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- Parrotlets
| General: Parrotlets are absolutely adorable bundles of love. They are the smallest of the parrot family measuring in between 4 to 5 inches. There are seven species of parrotlets with the Pacific Parrotlet ( also called the Celestial Parrotlet) being the most popular kept pet. The Green-Rump and Spectacled Parrotlet are also commonly kept as companion pets. Some call the parrotlet the "little Amazon". There are several color mutations to choose from. Some of these but not limited to are green, blue, fallow, and lutino. They have sweet chatty sounds and can learn to say a few words. Parrotlets can be easily trained to "step-up" with patience and consistency. Handfed birds are readily available and should only be purchased from a reputable and caring breeder or pet shop. Environment: Parrotlet parrots originate from Central and South America. Wild Parrotlets can be seen within Western Mexico, Ecuador, Peru,Columbia,northern Brazil, and parts of the Guianas. Diet: A next to perfect daily parrotlet diet consists fresh fruits, vegetables, a high quality parakeet seed mix, and commercial mini-sized pellets. Spray Millet is an excellent source of food and adds enrichment to a parrotlets day. Using a fun, enrichment millet holder will provide your companion bird with a yummy treat and a fun way to get to it. Fresh, clean water should be given twice daily and replenished whenever contaminated. Check out the fresh foods you should be feeding your parrot on our fresh food list. Breeding: When making the decision to breed parrotlets and all parrots for that matter, it is important to understand all aspects of proper parrot care and the particular species breeding requirements. Parrotlets should be at least 15 to 24 months of age before setting them up in pairs. Too young of a bird will result in poor egg laying, incubation, and feeding of chicks. Parrotlets can be quite hostile or spiteful towards one another so it is recommended to house this species in individual pairs. Parrotlets are sexually dimorphic meaning they are easy to distinguish male from female. In the Pacific Parrotlet species, the male will have a cobalt blue streak on the head, wings, and tail. The female does not have these markings. Parrotlets are interesting to observe in the nest. The female will lay between four and eight eggs, laying one every other day. The hen will usually always stay in the nest, leaving the job up to her mate to feed (regurgitate) her. Incubation time is 21 days once the hen has begun incubating the eggs. Chicks will be "altricial", meaning they are born helpless when first hatched and require round the clock care. Spray Millet is a great food source to give to the breeding pairs. It is very beneficial to the babies as well. Chicks are usually weaned by 8 weeks. Pull chicks as soon as they are independent to prevent parents from plucking or harming them. Those that are choosing to handfeed babies can pull them at 2 to 3 weeks of age, leaving with their parents the first few weeks will insure a healthy start at life. It is important to know your breeding parents and the vulnerability that they will have towards the eggs and chicks if you are peeking in on them. Captivity: Friendly and entertaining, parrotlets will bring love and amusement to the family. These tiny little birds are not as noisy as the other parrot members and are recommended for those with close neighbors and apartments. They are capable of learning a few words but most are not known for their talking ability. When choosing a cage for your pet, we highly recommend purchasing an acrylic cage for your bird to be housed in. These cages provide a practical solution to birdie messes and add beauty to your home. Parrotlets love to play with appropriate sized toys and are content to be independent while the caretaker is away. Given a proper environment, diet, and social interaction their lifespan is 20 to 25 years or more. Parrotlet parrots are a wonderful choice for almost anyone wanting a small parrot with a big burst of personality. |
Quick Find Parrot Species Guide Macaws Cockatoos Amazons African Greys Eclectus Pionus Parrots Conures Quakers Caiques Lorikeets Cockatiels Lovebirds Parrotlets Rosella Parakeets Budgies Finches |
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Parrot Education
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| Fun Feather Fact There are over 350 species of parrots. A majority of them live in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby Pacific Islands. About half reside in Central and South America. |
