Not new to birds, but possibly new to parrotlets...

[Kraut]

Hi all,

I am not new to birds, though the only species I've kept in my own home have been lovebirds. My longtime companion, a black masked lovebird, passed a few months ago.

I've decided I'd like a bird again (miss them so much) and I was considering a black capped conure, but there were some red flags with the local breeder. On top of that, I may be moving for a job and to an apartment suite. I've decided that any bird I do get should be able to get as loud as it wants without bugging the neighbours. ;)

I've been in touch with a lovely woman here who raises parrotlets, and am looking at a lovely white youngster who will be ready in a few weeks. I know they need large cages for their size - check!
I've got plenty of lovie sized toys still. Mostly, stuff that can be torn up/shredded and also things with bells. I was thinking of making some of my own also.

What sorts of toys do they tend to go for?

Also...tell me what your experiences have been like with these birds. :)

[Powder]

They are great little companions and make sweet sounds, love to come out and be with you on your shoulder or wherever. It takes a little patience to get them used to you, hopefully the little white youngster you've got your eyes on has been hand raised. Mine loves to take showers w/ me and plays on the window sill the whole time. If you have a deck in your new apt. then an outdoor cage for variety would be nice ~ my little guy loves to hear all the sounds and be somewhere different. These guys are super smart....I know of two in my past that either didn't get enough attention or healthy food and they lost their little feathers, it was so sad. Thankfully my little one is beautiful and never ever has bit me.

[Sally]

I LOVE having my little Chipper girl!!!

She loves big swings, not little ones. Bells, wood toys, coconut toys and LOTS of rope perches and other perches.

They need large flight cages. Chipper is out of her cage flying and playing a lot and loves to be inside playing too!

They need a good and quiet sleep. Chipper sleeps 12 hours. She naps too. They are so active, they need rest. Chipper loves our quiet house too, doesn't like it loud.

I LOVE her. I have had her three years.

[chapala]

They are great little birds, a lot of bird in a small body! Very active, nice if you can keep the house safe and leave the bird flighted. They are terrific flyers. My Mexican P'let is a re-home, 99% chance wild-caught, and his owner didn't have time for him anymore. So, he never learned about toys when young, and though he will chew and loves his boing, he doesn't play as much as other P'lets I read about. My little guy is a very affectionate, sweet bird, just adorable!

[Kraut]

Thank you for the insight guys. They sound like personality plus little birds.

On a recent outing to get a few things I'm missing, I re-discovered how expensive bird toys are. I bought about $50 worth of toy 'parts' instead from other sources, and am currently drying the wood I dyed to make new toys. I will show pics when done. :) I forgot just how messy food colouring is, also...hehehe.

And yes - she is being handfed! In fact...I have attached a picture. :D

[ndeben]

My guys love to tear up the birdy pinatas, love to swing, and Buddy loves to snuggle.

[Kraut]

As I'd mentioned, here are some toys I made today.

#1




#2




#3




#4




And this one proved to be quite tempting to the whippet as well (she insisted on ruining many a shot)...




I had to stop at this point...my hands were going a bit numb! I don't know how some of you guys sit down and make so many at once.

All toys were made and dyed with bird safe materials...and this is turning out to be faaaar cheaper than purchasing them.

[Sally]

Those are nice.

You never know what toys they will love. Chipper loves wood toys and bells big time!

[Aries]

Sally I have to mention again that I love how you have a picture for everything :)

Those toys are great. I am always trying to think up something new and great to make. My most recent discovery is that my boys looooove sisal rope. I bought it for like 9 dollars at lowes for a giant roll. I dont do anything special with it. They just love to chew the stuff. Big hit with them.

Congrats on the new bird :) looking foward to more pics

[becca623]

Congrats! Does she have a name? Nice job on the toys. When I try to dye them, I'm about the only thing that gets colored.