* A Big Home: They need room to move about, exercise and stretch their wings. Plus more room to keep their toys, branches, food and water. Please get the biggest cage possible.

* Air Space: If the cage is really big, the parrot might be able to fly from one end to the other. This is good, but a flight around a safe room (windows covered, no cats!) will be better. Many pet owners ask their vets to clip the wing feathers, if they are not in a safe environment for flying.

* The Right Diet: Variety, thats what they need. Not just seeds or pellets, but fruit and veggies too. Ask your vet or pet store for advice on diets and supplements.

* Branches to Chew: In the wild, birds chew all the time, so please give them some fresh bird-safe branches once or twice a week. Apple, willow, sycamore - yummy!

* Toys!: Wild birds are forever active in the forest. They are intelligent, inquisitive and just plain nosy. So please give them interesting toys to keep their brain, claws and beak busy.

* Water: They need lots of water to keep their feathers in good condition. In the rainforest, they bathe in the treetops, but you can give them a lovely shower with warm water twice a week.

* Company - human or bird: Every parrot needs a friend. If they haven't got a parrot pal, a human being will be OK, but they must have a lot of attention. Talk to them, feed them sensible tidbits, play with them. They are like a bright child who never grows up!

* An Aviary - the ultimate luxury: If you can manage it, an indoor or sheltered outdoor aviary would give your bird a superior quality of life. Plenty of space - sheer bliss!

* Their Own Doctor: Remember, your parrot is a wild animal, and has special medical needs. Find it a veterinarian who's an expert in keeping parrots happy and healthy. An annual "well-bird" exam is a good idea.

* Learn all you can about these fabulous birds. There are many good books and magazines, including our own "PsittaScene" which comes with membership of the World Parrot Trust.

* Accept a small share of responsibility for ALL parrots, even if you only have one.

* Take an interest in saving the habitats of the parrots, and other animals and plants that live in them (We humans need the rainforests too!)

* Join a local club, meet other bird people, read all you can, become a knowledgeable pet parrot owner.

The World Parrot Trust has helped the survival of over thirty endangered species of parrot in the wild and the welfare of countless pet parrots. To find out more, visit our website at: www.worldparrottrust.org