly 100.

Some of the quieter parrots include the Cockatiel, Parakeets and Budgies, Pacific Parrotlets, and Senegal Parrots. (Finches and canaries, while not parrots, are also fairly quiet.)

What Is The History Of Parrot Day?

The World Parrot Trust launched the honorary holiday on May 31, 2004. The group was formed by veteran and parrot lover Mike Reynolds, who was a devoted supporter of parrots until his death in 2007. The organization is still operating strong today. You may read more about them—and how to help parrots—on their website here.

How Many Kinds Of Parrots Are There?

There are over 400 types of parrots, technically called psittacines. Polly’s family tree is divided into four branches: Psittaculidae (Old World parrots), Psittacidae (African and New World parrots), Cacatuoides (cockatoos), and Strigopidae (New Zealand parrots like kea, kākā, and kākāpō).

What Parrots Talk?

Quite a few parrots can communicate. The most well-known is undoubtedly the African Grey parrot. However, some other parrots are feathered chatterboxes. In fact, Puck, a budgie, now holds the record for knowing the most words. That extraordinary little bird knew 1728 words and is currently at the top of the Guinness Book of World Records.

Here are some other birds with the ability to talk:

• Amazon Parrot
• Cockatoo Eclectus parrot
• Quaker Parakeet
• Quaker Parrot
• Cockatiel Hill Myna
• Barred Parakeet 
• Budgerigar
• Rose-Ringed Parakeet 
• Moluccan Eclectus
• Yellow-Headed Amazon
• Macaw
• African Grey Parrots
• Common Myna 
• Corvids
• Quaker parrot

However, it is vital to remember that speech capacities differ greatly across individual birds. There is no assurance that even an African Grey will speak.

Speaking of African Greys, here is a heartwarming story: Recently, an African Grey named Gizmo became a viral phenomenon. Gizmo was recently rescued after being confined to a cage for 16 years. He startled his new owners by speaking unexpectedly, and he has since developed into a very happy and chatty bird. (Follow the cute bird online here.) Gizmo’s story demonstrates how emotional, sensitive, and caring these wonderful animals are, and how they thrive when loved.

What Should I Consider Before Adopting a Parrot?

We constantly advise folks to think carefully about adopting a pet. This goes triple for parrots. While Polly is undeniably entertaining and lovely, she is also a somewhat high-maintenance pet.

Generally, we would recommend conducting extensive study before adopting any pet. That is true times twelve for a parrot. You will, of course, have to consider your funds, time commitment, and other pets. 

Here are some factors to consider:

Longevity

This is a big one. Parrots have very long lifespans. Some can live to be more than 100! While some of the larger species, such as Macaws and Amazons, have the longest lifespans, even tiny ones can live a long time. That means adopting Polly is a significant commitment. It’s also worth noting that parrots form extremely strong bonds with their people, and can be quite traumatized by being rehomed.

Polly Wants Toys

Parrots are extremely intelligent, playful, and curious. Polly will require a lot of free time outside of her cage, as well as a variety of entertaining toys. To keep things interesting and new for your little companion, you’ll need to rotate and change these up regularly. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations on bird playthings and care requirements.

Daily Care

These lovely birds need a lot of attention and care. Polly, on the other hand, has a penchant for mischief. You’ll need to keep up with bird proofing and keep an eye on your pet when she’s not in her cage. You’ll also need to keep her cage clean and provide fresh food and water every day.

Cleaning does not require a hard scrubbing every day. We normally recommend completing a daily spot cleaning. That would include removing waste, providing fresh food and water, and replacing the cage liner. (Tip: piling sheets of newspaper or butcher paper at the bottom of the cage makes this simple. Just remove the soiled one from the top, and there will be a clean one underneath.) You may also need to vacuum beneath your pet’s cage. A spot vac probably isn’t going to be a bad purchase.

You’ll Need A Great Avian Veterinarian

You’ll need to find an excellent doctor for your feathered pal. This can also be a valuable source of information regarding Polly’s care requirements. For those with parrots or other unique animals, we also offer specialized Exotic Pet Care services to ensure your unusual companions receive the best possible veterinary attention. Contact our Las Vegas, NV pet hospital to learn more! 

Bird Proofing Is A Must

While the ordinary household has hazards for all pets, our homes can be especially deadly for birds. To make your home bird-safe, you must be meticulous in birdproofing. 

Some of the things that are dangerous to birds include the following: 

• Fans
• Window Dressings
• Water (sinks, toilets, pots, fishtanks)
• Fumes (Perfume, smoke, candles, incense, cooking fumes)
• Mirrors
• Small/Sharp Items
• Ropes and Corts
• Other Pets
• Open Doors And Windows

Contact your veterinarian for further information.

Polly Isn’t The Cleanest Roommate

Birds are a bit messy. Just prepare to deal with a certain amount of messes.

Parrots Are Feathered Comedians

We’ve focused on some of the downsides, but don’t be fooled. Our feathered pals can be very charismatic, and are often absolutely hilarious!

It’s also important to investigate the various sorts of parrots and learn about symptoms of illness, do’s and don’ts, safe and appropriate toys and treats, and bonding methods. Your veterinarian can also provide plenty of guidance. Just look before you leap.

How Can I Help Wild Parrots?

World Parrot Day celebrates these bright and captivating birds while simultaneously calling for action. Parrots are indigenous to many tropical and subtropical areas. Many wild animals are imperiled or endangered. In fact, up to one-third of wild parrots are classified as threatened or endangered. Several species face extinction. The reasons for this are likely not surprising. The main causes are habitat loss, pollution, and the illegal trafficking of wild birds. While there are some protected habitats, many are either too small or do not provide the optimal environments.

However, not all of the news is terrible. For example, Polly is thriving well on Príncipe Island. The small island, located in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Africa, has a remarkably high parrot population, with 53 birds per square kilometer. This is most likely because parrots there were granted protected status ten years before they were included in the endangered species list. 

There are steps you can take to help. Supporting conservation efforts is an important one. This could range from donating to a parrot conservation organization to supporting local legislation that protects your local habitat. (Even if there are no wild parrots nearby, these steps all contribute to a broader movement.) You can even consider adopting a rescued parrot!

Schedule an Appointment With Your Las Vegas, NV Avian Veterinarian.

Do you have any queries about parrot care? Do you need to schedule an appointment for your feathered companion? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your Las Vegas, NV pet clinic, we are here to help.