Dusky Parrot

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: September 25th, 2018

About Dusky Parrot

Size

10 inches

Lifespan

25+ years

Bird Species

Pionus Parrot

Colors

Brownish grey

Sounds

Quiet, Natural calls

Interaction

Social, Affectionate, Fun, Friendly, Docile, Calm. Devoted

Comparable Breeds

Dusky Parrot General Info

Known for its quiet and down to earth personality, the Dusky Parrot is a popular member of the Pionus family. Stable populations, low-maintenance needs, and a wonderful temperament are the major reasons behind the breed’s rising popularity in aviculture. One of the most interesting Pionus parrots, they differ from their cousins in both looks and personality traits and have something to offer to anyone- avian enthusiast and pet owner alike.

Dusky Parrot was a very rare sight up to the 1970’s. Since then they have established themselves as one of the most popular pet parrots.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

These parrots inhabit the large part of northern South America. The largest populations are found in the so-called Guiana Shield, and cover parts of Brazil, Suriname, Guianas, and eastern Venezuela. Their habitat is bordered by rivers such as Rio Branco, Rio Madeira, and Rio Cuyuni. These cavity-nesting parrots are thriving in the region’s humid rainforests as high as 1200 meters, and they are a breed with stable populations and minimal threats. One of the unique habitats they enjoy are the varzea and igapo ecosystems – or permanently flooded forests.

Overall Description

Differing very slightly from the other members of the Pionus family, the Dusky Parrot stands out mostly for its personality traits. The adults reach an average length of 10 inches (26 centimeters) and weigh around 8 ounces (220 grams) max. Some of their features are quite unique and set them apart, like the sharp beak, unique and vibrant coloring and the prominent black eyes. They are noted for having one of the deepest wing strokes amongst all parrots. In flight, their wings touch each other – an occurrence that is not very common in the bird world.

Speech and Sounds

The major aspect that differs from closely related Pinous parrots is their lack of talking talent. They can mimic some basic sounds, and with a little training, they might learn just a few words. Some pets might not learn any at all. They are also one of the quieter pet parrots – owing to their docile and laid back personality. This makes them a great choice for all owners who live in condos and apartments.

Colors

While they are not some of the brightest or exotically colored birds, they still possess a lot of charm with their mellow colors and subtle little details. The body is mostly brownish gray, with lighter, pinkish tones on the belly. The wings are dark gray, with blue and green tones on the tips. Their cheeks and nape are also dark grey, speckled with small white feathers – a unique detail that makes them easy to distinguish. The red feathers on the tail’s underside are a common detail for all Pionus parrots. Their big black eyes complete the look and really stand out. Even though they lack a variety of bright colors, this toned down and simplistic look still has its charms.

These friendly parrots can become alarmed if left alone for a long time. They will gasp and make wheezing sounds when this happens.

Care and Feeding

In the wild, these parrots thrive on a careful selection of nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. A commercial seed based mix for Pionus parrots will serve as a great introduction into a healthy and balanced diet for your pet. As always, a regular addition of fresh fruits and vegetables is a must. A cuttlebone can be added as it serves as an important source of calcium, a toy and a way for your pet to exercise their beak.

Health and Common Conditions

Although they are pretty lightweight and give off a fragile look, the Dusky Parrots are well known as a hardy and durable pet. If you fail to provide a large enough cage and a lot of exercise, you risk your pet becoming obese and developing a lot of other issues. One of the direct results of obesity is the deadly infection called “ aspergillosis”. Heavy, rasping and difficult breathing is the first symptom. That’s why plenty of playtime, exercise, and a balanced diet are so important for your pet.

A balanced, healthy diet and plenty of exercise outside of the cage can prevent obesity – a very dangerous thing for parrots.

Personality & Behavior

Dusky Parrot is a very popular pet worldwide. One of the reasons behind it is their laid back, down to earth personality and a friendly disposition to family and guests. They are a playful, energetic breed with an often affectionate nature. Those looking for a fun and loving pet will be very pleased with their Dusky Parrot companion. On the other hand, they might be too dependent on your company and friendship, and if you can’t avoid leaving them alone for a large part of the day, then they might not be a good choice for you. You’ll need to make sure you can be there often enough. This is why Dusky Parrots are the perfect pet for big families. In any case, with this loving little bird, you are guaranteed a fun and long-lasting friendship.

Photo credit: The Internet Bird Collection website

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Do Dogs Cry Tears?

