Meyer’s Parrot

In the popular Poicephalus family, the Meyer's parrot has long taken a back seat to its more colorful family member, the Senegal parrot. Both birds are about 8 to 9 inches in size and were once widely imported, but the Meyer's is pickier about breeding in captivity, which may explain why it is still second fiddle to its close cousin. Many breeders who have focused on African parrots, particularly Meyer's, have had good success with them.

The temperament of this affectionate, quiet, easygoing bird is stable. "I go with the flow," Meyer's parrot's motto would be. It is not an athletic or clownish bird, preferring to observe everything carefully and with a keen eye. The Meyers are content to sit quietly on a perch chewing on a toy and watching the world go by. They are social birds who bond with everyone in the family, as opposed to other species who may prefer one person over another. In general, this bird is not fickle; once it likes someone, that person becomes a lifelong friend.

Though not cuddle bugs, these birds are affectionate and enjoy being handled and scratched on the head and neck. If properly cared for, a hand-fed baby will grow into a gentle adult who is not prone to nipping but can deliver a powerful bite if provoked.