For people who want a bird with a large parrot personality without the large parrot, consider the parrotlet. These wonderful birds have all the personality of the large parrots without the size. Most Parrotlets are bundles of energy, spending hours swinging, climbing, and play.
Parrotlets are very small, with a stocky build and a broad tail. At 4½–5 inches (11-12cm) long, they are the second smallest kind of parrot in the world. One of the most common species kept as pets is the Pacific Parrotlet. The wild type coloring for this species is green, but several color mutations have been discovered through selective breeding. Parrotlets are sexually dimorphic, meaning males can be distinguished from females. Males have markings of cobalt blue on their head, wings and tail. Females generally lack these blue markings.
Life expectancy
The exact life span of a parrotlet is unknown, mainly because they have not been kept in captivity in large numbers until recently. However, it is believed to be around 15 to 20 years of age or more. While they are not immune to avian diseases, if well cared for, Parrotlets tend to be relatively disease resistant.
They can learn more than 10–15 words and can "whistle" songs well. They have about the same speaking and whistling capabilities of a cockatiel. They are also very good learners for commands such as "step up", "kiss-kiss", "step down", and other small commands. Having the ability to speak does not necessarily mean a bird will speak; it depends on the specific bird's personality.
Cage
A parrotlet will be happy in a cage that is 24" x 16" x 16" high or 30" x 18" x 18" high. We prefer the larger size. The cage should be placed in a location that is out of direct sunlight and drafts. Put the cage in the room where the family spends most of its time. Your bird will enjoy interacting with everyone. Be sure lighting is adequate. A full spectrum light can be placed by the cage. Leave a radio on, with good music, while you are not at home.
Toys
Parrotlets are very active, curious and acrobatic creatures. They enjoy a variety of toys both in their cage and out while playing with you. Swings, fresh branches that they can chew up, bells, plastic or wooden beads strung up on a leather string hanging in their cage ... these are all toys that a parrotlet will find hours of amusement with. Rotate toys regularly so that they don't tire of them.
Pacific Color Mutations
Recently, several color mutations of the Pacific parrotlet have been developed. So far, all but one of the Pacific color mutations have been recessive and only one are known to be sex linked at this time. The following color mutations have been developed in the Pacific parrotlet: albino, dilute (formerly “American yellow”), blue, dilute-blue (formerly “American white"), fallow, lutino, cinnamon (both recessive and sex-linked), blue-fallow, pied (both dominant and recessive), pastel (formerly “European yellow”), grey-green, grey and silver.
Safety
- Foods that are poisonous to Parrotlets are: chocolate, avocados, sugar, salt, alcohol.
- Keep Parrotlets away from smoke, toxic fumes (including scented candles, plug-in air fresheners, aerosol sprays, Fabreeze, Carpet Fresh, carpet cleaners, pine-scented air fresheners for cars, scented Kleenex, etc.) and poisonous plants.
- Teflon gives off toxic fumes when heated that are deadly to birds. Avoid Teflon coated cooking pans, space heaters made with Teflon coating, etc.
- Never leave Parrotlets unsupervised with children or other pets.
- Never take Parrotlets outside unless they are in a cage. A parrotlet with clipped wings can still fly.