There are a variety of colors of parrotlets.Birds can make great pets.To care for a parrotlet, you need to prepare a space they'll love, get the right foods, be aware of any potential health concerns, and train them.
Step 1: The cage should be large.
Pacific parrotlets need a lot of room to fly around.The minimum for one bird is a cage measuring 18 x 18.You'll need even larger cages for more than one.The parrotlet can't get out of the cage without a lot of bar space.
Step 2: The cage should be in a frequently traveled room.
The parrotlet can retreat away from a busy room if one side of the wall is against it.Don't put the cage in the kitchen because cooking fumes and smoke are deadly for parrotlets.Don't let the cage be in direct sunlight.Make sure the room is not hotter than 80 degrees.
Step 3: If you have enough space, choose an aviary.
A aviary will give your parrotlets more room than the ordinary cage.Some are more than 6 feet wide.If you plan on keeping more than one bird, they are great.Only one pair should be kept in a cage.
Step 4: There are different types of perches.
Provide your parrotlets with at least three or four different kinds and sizes of perches to avoid problems on their feet.You can have a traditional swinging perch, a branch-type perch and a rope perch.If you want to see how your bird likes it, you may have to try out several perches.Variety is the best for parrotlets.
Step 5: There should be parrotlet-friendly toys.
shreddable toys, hard toys with bells, and bird kabobs are some of the toys you'll want.Almost all parrotlets love toys they can tear apart, so finding the right toys for your bird may require some trial and error.To keep the parrotlets entertained, switch out the toys when you provide a variety.There are toys with wires and string.
Step 6: The cage needs to be cleaned frequently.
Food and water dishes should be washed every day.The cage needs to be cleaned thoroughly, including wiping down cage bars, cleaning perches and toys, and any other accessories.It should happen at least once a month.Depending on the number of birds you own, you may need to clean the cage more often.The fumes from cleaning supplies can be dangerous to the bird, so make sure to move the parrotlet first.
Step 7: Feed your parrotlet fresh vegetables.
Vegetables like carrots, peas, broccoli, and squash can be included.You don't need to cook the vegetables if you thaw them properly.After a day, remove any leftovers.Vegetables that are safe include asparagus, all bean varieties, broccoli, Brussels sprout, carrots, cauliflower, corn on the cob, cucumbers, peeled kiwi, pea Pods, red leaf lettuce, and cooked sweet potatoes.There are vegetables with Oxalic acid that you should avoid.
Step 8: They can add fruit to their diet.
This can include fruit.If the fruits aren't eaten within a day, you should remove them from the cage.They can handle fruit better if you cut it up.Fruits that are safe include apples without core, bananas, cantaloupe, pitted cherries, grapes, guava, mango, nectarines, oranges, papaya, and pitted peaches.There are fruits to avoid.
Step 9: Feed your parrotlet a high-quality bird food mix.
This should be pellet-based.There are food mixes that are specifically formulated for parrotlets.It's important not to rely on seeds as the primary food for your parrotlet, no matter how good the food is.The parrotlets need a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet.Half of your parrotlet's diet should be formulated food and the other half should include fruits, seeds, and vegetables.
Step 10: Don't give your parrotlet foods that are bad for it.
Chocolate, fried foods, and sugar are included.Coffee and chocolate are harmful to a bird's health.Other foods to avoid include raw cooking peanuts, herbs and spices, and alcohol.
Step 11: The food should be placed in dishes.
The parrotlets won't be able to break their beaks with thick glass.Many parrotlets won't put their head in the kind of dish that is attached to the cage, so avoid it.
Step 12: The parrotlet should be fed 12% of its body weight at each meal.
You will want to give the Pacific parrotlet about 4g of food per meal.You can keep more food if you keep the pellet variety.It's a good idea to clean out excess food at least once a day.
Step 13: Give your bird water with a bottle.
You should refresh the water at least once a day.Some birds like the taste of bottled water.Birds tend to develop more infections when they use a water dish, even if it's regularly cleaned, as they prefer a bottle of water.
Step 14: There are signs of illness that you should watch out for.
It is important to keep an eye on your bird's health because some symptoms can be easily missed.When a bird dies suddenly, it's usually because the owner thought the bird was fine when it was sick.You should watch for the following symptoms: broken or chewed feathers, changes in eating habits, redness around eyes, and sores on feet.The feathers are around the eyes.Leaning to one side.
Step 15: There are troubling signs to watch for.
Many of the signs listed above do not require emergency care, but there are some symptoms that do.If your parrotlet has any of the following symptoms, it is important to see an emergency vet quickly.Vomiting due to injury is caused by a change in weight.
Step 16: Regular vet appointments are a must.
This should happen at least once a year.It might be a good idea to have a checkup twice a year once the parrotlet reaches 10 years old.If there are significant changes in your parrotlet's behavior, you should take it to the vet.
Step 17: It's a good idea to play with your parrotlet daily.
The parrot will keep from getting territorial.If you want the parrotlet to feel part of the flock, you need to interact with it frequently.Being able to train a bird is based on this.You will have trouble training the bird if you can't handle it.
Step 18: Tell your parrotlet the name.
In the wild, parrots give their young names, and so you should be able to name your parrot with repetition.Attach a phrase to the behavior of the bird such as "I love you" if you start by being affectionate.You can say "I love you, Polly" when the bird connects the word and phrase.As the name gets attached to more commands, the bird will learn its name.
Step 19: If you want the bird to do something, give it a reward.
You should give them a treat that they love.It's good to train with nuts and seeds as they're small and delicious for the parrotlet.You should not use a reward immediately after an unwanted behavior.
Step 20: You can identify wanted behaviors with a clicker.
In dog and parrotlet training, a clicker can be used, as it allows you to identify quickly the exact moment the bird does what you want.When you click and treat, the parrotlet will associate the click with treats.
Step 21: The behavior should be labeled.
You will want to label the behavior with a word or phrase once you've identified it.Pick short words and phrases for best results, such as "sit" or "touch", until the bird connects the behavior with the word.Wait for the bird to do the behavior before you treat.
Step 22: Train your bird.
You have to watch for signs of a pattern in your bird's behavior.The parrot will associate the behavior with a word or phrase if you label it with the phrase "good potty".When the bird defecates, you need to give them a reward so they can control their movements.Once they've got this down, you will want to give the command on specific occasions or in specific areas, and then reward them for doing as you have asked.When you don't want them to defecate, you'll introduce no.You might need to hold their tail down to get them to think.
Step 23: Invest in a parrotlet training program.
You may want to invest in a training program if you're struggling with training or have a bird that's too nippy.You should make sure the program has good ratings on the Better Business Bureau website.If your vet has any recommendations for specific trainers or training tips, you should check with them.