Can Parrots Live Outside?

Parrots need shade and wind breaks in outdoor aviaries.
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Wild parrots live outside, but they're responsible for their own food, shelter and safety there. If you hope to keep your pet parrot outside, make sure the environment is safe for your bird. An outdoor aviary can turn your yard into a tropical oasis and provide hours of entertainment.

Significance

Take your location into account before you move your bird outdoors. In rural and urban areas, parrots face predators including rodents, neighborhood cats and wild animals. In general, the more your area's climate resembles the parrot's natural habitat, the more ideal your bird will fare outside. Even if your climate is not right for keeping your parrot outside year-round, you may be able to do so during certain seasons.

Temperatures

Parrots fare best in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but will be safe in temperatures as high as 90 degrees and as low as 40 degrees. If you live in an area that experiences temperatures outside this range, don't keep your parrot outside all the time. Skinny and overweight birds don't do as well as healthy birds in cold and hot temperatures, respectively.

Shelter

To stay safe from neighborhood thieves, your bird needs a cage with a lock. A thin mesh prevents insects from bothering your pet, and a thick wire mesh prevents rodents from preying on your pet. A wind shelter, such as a cloth barrier, keeps your bird from getting cold when heavy winds rustle his feathers. To remain safe in hot weather, your bird will need a shady area inside the cage. On very hot days, consider bringing your bird inside or misting him throughout the day.

Considerations

Before you move your aviary outside, check with your local zoning department to make sure you're not breaking the law. Some municipalities prohibit keeping exotic birds outside. Others require you to submit plans for approval before going ahead. If you're keeping multiple parrots outside, consider talking to your neighbors to get their consent. If birds are too loud, your pets could be the cause of neighborhood strife.

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