Many people believe that a bird in the house is the most unpretentious pet. Place her in a cage, pour in food, pour water and clean the cage from time to time. This is the opinion of many who want to buy a parrot for their home. But it is worth considering that each breed of parrots has its own characteristics. In addition, any bird will need to properly arrange its cage. In addition to toys and puzzles, the parrot will need the right feeder and drinker. This will be discussed in our article.

Which parrot is better?

There are more than three hundred species of parrots on earth, so it is worth understanding those species that are suitable for keeping at home. Birds can be divided into two categories. Some are suitable for beginners or children, as they are not so demanding to care for. And the latter will require more attention and care. Before buying a feathered pet, you should carefully study its character, behavioral characteristics, and diet. This way you can immediately understand whether you are suitable for each other. Otherwise, many may not be able to create all the necessary conditions, which will lead to illness or death of the feathered pet.

So, most often people buy budgies. They are small in size and come in a variety of colors. Such birds easily come into contact with people, so taming them will not be difficult. In addition, if desired, they can be taught to talk. Budgerigars can remember more than a hundred phrases.

If you want to have a larger bird, then a cockatiel can become such a friend. This parrot is slightly smaller than a pigeon. Their color is usually gray, but yellow birds can also be found. They quickly get used to their owner and home, and are also distinguished by their calm character.

In addition, lovebirds are purchased for the home. This species is distinguished by its bright color and cheerful character. But lovebirds cannot be taught to speak. In addition, this type has several other disadvantages. If you take only one individual, then it will be lonely, which will not allow it to please its owner. If you take them in pairs, they will make a lot of noise, scream loudly and constantly talk to each other. Therefore, this option is not suitable for people with small children, or those who do not like a lot of noise.

There are also more serious versions of birds that are large in size. These include cockatoos, grays and amazon. But to keep such a bird in the house you will need a lot of space and a large cage.

Grays are very popular among large parrots. This type of parrot is easy to train; with the right approach, it will become a full-fledged member of the family. These birds are also distinguished by high intelligence. If you constantly work with such a parrot, then its vocabulary can consist of 500 words. He easily recognizes the owner and sits in his arms. Also, such birds love freedom, so they should not be kept in a cage all the time; they need it for sleeping and eating.

The cockatoo is also easily tamed, is sociable, and can remember about 300 words. In addition, the cockatoo can easily learn to sing, dance or imitate. But for this you need to constantly work with him and properly care for him.

Amazons are also trainable. But it is better for people without experience not to purchase such a bird. To keep such a bird you will need a large space; in addition, the parrot will constantly follow its owner, since it does not like loneliness. Training a bird will require a lot of strength and a strong nervous system, because such a friend is very lazy, although capable.

Which one is most convenient according to consumer reviews?

Those who have been breeding or keeping parrots for a long time have managed to try and replace several types of drinkers in cages with birds. Most often, buyers opt for open or automatic containers.

The liquid in the drinker practically does not mix with debris , and then retains its purity for a long time. The main advantage of this type is the narrow spout for serving.

The main reason why buyers decide to purchase an open drinking bowl is its low cost and ease of use. But, as practice shows, very quickly they replace it with higher quality, closed analogues.

You can use several types of drinkers in one lash. To see which of them the pet responds to most adequately.

Rules of care and maintenance

Don't think that caring for a parrot won't require much effort. They, like any other pets, need proper care and maintenance. First you need to decide on the cell. It should be taken based on the size of the bird. And larger species may even require a separate room.

Don't forget about proper nutrition for birds. They will need grain feed, as well as greens, fruits and vegetables. It is better to purchase food from a trusted manufacturer. Water should be given filtered or bottled. It is not recommended to feed birds with tap water.

To make it convenient for your feathered companion to drink and eat, it is necessary to have the right drinkers and feeders. Since they will be constantly tested for strength, it is better to immediately purchase a good and high-quality product.

Don't forget about the perch. Many cages come with ready-made perches, but you can also make them yourself or purchase them separately. This element will replace the feathered tree branch where they like to sit.

Depending on the type of parrot, it is necessary to have entertainment elements in the cage. These can include special toys from a pet store, as well as various bottles, beads, and rattles. But they must be chosen with extreme caution, taking into account the size of the bird and its character.

Veterinarian advice on keeping a parrot:

DIY drinking bowl

Even an inexperienced home craftsman can install a drinking vessel for a parrot with his own hands. You just need to know how, from what and with what to make.

