Parrotlet care, food & housing

     The  Pacific Parrotlet , (Forpus Colelestis), is sometimes referred to as the celestial parrotlet or Lesson's parrotlet and is native to Ecuador & Peru.

     They are the 2nd smallest of all parrots ranging between 4 1/2 - 5 1/2 inches in length & weighing 28-35 grams. Living up to 20 years, they make wonderful companions.

     Pacific parrotlets are often referred to as "pocket parrots", they love to climb or sit for cuddles on your finger, shoulder - or in your pocket. 

     Parrotlet care - 

     A parrotlet kept alone will benefit from daily interaction with its owner & will form a strong bond with you. Parrotlets may be housed with a mate, and if socialized often, both can remain tame; however, if left alone, they may bond more closely with eachother and less with you.

     Never keep two male parrotlets together, they are territorial, and may fight, especially if you have more than one breeding pair. Breeding pairs can be kept in proximity but should never be allowed to see eachother. Males that can see another male may become aggressive & even harm/kill their mate.

     Parrotlet food. Parrotlets enjoy a wide variety of seeds, pellets, fruits & vegetables. A good quality cockatiel seed mix should comprise only about 15% of your parrotlet' s diet, pellets about 35%. The remaining 50% should be a balanced mixture of fruits & vegetables.

     I feed my babies Higgins Vita-Seed Cockatiel Mix. The pellets are already mixed in with the seed, which makes it a little easier than buying two different products and mixing them. Any quality cockatiel mix that contains pellets is fine, but I stay away from the cheaper brands which aren't as nutritious. 

     Fruits & vegetables can be prepared daily, but I have found it much easier to prepare a "chop" - portion it into small freezer bags (enough for about 3 days), freeze and thaw as needed. Kale, raw broccoli, raw spinach, squash, apples, pineapple, mango, all berries - any variety of whatever is in season and readily available is fine. Please remember that mushrooms, onion, chocolate, caffeine, fruit seeds & avocado are toxic to your baby. Dairy should also be avoided. As long as your mix doesn't include these - it will be fine. Sprouts are an excellent source of nutrition, and can usually be found in the produce department. I also add chia seeds & a little nuts (walnuts or almonds). I like to crunch up a little whole wheat angel hair pasta in mine, raw, it soaks up all those juices that are full of vitamins and the grain is good for them. Many parrotlets enjoy munching of a big piece of raw broccoli or fresh fruit - you can play around and see what you baby parrotlet prefers, as long as their is variety - so they are getting they nutrients they need to stay healthy, a lot like feeding a child lol. Remember - half of their nutrient are coming from their fresh food.

     Filtered water is best for them, tap water can contain fluoride and other additives that can build up in their small bodies quickly - it may seem fine, but also may be taking years off of their lives. I give all of my babies bottled water, it is replaced as needed, at least twice a day. There are automatic waterers available that are very convenient, just make sure you check them - sometimes they don't seal properly and empty too quickly.

     I refill seed cups every morning, so their seed/pellet mix is available to them 24/7 and give them their "chop" late afternoon, every day.

     Cuttlebone/ mineral blocks should be provided. They provide the calcium and minerals your baby needs and helps them keep their beaks trimmed. 

     Millet! Millet to a parrotlet is like candy is to a child. It's not a replacement for seed/pellet mix but given in moderation as a treat. They love it. There are other treats commercially available, my babies really enjoy Kaytee Healthy Toppings Papaya. 

     Do not give your parrotlet grit/gravel. They do not need it and it will harm them.

     Your new baby will go home with small bags of Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health, Kaytee Exact Rainbow pellets & millet. You can switch their food over to the quality brand of your choice by mixing what I have sent, a little every day until they are used to the new brand. 

     Do not use feeding cups with lids. Parrotlets do not like to stick their heads inside, I have read of some starving because they would not eat out of covered dishes. 

     Cages come in all sizes and shapes, the bigger the better - mostly because you will find yourself running out of room for new toys haha. The cage doesn't have to be huge for your baby to get plenty of exercise, especially if they are getting out of cage time often. You will find that they love toys! Balls, bells, mirrors, anything they can climb on or hang off of - they will enjoy. The only thing you need to watch is the bar space, as long as they cannot squeeze through, it's fine.

     Parrotlets need to sleep. Covering the cage every night for at least 8 hours protects them from drafts and helps them rest.

     As a parrotlet breeder, I care deeply for these little guys, and am here to answer any questions you may have to help you raise healthy happy babies.