Caring for your Pionus

Caring For Your Pionus

Billy and Isabella - Dusky Pionus

When keeping Pionus Parrots as pets, offer the largest cage you can afford, Pionus love to climb and flap their wings, a larger cage also allows more space for hanging toys, but don't overdo it. Many toys will often be ignored, so try to use your imagination as to what kind of toy is preferred, rotating toys each week will also help to prevent boredom. Many cages today are now Zinc free, these are always your best option, although a little more expensive, you will be safe in the knowledge that your bird cannot ingest zinc from the cage coating.

Pionus Parrots need regular exercise, so always provide periods outside their cage. Provide plenty of items to keep them occupied, a parrot play gym and ropes are very effective and are adored by all Pionus, ropes can be hung from the ceiling or on the cages. Offer safe tree branches for them to chew, keeping a parrot's beak busy is important. Pionus loved to be sprayed, using a plant mister filled with lukewarm water and sprayed above their heads will be relished.

Ginger - Baby Blueheaded Pionus

A good varied diet is essential for Pionus, it is important to ensure they have sufficient Vitamin A included in their diet, this helps to fight infections, especially those of the respiratory system, which Pionus are so susceptible to. Some of the foods that can be offered to your Pionus, and offer a good source of Vitamin A include, Red Bell Peppers, Pumpkin, Cantaloupe, Papaya, Apricots (fresh or dried) and Tomatoes. For more Information on foods please read the 'diet' section of Pionus Pets.

Hygiene is an important part of your daily routine when caring for Pionus, Fungus from moldy food and left overs can cause your bird to be very ill, or even bring about a premature death. Pionus are known for being susceptible to fungal infections so extra care should be taken when cleaning the cage and removing fresh food after a couple of hours.

Our Pionus love sounds, anything from music to the noise of a Television in the background. Favoured programs tend to be either wildlife or cartoons! If you leave your bird alone during certain times of the day, leaving the radio or Television on will help to keep them stimulated. Pionus are not generally nervous birds by nature, but some owners have reported what they term as 'night frights', should some Pionus become startled during the night, it will cause them to flutter frantically in their cages, this can often be remedied by providing a night light, such as those used for a child's nursery.

If you are considering purchasing more than one Pionus as a pet, do make sure they are the same sex, Pionus parrots of opposite sexes will, when mature try to breed.

Bobby and Oscar - Blueheaded & Maximillian Pionus