Parrotlets

Parrotlet Training

The Parrotlet is a tiny bird with a huge personality. It is this fantastic personality that makes them a very common companion bird particularly among avian enthusiasts.

The Parrotlet personality has often been described as feisty, however if they were a larger bird like a macaw they might be described as friendly, social, and outgoing. It’s just when a large bird personality comes in such a small package, it’s described as feisty.

While they’re not considered to be as intelligent as an African Grey or a Macaw they are quite smart and are capable of learning tricks, speaking a few words, and whistling songs. They’re ideal for first time bird owners because of their good nature and intelligence.
 

With proper care they can live about 20 years and generally grow to about four to five inches in length. They come in a number of varieties including: o Pacific Parrotlet, o Celestial Parrotlet, o Mexican Parrotlet, o and the Spectacled Parrotlet.

Parrotlets come in a variety of color mutations and combinations of blue and green. The blue coloring can be a dull gray blue all the way to a striking cobalt blue and the green coloring has just as many variations.

They make good companion birds for people with smaller homes, condominiums and apartments due to their generally quiet nature. This doesn’t mean they are not without problems.

Any bird, particularly one with such a strong personality, is prone to behavior problems including, biting, screaming, chewing and feather plucking. The majority of behavior problems can be averted with proper care, housing, feeding and plenty of attention.

Pellets are the ideal foundation of your Parrotlets diet. Organic pellets are the best because they don’t introduce harmful chemicals into your bird’s diet. Fresh fruits and veggies are imperative for a healthy bird.

Common fruits and vegetables include: Broccoli, spinach, apples, bananas, melon, oranges, berries, carrots, sweet peppers, and celery. Do not feed your Parrotlet avocados, caffeine, chocolate, or alcohol – they are toxic. Fruits and veggies will take up about 30% of your bird’s diet. Always make sure to wash your fruits and veggies to remove pesticides.

Don’t forget the treats! Seeds and nuts are the best treats and like fruits and veggies, your Parrotlet will have favorites. Experiment and offer a variety to keep their diet well rounded.

While Parrotlets are not giant birds, they do deserve a large cage. The more room they have to move around, the happier they’ll be. The minimum sized cage for a Parrotlet is 18”W x 18” L x 30” tall.

Parrotlets are too smart and well behaved to be kept in their cages all day long. When you’re home, let them out. Give them a perch or play yard to hang out in.

Don’t forget the toys! Because Parrotlets are smart, they need stimulation in the form of toys. Toys enable them to play, problem solve, and experience a variety of textures, colors, sounds and more.

Like fruits and veggies, your bird will have favorite toys and he’ll have toys he ignores completely. Introduce a variety of toys into your parrotlet’s life and keep an eye on the ones he likes to play with.

Lastly, give your Parrotlet your time and attention. They’re social creatures and will thrive with regular love and attention from their owners. Trick training is a great way to spend this time because it builds a bond of trust and engages your smart parrotlet in problem solving and mentally stimulating activities.

Bottom line…the Parrotlet is a fantastic bird for both first time bird owners and experienced enthusiasts alike. They’re fun, friendly and fairly easy to care for.