Parrotlets are adorable creatures, but are you ready to give the care and attention they deserve? Remember, they can live as long as 20 to 30 years—that’s a lot of time!
Parrotlets as Pets-Personality and Temperament
Parrotlets are quite feisty—for a small bird, they’ve got personality plus! Many people say they’re “big birds trapped in small bodies” because they are fearless, determined, and hungry for attention. In fact, they’re natural performers that bask in the applause and the praise—making them great candidates for learning tricks!
Parrotlets as Pets-Noise levels
You’ll never wake up in the middle of the night because of a loud squawk (a problem many macaw owners experience). Parrotlets have very low, pleasant chirps. Since they’re not that noisy, they’re perfect for people who live in apartments or condominiums. Your neighbors will be so relieved!
However, because they speak so low, parrotlets may have difficulty repeating words (or you may have difficulty understanding them!).
Parrotlets as Pets-Now that’s a good bird!
You should try to get a bird that has been hand fed. It is more used to humans, and will be a lot easier to tame.
Parrotlets can get nippy, so you may have to invest a lot of time in the first months just curbing their habit of turning your ears or fingers into chew toys! Don’t make the mistake of ignoring the problem when they’re babies. “Oh, they’re so cute!” you say. It won’t seem that cute when they’re older and their bites actually hurt. Train them now, when they’re young, and you’re not in pain.
Parrotlets as Pets-One, or two, or ten?
Parrotlets are so small you can keep several without much problem, but here are some things to consider before you buy more than one. Single parrotlets are more likely to bond with humans and to learn more tricks. If you buy more than one, you may have to keep them in separate cages.
Parrotlets also hate being around other birds. They’re extremely territorial. They’re small, but won’t think twice about lunging at a large bird that’s three or even four times their size. (Sometimes, these fearless parrotlets will even win.)
Parrotlets will also need a lot of stimulation. They are playful creatures and will resent being locked up with nothing to do. Provide plenty of toys, allow daily “free time’ when they can fly around a bird-safe room, and talk and play with it as often as you can each day.
Therefore, the most important thing about caring for your parrotlet is:
Give your parrotlet time out of its cage daily. He is depending on you to be his companion for his entire lifetime. Play with, provide toys and exercise outlets, share affection with your feathered friend daily.