Parrotlet Stages?

[Stasia]

Hello all,

I am hoping to get some reassurance about our new parrotlet who just came home on Saturday. He is exactly 3 months old. Does anyone know if they would still be considered a baby at this point? This is my first bird and so I'm wondering how his age affects his behavior. He doesn't seem interested in playing much yet at all, although I'm sure that is also because he's not familiar with us yet.

Also, does their age affect when they start to eat fresh fruits and greens? I've offered all types and he is completely not interested in anything except millet and seed.

Blake, I know that you're usually so helpful with parrotlet questions :) Can I ask you how old Lilly is and if she had an adjustment period? How long until she warmed up to you? Thanks :)

Thanks everyone!

Stasia

[danforth3]

Congrats on your new fid. What is his name?

He's still a baby. You have to keep offering fresh foods, eventually they try them and either like or dislike them. The best suggestion I have is to warm up the vegetable and make it a little soft and then dice it up into small pieces. This may make it more pleasing to your little one. You can also eat a piece while offering a smaller piece to your bird. As they are naturally curious this sometimes works as well.

He is still adjusting to his new home. Take him out, interact and be with him. This period will end.

Introduce any new diet slowly. He should have a diet that consists of fresh foods, pellets and seed. Millet is excellent and is good for their digestion. It is very low in fat and healthy for them. Parrotlets eat pellets that are made for cockatiels. So you need to get that size. My cockatiels love Lafeber Cockatiel Pellets. It is a natural pellet and smells fresh and natural. My birds love it.

Again congrats on your new fid.

[dyeman]

I would second the idea of offering new foods after eating some yourself first. My fids will try almost anything I eat first. I have done this so much with encouranging sounds when feeding my B&G that he says " Mmmm.. Good" when I offer something new now.

[Stasia]

Thanks Cathy and dyeman. I will definitely try your suggestions with the food! People's experienced advice always seems more helpful to me than what I read in the books :)

Blake, thanks for all your comments! Comforting to hear that you had the same situation with Lilly. No pics yet, but I hope to get a couple up soon. The cheerios is the first thing he actually took! Good suggestion, thanks again! :)

Stasia