Origin and History
Species Overview
Temperament
Speech and Vocalizations
This bird has excellent speech abilities. Many individuals can develop a good vocabulary, and even non-talking birds will enjoy whistling and mimicking sounds around the house. Compared to other parrots, its not the loudest bird, but it certainly can scream at times. This bird is not suitable for apartment or condo living or close neighbor situations.
Purchase a cage that is at least 2 feet by 3 feet wide and 3 to 5 feet high with a playpen top. Outfit it with plenty of ropes, ladders, and perches so your bird can exercise while enclosed.
Once you develop a good understanding of the bird’s personality, training is relatively easy. In general, positive reinforcement works best. Reward correct behavior and avoid scolding and punishment.
Common Health Problems
Diet and Nutrition
Feed approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup of pelleted food and 1/3 to 1/2 cup of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. A raw and varied diet will help ensure that your bird maintains top nutrition.
As with all parrots, avocado, chocolate, rhubarb, coffee beans, and alcohol are toxic to this bird.
Exercise
Visit this bird at a local breeder before you decide to adopt one. Interact with the birds in their home environment so you can get a better idea if it’s the right choice for you.
Can get loud when it wants to; not recommended for apartment living
May have biting, aggressive period during its adolescence; not recommended for families with young children
Birds Now
Hookbills for Sale
Adopt a Pet
If buying through a breeder, make sure you interview them, look at the general health of their birds, check out their living conditions, and talk to past customers. Signs you should avoid the breeder include cramped living conditions, inactive birds, and breeders who avoid your questions or do not seem to have much information on their birds.
More Pet Bird Species and Further Research
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