FAQs

Here are some points to consider:

• As the smallest captivity-bred parrot species, parrotlets are easier to handle than many larger species
• Parrotlets are known for having a big personality in a small bird. They can best be described as active and inquisitive, and sometimes willful creatures. They range from cuddly to more independent, and from quiet natured through to more excitable. We can advise on the personality of each bird we raise, matching a parrotlet to your circumstances.
• Parrotlets are intelligent and well worth investing time in training
• They are also ideal apartment birds, due to their quiet voice
• The hand raised parrotlets we offer for adoption are always vetted to exclude behavioral tendencies that may make them less suited to being a pet. We ensure your bird is not exhibiting habitual biting or general fear-based behaviors.
• The minimum daily care requirements for a parrotlet are: seed, water, chop and enrichment items. Our care guide has further information.

In summary, parrotlets are a moderate pet ownership commitment that can be very rewarding, without necessarily impacting others around you. Prior bird ownership is not necessary, although it may help you to understand the care requirements and with knowledge of handling a parrot. We are here to help you with any questions and everyone has to start somewhere!

In terms of ability to learn tricks or bond with their owner, parrotlets come with a range of personalities that will impact those areas irrespective of sex.

More generally however, there are some differences between the sexes that can be compared.

What are the differences in APPEARANCE between male and female parrotlets?

Male parrotlets exhibit extra markings under the wings, and usually on the rump and behind the eyes. This is usually a cobalt blue colour.

What are the differences in BEHAVIOURS between male and female parrotlets?

Male parrotlets

• are 80% likely to talk (when appropriately taught)
• tend to be a little more outgoing than females
• may exhibit territorial cage aggression

Female parrotlets

• are 20% likely to talk (when appropriately taught)
• tend to be a little calmer than males
• may lay egg(s), thus requiring calcium supplementation

Will a single bird be lonely?

A single parrotlet is unlikely to exhibit any problem behaviors due to being the only bird in a home. Hand raised parrotlets often crave your attention, however this can be given in as little as a few minutes a day.

When away from your bird for any period, Just ensure there is enrichment. For example: ensure that your parrotlet has the ability to fly, climb and chew items like a branch and/or safe chewable toy.

What about a pair of parrotlets?

The option of say a pair of hand raised parrotlets is best as a male-female pair. Same sex couples are not generally recommended as they may be more likely to fight.

A pair may exhibit less of a bond with you however. This is because pairs have to divide their attention, and may become protective of one another.

Will a pair of parrotlets breed?

Parrotlet hens may occasionally lay eggs without access to a nest box, or similar space. If a female does this, or looks like she needs to lay, a calcium supplement may be warranted.

What is a leg ring?

A Leg ring is a ring-shaped band that rests above the foot on one of the parrotlet’s lower legs. Aussie Parrotlets use closed aluminium rings with stamped letters and numbers.

 

Why are leg rings provided with the bird?

Leg rings are not required by authorities but serve as an identification tool for your vet, in case your bird gets lost, or if you have multiple similar-looking birds.

 

Are leg rings safe?

Aussie Parrotlets have always fitted a CLOSED leg ring to each parrotlet we have bred. These can only be fitted at around ten days of age, thus reliably identifying each parrotlet bred by us. Our closed leg rings are solid, with no edges to catch threads, and they maintain their shape. It has been our experience that closed leg rings are safe.

Some breeders use SPLIT leg rings. These can be pulled open at the split in the ring, so may be fitted at any age. This makes them an unreliable means of identification. Split leg rings can lead to problems like entanglement (e.g. when a thread is caught in the split) and deformation (e.g. when the ring loses its shape due to the split, thus causing a compression injury to the leg). It is our opinion that split leg rings are unsafe, should never be used, and any bird with a split leg ring should have it removed by an avian veterinarian.

 

Do I have a choice in whether my parrotlet wears a leg ring?

We fit closed leg rings to all parrotlets we breed. New owners have the option to have this easily removed by an avian vet using special ring-cutting clippers.

 

What is the ultimate choice for the parrotlet owner regarding leg rings?

Aussie Parrotlets recommend and use closed leg rings for the identification benefits they provide. The closed leg rings we use are not associated with the type of risks associated with split leg rings. It’s ultimately the owner’s decision, so if in doubt, we recommend speaking with your avian veterinarian.