There are different colors of parrotlets.They are affectionate birds and can be great pets.To care for a parrotlet, you have to prepare a space they'll love, get the right foods, be aware of any potential health concerns, and train them.
Step 1: A large cage is what you should choose.
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 is in a frequently traveled room.
The parrotlet can retreat away from a busy room if one side is against the wall.Don't put the cage in the kitchen as cooking fumes and smoke are deadly for parrotlets.The cage should not be in direct sunlight.Make sure the room is not hotter than 80 degrees.
Step 3: If you have the space, opt for an anaphyrium.
It is possible to provide your parrotlets with 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 single 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.You may have to try out a few perches to see if your bird likes them.Variety is best for parrotlets.
Step 5: They should include 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 and provide a variety.There are toys with wire and string.
Step 6: The cage needs to be cleaned regularly.
Food and water dishes should be washed daily.The cage needs to be cleaned thoroughly, includingwiping down cage bars, cleaning perches and toys, and any other accessories.At least once a month.If you have more than one bird, 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 can include carrots, peas, broccoli, and squash.You don't need to cook the vegetables if you use frozen.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 should add fruit to their diet.
This can include fruit.If the fruits aren't eaten within a day, you'll want to remove them from the cage.They can handle fruit better if you cut it up.Safe fruits include apples without core, bananas, cantaloupe, pitted cherries, grapes, guava, mango, nectarines, oranges, papaya, and pitted peaches.There are fruits to avoid.
Step 9: A high quality bird food mix is what you should feed your parrotlet.
This should be pellet-based.There are food mixes that are specifically formulated for parrotlets.It's important that you don't 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 such as pellets and the other half should include fruits, seeds, and vegetables.
Step 10: Give your parrotlet food that is good for it.
Chocolate, fried foods, and sugar are included.Coffee and chocolate can be 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 put in dishes.
It's important that the parrotlets don't break their beaks with thick glass.Many parrotlets won't put their head in a dish that has a cover or hood, so avoid it.
Step 12: Feed your parrotlet around 12% of its body weight.
You'll want to give the Pacific parrotlet about 4g of food per meal.As many parrots self-regulate, you can keep more food in there.You should clean out excess food at least once a day.
Step 13: You can give water to your bird.
The water should be refreshed once or twice a day.Some birds like the taste of bottled water.Birds are more likely to develop infections when they use a water dish, so it's better to have a bottle of water.
Step 14: There are signs of illness that you should watch out for.
It is necessary to keep an eye on your bird's health.When a bird dies suddenly, it's usually because the owner thought the bird was fine.You should watch for the following symptoms: broken or chewed feathers, changes in eating habits, redness around eyes, and sores on feet.There was feather loss around the eyes.Leaning to one side.
Step 15: There are troubling signs to watch.
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's important to see an emergency vet quickly.Vomiting can be caused by injury or change in weight.
Step 16: Don't forget to keep vet appointments.
This should happen at least once a year.It might be a good idea to have a checkup twice a year once the parrotlet is 10 years old.Whenever there are changes in parrotlet behavior, you should take it to the vet.
Step 17: You should play with your parrotlet daily.
The parrot can 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 the bird is based on this.You will have trouble training the bird if you can't handle it.
Step 18: If you want to teach your parrotlet the name, you have to name it.
You should be able to name your parrot with repetition because they give their young names in the wild.Attach a phrase to the bird's behavior such as "I love you" if you start by being affectionate.You can say "I love you, Polly" if the bird has made a connection between the word and phrase.As the name gets attached to more commands, the bird will learn it's name.
Step 19: When you want the bird to do something, give them 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.Don't use a reward immediately after an unwanted behavior as you might accidentally reinforce it.
Step 20: Have a clicker identify wanted behaviors.
In dog and parrotlet training, a clicker can be used, as it allows you to identify quickly the exact moment the parrotlets does what you want.When you click and treat, the parrotlet will associate the click with treats.
Step 21: You can label the behavior.
You'll 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'll 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 may have to hold their tail down to get them to think.
Step 23: Invest in a parrotlet training program
If you have a bird that's too nippy, you may want to invest in a training program.The Better Business Bureau website has good ratings for programs.If your vet has any recommendations for specific trainers or training tips, you should check with them.