Sports Inside the Cage

We decided to keep the parrot for a few weeks, feed him well, and let him practice flying. Attila gave him one of his rooms, where the parrot lived freely. Attila also asked me if there was any bird doctor or parrot expert in Varanasi. I searched but found none. Finally, Attila contacted an expert in Hungary and arranged an online video consultation. We showed the parrot to the expert, who gave us valuable guidance.

They Love Having a Partner

The consultation opened our eyes. We were shocked to learn that the parrot wasn’t six months old, as we had assumed, but at least three years old. The expert confirmed that he was male and had been injured by wing clipping. If the clipping had not been done too harshly, there was still hope for his wings to regrow. I was happy to hear this, though still unsure whether the clipping had been done forcefully or not.

Their Bedroom

Attila kept in regular contact with the expert, who shared many important things about parrots that most people in India—including us—didn’t know. That’s why I decided to write this post: so others can also benefit from this knowledge. Parrots are deeply loved in India, but sadly, most people don’t know how to care for them properly. Many parrots die young because of harmful practices. While a parrot’s natural lifespan is 25–30 years, most in India survive only a few.

Here are some key things I learned about parrot care:

1. Cage Size

Never keep parrots in a small cage. They are wild birds, meant to live in nature. A cramped cage harms both their mental and physical health. Always buy the biggest cage you can afford and fit at home. My parrot’s cage is 3 feet deep, 3 feet tall, and 3 feet wide.

2. Cage Material

Avoid painted cages. Parrots climb using their beaks, and paint contains harmful chemicals if ingested.

3. Play and Activities

Add sticks, branches, and swings inside the cage. Parrots love to play. (Of course, they don’t play cricket or football! 😊)

4. Signs of Boredom

If your parrot is pacing in circles all the time, it means he is unhappy and bored. This can severely harm his mental and physical health.

5. Food

Never feed cooked food to parrots. They are used to raw fruits, vegetables, and grains. This is the healthiest diet for them.

6. Chilis

Never feed chilies. Many Indians think parrots like them, but parrots cannot taste spiciness. If you give them only chilies, they will eat them out of hunger, but it damages their health.

7. Sand Bowl

Keep a small bowl of clean sand in the cage. Parrots eat a little sand sometimes to get minerals that help them digest food.

8. Free Flying Time

Allow your parrot to fly freely inside your house once a week for a few hours. This exercise keeps them active and happy.

9. Safe Corner

Cover one corner of the cage with cloth or cardboard. Parrots feel secure under such shade, using it as their “bedroom.”

10. A Life Partner

If you plan to keep a parrot for a long time, bring him a partner. Parrots are the second-smartest wild creatures on earth. They need companionship and suffer if left lonely and bored.

Final Thoughts

I don’t believe in taking away anyone’s freedom. But if you choose to keep a parrot as a pet, please follow these guidelines. If you do, your parrot will live a happy and healthy life—and you will also enjoy seeing him play and bond with you. I’ll keep updating this post whenever I learn something new. If you have any questions about parrots, feel free to write to me. I’ll do my best to find the right answer for you.

Thanks!