So, you’ve encountered a vibrant, pixelated parrot in the lush jungles of Minecraft and instantly knew you needed a feathered friend? You’re not alone! Parrots are among the most adorable and entertaining passive mobs in the game, adding a splash of color and a dash of personality to your Minecraft adventures. Taming one of these avian companions is relatively straightforward, but understanding the process and some helpful tips can make the experience smoother and more rewarding. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about taming parrots in Minecraft, from finding them to enjoying their quirky behaviors.
What are Parrots in Minecraft?
Parrots are small, colorful birds found exclusively in jungle biomes. They come in five different colors: red, blue, cyan, green, and grey. These charming creatures are known for their ability to mimic the sounds of other mobs, which can be surprisingly helpful in alerting you to nearby dangers. Imagine hearing a zombie groan when there isn’t a zombie in sight – your parrot might be warning you!
Parrots are passive mobs, meaning they won’t attack you. They fly around erratically, perch on trees, and occasionally dance when near a jukebox playing music. Their playful nature and vibrant appearance make them a welcome addition to any Minecraft base.
Why Tame a Parrot?
While parrots don’t offer any practical benefits like carrying items or providing light, they offer companionship and entertainment. Here’s why you might want to tame one:
- Companionship: Having a parrot perched on your shoulder as you explore the world is simply fun. They add a sense of life and character to your game.
- Mob Sound Mimicry: As mentioned earlier, parrots mimic the sounds of nearby mobs. This can be an early warning system for creepers, zombies, skeletons, and other hostile creatures. Pay close attention to the sounds your parrot makes, as it could save your life!
- Decoration and Ambiance: Parrots are visually appealing and can enhance the aesthetic of your base. A flock of parrots perched in a custom-built aviary can be quite impressive.
- Dancing: Parrots will dance when they are near a jukebox playing music. This is a fun and entertaining behavior that adds to their charm. You can create a dance floor for your parrots and enjoy their groovy moves.
- Shoulder Buddies: When tamed, parrots will often perch on your shoulder, making them the ultimate travel companion.
Finding Parrots in Minecraft
Before you can tame a parrot, you need to find one! This means venturing into the jungle biome. Here’s what to look for:
- Jungle Biomes: Parrots spawn exclusively in jungle biomes. These biomes are characterized by tall trees, dense foliage, and the presence of cocoa beans.
- Look Up: Parrots often fly high in the jungle canopy or perch on the leaves of trees. Scan the treetops carefully as you navigate the jungle.
- Listen Carefully: Parrots make distinct squawking and chirping sounds. Listen for these sounds to help you locate them, even if you can’t see them immediately. Also, pay attention to the mob sounds they imitate.
- Be Patient: Jungle biomes can be vast, and parrots aren’t incredibly common. Be prepared to spend some time exploring before you find one.
What You Need to Tame a Parrot
The only thing you need to tame a parrot is seeds. Any type of seed will work, including:
- Wheat Seeds: Obtained by breaking grass.
- Melon Seeds: Obtained from melon slices.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Obtained from pumpkins.
- Beetroot Seeds: Obtained from beetroots.
Seeds are easy to acquire, making parrot taming accessible early in the game. However, it’s always a good idea to collect a stack or two to increase your chances of success.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taming a Parrot
Now that you’ve found a parrot and gathered your seeds, it’s time to begin the taming process. Follow these steps:
- Approach the Parrot Slowly: Parrots are easily spooked. Approach them slowly and cautiously to avoid scaring them away. Crouching (by pressing the Shift key on PC, the right stick on consoles, or the appropriate button on mobile) can help you sneak up on them more effectively.
- Hold the Seeds: Equip the seeds in your hand. Make sure you have the seeds selected in your hotbar.
- Feed the Parrot: Right-click (or use the equivalent button on your platform) on the parrot while holding the seeds. This will offer the parrot the seeds.
