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Parrotlets!!

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Species/Description: There are seven species of Parrotlets; all are tiny, mainly green parrots. Contrary to what is often stated, they are *not* the smallest parrots in the world; that honor belongs to the miniscule pygmy parrots, the smaller of which are barely over three inches! However, parrotlets *are* the smallest parrots that have ever been kept in captivity. They originate in South America, and range from just under 5" to about 6 1/2". The only two easily available species are the popular Pacific, aka Celestial, Parrotlet, and the even smaller but slightly harder to find Greenrumped Parrotlet.

Color Mutations: There's quite a few color mutations of the Pacific that have been developed, however these are, as yet, still quite expensive. They include the Blue, Lutino, Fallow, Pastel, Yellow, and Albino.

Life span: They're quite long-lived for such tiny animals; up to 20 years.

Price: The two more common species usually run around $100 to $150 for just-weaned hand-fed birds from a breeder. Birds from pet shops may cost up to $300; older, untame breeding birds may be as little as $75. The rarer species, obviously, will cost more.

Buying a Parrotlet: Parrotlets are becoming much more popular, and being quite easy to breed this means that they can be found pretty easily, particularly the Pacific. When looking for a pet, look for a just-weaned baby; this means one about 6 weeks old. This is the ideal age for the new baby to come home and bond with it's new family. When choosing a baby, choose one from a breeder that takes obvious good care of their birds, and seems to care about them. Choose a baby that was handled a lot and that is obviously friendly, and wants to be handled.

Diet: Obviously, being such tiny birds, they require tiny foodstuffs. The smallest sized pellets and seeds are best. They do, however, have fairly strong beaks (for their size, anyway!), and will happily munch on larger pieces of fruits and vegetables; many parrotlets enjoy having these pieces hung on a "kabob" type hanger. Parrotlets are very playful birds, and like to turn eating into a game! Provide them with a wide variety of foods, and a wide variety of shapes/colors/textures, etc., to keep their interest up.

Cages: Obviously, parrotlets do not require an enormous cage; hardly anything that will take up the living room! However, because they're so small, you might as well buy a cage that's much larger than required! This gives them that much more room to run around, climb, and just generally be active; it gives you more room to hang toys! I would say the minimum size cage for a single parrotlet would be about 16" square; however, the bigger the better, and your parrotlet will very much appreciate any exra space!

Toys & Other Equipment: Parrotlets are big players, and will enjoy any and all toys you provide. Obviously, smaller toys with small parts (small plastic beads, etc.), are great for parrotlets. But, also provide some larger ones that the parrotlets can clamber around on. One toy that's been a hit with my lovebirds is a plasic "Slinky" toys cut into sections to make a about 4 seperate sections, then you can hang them from the top of the cage. The smaller birds that enjoy climbing love it! Other equipment includes perches; throw out those plastic or dowel perches that probably came with the cage (well, you can keep one or two), and either go to the pet store and buy some manzanita and rope perches, or go outside and find some natural branches. Use a variety of perches; it's much better for the bird's feet, as well as for the bird's interest!

Grooming, etc.: Keep the toenails to a reasonable length, and clip the wings. With those wings, you really don't want a parrotlet flying around the house; they're so tiny, they're liable to land somewhere where somebody doesn't see them, and end up getting stepped on or sat upon. Parrotlets usually love baths; provide an open dish of water, with about 3/4" of water in it, or else spray them gently with a spray bottle.

Noise Level: Parrotlets are quiet birds - they're much too small to make much noise! But seriously, their squeaks are pretty high-pitched, but they're so low in volume they're quite inoffensive.

Talking Ability: Parrotlets aren't great talkers compared to all parrots, but when compared with the other small parrots, they're pretty good. Some are better than others; some never speak a word, some become quite good, most will say a few words but nothing too impressive. And, they're voices are, obviously, "small" and somewhat hard to understand.

Personality: Parrotlets may be tiny, but they don't act it. They're often described as "big" birds in tiny bodies; in fact, many say they have lots of the "attitude" of their much bigger cousins, the Amazons. This can lead to problems; some parrots, notably Pacifics and particularly females, are prone to dominance problems, and, yes, nipping. Males tend to be more laid-back. In any case, it's their personalities as a whole that lead to this; spunky, endearing, and full of pizazz. Also very curious and active!

People suitable as Parrotlet owners: First, if you're looking for a small bird, parrotlets obviously fit the bill. They're small, and require only small cages (that are never going to cost $500 +), and they're not going to ring up enormous food bills. They're price tag is slightly higher than the other smaller birds, however those who keep them know they're worth it! If you're looking for a smaller bird, and like birds who definately know their own minds and have lots of spunk, parrotlets may well be the bird for you!

• General Parrotlet Links
• Parrotlet Breeder Links