No. If you don’t want a pet that can fly, a parrot isn’t the right choice.

Flight is essential to a parrot’s physical and mental health. Even flying in a safe, controlled space helps build muscle, strengthens the heart and lungs, and gives the bird confidence. Taking that away often leads to frustration, fear, feather plucking, or self-harm. Cutting across the quills can also cause irritation and long-term behavioural problems. A parrot is designed to fly it should be allowed to.

Unfortunately, no.

Parrots should only eat foods that are healthy for humans, and even then, not everything we enjoy is safe for them. Chocolate is toxic, as are salty and sugary foods like crisps, pizza, sweets, and processed snacks. Avocado is also poisonous to parrots and should never be offered.

Yes, extremely.

Non-stick cookware can release toxic fumes if overheated, and those fumes can kill a parrot in seconds. For this reason, parrots should never be kept in or near the kitchen. It’s a risk that simply isn’t worth taking.

It’s best not to.

Even the gentlest parrot can bite if startled. A bite to the ear, face, or eye can be serious. Training your parrot to stay on your hand gives you control and keeps both you and the bird safer.

Gender usually isn’t an issue.

Parrots are individuals, and with proper handling, training, and care, they bond based on trust rather than gender. That said, male cockatoos and Amazons are often more outgoing and feisty than females and may need more structured training and boundaries.

No — introductions must be slow and careful.

Parrots are social, but they are also territorial. Start by placing the new bird’s cage next to the existing one so they can see each other without touching. A neutral location is ideal for first meetings outside the cage. Supervise all interactions closely. If they get along well, preen each other, and are of similar size, they may eventually be housed together — but this should never be rushed.

Yes. Very.

In the wild, parrots drop food as they eat, and that behaviour doesn’t disappear in captivity. Expect food debris, fruit juice splashes, feathers, dander, and frequent droppings. Some parrots can be trained to toilet on a stand, but daily cleaning is part of parrot ownership.

Cockatoos and African Greys produce the most dust. Daily misting helps reduce dander and keeps feathers healthy.

Almost all parrots can mimic speech.

Budgies, Greys, Amazons, macaws — they can all “talk” to some degree. What matters more than species is your relationship with the bird. African Greys and Amazons have a reputation for being great talkers, but some never say a word, while others surprise everyone. Enjoy your parrot for who they are — talking should be seen as a bonus, not an expectation.

The bird’s welfare always comes first.

Parrots are long-lived and demanding pets, and this commitment should be considered carefully before buying. Your bird will leave well-raised, handled, and healthy. From there, it’s your responsibility to continue proper feeding, care, and training.

I am always happy to offer advice and support — especially early on. If you reach a point where you truly cannot keep the bird, I will help re-home it or take it back myself to prevent it being passed from home to home. However, payment cannot be guaranteed, as value drops once a bird develops behavioural or physical issues.

Feeding should be enjoyable — for you and the bird.

Parrots should always have fresh food available. Offer a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and species-appropriate foods. Macaws tend to be adventurous eaters, while African Greys can be cautious, so persistence matters.

Young parrots should never be underfed. Some new owners are wrongly advised to restrict food to make training easier — this can cause serious health problems later in life. Growing birds, especially macaws, need adequate fat from nuts and oily seeds. Once mature, favourite foods can be used as training treats.

No — and I strongly advise against buying them.

Only scammers sell parrot eggs. They are extremely fragile, and even slight movement can kill the embryo. If an egg did hatch, an inexperienced person could easily kill the chick through incorrect feeding or temperature control. Ask yourself why someone would sell an egg cheaply when a healthy baby is worth thousands.

Sometimes — but never unsupervised.

Many households manage mixed pets successfully, but birds should never be left alone with dogs or cats. Even the calmest pet can act on instinct. Larger parrots can also be the aggressor, chasing or biting curious noses. Supervision is essential at all times.