Meyer’s Parrot as a pet

Poicephalus meyeri

In short

This species may suit you if you can care for the bird for up to about 40 years [S96]. Biggest trade-off: much is still unknown in the sources (noise class, space class, suitability for beginners and annual cost). The perfect parrot doesn’t exist: a species profile is no guarantee about your bird.

This information was compiled with AI from public sources and may contain errors. Always check legal rules with the competent authority. Not buying, veterinary or legal advice.

Talking

WPT: ‘Captive birds are mimickers’ [S96].

Noise

WPT: series of screeches with short pauses, duets in flight, a growling call that rises to a shriek when alarmed [S96]. No view on loudness, so the class is unknown; not a measurement.

Lifespan

WPT: 20–25 years in captivity [S96].

Space

WPT: walk-in aviary at least 2.1 m long, or indoor cage at least 1.8 m long [S96]. Lengths only, no floor area per pair, so the space class remains unknown.

Suitable for beginners?

No statement about beginners read. World Parrot Trust (S96) checked on 27/9/2026: no explicit statement about experience.

Costs

No comparable source for annual costs found.

Paperwork and rules in Belgium

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 27 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Adoption and availability

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

What you have to accept

Still unknown in the sources: noise class, space class, suitability for beginners and annual cost. That is not a ‘yes’.
Talking is a possibility, not a promise: a species profile never predicts an individual bird [S96].
EU Annex B: ask the seller for proof of legal origin and keep it [S40].
Adoption: not seen on the rescue pages we read; availability changes.

Compare with

Black-headed Caique: a similar profile on the known criteria.
Black-headed Caique · Compare with Black-headed Caique
Rainbow Lorikeet: a similar profile on the known criteria.
Rainbow Lorikeet · Compare with Rainbow Lorikeet
Blue-headed Pionus: a similar profile on the known criteria.
Blue-headed Pionus · Compare with Blue-headed Pionus

Source basis

Conservation organisation (WPT)

Guideline sizes, costs and adoption listings come from Flemish sources; different rules may apply in Brussels and Wallonia. Foreign housing rules are not Belgian rules.

Sources

S39 · FOD Volksgezondheid — CITES-regels: Papegaaien · read 2026-09-24
S40 · FOD Volksgezondheid — Beschermde soorten bezitten · read 2026-09-19
S96 · World Parrot Trust — Parrot Encyclopedia: Meyer's Parrot · read 2026-09-27

Sources checked as of: 2026-09-27

Frequently asked questions

Which papers do you need for the Meyer’s Parrot in Belgium?

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years. Status as of 27 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health.

How long does the Meyer’s Parrot live?

WPT: 20–25 years in captivity.

How loud is the Meyer’s Parrot?

WPT: series of screeches with short pauses, duets in flight, a growling call that rises to a shriek when alarmed. No view on loudness, so the class is unknown; not a measurement.

Can the Meyer’s Parrot learn to talk?

WPT: ‘Captive birds are mimickers’.

How much space does the Meyer’s Parrot need?

WPT: walk-in aviary at least 2.1 m long, or indoor cage at least 1.8 m long. Lengths only, no floor area per pair, so the space class remains unknown.

What does the Meyer’s Parrot cost per year?

No comparable source for annual costs found.