Materials

To make a simple drinking bowl for a feathered pet yourself you will need:

• Glass jar for baby food. The neck should be wide with a metal rim around it. Otherwise the jar is not suitable.
• Plastic bottle with a capacity of 0.2 l. These often sell yogurt.
• Wire.
• Awl. This tool can be replaced with a thin screwdriver.

Step-by-step instruction

During the manufacturing process you will need to perform the following actions:

• Heat the tip of the awl. It is better to do this with a gas burner.
• Drill a hole in the center of the bottle cap.
• Make one hole on the neck of the bottle. It will be responsible for maintaining the water level. It's better to punch it right under the thread.
• Secure the jar to the cage bars with a metal rim;
• Using a wire, attach the bottle with the neck down, so that it is close to the bottom of the jar. The bottle must be filled with water.

When installing the mount, it is important to remember that your pet may accidentally get hurt. Therefore, the risk must be minimized by removing protruding and sharp ends as much as possible.

What types of feeders and drinkers are there for parrots?

If we talk about feeders, they can be divided into two groups. The first group includes internal feeders, which are attached inside the cage. And the second group includes products that have external fastening.

First, let's look at internal fastening products. They come in wall-mounted and floor-mounted types. Hanging feeders must be mounted at the same level with the perch, so the husks from the food will not scatter throughout the room. It is also better to attach them closer to the door; it is convenient for the owner to replace food, and the parrot will not be disturbed.

Mounted products differ in the material they are made from. Plastic feeders have become very popular among bird owners. Since they are affordable, they are easy to clean. But the main thing here is that the feeder mount fits the cage. Also, a feathered friend can easily knock over such a feeder, but to avoid this, you can additionally secure it.

Metal internal feeders are very popular. They are attached using special clamps. Such products will last a long time, and they can also be boiled if necessary.

For large cages, you can purchase a decorative feeder. They can be made of either plastic or porcelain. But these products are not convenient and practical.

Floor feeders are small cups. They can be made of plastic or ceramic. But a bird can easily turn such a cup over, so they are also not very popular.

External products are attached to the outside of the cage. They may have a special mechanism that allows the feeder to rotate. This will allow the owner to easily replace or add food. Thanks to this method of attachment, the bird will have more free space inside the cage. But such products also have a number of disadvantages. For example, a bird can easily get stuck there; if it is not freed in time, it can lead to the death of the pet. The design of such a feeder also allows the bird to fly out, since they have weak locks. Also, external products are made for a certain type of cell, which can be inconvenient when purchasing. Well, do not forget that when removing the feeder for washing, it is necessary to close the hole in the cage in order to prevent the other bird from leaving its home.

Now it’s worth considering drinking bowls. They come in three types.

• The first type includes open drinking bowls. You can use a saucer or glass as such products. They are low cost. But the water in such a drinking bowl must be changed several times a day, since debris or husks will get into it.
• The next type is closed drinking bowls. It is a flask with a small cup. It is better to install such a drinking bowl next to the feeder. The design of the product allows the bird to constantly drink frequent water in the required quantity. All parts of the drinking bowl are easily removable, making them easy to wash if necessary.

• The third type is an automatic drinker. This product combines all the advantages of open and closed drinkers. Plastic, metal or glass are used to make it. These drinkers also differ in size. The automatic drinker is conveniently attached to the entrance; the narrow spout allows the bird to easily drink from the bottom, while the pet will not be able to contaminate it.

But no matter what drinking bowl you use, you should change the water in it once a day or when it gets dirty. If vitamins are added to the water, it must be changed every three hours.

Care Tips

In order for parrots to always be healthy, it is important to keep clean not only in the house, but also in the dishes for food and water. To do this, it is recommended to follow the following tips:

• Wash the product every day. For open products, the container must be washed 2-3 times a day.
• The container must be disinfected once a week. For plastic, treatment with boiling water or a light manganese solution can be used.
• Pour only purified or settled water into the container. This will prevent the appearance of white plaque.

Water and food are essential for birds. However, improper care of products often provokes the appearance of diseases in parrots. Therefore, caring for your cookware is of great importance.

Criterias of choice

Pet stores have a large assortment of both feeders and drinkers designed for birds. At first glance, all of them will be able to satisfy the needs of the parrot, but in reality this will not be such an easy choice. Since birds have their own character, they like to turn over dishes and splash water, you will have to work hard with the choice here.

