Many first time bird owners wonder if a parrotlet is a good choice for their first pet bird. Pitless are popular for their small size, big personalities, and ability to learn tricks and talk. However, there are some important factors to consider before getting a parrotlet as your first bird.
What is a parrotlet?
Parrotlets are a type of small parrot native to South America. There are several species of parrotlets, with the most common kept as pets being:
- Pacific Parrotlets
- Spectacled Parrotlets
- Green-Rumped Parrotlets
Some key traits of parrotlets include:
- Small size – they are only about 5-6 inches tall
- Big personalities – they are very playful, social, and interactive birds
- Ability to talk – parrotlets can learn to mimic sounds and words
- Long lifespan – 15-20 years with proper care
Their small size makes them appealing to many first-time bird owners who may not have the space or budget for a large parrot. However, their intelligence and interactive nature still make them engaging pets.
Pros of parrotlets for first time owners
There are several advantages that make parrotlets a good option for beginner bird owners:
- Small size – Their tiny stature means they don’t require as much space as large parrot breeds. A standard size cage designed for small birds is sufficient.
- Lower cost – Purchase price, food, and supplies are more affordable for parrotlets than big parrot species.
- Quieter – Parrotlets can be noisy with screeching and chirping, but not as loud as huge parrots.
- Don’t require as much time out of cage – Although they love to be out and interacting, they can be happy in their cage too.
- Great for apartments – Their small size and lower noise level makes them suitable for apartments.
- Easier to handle physically – Their light body weight and size allows even children to hold them safely.
- Can learn tricks – Parrotlets are intelligent and can learn tricks like waving, spinning, and fetching small objects.
For these reasons, parrotlets are often recommended as good starter birds for those new to bird ownership. Their manageable size and care needs are more forgiving for new owners still learning the ropes of proper bird care.
Cons of parrotlets for first time owners
However, there are also some downsides to consider with parrotlets for new bird owners:
- May bite frequently – Parrotlets often gently nip and bite as part of playing. This may be surprising for first-time owners.
- Prone to obesity – It’s easy to overfeed parrotlets, which can lead to obesity and health problems.
- Need social interaction – Without regular time out of cage and interacting with owners, parrotlets can become depressed.
- Require cleaning – Like all birds, their cage and surroundings get dirty quickly from food, feathers, and droppings.
- High energy – Parrotlets are very energetic so an interactive owner who can engage and stimulate them is a must.
- Can be territorial – Parrotlets may often display territorial aggression towards other pets and family members.
- May not be kid friendly – Their small size makes them vulnerable to injury if handled too roughly by young children.
These cons don’t necessarily make parrotlets a poor first bird, but they are important to be aware of. A potential owner needs to be ready to interact regularly with their parrotlet and maintain its cage hygiene and proper diet.
Key factors in caring for a parrotlet
If you decide to get a parrotlet, here are some key care guidelines to follow as a new owner:
- Proper diet – Feed a quality pelleted diet and vegetables. Avoid excessive treats and fruits high in sugar.
- Large cage – Get the biggest cage possible for your space. Opt for wider cage bars spaced no more than 3/8″.
- Out of cage time – Parrotlets need at least 2-3 hours per day out of cage interacting with their owners.
- Toys – Provide plenty of interactive toys they can chew, toss, and play with.
- Training – Use positive reinforcement to gradually train them to step on your hand or finger.
- Socialization – Regularly introduce new sights, sounds, and people to prevent fearfulness.
- Vet care – Arrange annual wellness exams with an avian vet and address any health issues promptly.
Putting in time upfront to properly socialize and train a young parrotlet will lead to a more tame, friendly, and manageable companion bird.
Are parrotlets loud?
Parrotlets can potentially be loud birds, but their small size means their volume levels are more manageable than a large parrot. Some key facts about the noise levels of parrotlets include:
- Their typical vocalizations are more high-pitched chirps and squawks than loud screams.
- Noise level ranges from about 60-85 decibels, which is on par with moderate radio or TV volume.
- They tend to be loudest in morning and evening hours at sunrise and sunset.
- Excessive squawking or screaming can indicate boredom, lack of attention, or fear.
- Females tend to be noisier than males, especially when in breeding condition.
While parrotlets can’t be considered a “quiet” bird, their vocalizations are unlikely to disturb neighbors in an apartment building. Proper socialization and keeping their environment stimulating can help minimize excessive screaming episodes.
