In my opinion, a parrot is not a pet. It's independent and is much more of a companion than a pet.

Humans have been keeping parrots for thousands of years (including pirates), and the requirements of care for them are quite often updated or changed. Parrots can be reasonably difficult to live with. There are quite a lot of parrots who are in care and need loving homes, so if you're thinking of adding one to the family, consider looking into this option as opposed to a pet shop.

A parrot must have a healthy balance of nutritious foods. They need good quality porteins, such as Nonfat plain yogurt, nonfat or lowfat cheese, tofu, nonfat cottage cheese, and very hard boiled eggs. Well-cooked chicken, white fish, turkey, or very lean meats are ok too.

They also need some vitamin A vegetables. Vitamin A is essential for skin and feather condition, eyesight, and helps the body fight infection.

They also require whole-grains and carbohydrates. When buying a parrot, a book on caring for a parrot is essential, especially to learn about their diets.

Parrots should live in a large metal cage, where escaping is impossible. They must have much space to be able to hop around in. There should be a fair amount of toys in there. A hanging bell is good (can be noisy though) and a couple of hanging perches are a favourite with parrots. There is a wide range of parrot toys available out there so this should not be too much trouble.

Parrots can be quite expensive, maybe up to a few hundred pounds. The cage and accesories needed for him/her will also require the removal of quite a few notes from your wallet.

Parrots are quite noisy at times, but this is usually when you're ignoring them or away from them at that moment. Some parrots can talk, but to help them achieve this skill, you have to talk to them quite a lot first. Before you do, the sound they make is a loud squeak.

The parrot cage should be in a r
oom of normal temperature and somewhere which isn't too quiet, as they can become terribly lonely. They need lots of company and attention, so try not to ignore them too much. They make great pets, with the drawbacks being expense and attention needed.