Parrotlet Write Up

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Parrotlets
By: Denise

Scientific Name: forpus coelestis
The 5 main varieties of Parrotlets easily available are the Celestial or Pacific, Green-rumped, Mexican, Spectacled, Yellow-faced Parrotlets.

History: They are native of arid tropical zones of western Mexico, along the west coast of Baja, California to the southern parts of Brazil, east to west coasts of South America.
Parrotlets come from the same regions as larger parrots such as macaws, Amazons, Conures and Pionus. They inhabit Trinidad and have been introduced to the Netherlands Antilles and the West Indies.

Pet Appeal: It is best to get a hand-fed, well-socialized bird. Parrotlets can become nippy, if nibbling is not discouraged from a young age. This means it is a good idea, to not allow even gentle nibbling of the ear lobes, skin or fingers. This gentle nibbling can turn to an unpleasant bite when the bird matures. A hand-fed parrotlet kept singly can make a wonderful pet. It is not a good idea to keep two or more together as pets, because they are likely to bond to each other and, as a result, have no need for human interaction. If you want more then one parrotlet it is important that you keep them in their own cage

Description: Parrotlets, the smallest parrots in the world, are little birds with short wedge-shaped tails and large beaks for the size they are. Most species are less than five inches long and weigh less than 30 grams.

Care and Feeding: Parrotlets play hard and use a lot of energy. They need top quality nutrition. A healthful diet of a variety of foods is the best. Parrotlets thrive on a basic diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, greens, small hookbill seed and pellets. They should also receive whole wheat bread, cooked rice, pasta and cooked dried beans. If fresh fruits and vegetables are difficult to get, frozen vegetables may be thawed to room temperature. Parrotlets, with their big bird personalities and small size, can make great pets for people looking for a relatively quiet, intelligent companion.

Housing: Parrotlets are very active, playful birds. They need a roomy cage to keep them busy. Because of their playful nature, it is best to get them a cage that is large enough for their acrobatics. A parakeet-sized cage might seem right for their size, but it is better to take a step up to a lovebird or cockatiel-sized cage. The cage should be at least 23 X 12 X 16 and up. The bar spacing should be no larger than half an inch so the birds cannot get their small heads caught between the bars, and have horizontal bars. I recommend the largest cage that you can afford. They love a variety of interesting toys from which they can swing and hang, as well as mirrors and ladders. They need a stimulating environment so they don't become bored. We suggest that you purchase lots of extra toys so they can rotate them weekly to keep their parrotlet amused.

Maintenance: Cage cleaning is recommended at least every 3rd day. Parrotlets are extreme eating machines.

Social behavior: Although parrotlets enjoy being around lots of different people, they do not always enjoy interaction with other birds. Very often a parrotlet, especially a Pacific, will attack much larger birds without regard for their own small size. Particularly when they become mature enough to breed, they can become especially hostile toward other birds. Do not allow parrotlets to be unsupervised around other birds.

Handling/Training: Parrotlets, like their Amazon cousins, can be quite willful. It is important to socialize and train them the exact same way you would a larger parrot such as an Amazon. Teach the "up" command from the beginning and use it at all times. These feisty little birds are often quite willing to be handled by all family members as well as visitors. Generally, they are not one-person birds which makes them ideal for a family atmosphere.

Activities: Parrolets are very active and are always busy. Many parrotlets happily enjoy playing on a small gym outside the cage. However, remember that they are very small and should be supervised at all times when out of the cage. They tend to like to hide behind cushions, which can have obviously dire results if the owner doesn't know where they are at any given moment. If the bird is not on your shoulder or in its cage, keep your eye on it.

Breeding / Reproduction: Parrotlets are easily bred but they need more then one pair to stimulate breeding, but they must not be able to see each other they must be blocked off. Pairs are very faithful and devoted.

Availability: Parrotlets are relatively new to the bird world…but are becoming very popular because of their color mutations. The cost is becoming more affordable now that more people are interested and breeding them.



Normal Green Pacific Parrotlet

Color mutations:


Blue Mutation


White mutation


Pied Mutation


Lutino Mutation


Blue babies playing.

Hope this is helpful.
Denise

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I hope this was ok to put here if it is not.. You can move it or delete it...
Don't want to step on any toes..
Denise