Yes, they are easy to keep. Much smaller, quieter and less poo to dispose of. I have mine on pine shavings. When I clean them out I use it as mulch on my flower beds. It fertilizes the shrubs and covers the ground....Two for one! I'm residential and have to have "stealth chickens" so no one knows about them. Silkies are the perfect breed for this. Not to mention they are cute and snuggly little "tribbles"! HA! (Old Star Trek reference in case you're too young to remember it). They do get hot in the summer with all that downy feather insulation. I keep a fan on mine even though they are in the shade. Winter time I put a small heater (suspended from the ceiling) with a thermostat that keeps the coop at about 50 degrees. They LOVE treats like watermelon, BOSS, wild bird seed, chopped boiled eggs, etc. Many of the same treats you might give your parrots are good for them, same exclusions apply (chocolate, avocado, salt, sugar, potato peels). You're going to be SOOOOO hooked on these ! Welcome to the addiction!