Commonly Kept Parrots in Singapore

Parrots are becoming increasingly popular pets in Singapore, with enthusiasts drawn to their intelligence, beauty, and personality. However, choosing the right parrot is not as simple as picking one based on size, talking ability, or appearance. Every parrot is an individual, and their needs can vary widely.

Here’s a guide to some of the most commonly kept parrots in Singapore, along with their general characteristics and care considerations. Remember, this is only a starting point—always research thoroughly before committing.

Table of Contents

Small Parrots

Small parrots are popular among beginners due to their smaller size and lower cost of care. However, they still require daily attention and proper care to thrive.

Parrotlets (Forpus species)

Personality: Tiny but fearless; often described as “big birds in small bodies.”
Behaviour: Can become aggressive if not handled consistently.
Care Needs: Need regular interaction to stay friendly; may be territorial if not well-socialised.

Budgies (Parakeets) (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Personality: Social, playful, and capable of learning words.
Behaviour: Can be prone to tumours and nutritional deficiencies if fed an unbalanced diet.
Care Needs: Provide a balanced diet of pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables to maintain health.

Peach-Faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis)

Personality: Highly energetic and bond strongly with their mate or owner.
Behaviour: Can become territorial and aggressive if not properly socialised.
Care Needs: Regular handling and socialisation are essential for taming.

Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Personality: Gentle, affectionate, and known for their charming whistles.
Behaviour: Prone to chronic egg-laying in females if hormonal issues are not managed.
Care Needs: Provide mental stimulation and monitor for signs of egg-laying.

Medium-Sized Parrots

Medium-sized parrots offer a balance between size and personality. They are popular choices in Singapore for their intelligence, playful nature, and talking ability.

Green-Cheeked Conures (Pyrrhura molinae)

Personality: Mischievous and affectionate, though can be nippy.
Behaviour: Quieter than most conures but still vocal.
Care Needs: Requires regular handling and mental stimulation.

Sun Conures (Aratinga solstitialis)

Personality: Highly social and attention-seeking.
Behaviour: Extremely loud for their size; prone to screaming if bored.
Care Needs: Needs plenty of toys and social interaction to stay content.

Indian Ringneck Parrots (Psittacula krameri)

Personality: Intelligent and independent; excellent talkers.
Behaviour: Prone to hormonal aggression if not trained properly.
Care Needs: Regular training is essential to manage behavioural issues.

Quaker Parrots (Monk Parakeets) (Myiopsitta monachus)

Personality: Highly intelligent and capable of mimicking speech.
Behaviour: Can be territorial over their cage.
Care Needs: Not suitable for inexperienced owners due to potential aggression.

Caiques (Pionites species)

Personality: Playful, clownish, and full of energy.
Behaviour: Can become aggressive if not properly socialised.
Care Needs: Requires frequent attention and mental stimulation.

Senegal Parrots (Poicephalus senegalus)

Personality: Quieter than most larger parrots, with a gentle disposition.
Behaviour: Can form strong bonds with one person.
Care Needs: Regular socialisation is necessary to prevent possessive behaviour.

Lorikeets (Trichoglossus species)

Personality: Highly energetic and playful.
Behaviour: Can be very messy due to liquid droppings.
Care Needs: Requires a specialised nectar-based diet and frequent cleaning.

Large Parrots

Large parrots are highly intelligent and demanding birds that require extensive training, large spaces, and specialised handling.

Macaws (Various species)

Personality: Highly social and intelligent.
Behaviour: Loud and destructive if bored or frustrated.
Care Needs: Requires extensive training and a large living area.

Hahn’s Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis)

Personality: Smallest of the macaws but still requires significant training.
Behaviour: Can be loud despite their size.
Care Needs: Regular mental stimulation is crucial.

Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus)

Personality: Males are generally gentler, while females can be territorial.
Behaviour: Unique dietary needs—requires a high-fruit and veggie-based diet.
Care Needs: Must avoid fatty, processed foods to maintain health.

Amazon Parrots (Various species)

Personality: Excellent talkers but stubborn.
Behaviour: Can become aggressive during hormonal periods.
Care Needs: Requires consistent training and socialisation.

African Greys (Psittacus erithacus)

Personality: Exceptionally intelligent but prone to stress.
Behaviour: Can develop feather-plucking and anxiety without a stable routine.
Care Needs: Requires a calm environment and dedicated caregiver.

Cockatoos (Sulphur-Crested, Umbrella, etc.)

Personality: Highly affectionate but incredibly demanding.
Behaviour: Prone to severe separation anxiety, screaming, and self-destructive behaviours.
Care Needs: Requires extreme dedication and specialised handling.

Key Takeaway

Choosing a parrot should never be based solely on size, talking ability, or appearance. Every parrot has its own personality, emotional complexity, dietary needs, and care requirements. Make sure to consider these factors before making a lifelong commitment.