The Parrotlet is a big personality in a little Parrot body. They are quite small measuring between 5 and 6 inches long and weighing between 18 and 28 grams.
Rapidly becoming one of the most popular species for pet bird owners, here are 5 answers to frequently asked questions about these little Parrots.
What Colors Are Available? They are available in many different colors. Many of the specie names are color specific and are a wonderful way to give you some idea of the colors that are available-Green Rump, Pacific (as in blue), Spectacle, Blue Wing, and Yellow Face.
Pacific, Green Rump and Spectacles are readily available while the Blue Wing and Yellow Face are much harder to find here in the United States.
What Kind of Diet is Best? This small bird has a big appetite that helps fuel its constant antics and playful nature. Seeds are a must because not only do they nourish, but provide interest and exercise as it breaks them open.
Supplement this with a high quality pellet as well as fresh fruits, vegetable, millet spray, cuttlebone, and a constant supply of fresh water. Avoid avocado, rhubarb, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and foods with high salt and sugar content.
How Much Time Will I Need To Spend With It? Every bird needs its owner to attend to its physical and emotional/social needs. However, the Parrotlet is more content to play and amuse itself without the constant interaction that some of the larger parrots need.
They are perfectly content to play in a spacious cage that is properly stocked with toys, treats, perches, and swings that will keep them entertained during the day if you work away from home.
Once you are home they will expect a fair amount of attention from you, and scheduling 10 minutes or so of training daily helps keep your bird tame and well mannered. They don't really need the company of another bird and don't seem to bond to each other, so if you decide to get two be aware that you may need to house them separately because of territorial issues.
Do They Get Along With Children And Other Pets? Even though they are small, they are fearless and can often be aggressive towards other pets that they may interpret as invading their space. It's best to keep your bird away from other pets, and close the door when your bird is out of the cage to avoid confrontations.
They are usually very gentle with children; especially those that have been hand fed from an early age and are use to regular training and human interaction. Parrotlets have large beaks for their size and can sometimes be nippy.
So your child needs to be very closely supervised by you when handling the bird, and an older child who understands how to handle the bird stands the best chance of success.
What is Their Life Span? With proper care many Parrotlets can live between 15 and 20 years. This requires quite a commitment, so make sure you're up for it.
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