Costs of owning a parrotlet
Parrotlets are relatively inexpensive birds to buy and care for. Here is an overview of the costs associated with owning a parrotlet:
Expense | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Purchase price of bird | $75 – $300 |
Cage | $80 – $150 |
Perches, dishes, toys | $50 – $100 |
Food (pellets, treats, veggies) | $20 – $30 per month |
Vet visits | $100 – $200 per annual visit |
Total first year costs | $800 – $1500 |
The overall costs of parrotlet ownership are very manageable compared to medium or large parrot breeds, which frequently cost thousands of dollars per year to care for properly.
Finding a parrotlet breeder or rescue
There are two main options for obtaining a pet parrotlet:
- Breeder – Reputable breeders offer healthy, hand-fed baby parrotlets. Avoid pet stores and backyard breeders.
- Rescue adoption – Pet rescue organizations often have many parrotlets in need of adoption from surrendered owners.
No matter which source you choose, always inspect the bird closely and ask for veterinary records. This will help ensure you get a healthy parrotlet as your new companion.
Are parrotlets cuddly?
While parrotlets form close bonds with their owners and love to climb around on them, most do not typically cuddle. Some key facts about parrotlet cuddliness include:
- They prefer sitting on shoulders, hands, or climbing through hair to sitting still and cuddling.
- Over-petting can lead to nippy behavior as they don’t enjoy continual touched.
- Females may be more likely to accept cuddling than males.
- Highly socialized parrotlets who are completely comfortable with their owners are the best candidates for cuddling.
- Cuddling sessions should be short and always on the parrotlet’s terms to avoid negative behavior.
While not all parrotlets enjoy prolonged cuddling, they certainly can become extremely attached to their owners. Expressing their bond through play, interacting outside the cage, and training is more common.
Parrotlet speech and talking ability
Here’s an overview of parrotlets’ ability to talk:
- Parrotlets are capable mimics and can learn words, sounds, tunes, and noises.
- Vocabulary is typically limited to 5-10 words or phrases.
- Males tend to be better talkers than females.
- Clear speech and repetition aids training, but not all parrotlets successfully talk.
- Common words include their name, calls for food, and phrases like “peekaboo” and “what ya doing?”
While parrotlets aren’t on par with larger parrot species for extensive talking ability, their capacity to mimic adds to their fun and interactive nature.
Are parrotlets good for kids?
Parrotlets can make good pets for kids but there are some important considerations:
- Adult supervision is always required when kids interact with parrotlets.
- Parrotlets may bite or nip when frightened or over-handled.
- Their small size makes them fragile to drops or compression if improperly held.
- Loud voices and rough play can stress or injure parrotlets.
- Kids need to be taught gentle handling and discipline to not tease the bird.
- An adult should always be the primary caretaker responsible for the parrotlet’s care.
Provided kids are properly supervised and educated on gentle behavior, parrotlets can thrive in homes with children. Their naturally playful nature makes them one of the better small bird breeds suited for families.
Parrotlet colors and types
There are several color mutations and morphs seen in captive bred parrotlets including:
- Green – The traditional wild-type green is the most common color seen.
- Blue – A rarer sky to pale blue shade.
- Yellow – Varying from pale lemon to bright golden yellow.
- White – Pure white or white with colored wing markings.
- Cinnamon – Light brownish shades.
- Pineapple – Bright yellow with green wings.
- Turquoise – Distinctive greenish-blue.
In the wild, parrotlets are green with major color differences between species. But captive breeding has produced a rainbow of mutated color types.
Key facts about parrotlets
To summarize key points about parrotlets as pets:
- Native to South America
- Weigh 18-28 grams
- Lifespan of 15-20 years
- require large cages with room to climb
- Love toys they can chew and shred
- Social birds that bond closely with owners
- Need 2-3 hours of daily interaction outside the cage
- Can be trained to do tricks and talk a little
- Eat mostly pellets, vegetables, and some seeds
- Prone to obesity if overfed treats and fruits
Conclusion
Parrotlets can make excellent starter pet birds due to their small size, playful nature, low noise level, and manageable care needs. Their higher activity level and need for attention and interaction does require a dedicated owner. But an owner willing to provide daily playtime and proper training will find parrotlets to be lovable and charming little companions.