The Basics:

With ample opportunities for amusement and socialization, Hawk-Headed Parrots are usually well-behaved birds, with good temperaments; however, they may still have mood swings and require patience.  These parrots can be very loud, making them unsuitable for apartments or other relatively quiet environments.

Cage:

The athleticism and activity level of the Hawk-Headed Parrot demands a spacious cage, or better yet, an aviary. If a cage is used, it should measure at least 36” long by 24” wide by 50” high. Spacing between the bars should be no more than ¾”. Since Hawk-Headed Parrots are strong, and they can be destructive, their cages should be made of sturdy material like wrought iron or steel. Height is important in the Hawk-Headed Parrot’s cage, because this acrobatic bird loves to climb. Hawk-Headed Parrots can develop behavioral issues if they aren’t provided with sufficient cage space as well as time outside the cage in a bird-safe room or aviary.  Hawk-Headed Parrots are fearless and sometimes aggressive birds that can become territorial about their cage.

CAUTION

In most cases, more space is more desirable for birds. However, when increasing the size of a Hawk-Headed Parrot’s cage, the bird’s human companion must be careful to maintain a safe (narrow) space between the bars. The bars of a cage have to be narrow enough to prevent a bird from sticking his head in between. Bars that are spaced too far apart for the bird’s size can result in serious and even fatal injuries.

Positioning The Cage:

Positioning the Hawk-Headed Parrot’s cage in a family room or other area where there is a lot of activity will help socialize this bird and strengthen her bond with her human companions.  However, it’s important to provide the bird with a sense of security by placing his cage in an area that is not in the direct traffic path of his human companions. Ideally the cage should be placed with a wall near two of its sides, so no family member can walk all the way around it. Areas exposed to direct sunlight or drafts should be avoided when choosing a spot for a bird’s cage. Any place in or near a kitchen should also be off-limits, since smoke from cooking and fumes from nonstick cookware can prove to cause serious, even fatal, complications for a bird.

Playthings:

Hawk-Headed Parrots favor toys that can be “destroyed.” Wooden toys, for example, are good for chewing on.  Perches made out of wood provide yet another source of entertainment. Other materials, such as plastic or cement, may also be used, but care should be taken to ensure the bird does not ingest any pieces it might have chewed off. All perches should be replaced as necessary.

For time outside of a cage, play gyms offer a safe environment for the bird to explore.

Perches:

A Hawk-Headed Parrot should have a variety of perches of different diameters, around 1”, and made of different materials. One perch should be high in the cage, since Hawk-Headed Parrots often enjoy hanging upside down. A perch should be placed in front of, but not above, food and water dishes.

Play Time Outside The Cage:

Ample time outside of the cage is important to a Hawk-Headed Parrot’s well-being. Socialization, including extensive handling, is generally enjoyable for these birds, though they can occasionally nip.  When handling a Hawk-Headed Parrot, human companions should be aware that this bird is subject to mood shifts and territorial behavior, so training is essential.

Grooming:

 Some Hawk-Headed Parrots prefer bathing in their water dishes, while others like mistings. Wings and toe nails should be clipped as needed by an avian veterinarian or grooming professional.

Bathing:

A daily bath or shower will not only highlight the beautiful coloration of the Hawk-Headed Parrot, it will also keep his feathers and feather casings in good condition and reduce the risk of him developing dry or irritated skin. Some Hawk-Headed Parrots prefer bathing in their water dishes, while others like mistings. Wings and toe nails should be clipped as needed by an avian veterinarian or grooming professional.

Diet:

Vegetables and fruits play a relatively larger role in the Hawk-Headed Parrot’s diet than they do for most other parrots. About 40% of the Hawk-Headed Parrot’s diet should consist of vegetables and fruits. All vegetables and fruits should be rinsed, dried and cut into appropriately sized pieces before being offered to this bird. Pellets should make up about another 40% of the diet (feeding directions from the pellet manufacturers should be followed). The remaining 20% of the diet can consist of legumes, seeds, nuts, pasta, and occasional healthy treats. Clean, filtered or bottled chlorine-free water should be available and easily accessible at all times, including when outside of the cage. Care should be taken to ensure that Hawk-Headed Parrots receive enough Vitamin A by giving them dark greens like kale and collards and deep yellow or orange fruits. Provide additional calcium i.e. cuttlebone during egg laying.

A Note About Water:

All water given to birds for drinking, as well as water used for misting, soaking or bathing must be 100% free of chlorine and heavy metals.  (Not all home water filtration systems remove 100% of the chlorine and heavy metals from tap water, so check your system's specifications before using it to filter water for your pet.) We recommend that you use unflavored bottled drinking water or bottled natural spring water and never untreated tap water. Do not use distilled water, which can cause severe medical problems, since it lacks minerals that are essential to important body functions.