Perhaps you spotted tears streaming from your pet’s eyes and wondered: do dogs cry tears as an emotional response? Or is there a different explanation for this phenomenon? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward – dogs don’t produce tears because of their emotions like we humans do. They produce tears primarily to lubricate their eyes, and remove dust and other irritants. But, this does not mean that they don’t express emotions in other ways – here’s what you need to know about your teary-eyed furball.Do Dogs Cry Real Tears?If you spot tears running from your dog’s eyes, you are not deceived – they are real. However, they are not tears of sadness or emotion, as dogs simply don’t express feelings the same way as we do. The role of those tears is more of a bodily function. They are there to lubricate the eye, making sure it functions as it should. After all, dogs can just rub their eyes or place a few drops inside when needed. So, their body does the job for them, and hence the tears. Of course, an excessive amount of tears is not natural. And neither are dry and tearless eyes. So, in either one of these cases, you should schedule a visit with your vet. Dry eyes in dogs are also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye syndrome," and can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential complications if left untreated. In many cases of dry eyes, veterinarians prescribe artificial tears or  lubricating eye drops to help moisturize the eyes and relieve discomfort. These drops can help supplement the natural tear production and provide relief from dryness. 

Is Your Cat Itchy? Causes and Treatments for Itching in Cats

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Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

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Technology Tracking Dogs Really Are a Thing

We’ve all heard of dogs that can sniff out drugs and explosives or locate missing persons from a simple whiff of their clothing… but what’s all this about technology trackers? Can I seriously teach my pooch to hunt down the TV remote that went missing over the weekend? Actually, it’s not that kind of technology. You see, this highly specialized dog is trained to detect a compound called triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) and with a dog’s approximately 400 million olfactory receptors (humans have closer to 50 million) these super sleuths can smell that stuff through pocket material, duffle bags, a shoe insole, and even drywall. Now, if you’re wondering what TPPO is, it’s the compound used to cover circuit boards in storage devices ranging from hard drives to USB sticks, memory cards and even those tiny SIM cards that store data on our cellphones. Essentially, it’s the all-important coating that prevents these gadgets from overheating and because of that, it’s a compound that will never not be present on electronic devices.But as to why this specific training is growing in K9 units worldwide you need to consider the increase in cyber-terrorism. From drug and human trafficking to child pornography and weapons offences, the need to locate a criminal’s “tools of the trade” such as computers, burner phones, and hard drives is essential to securing a successful conviction. And while internet use and location trackers have made it easy to trail an individual, many perpetrators now work on darknets – an overlay that uses the internet but requires special software for the person to access illicit data.Of course, even a darknet involves a computer system and that’s where the TPPO-sniffing pooch steps up to the plate. Find the perp and let this specially trained K9 agent track down the concealed storage system. I mean, when you’re dealing with something as easily hidden as a SIM card, having a secret furry weapon that detects the scent, then sits, barks and wags his tail saves a heck of a lot of time.Truth is, technology-tracking dogs are becoming more and more common in the execution of this type of warrant because police often get just one shot at finding the much-needed evidence. No surprise that the best dogs for this type of work tend to be the usual suspects – Labrador retrievers because of their heightened sensory skills, innate hunting traits and their gentle disposition – important if there are younger family members present during a search. Other faves include the stately Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dogs for their tenacity and handler loyalty. I’m not convinced my Schnoodles would rank but as with most family pooches, they’re ace at hunting down an errant chip between the sofa cushions… and that’s good enough for me.

A Dog is Adopted After 7 Years in Shelter After An Emotional Discovery

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Study Finds That Pet Owners Experience Slower Cognitive Decline

