Pionus Parrots

Main Information

Original Species Name: Pionus seniloides.

Average Size: 11 Inches (28 cm).

Average Weight: From 200 to 260 grams.

Average Life: 25 years.

Best Nutrition: Vegetables, Fruits, Grains, Seeds, Pellets, People Food: (Pasta, whole wheat breads, bits of very well cooked chicken ....).

Vocals: They talking ability is generally considered "poor".

Popularity: Mexico, Central America.

Sexual Maturity: 2 to 4 years.

Egg Incubation Time: 26 days.

Weaning Age for Chicks: 8 weeks.

Eggs: Average laid 4 to 5.

Average cost: $400 to $600.

Vet Visits: At least once a year for a full check up.

 

introduction

Pionus Parrots are full of personality, wit and charm. They will win your heart over in an instant! The Pionus makes a great pet bird for all ages. We have acquired 6 out of the 8 Pionus Species, 2 are rare and are not available in captivity.  In our Pionus Parrots page we further discuss the description of each one briefly. Please take the time to familiarize yourself on each specie of Pionus

Native Region / Natural Habitat
The eight species of Pionus parrot are found in a wide range of South and Central America. They tend to inhabit forested areas, savannahs and mountainous regions.

Personality & Behavior
The Pionus, in general, is known to be a quiet, easy-going, slightly-standoffish, mid-sized parrot. In truth, these descriptions are based on comparisons to the more commonly kept parrot species. Compared to the Amazon, conure and macaw, the Pionus is indeed quiet. Compared to lovebirds and African greys, it is very easy-going. Compared to cockatoos, it is a little standoffish. But Pionus lovers tell a different story – their birds are affectionate (though not complete love-sponges), quieter than other parrots (though not silent!), and they are attentive and sweet. As with all parrots, the way a Pionus is raised by its human guardians makes the difference between a shy bird and a great companion. A Pionus owner should be ready to spend a great deal of time with their bird. In a home with other louder, more demanding birds, the Pionus may not get the attention it requires.

In general, the Pionus parrots makes a great family bird, and isn’t prone to being a “one person” bird, though this varies by individual. Even though the Pionus bite isn’t as formidable as the Amazon’s or the cockatoo’s, unsupervised children shouldn’t be allowed to play with the Pionus, or any parrot for that matter.

When most birds are frightened they either try to flee, bite, or they stand perfectly still. The Pionus does these things, along with another interesting survival technique – it hisses in short little bursts, almost like it’s having trouble breathing. Cockatiels make a similar noise when frightened as well. Some Pionus owners have also noted that their birds emit a sweet, musky odor.

The Pionus is a change from the “everyday” parrot, quite the novelty. A Pionus parrot can live 25-40 years if properly cared for, so it’s not a relationship best entered into on a whim.

Speech & Sounds
Pionus aren’t known as the best talkers, but some individuals can garner quite an impressive vocabulary. Their “speaking voice” isn’t always crystal clear and is often a little rasping, but a guardian can generally make out what the bird is saying.

Because the Pionus parrot is quiet in comparison to many other parrot species, it makes a great apartment bird. One caveat, however: the louder the household, the louder the bird. This goes for all species of parrots, Pionus included. A houseful of screaming children, barking dogs, and blaring televisions can easily teach the sedate Pionus to be noisy.

Care & Feeding
Pionus parrots are typically good eaters. They should be offered a formulated main diet, such as Lafeber’s Premium Daily Pellets or Nutri-Berries, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables.

Health & Common Conditions
Pionus parrots are susceptible to fungal infections and aspergillosis, as well as visceral gout. Pionus parrots can be prone to Vitamin-A deficiency, so consult with your avian veterinarian for ways to ensure that your Pionus parrot’s.

Availability:
The Dusky Pionus is infrequently availability with females more often available than males. Though they are the rarest of the five Pionus species commonly kept in captivity they are increasing in popularity.
The most frequently available pionus are the Blue-headed Pionus, the White-crowned Pionus, and the Maximilian's

Housing:
Pionus quickly adapt to their cage and environment. The majority of Pionus are kept in a cage in the home, in a bird room, or in an aviary. Bird cages must not be too confining, so get one that your pet will be able to feel comfortable in. You will need dishes for food, water, and treats.
Bird Cages:

1. A cage best suited to house a Pionus parrot would be similar to that required by an Amazon parrot. It can be between 39"- 59" (100-150 cm) high and have a floor space of 23"x 39" (60 x 100 cm), though it has been suggested that a minimum size cage could be 24"x 24"x 32" (62 x 62 x 83 cm). 3/4" bar spacing is recommended, though 1" bar spacing is okay for the larger pionus.
2. The cage needs to provide room for lots of movement as well as space for perches, food dishes and a variety of playthings. Playthings can include climbing ropes, chains, bells, parrot swings and wooden or other bird toys. A playpen is ideal for playtime outside of the cage.  

Aviary:

1. Pionus, once acclimated, can do very well in an outdoor or breeding aviary. However they do not all tolerate colder temperatures. For example the Bronze-winged Pionus should not be kept where temperatures fall below 41° F(5° C), and the Dusky Pionus which should not be kept below 50 ° F (10° C).
2. An outdoor aviary needs to have a protected shelter that can be heated and cooled where necessary and have an attached flight cage. It is recommended that it be 6 - 8 feet 12' (180 - 240 cm) long with a perch at each end. The width is not as important for just a pair of birds so 3' - 4' (90 - 120 cm) would be fine. A climbing branch and a bird bath are nice additions too.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________