There are several general points that apply to both drinkers and feeders. Firstly, you need to look at the material of manufacture. Plastic products must be non-safe and non-toxic. Metal utensils should only be made of stainless steel, other metal may oxidize.

It is not recommended to take painted dishes, since after a certain time the paint will come off the walls, and the bird may swallow it unnoticed. Well, any dishes should be suitable in size for the parrot, so it will be convenient for him to get to water or grain.

Automatic

They are divided into open and closed.

Open

Automatic open type feeders are also called buffer feeders. Their operating principle is based on gravity. Food is poured into the body, which is fed through a small hole into the plate gradually as it is eaten. They are easy to maintain and extremely convenient for those parrot owners who are constantly busy. They do not need to frequently add food, which is always clean, since the husks immediately go into a special compartment.

But there are also serious disadvantages. Automatic feeders make sounds that frighten other pets so much that they do not touch the food, even when very hungry.

In addition, the mechanism may break down and stop working with all the ensuing consequences.

Closed

Closed automatic feeders for parrots are very practical and reliable. They completely eliminate the possibility of contamination by waste and bird droppings. This means that they are the safest for the parrot.

The best feeders for parrots

Ferplast Sirio 0.5l

This product is a metal hanging feeder. It is installed inside the cell. It must be hung by horizontal rods.

"Ferplast Sirio" has a round shape. Thanks to this, it will be convenient for the bird to get food. The manufacturer used stainless steel to make this model. This metal not only does not oxidize, but is also practical and durable. Therefore, Ferplast Sirio can be used for both grain feed and mixed feed. At the same time, the feeder is convenient to wash, and if necessary, it can even be boiled.

The average cost is 420 rubles.

Ferplast Sirio 0.5l

Advantages:

• Convenient shape;
• Practicality;
• Convenient fastening;
• Easy care;
• Suitable for any type of feed.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Trixie 5466

This model is made of non-toxic plastic and is available in several colors. “Trixie 5466” has a hanging mount, so the owner can easily remove the product to replace the grain.

The volume of this model is 450 ml, which will allow you to pour a sufficient amount of food. At the same time, the length of the “Trixie 5466” is 12 cm and the width is 8 cm. Although the feeder will be very roomy, it will not take up much space in the cage. These feeders are also produced in smaller volumes.

The average cost is 250 rubles.

Trixie 5466

Advantages:

• Compact size;
• Available in several color options;
• Easy to remove;
• Durable material;
• Easy to care for.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Ferplast FPI4503

This model has an external mount and is suitable for small parrots, as well as canaries or other exotic birds. The feeder comes with fastening elements, which can be used to attach the product to a cage with both horizontal and vertical bars.

"Ferplast FPI4503" is made of durable transparent plastic. Thanks to this, the bird owner can easily control the amount of feed. Fastening elements allow you to easily remove the product from the cage and clean it if necessary. The size of "Ferplast FPI4503" is 6.9 * 5.8 * 7.8 cm.

The average cost is 300 rubles.

Ferplast FPI4503

Advantages:

• Practicality;
• You can observe the fullness of the feeder;
• Suitable for any cage;
• Convenient fastening elements;
• Compact size.

Flaws:

• Suitable for small birds only.

Number of feeders in the cage

There should be at least two feeders for a parrot in the cage: one is intended for dry food (the main component of the diet - grain mixture), and the other for wet food (additional components of the diet - mash, herbs, vegetables, fruits, cottage cheese, boiled eggs). In addition, the cage must contain a container with mineral supplements - chalk, shell rock, sand, gravel.

If several birds live together, the number of feeders should be increased to prevent fights over food. Ideally, there should be one feeder for each parrot. If the bowls are large, it is permissible to use one for several individuals.

The best drinking bowls for parrots

Trixie 5445

This model is an automatic drinker that is suitable for cages with horizontal bars. With its help, the bird will have constant access to water, while it will not be contaminated by husks or other debris.

To make Trixie 5445, the manufacturer used durable and safe plastic. The design of the drinking bowl is made in such a way that several parrots can relieve their thirst at the same time. Convenient fastening will quickly, easily and securely fix the product on the cage.

"Trixie 5445" has a transparent flask, thanks to which the owner can monitor the amount of water. There is also a convenient dispenser that will supply only the required amount of liquid to the tray.

“Trixie 5445” has a flask with a volume of 200 ml and a height of 15 cm. This model can also be used as a feeder.

The average cost is 300 rubles.