Studies have shown that owning a pet can promote physical health in older people, but there isn’t enough research on the impact of dogs, cats, and other pets on cognitive function. As people age, their cognitive functions and memory decline. Although all people experience some level of cognitive decline as they age, some individuals can maintain good cognitive function well into advanced age. In contrast, others experience a sharp cognitive decline early on. Researchers have suggested various strategies to slow cognitive decline, from treating sleep apnea to improving diet and increasing exercise. In a new study, a team of researchers has set to discover whether pets, mainly cats and dogs, may help slow down cognitive decline in seniors.Scientists from the University of Maryland wanted to examine the link between pet ownership and changes in cognitive function of community-dwelling seniors. The goal of this study was to determine whether pet owners experience slower cognitive decline. They also wanted to see if there’s any difference if the pet is a dog or a cat, and whether dog walking might reduce the rate of cognitive decline. The team analyzed data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, the longest-running study of aging in the U.S. Using the data from this study, enabled the research team to analyze the cognitive tests of 637 participants ages between 51 and 101.Of the participants, nearly one-third owned pets, with 11% owning cats and 13% owning dogs. Among dog owners, 69% reported walking their dogs regularly. Results revealed that during 10 years, all participants experienced a decline in cognitive functions as they aged. However, decline was slower in pet owners, compared to non-pet owners. Interestingly, the slower decline was more evident in some but not all tests used to determine cognitive function. Additionally, the results also showed some variations between cat and dog owners. For example, researchers noted that dog owners who walked their dogs regularly experienced even slower cognitive decline than cat owners and dog owners who didn’t walk their pets.This finding showcases just how beneficial walking your pooch can be for your overall health. Owning a dog can increase physical activity, as they need to be taken out for regular walks and daily exercise, which is known to be beneficial for health. “Older adult pet owners experienced less decline in cognitive function as they aged, after considering both their pre-existing health and age,” the study authors said.“Memory, executive function, language function, psychomotor speed, and processing speed deteriorated less over 10 years among pet owners than among non-owners and among dog owners than non-owners.”“Cat owners experienced less deterioration in memory and language function. Dog walking was also associated with slower deterioration in cognitive functioning.”Numerous other studies have shown that pets can provide social support and that interacting with a cat or dog can lower heart rate and blood pressure.This study is important for the scientific understanding of factors linked with cognitive decline. However, this study isn’t without limitations. Firstly, the study doesn’t allow any cause-and-effect conclusions to be made. Secondly, the study sample consisted of people with higher socioeconomic status and above-average cognitive abilities for their age. “Policymakers could use these findings to support the inclusion of pets in care plans, designing housing and neighborhoods for seniors that are friendly for dog walking and developing programs to support pet ownership and care for older adults’ pets while they are temporarily unable to do so,” concluded the authors of the study. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Whether you own a cat or neighboring felines like to frequent your backyard, chances are you have come across half-buried cat poop in your flower beds. Cat lover or not, you probably weren’t thrilled to discover these unsightly deposits in your garden.Although cat poop won’t harm your garden, it also won’t add much to the overall appeal of it either, especially if the cats decide to dig their own toilets in the middle of your flower patch. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of your garden, there are several other reasons you may want to stop cats from pooping in your backyard. Keeping cats away will ensure the garden stays clean and safe for young children to play in. Plus, it will help protect wild birds that visit your garden, especially if you have a bird feeder or two.Besides being unsightly, cat poop in the garden can carry a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies. For this reason, it’s super important that you wear gloves when you clean cat poop from your garden. As an added precaution against nasty infections, always use gloves when gardening.Are you sick and tired of cats using your garden as their personal toilet? There are several things you can do to preserve your outdoor oasis that don’t include the use of cruel booby-traps or startling devices.All you have to do is buy the right plant - one that cats hate but will look great in your garden. Although technically a weed, the curry plant is one of the best plants to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, the curry plant is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with linear-shaped silver-gray leaves. The leaves have a strong odor, reminiscent of curry, that acts as a potent cat deterrent. When a cat brushes against a curry plant, its leaves release a strong odor that attacks a cat’s sense of smell. Plus, the curry plant also has a coarse texture that cats hate. Many gardeners agree that curry plants act as excellent cat deterrents saying that cats stopped pooping in their gardens after they planted curry plants. Since the curry plant is essentially a weed, plant it sparingly so it won’t spread and take up too much space. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to plant curry plants in your garden, plant lavender instead. A popular ornamental plant, lavender has pretty purple flowers and a delicate and sweet smell with herbal undertones. It’s that delicate smell that will help keep cats away from your garden!Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses and anything that emits a strong smell, like lavender, will be off-putting. Luckily, lavender is easy to grow and you can plant it in any part of your garden or containers. This gives you the freedom to plant lavender exactly where the cats like to poop to deter them. Many cats also dislike the smell of rosemary, rue, pennyroyal, citronella, oregano, geraniums, lemon thyme, and coffee. Any of these plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage cats from entering your garden and using it as a toilet. Although there are other ways to deter cats from pooping in your backyard, planting plants is an entirely natural and non-toxic option that isn’t harmful to the cats or you. It’s also cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Homeless Man Rescues a Litter of Orphaned Puppies During a Storm

