All Parrot Care Articles

Find all of the blog posts written across United Parrot Kingdom and improve your overall care standards

Parrot Diet Shelby Thomas Parrot Diet Shelby Thomas

Dry Mix for Parrots: How to Make Your Own Nutritious Blend at Home

Want to save money and feed your parrot a healthier, more enriching diet? This guide shows you how to make your own dry mix at home using freeze-dried vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, and a human-grade seed blend. Learn why freeze-dried is better than air-dried, where to source quality ingredients, and how to customise your mix for optimal nutrition and variety.

Read More
Parrot Diet Shelby Thomas Parrot Diet Shelby Thomas

How to Get My Parrot to Eat Pellets

Many parrots are wary of new foods, and pellets are no exception. If your bird is turning up their beak at them, don't worry it's completely normal. In this post, we explore why parrots often fear unfamiliar food, how they learn what’s safe to eat, and what you can do to gently encourage them to try pellets.

Read More
Parrot Training Shelby Thomas Parrot Training Shelby Thomas

How to Teach a Parrot to Talk

Teaching a parrot to talk can be fun and rewarding, but it should never be the reason you get one. Not all parrots speak, and those that do often mimic emotion-filled phrases or sounds. In this post, we explore how to encourage speech using repetition and context, while highlighting why understanding your parrot's needs and respecting their boundaries is far more important than teaching words.

Read More
Parrot Health Shelby Thomas Parrot Health Shelby Thomas

15 Signs Your Parrot Might Be Sick (And What to Do About It)

Parrots are expert at hiding signs of illness, so by the time symptoms become visible, they may have been unwell for a while. This guide covers 15 subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that your parrot could be sick, with one bonus serious sign, like fluffed-up feathers, odd droppings, unusual sleeping, and more. Learn what to look for, how to respond, and when to call an avian vet, so you can catch problems early and keep your parrot happy and healthy.

Read More
Parrot Health Shelby Thomas Parrot Health Shelby Thomas

The Benefits of Calcium Bentonite Clay for Parrots

Calcium Bentonite Clay is a natural, mineral-rich supplement that mimics the clay-licking behaviour seen in wild parrots. This gentle detoxifier helps bind and remove toxins, supports digestion, and provides essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. When offered in small amounts, it encourages natural foraging behaviour and promotes overall wellbeing in companion parrots. Discover the many safe, enriching ways to add this ancient volcanic clay to your parrot’s routine.

Read More
Parrot Husbandry Shelby Thomas Parrot Husbandry Shelby Thomas

List of safe flowers for parrots

Flowers aren’t just beautiful, they can also be a powerful source of enrichment and nutrition for parrots. From vibrant petals to calming herbs, many flowers are completely safe for parrots to chew, shred, and even eat. This guide explores a wide variety of non-toxic, parrot-safe flowers that can be offered fresh or dried, helping you bring natural variety into your bird’s diet and environment. Whether you’re making your own dry mix or creating a colourful foraging tray, these blooms add texture, scent, and stimulation that your parrot will love.

Read More
Parrot Diet Shelby Thomas Parrot Diet Shelby Thomas

Sprouting for Parrots: How to Make Your Own Nutritious Sprouting Mix at Home

Looking to boost your parrot’s nutrition naturally? Sprouting seeds at home is simple, affordable, and packed with health benefits. This guide covers how to make your own human-grade sprouting mix, where to source safe ingredients, and why sprouts are a powerful addition to your bird’s diet. Learn which seeds to use and how to introduce this living food to your parrot’s routine.

Read More
Cockatiels Shelby Thomas Cockatiels Shelby Thomas

Is a Cockatiel the Right Pet for Me?

Considering a cockatiel as a pet? These affectionate, social birds bring charm and personality to any home, but they come with unique care needs. From their need for daily interaction and mental stimulation to their lively vocalizations and dietary requirements, this guide covers everything you need to know to decide if a cockatiel is the right pet for you.

Read More
Parrot Husbandry Shelby Thomas Parrot Husbandry Shelby Thomas

How to Clean a Parrot Cage: A Complete Guide for a Healthy, Happy Bird

Keeping your parrot’s cage clean is essential for their health, helping to prevent disease, illness, and infestations. This guide covers a thorough cleaning routine—from daily spot cleaning to weekly disinfecting and twice-yearly deep cleans. Discover safe cleaning solutions, tips for maintaining a contaminant-free environment, and how to keep perches and accessories in top condition for a happy, healthy parrot.

Read More
Parrot Husbandry Shelby Thomas Parrot Husbandry Shelby Thomas

How to Safely Introduce a New Parrot to Your Flock

Introducing a new parrot to your flock can be exciting but requires careful planning and patience. This guide covers essential steps, including quarantine, separate cages, slow introductions, and bonding exercises like shared meal times. Learn how to manage potential aggression and create a safe environment to help your parrots build positive relationships at their own pace.

