Brown-headed Parrot

• ExerciseModerate

  Daily out-of-cage time and foraging toys keep them busy.

• GroomingEasy upkeep

  Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• Living spaceStandard cage

  A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment25–30 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Respiratory issues · Obesity · Feather plucking

The Brown-headed Parrot (Poicephalus cryptoxanthus) lives in the woodlands of southeastern Africa, from Kenya to South Africa. It is the plainest of the commonly kept Poicephalus, grey-brown headed over green with a flash of yellow under the wing, and it has the reputation among aviculturists for being the single quietest companion parrot species: it chirps and whistles rather than screams, and many owners in flats report no complaints at all. The personality matches the voice. Brown-heads are calm, gentle, undemanding birds that enjoy handling without insisting on constant contact, tolerate a working day better than most parrots, and are typically friendly with everyone in a household rather than fixating on one person. They are modest talkers. They are also independent enough to entertain themselves with toys for long stretches, which suits an owner who wants a companion parrot without a companion parrot's neediness. Care is simple by parrot standards: a roomy cage, a couple of hours out daily, hardwood chews and foraging toys. As with all Poicephalus, the diet must be low in fat: formulated pellets with fresh vegetables and dark leafy greens, with sunflower seed and nuts as occasional rewards only, since this genus develops obesity and fatty liver disease easily. Provide bathing, keep the air free of non-stick fumes and aerosols, control the light cycle to discourage chronic egg laying in hens, and see an avian vet once a year.

• How much activity does a Brown-headed Parrot need?

  Moderate. Daily out-of-cage time and foraging toys keep them busy.

• How much feather care does a Brown-headed Parrot need?

  Easy upkeep. Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• What cage does a Brown-headed Parrot need?

  Standard cage. A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Is a Brown-headed Parrot a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Brown-headed Parrot live?

  25–30 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Brown-headed Parrot?

  Keep an eye out for Respiratory issues, Obesity, Feather plucking. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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