An anonymous homeless man has become an internet sensation after rescuing a litter of puppies and taking them to the shelter during a storm. In the wake of a recent storm, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society in North Carolina discovered that a nameless man had dropped off a litter of five puppies at the shelter’s door. The puppies, estimated to be less than two months old, were left with a touching note. “The note was from a kind soul, a homeless man who, despite his own hardships, took it upon himself to rescue these innocent lives after their mother, a local stray he cared for, tragically passed away,” share the shelter in a Facebook post. The shelter also posted pictures of the note left by the homeless man, who apologized for not being able to care for the puppies himself. “Please help,” he wrote. “I found these puppies sadly after noticing a local stray dog that I would often feed when I could, dead by the road. She had been hit by a car.” The man added that he knew she had a litter of puppies nearby and that he searched the area for them, so they wouldn’t starve and freeze to death waiting for their mom to return. “I’m sorry for leaving them like this, but I myself am homeless and cannot afford to care for them,” the man explained. “My heart shatters for them and their mother. I just want them to be given the chance their mother, like myself, was never given.”“Please do not think poorly of me, but it felt wrong leaving them alone in the cold waiting on a mother that would not be coming home. Sincerely, the nameless man.” Touched by this selfless act of kindness, the shelter thanked the nameless man, saying that his good deed hadn’t gone unnoticed. The shelter promised to honor this selfless gesture by ensuring these puppies get all the love and care they deserve. “Your empathy in the face of adversity gives us hope and inspiration,” the shelter wrote. The staff invited the man to come by the shelter to visit the puppies and get a proper thank you. So far, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society has not heard from the man but noted that many people have offered to help him get back on his feet if he comes forward. To acknowledge the lucky circumstances of their rescue, the shelter named the puppies Chance, Kismet, Serendipity, Fortun, and Fate. The puppies were extremely malnourished and small when they were rescued, so the shelter couldn’t yet determine their breed.“We are guessing they are lab mixes and will grow to be about 30 to 40 pounds, but again that’s a guess,” said the shelter. According to the shelter, the applications to adopt these cute puppies will open on February 1. The organization explained that they will only consider applicants from Cumberland County, North Carolina because the puppies are going home on a foster-to-adopt basis until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered. In the meantime, the organization is accepting donations and has a wish list available for anyone willing to assist in caring for these puppies. “Unfortunately, we still don’t have any updates about the kind man who brought these puppies to us. While the puppies have names now, their rescuer remains unknown. We continue to hope he’ll come forward,” the shelter wrote. “Thank you for your continued support and love for these animals. Together we’re making a difference in their lives one puppy at a time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Finally Home Retirement Home: A Place Where All Senior Dogs Are Loved

In a world in which the adoption rate for senior dogs is lower than for all other age groups combined, we need more people like Laurie Dorr. In 2019, Dorr and her husband founded Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue and Retirement Home to provide a loving forever home to abandoned senior dogs.Located in North Yarmouth, Main, Dorr’s five-acre estate is currently home to 15 grey-muzzled seniors. This amazing non-profit organization is run by Dorr and her husband with the help of a handful of volunteers and supporters all of whom have the same goal - to make old dogs feel loved till the end. Dorr adopts senior dogs that need homes, mostly from shelters or older people moving into nursing homes. “Our dogs come mainly from owners here in Maine who can no longer care for their pups due to unforeseen circumstances,” said Dorr to Newsweek. The thing that sets Finally Home apart from other non-profit rescue organizations is that it doesn’t adopt out any of its dogs, but it gives them their own retirement home. “The dogs are adopted into our home, and remain here until it is their time to pass on,” explained Dorr. “We provide them with excellent veterinary care, food, treats, bedding, and everything else they so desperately need, including our love and the love of all awesome friends and volunteers who help to keep them happy and healthy.”However, Dorr’s noble work on behalf of senior dogs doesn’t end there. She has set up two funds named after Teddy and Sierra, two very special dogs who have died. These funds are there to help dog owners in need (who are below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines) and can’t pay for their older dog’s medical bills. “Most people want puppies or younger dogs,” said Dorr. “Senior dogs often have been passed around many times and are often overlooked at shelters. That’s why I’m focusing on seniors.” According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 3.1 million dogs end up in shelters across the U.S. every year. Around 390,000 shelter dogs are euthanized each year.Evidence showed that older cats and dogs are particularly at risk for euthanasia at shelters because people are less likely to adopt a senior pooch. Sadly, older dogs are the last ones to get adopted and have a 25% adoption rate, compared to the 60% adoption rate of puppies and younger dogs. Dorr, who has always been a dog lover, said that she likes all dogs, but has a soft spot for those that have been around for a while. Taking care of so many senior dogs is time-consuming, even for a retiree, but Dorr, along with her friends and selfless volunteers, is doing everything to keep her dogs happy.“We take the dogs for car rides and to local trails and parks, and recently took the dogs to Range Pond State Park for some fun in the water,” Dorr said. “The dogs loved the beach and wooded trails and had some special snacks there as well.” The dogs’ day on the beach was captured in heartwarming footage that was posted on Finally Home's Facebook page.“I have always loved animals and wanted to help senior dogs by taking them in if needed, and caring for them. It was one of those things where I said ‘one day’ or ‘someday’ I will do it. Finally, I decided that I had to do it while I was still young and healthy enough, so I would not miss out on my dream. I am so glad that I decided to do this.”