Trixie 5445

Advantages:

• Reliable fastening;
• Large volume;
• Transparent flask;
• Can be used as a feeder;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• Suitable for cages with horizontal bars only.

Duvo+ for large parrots

This model is a plastic drinker designed for medium and large sized birds. "Duvo+" consists of a white bowl, a transparent flask and fastening elements. The bowl will always contain the required amount of clean water so that your feathered companion can quench his thirst. All elements of the drinking bowl are made of safe and durable plastic.

The volume of “Duvo+” is 200 ml, while its size is 18 * 6 * 3.5 cm. This model is suitable for a cage with horizontal bars.

The average cost is 420 rubles.

Duvo+ for large parrots

Advantages:

• Convenient mounting method;
• Large volume;
• Ease of use;
• European manufacturer.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Triol BR47P

This automatic drinker also consists of a transparent flask and bowl. But the peculiarity of the model is that the bowl is made here in the form of a spout, which will add more comfort to the feathered pet. The spout has a size of 3*1.5*1.2 cm, which allows you to use this drinker with both small parrots and birds of different sizes.

Also, “Triol BR47P” has one more feature. It can be mounted both inside and outside the cage. Fastening elements allow you to easily and securely fix the product on the grill. It is worth it and can be installed in cages with horizontal and vertical bars, this makes the product universal. The volume of “Triol BR47P” is 200 ml.

The average cost is 110 rubles.

Triol BR47P

Advantages:

• Versatility;
• Available in several color options;
• Convenient fastening elements;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

How to place the drinking bowl correctly?

To make it convenient for the bird to drink, the drinking container is placed taking into account the following requirements:

• A perch is placed nearby so that the bird can get close to the water.
• The drinking bowl is installed closer to the door to provide free access to the device.
• The vessel should not be attached close to the feeder.

Height matters too. If you attach it very low, dust and dirt will get into the spout. Optimally - at the middle of the cell height. To prevent the parrot from trying to use the drinking bowl for hygienic purposes, he needs to additionally install a bathing container.

Why does a parrot throw food out of the feeder?

It happens that a parrot throws food out of the feeder and scatters it throughout the cage and even outside it. This happens for several reasons:

• adaptation of young parrots that have recently been separated from their parents;
• getting used to a new place or cage;
• parrots, which live in pairs in the wild, may do so out of loneliness.

In the first two situations, you just need to wait it out and continue to care for your pet. In the latter, the only way to help is to buy a “friend” for your bird.

How to choose and where to place a cage

When choosing a cage, give preference to reliable and durable structures. The minimum size of a bird house is 45/45/60 cm, but the larger the cage, the better the cockatiel will feel. The interval between the rods is no more than 2.3 cm, so that the bird cannot stick its head between them and get injured. The shape of the structure is any other than round - the pet does not feel safe in such a house.

The cage is placed in a room with a temperature of 20–25 degrees and a humidity of 50–70 percent. There should be people in the room often. The house is placed stably on a cabinet or stand at the chest level of an adult. The cage must be isolated from direct sunlight and drafts. You should protect your pet from unpleasant odors. Experts also recommend giving your parrot a gaming stand.

Cover overnight

Another controversial issue is whether to cover your cockatiel's cage at night. A bird needs a proper daily routine. The bird should sleep 10–12 hours a day.

If you do not cover the cage, the pet will go to bed after all family members and get up at dawn. This will lead to the following problems:

• a surge of hormones, when kept separately, males begin to nervously look for a nest, females lay “empty” eggs;
• irritability and fatigue;
• decreased immunity and, as a result, regular illnesses.

In addition to these troubles, the parrot will disturb the sleep of its owners and neighbors. In order to ensure a restful sleep for all residents and their beloved pet, the cage is covered with a dense fabric made of air-permeable material. It is enough to cover three sides (leaving one for air circulation) and the top of the cage.

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Toys, swing and mirror

A parrot is a sociable pet that often suffers from attention deficit, especially if it lives alone in a cage and its owners are rarely at home.

Often parrot owners want to put a mirror in the cage, citing the fact that one bird will be bored, but the reflection will entertain it. Ornithologists, on the contrary, do not advise doing this. The bird will be upset that the reflection does not respond to its actions, and will become irritable and lethargic.

To help your bird avoid stress, give him bright and interesting things for entertainment. Buy quality toys for your cockatiel at a pet store. The catalog includes perches, rings, swings and ladders. The products are made of safe materials, some are painted in bright colors, and make funny sounds.