Parrotlet a good bird for a 1st time bird owner?

[MammaKim]

I have never had a parrotlet and really know very little about them. My friend has decided she wants a bird - she loves my quaker and her (his) personality. She has never owned any birds, and her exposure to them has been my birds. The parrotlet that I have found is hand fed from 10 days and not sold until weaned - from a breeder. I read that they are haearty little birds but again, I know nothing about them. What do you think for a first time bird owner? She has a 10 year old who really loves my birds as well and is really hoping for a bird as well. The breeder told me that they are great first time birds, but I am looking for feedback from you guys too. Anything that she would need to know? I assume a regular parrot diet on a smaller scale - is that right? Do they talk? Are they loud? Thanks for any feedback!

[Emmilyy]

I wouldn't suggest a parrotlet as a first bird, unless they have their heart set on it. If a parrotlet is the bird they want, they should get it, unless they have their eyes on something else, as you know, any bird will be with you a long long time, so i think its important to get what you want :D

That saaiid, I've heard again and again that parrotlets are like "mini" amazons. They have this big bird personality packed into a smaller package. I've heard they can be bossy, and nippy if they dont get what they want. Toc certainly is. Toc isn't a 'friendly' bird. He's more of a "look at me, let my sit on your shoulder if i must - but don't touch me unless you want to get bit" kinda bird.. buuutt, i dont know how well he was socialized before we got him.. I'm sure they can be really friendly when socialized properly. He *can* talk, but its like a little whisper. He says "pretty bird" but i dont think you would be able to understand him unless you knew he could say it, its adorable! Probably another thing you know, though, is that not all birds will talk, and the only way you can get one that will talk guaranteed, is to buy an already talking adult. Talking isn't important to me, anyways, and i dont think it should really be a big factor in deciding what bird to get. I prefer trying to speak parrot :D

As for noise? Toc is INSANELY quiet, IMO! i never thought a bird could be so quiet! sure, he makes noise, all birds are bound too, but loud for him is like, cookies whispers! LOL. the only time he really makes alot of noise is when he calls to Cookie - but then Cookies screams pretty much dround it out xD

Toc ismy 12 year old sisters parrot - he's great with her. Loves her the best, and she adores him, even if he is an unpredictable little monster :D (said with love!)

[becca623]

Have you looked into Lineolated Parakeets? They are about the same size, come in a variety of colors, and more laid back. I would love to have a pair of them. They make great pets.

[LovelySydney]

Yes I agree that although there are plenty of cuddly parrotlets out there, my Oliver sure isn't one of them. he would rather watch us than have us anywhere near him. I would recommend them as a first bird because they are relatively quiet and easy to take care of and thats what a lot of people want, a quiet easy bird. i think if they are socialized at an early age, taught to be handled and around people then they can be excellent birds for people who WANT to be able to touch and hold their bird. However, with any bird, once you stop socializing with it, it can regress pretty quickly, so constant handling is a must to keep a bird hand tame.



Honestly, I think GCC's are great first birds and have heard only good things about them. They are quiet and cuddly and playful. They do have a nibbling side but that can be curbed early on. Good luck with your decision!!

[MammaKim]

Thanks for the great advice! I do not believe they are set any what type of a bird, just a bird. They fell in love with Twister, my quaker, but I do believe it is his/her personality, not the type of bird. They love Dancer - gcc, but Dancer is a nippy little bird. He always has been, even though he is handled everyday...He was handfed and has been held daily, but boy can his beak pack a punch! Twister can be held by anyone, at anytime. Is always willing to step up, come play, do tricks, whisper to you, and snuggle.

I will look into Lineolated Keets. I have not seen them anywhere, but maybe I can find a local breeder. I really want to be helpful in their decision to add a bird to their family - I have been telling them that not all birds are like Twister - that we got really lucky with her.

[chapala]

A Parrotlet that has been well socialized can make a wonderful companion bird. They have loads of personality, and my P'let is very affectionate as well, loves to hang out with me, a shoulder bird. All depends on the individual bird and their upbringing.

[hollyhawkz]

I agree with Chapala (Reta) I fostered three parrotlets and I love them! Even the wild female would come and sit with me. The males were both cuddly. They make the sweetest little noises and are not loud like the conures.

[Wilder]

My parrotlet was handfed and is handled and socialized daily, but while she will cuddle and be cute she will also turn around in a moment's notice and bite. She'll only rarely do it to me, but my husband is a regular target for her. For that reason we don't let others handle her. She WILL bite them.

They sure are cute birds, with lots of personality and an active nature, but don't let that fool you into thinking they'll all be pleasant and easy pets. They're still a large parrot, even if their bodies are tiny. And yes, those beaks can hurt! My husband has a scar on his lip from Mira's Really Bad Day.

That said, if someone really wants a parrotlet and can accept that cute does not automatically equal perfect and sweet, go for it. Life is interesting with a parrotlet around!

[MammaKim]

This is all such good advice! It is nice to hear from people who have experience with them. Thank you!