Meyers Parrot – a Half Dozen or So

Meyers Parrots is the wild come in a half dozen or so subspecies. All of these belong to the main Poicephalus species of parrot. The subspecies are difficult to distinguish, however. Even in the wild, blue-greens and green-blues become confusing. Subjective descriptions are often given, such as greenish or bluish.

Meyers parrots in captivity simply complicate the matter, as breeders tend to crossbreed, often without realizing it.

The Sketchy Description

The result of the above is that Meyers Parrots are difficult to describe. Most, but not all, seem to have yellow on their heads. The belly may be green or bright blue – or anywhere between the two colors, including words such as aqua, turquoise, bluish and greenish. Aside from these colors, a Meyers Parrot is predominantly a grayish-brown bird with red eyes.

Meyers Parrots grow to be 8 or 9 inches in length, similar to the Senegal parrot. Despite its small size, it is a true parrot and not a budgerigar.

Good Family Friends

Meyers Parrots usually make good family friends. For someone wanting a small parrot, they are ideal. They are also ideal for apartment dwellers, since they are a quiet parrot.

A Meyers Parrot will normally converse in low whistles, chirps, squeaks, and subdued chatter. With determination and patience, an owner can teach a Meyers Parrot to say a few words, but it will never be extremely talkative.

Meyers Parrots are known for a calm, sweet personality. They are usually not aggressive and make a good pet for a home with children.

Meyers Parrot Care

* Cage: Provide a roomy cage for your Meyers Parrot so it can fly and play. The cage should be at least 20×12 inches with a height of 18 inches or more. Horizontal bars will allow your bird to play freely.

* Perches: An assortment of perches is recommended. Different textures will keep the bird’s feet healthy. Different diameters are also good. A perch and/or playground on top of the cage is good for out-of-cage exercise times.

* Toys: As with every parrot, you should provide toys for your Meyers Parrot. Buy a selection of toys, and rotate them to keep the bird alert. Avoid over-crowding the cage with toys.

* Water: Meyers Parrots like water for play as well as for drinking. Give yours a water dish, and change water frequently.

* Food: The Meyers Parrot will do very well with organic parrot pellets such as those available from Bird Tricks. We reviewed Bird Tricks on this site. You can read our review by clicking here. Or click on the button at the top of this page, just under the word “Parrots” in the green header.

Meyers Parrots are naturally neat and clean. They are low maintenance, and ask for little care.

While your Meyers Parrot may never learn to talk much, its sweet, musical call will more than make up for that.