Can I Teach A Cat Tricks?

Cats are often stereotyped as being aloof and independent. But beneath that mysterious exterior lies an intelligent and curious being capable of great things – you just have to learn how to tap into it! Whether you’re interested in trick training your cat as a form of mental enrichment or strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories, we have you covered. In this blog post, we will explore the world of cat trick training. This includes debunking common myths, breaking down the process of training a cat, and sharing a list of fun tricks to help you get started. Is it Possible to Train a Cat? Yes! Your cat is just as capable of learning how to perform tricks as your dog. However, there are some differences in how you approach this process. Dogs are often motivated by their bond with their handler and the praise they will receive for performing as expected. This is far less likely to work for your cat. Instead, you will need to find the right inspiration. For many, this comes in the form of high-value treats like diced chicken, sardines, or low-sodium tuna. The smellier the treat, the better. With the right motivator and a lot of patience, your cat can learn a wide variety of fun tricks and useful skills. How Long Does It Take to Teach a Cat a Trick? The time required for a cat to learn a trick will depend on many factors, including the difficulty of the trick, the cat’s eagerness to learn, and the way you approach the training session. We have two cats in our house, and they fall at very different ends of the spectrum. Pippen is highly trainable and quickly picks up tricks, while Jinx is much more stubborn and takes longer to come around. Several of these factors can be influenced by you directly. Have you found the right motivator for your cat? Are you experimenting with different training approaches to find the one that works best? Are you trying to move through the training process too quickly? However, some factors are beyond your control. If your cat is uninterested in training, even your best efforts to motivate them may fall short. Is it Too Late to Teach My Cat Tricks? There is an old myth that states: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This has been proven to be false by many trainers, with dogs even in their senior years. But what about cats? Is there an expiry date on when your cat can be taught to perform tricks? The best time to start training a cat is when they are young, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time! Your older cat may be slower to learn or a little more reluctant to get started, but with a little patience and the right motivation, you can train cats of all ages.

Is a Cat Tree Necessary for My Cat?

When you first bring home a new cat, it’s an exciting time – especially if you’re a first-time cat parent. However, amidst the excitement, there are many questions that may be holding you back from fully embracing the joy. Are you prepared to meet all your cat’s needs? Are there “must-have” items you have overlooked? The struggle is real! We have good news… Many of the items that are deemed “necessary” are actually optional. One such item is the traditional cat tree or cat scratcher. Do they offer benefits? Yes! Can they help to improve your cat’s mental and physical health? Yes! But is a cat tree necessary for your cat? No, it’s not. There are other ways you can meet your cat’s needs if your budget or space doesn’t allow for a large piece of cat furniture. Let’s dig into the truth about cat trees and your cat. What is the Point of Cat Trees? If you’re currently standing in your local pet store, looking over the wide assortment of cat furniture available, you may wonder – what exactly is the purpose of cat furniture? Is it just a fancy bed solution for your cat, or are there other considerations when these products are developed? It’s an honest question I often hear from first-time cat parents. After all, these large, elaborate structures often come with a hefty price tag. If they do nothing more than provide a place to sleep, wouldn’t a simple cat bed suffice? Cat furniture is designed to meet many of your cat’s instincts, including their need to scratch, hide, climb, and oversee their surroundings. Each type of cat furniture has its benefits to consider.

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