- Repeat Until Tamed: You may need to feed the parrot several seeds before it is tamed. Each time you feed it, there is a chance it will be tamed. Look for the appearance of hearts around the parrot, indicating successful taming.
- Enjoy Your New Companion: Once the parrot is tamed, it will follow you around and often perch on your shoulder.
Important Considerations and Tips
While the taming process is straightforward, here are some important considerations and tips to keep in mind:
- Patience is Key: Taming can take several attempts. Don’t get discouraged if the parrot doesn’t tame immediately. Keep feeding it seeds, and eventually, it will become your friend.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Quick movements can startle parrots. Move slowly and deliberately to avoid scaring them away.
- Keep Seeds on Hand: Always carry seeds with you when exploring jungle biomes. This way, you’ll be prepared if you encounter a parrot.
- Multiple Parrots: You can tame multiple parrots! Building an aviary or creating a designated area for your feathered friends can be a fun project.
- Parrot Death: Be careful with your tamed parrots! They are fragile and can be killed by hostile mobs, fall damage, or even suffocation in blocks. Keep them safe within your base or build a protective enclosure.
- Don’t Feed Them Chocolate: While it’s tempting to share your treats with your parrot, DO NOT feed them chocolate. Chocolate is poisonous to parrots in Minecraft and will instantly kill them. This is a unique and somewhat morbid detail that Mojang added to the game.
Parrot Behavior and Interactions
Once you’ve tamed a parrot, you’ll notice some interesting behaviors:
- Perching: Parrots will often perch on your shoulder or on nearby blocks. They will also perch on beds, chests, and other furniture.
- Following: Tamed parrots will follow you around, staying within a reasonable distance. If you move too far away, they will teleport to your location.
- Dancing: As mentioned earlier, parrots will dance when near a jukebox playing music. They bob their heads and move their bodies in sync with the music.
- Mimicking: Parrots will mimic the sounds of nearby mobs, including hostile creatures. This can be a helpful warning system.
- Sitting: You can make a parrot sit by right-clicking on it. This will prevent it from following you and keep it in place. Right-clicking again will make it stand up and resume following you.
Building a Parrot-Friendly Environment
To ensure your tamed parrots are happy and safe, consider creating a parrot-friendly environment in your base. Here are some ideas:
- Aviary: Build a dedicated aviary for your parrots. This can be an enclosed area with plenty of perches, branches, and toys. Use glass or fences to keep them safely contained.
- Perches: Provide plenty of perches for your parrots to rest on. These can be crafted from fences, slabs, or even just blocks of wood.
- Jukebox and Music: Place a jukebox in your base and load it with music discs. Your parrots will love to dance!
- Safe Roosting Spots: Ensure your parrots have safe places to roost at night, away from potential threats.
- Avoid Hazards: Be mindful of potential hazards in your base, such as open lava pits or areas where they could suffocate in blocks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter while taming parrots and how to troubleshoot them:
- Parrot Keeps Flying Away: If a parrot keeps flying away despite your attempts to feed it, make sure you are approaching it slowly and crouching. Also, ensure there are no nearby threats that might be scaring it.
- Hearts Aren’t Appearing: If you’re feeding a parrot seeds but no hearts are appearing, it means the parrot hasn’t been tamed yet. Keep trying! It can take several attempts.
- Parrot Disappeared: If your tamed parrot suddenly disappears, it may have been killed by a hostile mob or fallen into a dangerous area. Make sure your base is well-lit and protected to prevent this from happening.
- Parrot Won’t Perch on Shoulder: Sometimes, a parrot might be reluctant to perch on your shoulder. Try moving around a bit or jumping. They usually perch eventually.
Conclusion
Taming parrots in Minecraft is a fun and rewarding experience. These colorful birds add personality and charm to your game, and their ability to mimic mob sounds can be surprisingly useful. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping the tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to building a flock of feathered friends. So, venture into the jungle, gather your seeds, and start taming! Happy Minecrafting!