One of our clients, Exotic Pet Birds, is featuring parrot and bird info on their website. As a service to their site, we will be posting their features on our blog.
This feature will be on the Parrotlet:
Parrotlet
(Forpus coelestis)
Parrotlets are a species of the smallest New World parrots, comprising three genra, Forpus, Touit, and Nannopsittaca. Of these three genera, Forpus, is growing in popularity within the world of aviculture which has raised interest in the group as a whole.
Parrotlets are very small, with a stocky build and a broad tail, much like the lovebird species of East Africa and fig parrot and pygmy parrot species of Australasia. At 4-5 inches (11-12cm) long, they are the smallest kind of parrot in the world.
One of the most common species kept as pets it the Pacific Parrotlet. The wild type coloring for this species is green, but several color mutations have been discovered through selective breeding. Parrotlets are sexually dimorphic, meaning males can be distinguished from females. Males have markings of cobalt blue on their head, wings and tail. Females generally lack these blue markings.
These miniature parrots in the wild travel in flocks which, depending on the species can range from as low as 4 to over 100 birds. Most either species travel in flocks of about 5-40. This species forms strong pair bonds with mates.
With a healthy diet, lots of exercise and a healthy environment, the Parrotlet has a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years.
They can learn more than 10-15 words and can “whistle” songs well. They have about the same speaking and whistling capabilities of a cockatiel. They are also very good learners of commands such as “step up”, kiss-kiss, “step down”, and other small commands. Some Parrotlets can learn advanced tricks, but not as advanced as a Macaw or an African Grey Parrot. Having the ability to speak does not necessarily mean a bird will speak; it depends on the specific bird’s personality.
These feisty little birds should not be overlooked in favor of more widely known types of birds; Parrotlet owners will tell you that these birds possess all the intelligence and attitude of the largest of Macaws. These birds are fairly quiet companions, making them ideal for those who live in apartments or condominiums. Males are more likely to talk than female parrotlets.
The most commonly kept parrotlet in aviculture is by far the Pacific Parrotlet, which now has several color mutations such as yellow, blue, lutino,and white. The Mexican, Spectacled, and Yellow-Faced are also fairly common pets. Their popularity as pets has grown due to their small size and large personalities. Parrotlets are commonly know as playful birds that enjoy chewing as much as their large Amazon Parrot counterparts. Being highly intelligent and active parrots, Parrotlets must have ample opportunities to play and exercise. Environmental enrichment must be made a part of their daily lives as to prevent boredom. Parrotlets keep themselves more than occupied when left alone for several hours, so long as they are provided with an array of chewable and destructible toys to play with. However when their keepers get home they often greet them with lovely chirps and whistles to let them know they want attention.
FORPUS: The best-known genus of Parrotlet, includes all species of Parrotlet commonly kept as companion pets including the Pacific/Celestial Parrotlet, Green-rump Parrotlet, Blue Wing Parrotlet, Mexican Parrotlet, and the Spectacled Parrotlet. Also the “Yellow Face Parrotlet”, larger than the other Parrotlets and only found in a single valley in N.W. Peru they are still part of the “forpus” group.
TOUIT: The Touit parrotlets are a genus of Parrotlets found in the Venezula-Guyana area, North Andes, and Bahia. Only three of the seven species of this genus have been brought into aviculture, with all three failing to breed or survive.
NANNOPSITTACA: There are only two species in the Genus Nannopsittaca, of which only one – Nannopsittaca panychlora, the Tepui Parrot–has been successfully kept in captivity.
As with any Exotic Bird, diet is very important. A mix of fresh veggies and fruit, a pelleted blend, pastas, sprouts, beans, and a high quality nut and seed mix(as treats) should be given to your parrotlet daily. Cages should be large enough for your bird to move around in freely and be able to hold wooden toys for chewing. My Parrotlet is housed in a 24x18x18 flight cage that gives her plenty of room to play and fly.
STOP WILD TRAPPING NOW!!!
For more information about Parrotlets for sale, go to MRParrots.com.
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