Read More
Parrot Husbandry Shelby Thomas Parrot Husbandry Shelby Thomas

List of Safe Woods for Parrots

Creating safe and engaging toys and perches for your parrot starts with choosing the right wood. This guide lists safe and non-toxic woods that are perfect for your feathered friend, from popular choices like apple and bamboo to durable options like manzanita and maple. Learn which woods are best for parrot toys and perches, ensuring a safe and stimulating environment for your bird to chew, play, and perch.

Read More
Caiques Shelby Thomas Caiques Shelby Thomas

Is a Caique the Right Pet for Me?

Thinking of bringing a Caique into your home? Known for their playful, energetic, and clownish personalities, Caiques are small parrots with big needs. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Caiques, from their socialisation and dietary requirements to their unique temperament and the type of person best suited to care for them. Discover if this lively, entertaining parrot is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Read More
Macaws Shelby Thomas Macaws Shelby Thomas

Why Is My Macaw Head Bobbing?

Wondering why your macaw is bobbing its head, honking, and flicking its wings? These behaviours are classic signs of baby begging, commonly seen in young macaws like Blue and Golds and Green-Winged Macaws. This article explores why macaws display this instinctual behaviour, the importance of proper weaning, and how to manage it to prevent it from becoming a long-term habit. Learn how to respond appropriately to help your macaw grow into a confident and well-adjusted adult.

Read More
Parrot Behaviour Shelby Thomas Parrot Behaviour Shelby Thomas

Why Is My Parrot Head Bobbing?

Noticed your parrot bobbing his head with a low crouched stance and occasional wing flicks? This behaviour, often seen in young macaws like Blue and Golds, is a natural baby begging behaviour linked to hunger or seeking comfort. However, it’s important not to over-acknowledge it, as this can reinforce the habit. Learn why this behaviour occurs, the importance of proper weaning, and how to manage it to prevent it from continuing into adulthood.

Read More
Parrot Diet Shelby Thomas Parrot Diet Shelby Thomas

The Perfect Chop Recipe for Parrots

Discover the perfect chop recipe for your parrot! This guide provides a fresh, nutrient-rich mix of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and sprouted seeds designed to keep your feathered friend healthy and engaged. Learn how to prepare a balanced, versatile chop that mimics the natural diet of wild parrots, offering essential vitamins and minerals to support your bird’s overall well-being and happiness.

Read More
Budgies Shelby Thomas Budgies Shelby Thomas

Is a Budgie the Right Pet for Me?

Thinking of adopting a budgie? This guide explores everything you need to know about budgies, from their social needs, dietary requirements, and enrichment to their playful temperament and the costs involved in their care. Discover whether a budgie is the right fit for your lifestyle by learning about their behaviour, companionship needs, and the kind of person best suited to care for these charming, small parrots.

Read More
Amazon Parrots Shelby Thomas Amazon Parrots Shelby Thomas

Is an Amazon Parrot the Right Pet for Me?

Considering adopting an Amazon parrot? This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Amazon parrots, including their size, social needs, temperament, costs, and care requirements. Discover whether an Amazon parrot fits your lifestyle by learning about their noise levels, dietary needs, enrichment, and the type of person best suited to care for these intelligent and vibrant birds.

Read More
African Grey Parrots Shelby Thomas African Grey Parrots Shelby Thomas

Is an African Grey the Right Pet for Me?

Are you considering adopting an African Grey? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about African Grey parrots, from their size, social needs, and intelligence to their dietary requirements and costs of ownership. Learn about the temperament of African Greys, who they are best suited for, and the time, commitment, and environment needed to ensure these intelligent birds thrive in your care.

Read More
Parrot Husbandry Shelby Thomas Parrot Husbandry Shelby Thomas

How to Bond with Your Parrot: Building Trust and Friendship

Building a strong bond with your parrot requires patience, respect, and positive reinforcement. Learn how to create a trusting relationship by observing your parrot’s body language, respecting their boundaries, and using positive experiences to reinforce desired behaviours. This guide provides practical tips to help you connect with your parrot, giving them a voice and building a lasting friendship based on mutual trust.

Read More
Parrot Health Shelby Thomas Parrot Health Shelby Thomas

Essential First Aid Tips for Parrot Owners: What to Do in an Emergency

Emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and knowing how to respond can make all the difference in your parrot’s outcome. This guide provides essential first aid tips for parrot owners, including what to include in your first aid kit, how to keep your bird calm, and immediate steps to take during an emergency. Learn how to manage common issues while seeking professional help to ensure your parrot’s safety and well-being.

Read More