Buying a Parrot for Christmas? 10 Things to Know Before You Buy

Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year, and for bird lovers, bringing home a beautiful parrot can make the holiday even more memorable.

But buying a parrot for Christmas is a major decision. A parrot is not simply a Christmas present that can be enjoyed for a few weeks. It is a living companion that requires appropriate food, housing, veterinary care, attention, enrichment and commitment.

If you are considering buying a parrot this Christmas, taking the time to choose the right bird and prepare your home can make the transition much easier for both you and your new companion.

In this guide, we explain what to consider before buying a parrot for Christmas, what to look for when choosing a healthy bird, what supplies you need and how to prepare your home.

And if you’re ready to start looking for your new companion, you can [view our available parrots] and contact Milton’s Exotic Birds & Parrots to discuss your options.

1. Is a Parrot a Good Christmas Gift?

A parrot can be an incredible companion, but it should not be purchased as a surprise gift for someone who has not agreed to take responsibility for the bird.

Before buying a parrot as a Christmas gift, consider:

• Does the recipient genuinely want a parrot?
• Are they prepared for the daily responsibility?
• Do they have enough time to interact with the bird?
• Do they have suitable space for a cage?
• Can they afford quality food and ongoing care?
• Are other people or pets in the household comfortable with having a bird?
• Does the recipient understand that parrots require long-term commitment?

If the answer to these questions is yes, Christmas can be a wonderful time to welcome a new parrot into the family.

Buying tip: If the parrot is intended as a gift, consider giving the recipient a Christmas card or gift certificate representing the bird and allowing them to participate in choosing their companion. This can help ensure the bird is a suitable match.

2. Choose the Right Parrot for Your Lifestyle

One of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make is choosing a parrot based entirely on appearance.

Every parrot has its own personality, needs and characteristics.

Before choosing a bird, think about:

Size

Larger parrots generally require more space, stronger cages and greater financial commitment.

Noise

Some parrots can be considerably louder than others. Consider your home environment and neighbours before choosing a species.

Personality

Some birds are highly social and affectionate, while others may be more independent.

Time commitment

Parrots need interaction and mental stimulation. Consider how much time you can realistically dedicate to your bird every day.

Experience

If you are a first-time parrot owner, you may want to begin with a species that fits your experience level and lifestyle.

Don’t choose a parrot simply because it is beautiful. Choose a bird that fits your home, experience and daily routine.

3. Buying a Baby Parrot for Christmas? Check These Things First

If you’re looking for a baby parrot, don’t focus only on age and appearance.

Before purchasing, ask important questions about the bird’s development and care history.

Ask the seller:

• How old is the bird?
• Is the bird fully weaned?
• What food is the bird currently eating?
• Has the bird been handled regularly?
• What is the bird’s normal daily routine?
• Has the bird received appropriate health checks?
• What documentation is available?
• What cage and food does the seller recommend?

Be especially careful about weaning

A young parrot should not be purchased simply because it looks cute or because it is being marketed as a “baby.”

Make sure you understand whether the bird is fully weaned and independently eating appropriate food before bringing it home.

If you are unsure, ask an experienced avian professional for advice.

4. How to Choose a Healthy Parrot

When buying a parrot for Christmas, appearance is important—but health should come first.

Look for a bird that appears:

• Alert and responsive
• Bright-eyed
• Active
• Clean around the eyes and nostrils
• In good feather condition
• Breathing normally
• Able to perch normally
• Eating appropriately
• Showing normal behavior for its species

A bird that appears unusually weak, lethargic or unwell should be evaluated by an avian veterinarian before purchase.

Ask for information about the bird’s history

A responsible seller should be willing to discuss the bird’s background and answer reasonable questions.

Never feel pressured to buy a parrot immediately simply because someone tells you another buyer is interested.

A good purchase should be based on the bird’s suitability—not pressure.

5. What Do You Need Before Bringing Your Parrot Home?

One of the most important Christmas preparations is getting your home ready before the bird arrives.

At minimum, consider preparing:

🏠 A suitable cage

The cage should provide enough space for the bird to move, climb and stretch its wings appropriately.

🥣 Food and water bowls

Use suitable, easy-to-clean bowls and establish the bird’s normal feeding routine.

🌿 Perches

Provide appropriately sized perches and avoid relying on only one type.

🧸 Toys and enrichment

Parrots are intelligent animals and benefit from appropriate toys, chewing opportunities and mental stimulation.

🧹 Cleaning supplies

Regular cleaning is an important part of maintaining a healthy environment.

