World Parrot Trust offers free expert-curated parrot care guides and resources

The World Parrot Trust maintains a suite of freely available parrot care guides and resources aimed at companion-bird keepers, rescue volunteers, and anyone responsible for parrot welfare, according to the organisation’s materials, which state the guides are curated by experienced parrot practitioners, avian veterinarians, and behaviour.

Improving parrot care is central to the Trust’s pitch: its page titled “Improving Parrot Care” opens with “Improving parrot care is essential for their well-being, whether in private homes, sanctuaries, rehabilitation centres or elsewhere,” and adds that “Parrots have complex physical and behavioural needs and require a variety-rich diet, room to exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress-related behaviours.”

The Trust sets out an explicit programme of actions. Under “Providing Emergency Care” it promises “Providing resources to ensure the safety and health of parrots in emergency situations. These could include natural or man-made disasters, the wildlife trade or other crises that impact parrot welfare.” Under “Distributing Care Guides” the organisation describes “Creating and distributing manuals for rescue and other first responders that provide guidance on managing and treating birds caught in emergencies. These include confiscations from trade, rescue from poor living conditions and flight from natural and man-made disasters. […]”

The Trust also lists “Creating Awareness,” “Improving Welfare Laws” and “Supporting Rescue Centres” among its priorities. The materials state: “Engaging the public on how to properly care for parrots, the negative implications of purchasing birds from non-reputable sources and the global threats facing parrots in the wild.” The “Supporting Rescue Centres” line names the Kiwa Centre specifically, saying “Facilities such as the Kiwa Centre provide short-to-long-term medical care, physical rehabilitation and behavioural enrichment to ensure the birds' well-being.”

Practical keeper guidance appears alongside the Trust materials in other community resources. ExoticDirect’s article “Parrot care – a guide to caring for your parrot,” written by “our expert Dot Schwarz,” lists topics including “parrot cages; location; food; toys, lifespan and parrot perches.” On cage hygiene it advises plainly: “The cage floor needs covering. We are avid newspaper readers so that problem is solved; brown paper looks nicer though.” The article notes cage skirts and non-spill food containers and warns that “Plastic food dishes are ghastly for parrots. They stain easily and get chewed. Investing in stainless steel works out cheaper in the end. Ceramic bowls also look nice, if you are sure that you have not got a pot flinger. […]”

Dot Schwarz suggests a “workable routine for someone with a day job” and lists four steps: “Getting out of bed a bit earlier.” “Spending breakfast time with the bird.” “Settling it for the day in its cage with enough activity, toys, a swing, things to chew. Perhaps a radio or TV programme on.” “Coming home in the evening and letting the parrot out of his cage.” Schwarz adds, “It is not difficult to teach a parrot to stand on its perch while you have supper.”

On household safety the ExoticDirect piece is also direct: “Advice is to keep birds away from mammals. That said they can coexist. Mine do as do those of my friends. However, you are always advised never to leave dogs, cats and birds alone together loose in the same room.” The article warns that “There are incidents of pet dogs killing pet birds. A cat’s saliva contains bacteria harmful to birds,” and it includes a section heading to “Register with an Avian Vet.”

Retail and reference material aimed at keepers is highlighted by Parrot Essentials, which states in its store copy that it offers “a meticulously curated range of products to cater to your feathered friend’s every need. From top-quality foods to engaging toys, stylish cages, and expert care supplies, we prioritize your parrot’s well-being and happiness.” The Parrot Essentials blog promises “comprehensive profiles and care guides for various parrot species, highlighting essential aspects like their physical characteristics, lifespan, origin, noise levels, and specific care requirements,” with example articles such as “Green Winged Macaw – Profile & Care Guide” and “Senegal Parrot.”

ExoticDirect also promotes an insurance line that reads: “Is your parrot insured? Get a quotefor up to £5,000 of vet fee cover, death and theft cover | We’ve been insuring exotic pets since 1996 | Check out our customer reviews on Feefo.” The World Parrot Trust is cited in community copy elsewhere too, with a note that a “World Parrot Trust DVD of wild parrots-a great hit with Dot’s African Greys!”, an anecdote that connects the Trust’s educational media to keeper experience.