Pacific Parrotlets
Commonly mistaken as lovebirds or tiny Amazon parrots, don’t be fooled by their tiny appearance! Pacific parrotlets (Forpus coelestis) are charming, active, and curious, with the species becoming increasingly popular due to their small “pocket” size and ability to learn tricks.
Parrotlets are the second smallest parrots in the world, and are close relatives to the Amazon parrot, with the species commonly found in the wild in the Andes, western Ecuador, and northern Peru. These little guys are no bigger than 12-15cm inches and often weigh around 30 grams, often spouting a wedged-shaped tail and large beaks in comparison to their small size.
Before considering a Parrotlet as pet be sure to do your research to be able to care for them properly.
Parrotlets are amazing little birds and can be full of fun. Due to their small size and special dietary needs, it is important to know what you are letting yourself into before adopting one of these little birds. if not cared for correctly they often have a very short life.
Here are some great links for more information on parrotlets:
15 Things to Know Before Getting a Parrotlet
Important Facts About Parrotlets
Pacific Parrotlets – An Overview of Characteristics and Care - Parrot Junkie
Facts
Lifespan: 15-20 years on average
Weight: 23-35 grams
Size: 12-15 cm total length
Lifespan: 15-20 years on average
Weight: 23-35 grams
Size: 12-15 cm total length
- Parrotlets form strong bonds with their owners and make excellent pets when properly raised and tamed.
- Some can learn to talk, and some develop rather impressive vocabularies for a bird of their size. They normally don't start talking until 1 year old.
- Parrotlets are real parrots, the Parrotlet's closest relative is actually the large and impressive Amazon Parrot, which may account for many of the behavioural traits these little birds exhibit.
- They are fairly quiet birds which makes them ideal for apartments or small homes.
- Parrotlets have big personalities and don't let their size get in the way when it comes to playing and interacting with their owners and other birds.
- They are extremely active and need a lot of exercise.
- Parrotlets are sexually dimorphic males of the Pacific parrotlet species don cobalt blue streaks and colouration on their wings, behind the eyes, and on their rumps.
- Almost every parrotlet gets mad at the sound of rustling paper or plastic bags.
- They are good at learning tricks.
Things to Consider
- They are very feisty; they love to communicate by biting. They have a strong bite, which makes them not suitable for children.
- They are big chewers and love to chew everything in sight even your clothes.
- They are prone to feather plucking and feather destruction often due to boredom, so it is important to keep them entertained.
- They are very messy birds when eating.
- Parrotlets are known to develop kidney problems with inappropriate diet. They can also die suddenly due to high levels of stress.
- They are also prone to dying in accidents. This is because they are so small and have a knack for getting themselves into trouble.
- Because they are so small, vet care for them can be dangerous and difficult.
Cage and Accessories
once you have your cage place it in the corner of the room, preferably near a window. This will give your bird an excellent outdoor view. However, the enclosure should not be in a spot where it will receive direct sunlight or draft. Be sure to cover your birds cage at night.
- Parrotlets are very active little birds and require a fairly large cage compared to their body size. cage size: minimum sizes 76cm x 46cm x 46cm, larger is always better! Bar spacing (1.27cm) or less.
- Perches: Natural branches in different thicknesses and structures.
- Parrotlets love to sleep in coconut houses or bird tents, so offer them a little house to sleep in.
- Toys: wooden toys, swings, bells, cat balls with bells, foraging toys, rope toys (Avoid toys made of cotton or synthetic rope as your bird can get tangled in the threads or swallow them leading to severe injuries. Safe options are sisal rope or superior rope).
- Food dishes, water dish
- Bird bath
- Cuttle fish bone
Daily Food
Diet is the most important aspect of a parrotlet's care.
An epic cage setup or how well you train them won’t even matter unless they’re eating a nutritionally balanced diet.
- 30% Quality pellets
- 15% low-fat seed mix containing barley, millet, cantaloupe, flax, or grass seeds. (peach face or cockatiel mix)
- 45% Fresh vegetables/ Soaking Seed, rice, quinoa, include a lot of healthy greens into its diet.
- 5% Fruit
- 5% Training treats (pecan nuts, millet spray)
Parrotlets require a much higher percentage of fresh veggies, soaking seed and fruit on a daily basis. Not offering fresh food on a daily basis will cause your parrotlet to become ill.
Care and Cleaning
Daily:
- Check and replace food and water, clean dishes if necessary.
- Remove any decaying food from the cage and tray.
- Clean and refill birdbath if needed.
Weekly clean:
- Remove all accessories from the cage including the bird.
- Remove any solid waste you can see.
- clean the cage and accessories with apple cider vinegar or dish soap mixture.
- rinse the cage thoroughly and let it dry.
- Wash tent or bird house.
- put your cage back together.
Health
To keep your parrotlet healthy here are some things to consider.
- keep the cage and food clean to avoid bacteria or fungi growing.
- feed your bird a well-balanced diet. Parrotlets are parrots and need lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. An only seed diet will cause deficiencies in your bird causing it to become ill.
- keep out of direct sunlight and drafts.
- birds have a very sensitive respiratory system. Airborne substances that may be harmless to us can be deadly for birds. Such as cleaning products, perfumes, scented candles, Teflon fumes, burnt food.
- if you notice your bird acting differently than usual, not eating, sleeping a lot, sitting fluffed up, then seek medical help.
