Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At Petsfella, we care about your feathered friends as much as you do. Below you’ll find answers to the most common shopping FAQs about Petsfella.com and parrot care questions as well as.
Petsfella.com FAQs
1. What products does Petsfella sell?
We specialize in bird cages, toys, perches, harnesses, and accessories, all designed for parrot safety and enrichment.
2. Where do you ship from?
We are a Canada-based company shipping across Canada and the USA.
3. How long does shipping take?
Canada: 3–7 business days
USA: 5–10 business days
Orders ship within 1–2 business days.
4. Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, we offer free shipping with in Canada for order over $49.
5. What is your return policy?
Please check our terms and conditions for the return policy.
6. Are Petsfella products safe for parrots?
Yes. All products are carefully selected for safety, durability, and to encourage natural behaviours.
7. Are the hardware and colour on Petsfella toys safe for birds?
Yes, the hardware for our bird toys is nickel plated, and the colours are all food grade colours that are safe for birds to chew.
8. Does Petsfella have a physical store?
Currently, we operate as an online-only store serving Canada and the USA.
Parrot Care FAQs
1. What is the best diet for parrots?
Parrots need a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods, as they are toxic to parrots.
2. What is the ideal ratio of pellets to fresh foods for parrots?
Most experts recommend that 50–70% of your parrot’s diet comes from formulated pellets, with the remaining 30–50% consisting of fresh produce, such as leafy greens, cooked grains, sprouted legumes, and limited seeds.
3. How do I transition my parrot to pellets?
Gradual changes work best. Start by mixing small amounts of pellets into familiar foods. Offer sample trial packs and follow a pellet-transition guide—or seek advice from avian nutritionists—to ensure a smooth and stress-free conversion.
4. Are raw or whole foods better than processed pellets?
Raw whole foods (fruits, veggies, sprouted seeds, legumes) offer high nutrient bioavailability and support a healthy gut microbiome. While transitioning feeds, adding raw options complements pellets and enhances nutritional value.
5. What fresh foods are safe and healthy for parrots?
Safe options include items like apples, bell peppers, leafy greens (kale, bok choy), cooked legumes and grains, mango, papaya, and squash. Avoid waxed or preserved produce.
6. Should parrots be given seed mixes?
Seed mixes can be offered as occasional treats only—they’re nutrient-poor and energy-dense. Larger parrot species should avoid routine seed diets, as they can contribute to obesity and other health issues.
7. Can feeding too much fresh food unbalance a pelleted diet?
Yes. Overloading on fresh foods can dilute the designed nutritional balance of pelleted diets, reducing their effectiveness. Always aim for a balanced ratio and consult your avian vet if unsure.
8. What brand of pellets are considered high-quality?
Choose dye-free, organic, and all-natural pellets from trusted brands like Harrison’s, Roudybush, TOP’s, Lafeber, Zupreem Naturals, and Caitec Oven Fresh.
9. Why are formulated pellets better than seed-only diets?
Pellets prevent selective eating and ensure nutrients aren’t left out. Seed-only diets often lead to nutrient deficiencies, fat-related health issues, and immune system problems.
10. What toys are best for parrots?
Chewable wooden toys, foraging puzzles, climbing ropes, and shreddable toys are great for mental stimulation and preventing boredom.
11. Are rope toys safe for birds?
Yes, rope toys can be safe if made from natural cotton or sisal and checked regularly for fraying. Replace them if threads unravel to prevent your parrot’s toes or beak from getting caught.
10. How do I disinfect bird toys?
Wash toys with warm water and mild, bird-safe soap. For deeper cleaning, soak in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry before use. Avoid harsh chemicals.
12. Do birds need toys?
Absolutely. Bird toys are essential for mental stimulation, beak health, and preventing boredom-related behaviors like feather plucking or screaming. Rotate toys weekly to keep your parrot engaged.
13. How do I clean wooden bird toys?
Scrub wooden toys with warm water and vinegar solution. Rinse well and let them dry completely in the sun before returning them to the cage. Avoid soaking, as wood can absorb water and grow mold.
14. How big should a parrot cage be?
A cage should be at least twice the wingspan of your parrot in all directions, with safe bar spacing and enough room for toys and perches.
15. Why does my parrot rub his beak on the cage?
Parrots often rub their beaks on cage bars or perches to clean food debris, trim their beak, or mark territory. It’s a natural behavior and usually nothing to worry about.
16. Can a budgie live in a parrot cage?
Yes, budgies can live in a parrot cage as long as the bar spacing is under 1/2 inch to prevent escape or injury. Choose a cage designed for small birds with plenty of room for perches and toys.
17. How do I get an untamed parrot back in the cage?
For an untamed parrot, avoid chasing. Instead, use treats, toys, or their favorite food to lure them back inside. Consistent training with positive reinforcement makes the process easier over time.
18. What do parrots need in their cage?
A proper parrot cage should include:
- Multiple perches of different sizes and textures
- Bird-safe toys for chewing, foraging, and climbing
- Food and water bowls placed away from perches
- Space to stretch and flap wings
19. Can parrots be left outside a cage?
Parrots can enjoy supervised time outside their cage, but they should never be left unsupervised. Birds can chew wires, furniture, or injure themselves. A safe play stand or bird-proofed room is ideal.
20. How long should a parrot be out of its cage?
Most parrots need at least 2–4 hours of out-of-cage time daily, while larger parrots benefit from 5–6+ hours. Time outside the cage is important for exercise, socialization, and mental health.
21. How often do I need to clean my parrot’s cage?
* Daily: Replace cage liners, clean food and water bowls
* Weekly: Wash perches, toys, and cage surfaces
* Monthly: Deep clean the cage with a bird-safe disinfectant
Regular cleaning prevents bacteria growth and keeps your bird healthy.
22. Where should I place my parrot cage?
Place the cage in a bright, well-ventilated area where your parrot can see family activity. Avoid kitchens (fumes can be toxic), direct drafts, and areas with constant noise or stress.
23. How often should I take my parrot to the vet?
Schedule an annual exam with an avian vet. Visit sooner if your parrot shows signs of illness such as feather loss, changes in droppings, or lethargy.
24. What’s an ideal feeding schedule for parrots?
Feed twice daily—morning and evening. Include pellets, vegetables, and fruit, with limited seeds or nuts as treats.
25. How long should my parrot be outside its cage?
Small parrots need at least 1–2 hours daily, while larger parrots may need 5–10 hours of supervised out-of-cage time.
26. Do parrots need natural sunlight or UVB lighting?
Yes. Direct sunlight or full-spectrum UVB lighting is essential for vitamin D3 production and calcium absorption.
27. What common health issues affect parrots?
Feather plucking, obesity, respiratory infections, and psittacosis are among the most common. Regular vet visits help with prevention.
28. How messy are parrots?
Parrots drop food, chew wood, and scatter feathers. Daily sweeping, cage liner changes, and weekly deep cleaning are recommended.
28. Can parrots talk?
Yes, species like African Greys, Amazons, and Budgies can mimic words and sounds. With training, parrots can learn hundreds of words.
29. Is wing clipping necessary?
Wing clipping is optional and not required. Many owners prefer flight training and bird harnesses instead of clipping.
30. How long do parrots live?
Lifespan varies by species—budgies live 5–10 years, while macaws and African greys can live 40–60+ years with proper care.