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Parrotlet
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Physical description
There are quite a few different types of Parrotlets but I'm only going to cover the two most popular and most available varieties.
The first and most popular type is the Pacific or Celestial Parrotlet. They are among the largest of the parrotlets measuring a big 5.5 in. (14 cm) tall and are bright olive green in colour. They are sexually dimorphic, meaning that the sexes can be easily differentiated just by looking at them. Males have a dark cobalt blue on their rumps, backs and flight feathers plus a streak of blue behind their ears. Females are different shades of green and have no blue markings but are distinguished by an emerald eye streak. Both have pink beaks and feet.
The other popular type, although not as common as the Pacific, is called the Spectacled Parrotlet. Spectacles are approximately 4.5 in. (11 cm) tall. They are a dark emerald green, the males more so than the females. Spectacles are also sexually dimorphic. Males have brilliant violet-blue backs, wings, rumps and rings around their eyes. Females have emerald green eye rings.
Personalities
Parrotlets have very gregarious personalities. They are very outgoing and playful. The Pacific's and Spectacles' dispositions are somewhat different, though.
Pacifics are the feistiest and boldest of the Parrotlets. These guys are so fearless that they wouldn't think twice about taking on a Macaw! They truly are big birds trapped in little bodies. They can be very stubborn and need a firm, yet gentle, hand to keep them in line. Nevertheless, they make excellent and endearing pets!
Spectacles have very outgoing personalities. They are inquisitive, playful and make charming pets. They, too, can be a little stubborn at times but, for the most part, they are easygoing and very loving.
Hand-fed babies are really the only way to go when it comes to keeping them as pets. Untamed birds are very difficult to tame and should only be kept as breeders. They may be tiny but they sure can give a good nip if they decide to!
Nutrition
Parrotlets eat like there is no tomorrow. If taught to accept different foods at an early age, they will usually sample anything they are offered. Because they are so active, Parrotlets need a lot of food for their size. They eat more than Cockatiels and Budgies! Many people who own them have said to me, "My bird eats all the time!" This is quite normal and Parrotlets should always have lots of food at their disposal.
A diet consisting primarily of pellets with fresh fruits and veggies on a daily basis is best. Some seed can be given as treats but make sure your bird is well-established on its pellets. Whole grain breads, pasta, bean mixes and rice are always favourites and should be offered several times each week.
When feeding fresh foods remember that dark leafy greens and orange, red and yellow vegetables are the most nutritious. Fruits are also good but emphasize those veggies because fruit has sugars and isn't as nutritious. Be sure to change water bowls as often as needed. Fresh foods should never be left in cages longer than a few hours as bacteria starts to grow and can make birds ill. Cuttle bone and mineral stones are an added bonus and also help in filing down the beak.
Parrotlets as pets
Parrotlets will bond with whomever spends the most time with them after weaning. This is another good reason to buy a recently-weaned hand-fed baby. If your intent is to keep the bird as a pet, it should be kept singly. This avoids jealousy and aggressive behaviour. The word 'share' is not in the Parrotlet vocabulary! If you are going to be keeping two, be sure to get two young birds at the same time and make sure they are the same sex and species.
Handle Parrotlets every day in order to keep them tame. Their lifespan is thought to be 20 to 30 years. Good husbandry is sure to make your Parrotlet live out all of its days with you!
A few other important things you should keep in mind: Always keep your pet's wings trimmed and never allow them to wander on the floor being so tiny, many Parrotlets have been killed by being stepped on. Never take a Parrotlet outside without the protection of a cage, even with its flights clipped. All it takes is a gust of wind and the bird is gone!
Cage and toy requirements
Being so active and agile, they need a cage large enough to house plenty of toys. The more toys the better. A cage at least 14 in. x 16 in. x 18 in. (35 cm x 40 cm x 45 cm) is an absolute must but the bigger, the better. Bar spacing should be between 0.5 in. (1.25 cm) to .66 in. (1.65 cm). Food dishes should be the open style as most Parrotlets hate putting their heads in the covered type. A selection of perches is best: natural wood is better than dowel, cotton ropes are great for sleeping on. Concrete perches are great for nail and beak trimming but should never be placed up high because sleeping on them will give your bird sore feet.
Parrotlets need lots of different types of toys made of different materials. Some of their favourites seem to be cotton, rope and leather. Be sure that all materials are non-toxic. Tying a little dishcloth on a playgym is a favourite toy for both climbing and chewing, but be sure to supervise the bird while playing with it. Those beaks are very strong for their size! Rotate toys at least every two weeks but a change every week is better.
by Julie Bertrand | |
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