Large Parrots: A Fifty-Year Commitment

Large parrots such as African grays, Amazons, macaws and cockatoos are intelligent, social and often very loving, but many live 40–60 years or more, need several hours of company and activity every day, and can be extremely loud. Many end up rehomed when owners' lives change. For most people, a smaller parrot, or adopting from a parrot rescue, is the better path.

Clever, social and long-lived: a large parrot is a lifetime companion.

A Fifty-Year Plan

Many large parrots live for decades, and some species can outlive their owners. That means planning for moves, jobs, relationships, children, old age and your will. Parrots form strong bonds and can struggle badly when they change homes.

The Noise Is Real

Contact calls at dawn and dusk are natural, and some large parrots scream loudly enough to be heard through walls. That can be a serious problem in apartments and shared buildings. It can be reduced with good care and training, but not removed.

What a Large Parrot Needs

Company: several hours a day of interaction; parrots are flock animals.
Space and flight: a very large cage or aviary plus daily time out in a bird-safe room.
Enrichment: toys to destroy, foraging for food, training and new things to explore.
Diet: a varied diet of pellets, vegetables and other foods your avian vet recommends, not seed alone.
Vet care: an avian vet, and a budget for check-ups.

Without these, parrots can develop feather-damaging and other stress behaviors, which are hard to reverse.

Paperwork and the Law

Many parrot species are protected by CITES, the international treaty on wildlife trade. African grays have been in the strictest category (Appendix I) since 2017, so in the UK and EU buying or selling one needs the right certificate. Rules differ by country, so ask your national wildlife authority and see the seller's paperwork before you buy.

If You're Still Serious

Visit a parrot rescue and spend time with adult birds of the species you're considering. Many rescues have large parrots waiting for experienced homes and will guide you. Consider a smaller parrot first: our birds section covers budgies, cockatiels and other small parrots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lifespan and noise come up most.

How long do large parrots live?

Many live 40–60 years or more, depending on the species, so plan for the bird to outlive you.

Are large parrots loud?

Yes. Many call loudly at dawn and dusk, and some scream loudly enough to be heard through walls.

Can a large parrot live in an apartment?

It's difficult. The noise can be a real problem for neighbors, and the bird needs a lot of space and daily time out.

Do I need paperwork to buy an African gray?

In the UK and EU, yes: African grays are in the strictest CITES category, and sales need the right certificate. Check with your national wildlife authority.

Is there a better first parrot?

A smaller species such as a cockatiel or budgie, or adopting from a parrot rescue with their guidance.