Common name: Meyer’s Parrot (Brown Parrot, Sudan Brown Parrot)
Latin name: Poicephalus Meyeri
Length: 21 cm (8.2 in)
Weight: 100-135g (3.5-4.7 oz)
Life Span: 25 years
Origin: Plateau woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa
Noise Level: Series of screeches with brief pauses, growling call, chorus calls in flock, mimic in captivity.
Food, Toys, Cages & Accessories suitable for Meyer’s
INTELLIGENCE
Meyer’s parrot are extremely social birds that tend to bond with everyone in the family or flock, rather than just one person. Generally enjoy being the center of attention and are considered the most calm or gentle among other parrots.
TALKING ABILITY
The Meyer’s parrot has the ability to learn a few words. However, they are not popular for their ability to talk. They can learn how to whistle and can make a variety of clicking sounds. If you enjoy silence, but still love parrots, Meyer’s aren’t prone to screaming or squawking. Some Meyer’s parrots have been known to mimic a variety of household items that emit sound. Meyer’s in the wild are known to sing in unison with one another. Wild Meyer’s also emit chorus of excitement calls in flocks.
FEATHER PLUCKING
Meyer’s parrots are extremely active and playful birds. Thus, when they are under-stimulated do tend to feather pluck as a result of boredom. Other causes of feather plucking arise from poor diet, sexual frustration, or lack of bathing. They enjoy their baths and should be bathed frequently. Inadequate bathing will result in their feathers drying out, which causes itching and eventual feather plucking.
HOUSING FOR YOUR MEYER’S PARROT
- Meyer’s require a roomy cage with horizontal bars to make climbing easy for them.
- Your Meyer’s parrot should be provided with enough space for a variety of toys for their entertainment.
- Their favourite toys are swings and boings.
- As a rule the cage size for your Meyer’s parrot should be 20″ x 20″ x 24″.
- Ideal cage size would be 40″ x 20″ x 32″.
- The bar spacing is very important, and should be at least 1/2” to 5/8”.
- Equip their cage with a bath house or shallow bathing dish.
- Placing your Quaker in a family centered room so they feel a part of the flock.
- Locate it out of direct sunlight and draughts.
- Provide them with a jungle gym either on top or separate to their cage for them to explore in outside.
- Allow them out of their cage on a daily basis.
FEEDING & SUPPLEMENTS FOR YOUR QUAKER
- Captive Meyer’s require variety to stay healthy.
- Start your bird off with a high quality dry parrot mix containing a mixture of canary grass seed, and white, red, or yellow millets.
- Include niger seed, linseed, thistle anise, safflower seeds, as well as oats and groats into the mix.
- Supplement their diet with fresh fruit and vegetables, such as cooked beans, pulses, apples, oranges and bananas.
- Remove any uneaten fresh fruit and vegetables after 24 hours.
- Fresh clean water should be available at all times. Food and water dishes should be washed daily.
- Vitamin pellets containing iodine can be used as a supplement to prevent thyroid problems.
- It is recommended that you have a cuttlebone in their cage for suitable calcium intake.
MEYER’S PARROT FACTS
Since the year 1981 there have been a total of 75 387 Meyer’s parrot traded on the international market.
In general Meyer’s parrots are considered a great family pet. They get along well with all members of the family and are not as dependent on humans for entertainment. Meyer’s are known to require less attention and are less demanding than other parrots.
Meyer’s have the ability to make strong associations with household noises which they hear often. They subsequently mimic these noises, such as the beep of a microwave or the squeaking of the front door when they know you are about to go out.
They are generally known for their sweet personality being considered one of the more friendly, affectionate and playful parrots.
