How do I Care for a Meyer's Parrot?

A Meyer’s parrot is a relatively easy breed of parrot to take care of and keep happy. These parrots require a roomy cage with toys, a few perches, food, water and a bath. They also need daily exercise and out-of-cage time. This type of parrot requires a diet of seed mix, fresh fruit and vegetables. A Meyer’s parrot also needs attention from humans.

Small parrot seed mix always should be available in the food dish, because it makes up the majority of the Meyer’s parrot's diet. You can purchased it at a pet shop, or it often can be found in a grocery store. Parrot seed mix contains oats, groats, linseeds, niger seeds, canary grass seeds, sesame seeds, safflower seeds, red millet, white millet and yellow millet. Keep the seed in a dark, well-ventilated place such as a closet. Store the seed mix in cloth bag, like a laundry bag, for good air circulation.

A Meyer’s parrot also should consume other items, such as fresh vegetables and fruits and vitamin pellets, to give it a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables should be provided daily. Fruits that are suitable for a Meyer’s parrot include pineapples, bananas and apples. These parrots also like eggplant, green peas, sweet corn, carrots, lettuce, dandelion greens, spinach, zucchini, green peppers and tomatoes.

Meyer’s parrots require a cage that is large enough for them to fly around and play. The ideal size is about 40 inches (1 m) long, 20 inches (0.5 m) deep and 32 inches (0.8 m) high — or larger — with horizontal bars for climbing. Toys such as swings and mirrors can be placed in the cage, along with a bath house that has a textured bottom. Water and food dishes should have guards to prevent waste contamination, or you can opt for an automatic dispensing dish. There should be multiple perches of various sizes at different levels in the cage.

You should let your Meyer’s parrot out of its cage for several hours a day for exercise and social interaction. A good way to do that is to set up a play area for the bird in the same room where your family hangs out. These birds also can come along on outings, with the help of harnesses or carriers. You should keeo your Meyer’s parrot's wings well clipped so it doesn’t fly away.

A pet Meyer’s parrot will chew, just like other parrots, so you should keep chew toys available. You also might wish to keep the parrot cage far from anything chewable, such as chairs, tables, window sills and any other similar objects on which the bird can get its teeth.

A balanced diet for a Meyer's Parrot should include high-quality pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables. According to avian veterinarians, pellets should make up about 75-80% of their diet, with the remainder being fresh produce. Avoid avocado and chocolate, as they are toxic to parrots. Regularly provide clean water and monitor food intake to ensure your parrot maintains a healthy weight.

Meyer's Parrots are social creatures that require daily interaction with their human companions. Engaging with your parrot for at least 1-2 hours a day is recommended to foster a strong bond and prevent behavioral issues. Activities can include talking, training, and playing with toys to stimulate their intelligent minds and keep them content.

The best habitat for a Meyer's Parrot is a spacious cage that allows for free movement, stretching, and play. The cage should be equipped with perches of varying diameters to promote foot health, as well as a variety of toys for mental stimulation. Place the cage in a social area of your home away from drafts and extreme temperatures to keep your parrot comfortable and engaged.

To ensure your Meyer's Parrot stays healthy, provide a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. Schedule annual check-ups with an avian vet to catch any potential health issues early. Keep their living environment clean and watch for signs of distress or illness, such as changes in behavior, feather plucking, or loss of appetite.

Signs of stress in a Meyer's Parrot include feather plucking, aggression, screaming, biting, and changes in eating habits. Stress can be caused by boredom, lack of social interaction, or environmental changes. To alleviate stress, ensure your parrot has a routine, plenty of attention, and a variety of toys to engage with.

Proper grooming for a Meyer's Parrot includes regular nail trims to prevent overgrowth, which can be done by an avian vet or at home with the right tools and training. Bathing can be encouraged by providing a shallow water dish or misting your parrot with a spray bottle. This helps keep their feathers clean and in good condition.