My Pet Parrot Stories: Megan & Mango

We believe that every bird has a unique story, and we would love to hear yours! To take part, simply visit My Pet Parrot Stories: Introduction, where you can read more and submit your feathered friend’s story for a chance to receive up to £50 Parrot Essentials Gift Voucher to spoil your companion.

Welcoming a pet parrot into your home can be an emotional and life-changing experience. In this story, Megan shares the journey of Mango, a hand-reared pet parrot and young pet conure who formed an incredibly strong bond from the very start. From early hand-feeding to affectionate cuddles and a fair bit of mischief, Mango has truly become part of the family.

The Meeting Story

Parrot Essentials Tip: Hand-rearing a young pet parrot requires consistency, warmth, and patience. Using appropriate hand-rearing formulas and following a steady feeding routine helps young parrots, including pet conures, grow strong and confident.

Mango, also lovingly known as Mango Tango, is 8 months old and hatched on 09/05/25. He was hand-reared from around 10 days old after his mother stopped feeding him and two of his siblings. My nan has an aviary with four wild conures, and when Mango and the others were left unfed, she had to step in and raise them by hand.

I helped with the hand-feeding, and as a thank you, my nan gave Mango to me. It was honestly the best present ever. I fell in love with him straight away.

Our Bond

Q: How would you describe the bond you share with your parrot?

I would describe our bond as close, loving, and strong. Mango is very attached to me and my nan. He is not fussy on people outside of us and really dislikes men. He tolerates my fiancée, but that is about as far as it goes.

One of the biggest signs of trust for me is that I am the only person he lets preen him. That alone shows how much he trusts and feels safe with me.

Why Mango Chose Me

I never really sat there and chose Mango. I grew up around birds all my life, especially conures and budgies, so I already knew a lot about them. I previously had a budgie called Joey who passed away six years ago at just seven years old. I said I could never have another bird as it broke my heart too much.

But helping feed Mango for a week while my nan went away changed everything. I became so attached to him that I just knew he was meant to be with me.

Food & Character

Q: What is Mango’s favourite food?

Mango’s favourite foods are sunflower seeds and parrot jelly. I have recently introduced the jelly as a special treat and he absolutely loves it.

Activities, Mischief & Talents

Mango is very mischievous. His favourite activity is ripping the wallpaper off the wall. He does have shredding toys and foraging boxes, but he still wants to chew absolutely everything.

Training has been a bit of a struggle as he is sometimes uninterested, but I never force him.

I always let Mango come to me and read his body language to see if he wants to engage.

Mango has already learned to say "gimme kiss" and makes kiss noises. We are slowly trying to introduce more words.

Parrot Essentials Tip: Training a pet parrot works best when it is done at the bird’s pace. Short, positive sessions and reading body language are especially important when working with intelligent, independent pet conures. 

Challenges and Surprises

Q: What challenges have you faced while caring for your parrot?

I have faced quite a few challenges with Mango. These include his territorial behaviour, biting other people, destroying parts of the house, and sometimes nipping even me when he gets overexcited.

Nail trimming is also difficult. Even though I only take off the very tip, he acts like I have seriously wronged him. He can be very dramatic.

One thing that really surprised me was just how destructive he could be for his size. I have never seen another bird rip wallpaper off the wall like Mango does.

Life With Mango

Q: How has your parrot impacted your life?

I suffer with bad mental health, and Mango has helped me more than I can explain. He gives me a reason to get out of bed every morning because I know I need to feed him and let him out. He is out of his cage all day.

Giving him scratches is one of the best feelings. He never says no and makes me feel loved in a way that is very hard to put into words.

Advice for Future Parrot Owners

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering getting a parrot?

Make sure you do your research and that you are 100% sure about getting a parrot. They can be loud, messy, nippy, and challenging. Mango loves making a mess, but honestly, it does not bother me at all.

I also wish I had known just how hard training can be. You cannot force a bird to do anything. Reading their body language is so important, and I always let Mango decide when he wants to interact.

Looking Ahead With a Pet Parrot

Mango already comes out with my fiancée and me in his small travel cage, but I am looking to get him a backpack next. I think it will be much better for him and make outings more comfortable.

Mango is my favourite little animal. He loves kisses, cuddles, stealing food and drinks, and spending time with me. He might be naughty, territorial, and destructive, but he is also incredibly loving and special.