Bringing home a new parrot

Bringing home a parrot is exciting — but it can also feel a little overwhelming, especially in the first few weeks. You’ve done your research, picked out the perfect cage, stocked up on pellets and toys… and then suddenly, things feel harder than expected. Your bird is quiet or aggressive. You’re second-guessing everything. And all that joy is mixed with a big dose of “Am I doing this right?”

You’re not alone. Here’s what most people don’t talk about, and what’s totally normal when you bring a parrot home.

It takes time to build trust

Parrots are incredibly smart, sensitive animals. If your new bird is distant or scared, that doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong—it means they’re adjusting. Many parrots take weeks or even months to feel comfortable. They may not eat right away. They might not want to come near you. That’s okay. Think of it like moving in with a roommate you’ve never met. Trust takes time.

What helps: consistency, patience, and quiet presence. Sit near the cage and talk softly. Let them watch you. Offer treats without forcing interaction. Let your parrot set the pace.

Your setup might need tweaking

Even with the best prep, you’ll probably make changes once your bird arrives. Maybe the perches are too slippery. Maybe the cage feels too busy. Maybe your bird isn’t using the toys you thought they’d love. That’s normal. You’re learning who this individual bird is—not just “a parrot.”

What helps: watching their behavior closely. Are they pacing? Chewing bars? Only using one area of the cage? Use that info to adjust the setup and meet their needs.

The internet can make you doubt yourself

Parrot forums and groups are full of passionate people, but they can also be overwhelming. Everyone has an opinion. One person says never feed fruit. Another says always. One says your bird needs 6 hours of out-of-cage time. Another says 2 is fine. It’s easy to spiral.

What helps: finding a few trusted sources and tuning out the rest. Follow advice that feels kind, informed, and sustainable. That’s why we created The Kya Project—to make it easier to get support without judgment.

You might feel emotional — and that’s okay

Some new bird owners feel a wave of regret or sadness in the early days. That’s not because you don’t love your bird. It’s because change is hard, and this is a big one. Your schedule changes. Your home changes. You feel a huge sense of responsibility. It’s a lot.

What helps: community. Talking to other bird people who’ve been through it. Knowing these feelings are common—and temporary—can make a huge difference.

You’ll learn as you go

You can’t know everything from day one. The good news? You don’t have to. Parrots are complex, and your relationship will grow over time. You’ll figure out what they like, how they communicate, and what helps them thrive.

What helps: being open, staying curious, and asking for help when you need it.

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Want more support?

‍Join The Kya Project to connect with a kind, informed community of parrot people who get it. We offer beginner guides, expert Q&As, and a space to ask questions without fear.

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