Parrotlet vs. Cockatiel

[BeakerLuvsBunsen]

the nipping thing comes with any bird, you just have to get it used to you
many parrotlet breeders do handfeeding and lots of handling to get them
to be less 'nippy' my parrotlets sometimes nip if they are getting bored on my finger
you really need to keep them active. teach them to step up and keep them busy
but you need to stay within their comfort zone.

obviously if your bird isnt used to being handled it might nip.
not sure exactly what you want to hear.

why dont you go meet a parrotlet and hold one to see for yourself?
if it is compatable with your lifestyle then go for it

[Andreya]

I have two Parrotlets. Wasabi is 8 months old and Mojo is 6 1/2 weeks and I am still handfeeding him. Wasabi is one of the best decisions I have ever made. He was only really nippy for that first week until we established that I was boss. They react to your reacting when they bite you. If you move or yell or show any sign of acknowleding the bite they see that as a "fun" thing and want to do it again so you will yell. If they bite and you don't react it becomes boring and they move on. I learned this, the hard way. He was my first bird and bit the crap out of me because I got nervous. Although I'm sure if you have a Cockatiel you are well versed at handling small birds.

Wasabi does not like to be petted (Mojo does) but he steps up, talks (with an ever expanding vocabulary), gives kisses and is very smart. I think a Parrotlet is an excellent choice for someone wanting a small bird with a lot of personality. I would say that you definitely want one that has been handfed and well socialized which you should be able to tell from a reputable breeder. By the time they are weaned they should already be stepping up and used to being around people and other birds. You don't however want to house your Parrotlet with your Cockatiel which you probably already know... but Parrotlets are bullies to any other birds that aren't their mate. Good luck with your search. :)

[Geoffrey]

My experience is that cockatiels are more bonded, that is, even if I go on vacation, the cockatiels want nothing but to be with me, whereas the parrotlet likes to be with me, but does not appear to be as sad when I leave, as long as there are abundant toys.
The cockatiel seems to want constant attention and to be as close as possible, nothing gives her as much pleasure as being with her owner. She cries the longest when I leave, and gets just as excited as the dogs when I arrive home.
The parrotlet though, makes me laugh with all of her antics, shows great intelligence, and enjoys being on my shoulder and delights all my guests.

[Geoffrey]

[QUOTE=Geoffrey;1648139]My experience is that cockatiels are more bonded, that is, even if I go on vacation, the cockatiels want nothing but to be with me, whereas the parrotlet likes to be with me, but does not appear to be as sad when I leave, as long as there are abundant toys.
The cockatiel seems to want constant attention and to be as close as possible, nothing gives her as much pleasure as being with her owner. She cries the longest when I leave, and gets just as excited as the dogs when I arrive home.
The parrotlet though, makes me laugh with all of her antics, shows great intelligence, and enjoys being on my shoulder and delights all my guests