🚗 A safe carrier

A proper bird carrier makes transportation much safer than carrying a bird loose in a vehicle.

🍽️ Familiar food

If possible, start with the food the bird is already accustomed to and make dietary changes gradually with appropriate guidance.

6. How Much Does It Cost to Own a Parrot?

The purchase price of a parrot is only part of the overall cost.

Before buying a parrot for Christmas, budget for:

• The bird
• Cage
• Food
• Treats
• Perches
• Toys
• Carrier
• Cleaning supplies
• Routine veterinary care
• Potential emergency veterinary expenses

This is why it is important to look beyond the Christmas price tag.

A responsible parrot owner budgets for the bird’s ongoing needs, not just the initial purchase.

7. Prepare Your Home Before Christmas Day

Christmas can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming for a new bird.

Your home may suddenly contain:

• Christmas decorations
• Visitors
• Loud music
• Cooking smells
• Candles
• Christmas lights
• New furniture
• Other pets
• Children running around

A newly arrived parrot may need time to adjust.

Create a quiet, safe area where your bird can retreat when it needs peace.

Avoid constantly taking the bird out to show every visitor.

Remember:

The goal isn’t to make your parrot the centre of Christmas Day. The goal is to give your new companion a safe and comfortable start.

8. Are Christmas Decorations Safe for Parrots?

This is an especially important consideration for anyone bringing home a parrot during the holiday season.

Keep your bird away from potentially hazardous items such as:

• Electrical wires
• Christmas lights
• Small decorative objects
• Certain artificial plants
• Candles
• Scented products
• Decorations containing small parts
• Tinsel and similar materials that can be swallowed

Don’t assume something is safe simply because it is commonly used as a Christmas decoration.

Parrots naturally explore their environment with their beaks, so anything within reach should be considered carefully.

9. Don’t Forget Christmas Food

Another common mistake is allowing a parrot to share human Christmas food without checking whether it is appropriate.

Many traditional Christmas foods are unsuitable for parrots.

Avoid giving your bird foods that may contain harmful ingredients, excessive salt, sugar, fats, sauces or seasonings.

Keep your parrot away from the kitchen while cooking whenever possible, particularly because birds can be extremely sensitive to airborne fumes.

If you want to give your parrot a Christmas treat, use bird-appropriate foods rather than leftovers from the Christmas dinner table.

10. Where Should You Buy a Parrot for Christmas?

Choosing where to buy your parrot can be just as important as choosing the bird itself.

Don’t base your decision solely on the cheapest price.

Look for a seller who:

• Can explain the bird’s background
• Can answer questions about feeding
• Can explain the bird’s care requirements
• Is transparent about the bird’s condition
• Helps you understand what you need before bringing the bird home
• Is willing to discuss whether the bird is suitable for your situation
• Provides appropriate after-sale guidance

Why this matters

A good parrot seller should want the bird to go to the right home, not simply make a quick sale.

🦜 Looking for a Parrot for Christmas?

If you’ve decided that a parrot is right for your home, the next step is finding a bird that matches your lifestyle and experience.

At Milton’s Exotic Birds & Parrots, you can explore our available parrots and contact us to discuss the birds currently available.

👉 Explore Available Parrots

Looking for a specific species?

Contact us and tell us:

• Which parrot you’re interested in
• Whether you are a first-time owner
• Your experience with parrots
• Your preferred age
• Any questions you have about care

We’ll help you understand what to consider before making your decision.

🎄 Christmas Parrot Buying Checklist

Before purchasing, make sure you’ve considered:

☐ I have enough time for a parrot
☐ Everyone in my household agrees
☐ I have suitable space
☐ I have prepared a suitable cage
☐ I have appropriate food ready
☐ I have perches and enrichment toys
☐ I have a safe carrier
☐ I understand the bird’s feeding routine
☐ I have considered veterinary care
☐ I know whether the bird is fully weaned
☐ I’ve asked about the bird’s health and history
☐ I’ve chosen a responsible seller
☐ I’m prepared for a long-term commitment

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Christmas to Buy a Parrot?

A parrot can be a wonderful addition to the right home, but the decision should go far beyond the excitement of Christmas morning.

The best Christmas parrot purchase is one where the bird, the owner and the household are all a good match.

Take your time. Ask questions. Prepare your home. Learn about the bird’s needs and choose a seller who puts the welfare and suitability of the bird first.

If you’re ready to explore your options, browse Milton’s available parrots and contact us before making your purchase.

A beautiful parrot can make Christmas memorable—but choosing the right companion can make the years that follow even better.