Blog Detail

Scientific Name: Pionus maximiliani

Flock Members: 4 to 30 birds

Size: 11-12 inches

Weight: 7-9.5 ounces

Hypoallergenic: No

Lifespan: 25-40 Years

Behavior

Pionus parrots, also known as Scaly-headed Parrots, are fairly tame, reasonably quiet, and considered good-natured compared with many other parrot species. It is common for them to live with owners in close interactions and show love. Maximilian's Pionus parrots are not loud or shrill birds; they don't scream much and make squeaky sounds like squawks and chirps. About their ability to speak some words of human language, they can speak a little but their general speech is inversely proportional to that of other talking parrots. Remember to book Pet House Sitting Services for them when you are away!

These parrots are fun, love to play, and are very amusing to watch, but at the same time, they are quite happy to sit still, either on a perch or one's shoulder, for periods. While Pionus parrots can be rather nervous around people they are not familiar with, they will become very fond of family members and owners within the shortest time possible. They are somewhat docile birds and hardly peck with the force necessary to draw blood. However, Maximilian's Pionus parrots will chew and shred toys and wood items to keep a point and shape of beak trim; thus, the owner should ensure that the parrots have many items to chew. In general, their gentle temperament, low vocalization, and desire to bond are beneficial traits of Pionus for any pet bird.

History

Maximilian's Pionus, or Scaly-headed Parrot, is a short parrot that inhabits the lowland tropical forests of southwestern Mexico, Central America, and the northern part of South America. The species is scientifically known as Pionus Maximiliani. This species is named after Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, a German explorer and naturalist who first collected these birds and described them in Brazil's first half of the nineteenth century.

The Pionus parrots of Maximilian have been domesticated for more than 150 years. These arrived in Europe in the early 1860s and in the United States at the end of the 1890s. Even though birds were being bred in the cage more frequently from the mid 1960s, they have also been popular aviary birds in North America and Europe. For the last 50 years, there has been a vast improvement in these birds' health, housing, nutrition, and breeding ability, resulting in their successful ownership and maintenance in home aviaries and other collections. Maximilian's Pionus is one of the most popular bird species for home use because of its playful nature, small size, and comparatively low vocalization compared to other parrots.

Breeding

Pionus Maximiliani, known also as Maximilian's Pionus, is one of the most common to medium-sized parrot species. As for breeding them, it would be advisable to have a separate breeding pair that will not be less than 3 years old. Give them a big nest box of about 12 inches by 12 inches and about 24 inches high with a hole of 3-4 inches in diameter. Before laying down bedding, put a layer of wood finishing shavings or chips on the base.

Maximilian lays about 3-5 eggs in a clutch. Incubation takes about 24 days, only the female will be seated on the eggs. She will only leave the nest occasionally to feed, take water, and insist on feedings by the male. During this period the male will get posted near the nest box where his mate will incubate the eggs. The female will lay more eggs, and after the chicks hatch male will be equally participating in feeding the babies. Instead of dropping the food anywhere in the vicinity or placing it on the ground, they stick out their fiz and blow the food right into the chick's mouth. Chicks will lightly fledge at 9 weeks but will still rely on their parents for another 2 or 3 weeks before they learn how to fly and find their food on their own properly. Even during this period after fledging, parents go on feeding them.

But given appropriate nutrition, environment, and a good breeding pair, Maximilian's Pionus parrots can breed very well. The first clutch might be removed to pressure the female into laying fast to the second clutch, leading to up to three broods annually. The secret is providing the breeding birds with first-class general health and nutrition to meet such an intense reproduction drive.

Looks and Health

The Maximilian's Pionus is a small sub-tending green parrot with red under tail coverts and red feathers at the junction of the wings. It has a gray-colored beak and white colored eye rings, and is brown. Its head is covered with feathers, scalloped gray on the ends. In general, this parrot has a light green color with traces of vivid red feathers.

Maximilian's birds, which are Pionus parrots, are relatively healthy if well taken care of. Some health problems of the bird include respiratory diseases, infestation, overweight gain if fed more, Fatty liver disease, egg binding in females, and feather plucking due to stress or a poor diet. With a healthy diet, a large cage, toys to solve simple problems, and check-ups - these cute medium-sized parrots with long tails may live 15-20 years. For Overnight Pet Sitting, ensure they have company if you are unavailable.

Food and Nutrition

They should be fed high-quality commercial pellet food formulated for parrots in captivity. This way, the body is given all the forms of nutrition it needs, be it vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, or the rest. Add some chopped-up edible fruits and vegetables, including Apples, carrots, green leafy, sweet potato, beans, and peas, and crowned with the corn. Sometimes it includes some nuts, seeds, whole grains, and a few healthy foods. Provide always water and filtered and cool when possible. These parrots should not feed on the same food daily and only select foods different from typical human foods. Feeding seed-only diets could pose several health hazards and deficiencies if overdone. A balanced diet promotes the well-being of these birds.

Conclusion

Thus, Maximilian's Pionus is an intelligent and friendly small bird that will be perfect for the right owner. Lots of attention, many toys to keep their active brain busy, and a proper diet for healthiness and feathering are just some of the things that parrots will require. That's why they do not need a big cage, but at the same time, they should be able to stretch their wings.

Maximilian's Pionus parrots can be trained to talk, but most of the owners appreciate the twittery or vocalizations they develop, such as chirps, squawks, and whistles. Generally, anyone with sufficient time, understanding, and eagerness to cater to the needs of Maximilian's Pionus will have a great friend for life. But beware of their specific requirements if you wish to have one of these personality-plus parrots in your home. The knowledge and work put in with birds will give the owner many years of fun with these friendly, intelligent creatures. For more information or to book our pets' overnight stay services at Fairfax, visit PawNanny.com!