Owning a parrot is one of the most rewarding experiences for bird lovers in the UK — but it comes with real responsibilities. Whether you’ve just welcomed an African Grey, Macaw, or Conure, parrots need more than food and a cage to thrive.
At Pure Feather Aviary, we believe that every parrot deserves a life full of enrichment, care, and love. Here are 10 expert tips to keep your feathered companion happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated at home.
1. 🏡 Set Up a Safe, Spacious Living Environment
Your parrot’s cage should be large enough to stretch its wings, climb, and move freely. Place it in a bright, family-friendly area but away from drafts and kitchen fumes. A proper setup can prevent boredom-related behaviours like screaming or feather plucking.
Tip: Macaws and Cockatoos need extra-large cages — if you’re considering one, check our Macaw parrots for sale and Cockatoo parrots for sale to see what they require.
2. 🥦 Feed a Balanced and Varied Diet
Fresh vegetables, fruits, high-quality pellets, and occasional seeds create a healthy base. Avoid processed human food, caffeine, and avocado — these can be toxic.
Thinking of starting from the egg stage? Explore our fertile parrot eggs section here.
3. 🎲 Rotate Toys Weekly
Parrots are incredibly smart. To keep their minds stimulated, rotate toys every 7–10 days. Foraging toys, shredding toys, and puzzle feeders can prevent boredom.
Birds like Eclectus parrots benefit greatly from toy variety. Browse our Eclectus parrots for sale to learn more about their curious personalities.
4. 💬 Engage in Daily Social Interaction
Parrots are flock animals — they thrive on interaction. Talk to them, sing, whistle, and play games. Some, like the African Grey, are known for their exceptional talking ability.
5. 🛁 Keep Up with Grooming
Bathing, nail trimming, and beak checks are part of routine care. Provide a shallow dish or gentle misting to help your parrot stay clean and itch-free.
6. 🧠 Train Using Positive Reinforcement
Use treats and praise to teach your parrot basic commands, tricks, and good behaviour. This strengthens your bond and gives your bird a sense of accomplishment.
7. 🌙 Prioritise Rest and Sleep
Parrots need 10–12 hours of uninterrupted sleep in a quiet, darkened room. A tired bird is often cranky and prone to health issues.
8. 🩺 Schedule Regular Vet Checkups
An avian vet can catch early signs of illness. Weight changes, feather loss, or changes in droppings are all worth investigating.
9. 🪵 Encourage Natural Behaviours
Climbing, chewing, shredding, and foraging mimic wild behaviours. Provide branches, safe wood perches, and cardboard boxes to explore.
10. 🌍 Give Them Room to Explore (Safely)
Supervised out-of-cage time is essential. Let your parrot stretch its wings and fly in a safe, bird-proofed room.
Looking to expand your flock with a bird that loves attention and cuddles? Our Conure parrots are playful and perfect for first-time owners.
Final Thoughts
Parrots aren’t just pets — they’re lifelong companions. With the right environment, nutrition, enrichment, and love, your bird can live a long, joyful life. At Pure Feather Aviary, we’re committed to supporting new and experienced owners every step of the way.
Looking to bring home a new feathered friend or expand your knowledge? Browse our full selection of parrots and care resources at purefeatheraviary.co.uk.