The Meyer's Parrot 

Latin Name:  Poicephalus meyeri

Meyers Description

Meyer's parrots display a dull brown head, back, and tail, green abdomen, blue rump, and yellow thighs. Forshaw (1989) recognizes six subspecies of P. meyeri, which vary in home range, in size, and in markings, including extent of yellow markings on the head and wings and intensity of turquoise markings on the abdomen or rump.
The general plumage green; narrow band to forehead reddish-brown; remainder of forehead brown; crown, back of head and nape brown with green edging; ear-coverts variably reddish-brown; sides of neck, throat and upper breast green with whitish-grey edging and narrow dusky-grey band; abdomen variably marked dark red; bend and edge of wing as well as under wing-coverts orange washed with pale red; primary-coverts and outer webs of primaries blue; tail upperside dark brown-red with green base, underside grey; narrow periophthalmic ring whitish; iris brown; feet brownish-grey; bill horn-coloured.

Immatures as adults, but with darker plumage; only few reddish-brown feathers to ear-coverts.

Average Lifespan

The average life span for a meyers is 20 - 25 years. The main reason that birds die young is because of either accidents or bad nutrition! Don't let your pet become a statistic! Read as much as you can to make your home bird friendly and bird safe, clip those wings, and follow good nutritional practices.

Length

21 cm (8 ins.)

Sexing

There is no sexual dimorphism in the adult birds.

Trainability

What makes these birds so popular?  Meyers love to be around you and be held.  They are vary playful and love to play with their toys.  Although they are not great talkers, they can learn to speak some words.

Loudness

When it comes to noise, these guys are relatively quiet.   These usually make good apartment birds.  

Pet Potential

Meyers are very playful and energetic. Environmental enrichment is important. They should always be provided with toys, wooden blocks that can be chewed and branches from non-toxic trees. In order to ensure safety, companion birds should not be allowed unsupervised freedom in the home as they often encounter toxins or dangerous items. Young birds should be socialized to many people and exposed to a variety of situations such as new cages, toys, visits to the veterinarian, handling by friends, wing and nail clips, to avoid fear of novel situations.

Cage

For housing, the meyers need a fairly large cage for its size.  Minimum should be 24 x 24 suitable for small parrots.

Diet

Meyers parrots, as well as African greys, appear to utilize calcium differently than other psittacine species. Birds kept as indoor pets especially tend to develop signs of calcium deficiency that can be a serious health threat. Natural or full spectrum light may also be helpful. African parrots should be fed a formulated (pelleted or extruded) diet as a basis for good nutrition. Meyers should be fed approximately 1 heaping tablespoon of pellets daily. The diet should be supplemented with approximately 1 heaping tablespoon fresh fruits and vegetables daily to add variety and psychological enrichment. Treats may be given in small amounts especially as rewards for good behavior. Fresh clean water must be provided every day. Vitamin supplements are not needed for birds that are eating a formulated diet.