Should I get a parrotlet

[parrot_73]

Hi! I am interested in getting a parrotlet and I’ve done all my research. One thing I’m not quite sure about is how much attention do parrotlets need?

 

[Aves]

I personally haven't had a parrotlet but I have heard they are like big parrots in small bodies. @Hermesbird @finchly @Ali

 

[Hermesbird]

Yes they are, And they do have a big personality to boot lol they have a good bite to them also but are oh so sweet once they are tamed and trained like bigger parrots you see, it also all depends on their personalities and if they are hand reared or parent reared just like the big parrots.

 

[parrot_73]

Yes they are, And they do have a big personality to boot lol they have a good bite to them also but are oh so sweet once they are tamed and trained like bigger parrots you see, it also all depends on their personalities and if they are hand reared or parent reared just like the big parrots.

If they have been hand reared how much time should I spend with him or her daily?

 

[Zara]

Welcome to the Avenue Taylor!

One thing I’m not quite sure about is how much attention do parrotlets need?

A single bird will need time out of their cage in the morning and at night. A good 4-5 hours minimum.

 

[Hermesbird]

They say 4 hrs as long as they are kept busy in their cage, I work from home so she’s out for 3-8 hrs depending if I have to step away or go out for anything. Like all birds the more out of cage time the better for their personally. And you do have to handle and train daily or they revert back to little wild parrots

 

[parrot_73]

Welcome to the Avenue Taylor! View attachment 361425


A single bird will need time out of their cage in the morning and at night. A good 4-5 hours minimum.

If I got a bonded pair would that be the same thing or less?

 

[parrot_73]

They say 4 hrs as long as they are kept busy in their cage, I work from home so she’s out for 3-8 hrs depending if I have to step away or go out for anything. Like all birds the more out of cage time the better for their personally. And you do have to handle and train daily or they revert back to little wild parrots

Do you spend the whole 4hrs one on one or does that include them flying around while being supervised?

 

[Hermesbird]

You have to be careful with a bonded pair, just because they are bonded doesn't mean that later on down the road they cant get into a bad fight. They are know for being territorial and can potentially kill each other. so its best most of the time to either keep as a single bird or have 2 cages

I spend the time training and letting her get her exercise with trying to recall train and also letting her explore while supervised. they are tiny and most scrum to their early deaths because accidents happen since they are so small

 

[parrot_73]

You have to be careful with a bonded pair, just because they are bonded doesn't mean that later on down the road they cant get into a bad fight. They are know for being territorial and can potentially kill each other. so its best most of the time to either keep as a single bird or have 2 cages

I spend the time training and letting her get her exercise with trying to recall train and also letting her explore while supervised. they are tiny and most scrum to their early deaths because accidents happen since they are so small

Thank you so much for everything!

 

[Hermesbird]

Your welcome, If you want more info on parrotlets they have a website dedicated to them, its talk parrotlets

 

[fashionfobie]

I am just going to add on to the discussion. If you keep a single bird you will be their only social outlet, so of course you need to spend time with them. It is important to understand that this time doesn't mean 100% physical contact. It should be a mix of direct interaction and indirect interaction. You want to empower your bird to find interest in their play areas. You must provide intellectually stimulating activities such as foraging. You can read a book or work at your computer and your bird will explore, forage and play. Your bond is being busy and doing things as a flock. This is healthy interaction. Your bird will be an independent, confidant adult animal. Physical touch is only a tiny part of interacting with your bird.

In terms of keeping more than one parrotlet I would be cautious. As already mentioned, they can kill each other. Parrotlets swap mates in the wild and you have NO guarantee things will always work. You need to have a large cage for each parrotlet. If you have the space for multiple large cages I support getting two, but if you don't have the space don't risk it. I will tell you my personal experience. My parrotlets fight intensely. They each have their own flight cage and cannot be out together. My partner and I worked out a system for the two of them, but it is a fragile business. My bolder parrotlet has bitten, dislocated toes and shredded feathers on the other parrotlet.. and this was in the common play area. Sometimes parrotlets can get on great, but they are very territorial and they can't help themselves. That said I love my feisty little parrotlets. They are very affectionate to their person and wonderful fliers. I hope my experience helps you decide.

 

[Hermesbird]

That said I love my feisty little parrotlets. They are very affectionate to their person and wonderful fliers. I hope my experience helps you decide.

I must agree with this 100%. And everything else that was said they are a big joy in a little body

 

[sunnysmom]

I fostered a parrotlet. He was adorable. One thing I wasn't prepared for was how fast he was. And because he was so tiny I would be afraid to move until I spotted him. I think you need a super safe environment and maybe some type of recall training with a parrotlet.

 

[Hermesbird]

Yes recall training is a must. They are fast and stubborn lil birds. One day last week my mother in law came over to pick up something and I left the room for a min and she flew out and ran down the hall. Only reason I knew she was there cause I heard her tweeting and calmly said no one move. I got so scared she was right behind my father in laws foot. One wrong step and I would of lost her. Now I always lock her up when I have to walk away. I felt so guilty

 

[fashionfobie]

That is a serious concern! They can be so bold about running around on the ground too. They do not accept that they weigh 30gs. I am glad she was ok.

I read a few horrible stories over the years of them getting sat on, smashed by books or crushed by doors... all the were pure accidents. Their owners were heart broken. They really are tiny fierce little birds, who scream out to the world, but behind their mask they are fragile, delicate birds.