When it comes to parrot ownership, size matters—a lot. While all parrots share some common care requirements such as a proper diet, mental stimulation, and regular vet care, their needs can vary greatly depending on their size and species.
Choosing between a small or large parrot is a crucial decision that will affect your time commitment, living space, finances, and even your lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences to consider.
Small Parrots vs. Large Parrots: A Comparison
| Factor | Small Parrots (e.g., Budgies, Cockatiels, Lovebirds) | Large Parrots (e.g., Macaws, Cockatoos, African Greys) |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 15 – 30 years | 40 – 80 years |
| Space Needs | Small to medium cages, moderate play space | Large cages, dedicated play areas, or even an entire room |
| Noise Levels | Generally quieter but can still be shrill | Extremely loud, can scream at 90-120 decibels |
| Emotional Needs | Can form strong bonds but usually adapt well to multiple caregivers | Highly emotional, prone to attachment issues and behavioural problems |
| Bite Strength | Can still bite hard, but damage is limited | Powerful beaks—can cause deep wounds |
| Hormonal Issues | Prone to chronic egg-laying, aggression during breeding seasons | Hormonal aggression, territorial behaviour |
| Dietary Needs | Mostly seed, pellet, fruit, and vegetable-based | Some require specialised diets (e.g., Eclectus have strict dietary needs) |
Understanding the Differences in Care
1. Lifespan
- Small parrots such as budgies, cockatiels, and lovebirds can live between 15 and 30 years.
- Large parrots like macaws, cockatoos, and African greys can live between 40 and 80 years—a potential lifelong commitment.
Consider This: If you are unsure about caring for a parrot for decades, adopting a smaller species or even an older parrot may be a better choice.
2. Space Needs
- Small parrots can thrive in smaller cages, though they still need plenty of out-of-cage time and mental stimulation.
- Large parrots require extensive living space—often large cages, dedicated play areas, or even an entire room for free-flight exercise.
Singapore Consideration: HDB flats and condos may have space limitations. If you choose to keep a large parrot, be prepared to dedicate a significant area of your home to their housing and enrichment.
3. Noise Levels
- Small parrots may be quieter, but their high-pitched calls can still be irritating, especially in smaller apartments.
- Large parrots are known for their powerful screams, which can reach 90-120 decibels—similar to the noise level of a chainsaw.
Noise Tolerance: Singaporean households living in close proximity to neighbours should consider whether loud noises could cause complaints or disturb others.
4. Emotional Needs
- Small parrots can form strong bonds but often adjust well to multiple caregivers.
- Large parrots are more likely to form deep attachments to a single person and may become emotionally distressed if separated from their favourite human.
Key Point: Large parrots are more prone to behavioural issues like feather plucking or screaming if their emotional needs are not met.
5. Bite Strength
- Small parrots can still deliver painful bites, but their beak strength is limited.
- Large parrots possess extremely powerful beaks capable of inflicting deep wounds if they feel threatened or are mishandled.
Handling Skills: Parrot owners must learn how to handle their birds safely and read their body language to avoid injury.
6. Hormonal Issues
- Small parrots may experience issues like chronic egg-laying or increased aggression during breeding seasons.
- Large parrots can exhibit territorial behaviour and hormonal aggression, particularly during mating season.
Behaviour Management: Training and patience are necessary to deal with hormonal changes, especially with larger species.
7. Dietary Needs
- Small parrots generally do well on a diet of seeds, pellets, fruits, and vegetables.
- Large parrots often have more complex dietary requirements. For example, Eclectus parrots require a high-fibre, low-fat diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Proper Nutrition: A poor diet can lead to severe health problems, so owners must understand the specific nutritional needs of their bird’s species.
Key Takeaway
Choosing a small parrot over a large one doesn’t necessarily mean it will be an easier pet to care for. Small parrots may require less physical space, but their health, hormonal issues, and socialisation needs can be just as complex as those of larger parrots.
Meanwhile, larger parrots require advanced handling skills, extensive commitment, and substantial living space. They also have powerful beaks and louder voices, which may not be suitable for Singapore’s densely populated living environment.
Final Thoughts
Before deciding which parrot species to adopt, carefully consider your living situation, lifestyle, budget, and experience level. Taking the time to research and prepare will ensure that you and your feathered friend can enjoy a happy and fulfilling relationship.
