General Information
Pacific Celestial Parrotlets (Forpus coelestis) are very cute and playful parrots with a large personalityin a small package...about5 1/2 inches longwith a short tail. They originate in South and Central America. Parrotlets are one of the smallest parrots in America and also known as a "pocket parrot" due to their abilty to do just that...fit in your pocket. They have similar traits as larger parrots but in mini form and even think they are bigger than what they are. Some will hide in your hair or want to always be on your shoulder and play. We even keep a hamster wheel in the cage so they can run on it and they love it! Parrotlets, usually males if they do, can also learn to speak some words while others will whistle tunes and mimic noises they hear everyday. For those with allergies to other animals, these may be an option for you since they use an oil gland for cleaning their feathers. Unlike some that are a powder so pareotlets could be an option for those that suffer from allergies of cats or dogs. There are many colors of these beautiful and cute birds... green, blue, yellow, white, pied, turquoise, fallow, pastel,albino, lutino and counting. The Parrotlet's average lifespan is 15+ years if fed and taken care of correctly and given daily happiness!
Training
Anyone who has owned a Parrotlet knows that they can sometimes be stubborn individuals and can be harder to train and actually keep "hand tame". There is also a difference when someone sells a "hand-fed" versus actual "hand-tame" baby. Socialization at the right stage of development is the "key".This is why more recently and after years of customer feedback, we have found a way to train each baby Parrotlet to be a social and a well behaved member of your family. We developed a training program that is introduced from the time they are pulled from the nest, to help alleviate stress for the new owners and their new baby. So far we have had success of handing over a sweet, little Parrotlet that knows how to "Step Up", give some kisses and fly to their new owner, not away from them. Though each baby learns at a different pace they may not know everything before leaving, but will have some starter training and we will give you advice on where the baby is At about 8 weeks old, the baby will be ready for their new home.
Cage & Toys
Acage of about 18" x 18"and larger is recommended with a couple 5/8 to 1/2 inch perches, cuttlebone or mineral block for calcium (if not on Roudybush pellets), a calcium pedicure or cuttlebone perch for nail/beak trimming, and a chewable toy(s) and swing in their cage. The bar spacing of the cage should be 1/2" or less so they do not stick their heads out and get stuck.They are also very acrobatic little birds and are fun to just watch sometimes. My little ones love to chew on the rope toys or even play with cat jingle balls that have the holes for gripping. Hamster exercise wheels attached to the cage are also tons of fun for some of the babies. We prefer to not have mirrors in cages as they may think it's another bird and get hormonal and bitey.Fleece tentscan be acceptable if you do not get one that has fuzz or material that can come off and be ingested.We prefer not to have a tent as some can also become territorial and are not as sweet or lay eggs inside it. I also recommend that one Parrotletis best tohave or keep in separate cages from another bird . If they are cagedtogether for too long, they may grow attached to one another and lose the bond with their human family.
Food
These babies will be weaned primarily on Roudybush Adult Maintenance pellets (mini or crumble). A small amount of Higgins Vita Seed co*ckatiel seed mixture can also be added every few days. We can give you a starter bag of pellets you can mix with the food your going to be using if is different than what we wean onto. If you do want to use your own or use a seed mixture, getting with minimal sunflower or safflower is preferred to limit high fat content from sunflower seeds. If upon arriving to their new home and your new baby will not eat the pellets, giving a small amount of seed mixed can help entice them into eating in a new environment. Millet spray treats are also heir "comfort food" and recommend they have a small piece in their cage daily for first couple days upon arrival to their new home. We also use Nutri-Berries for treats.
Parrotlets also will eat fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, apples, bananas, peeled kiwi, mango, cranberries, oranges, grapes, grapefruit, broccoli, peas, carrots, green beans, kale and many others. Fresh, thawed frozen veggies, and dried are all acceptable. Sprouted seeds are also high in nutritional value. A separate dish just for fresh foods is preferred so it can be removed after a few hours to prevent spoiling of what is left over. Water bottles to hang on the cage are good for always having fresh water. Dishes are also good to have in case your little guy or gal wants to take a bath, too.
Male or Female
Pacific Parrotlets males or females can be distinguished by their markings. The males have blue eye streaks, royal blue wing tipsandrump, while the females have no royal blue markingsat all.
On Lutino varieties the males will have white where the dark blue would be. The Albino if looking under certain lighting you can see the darker blue of a male if held under an angle. The females will lack the darker blue and may have a slight light blue tint.
Females in general can have some blue or turquoise on their rump, but is not as dark and is usually darker on marbled (previously pastel) varieties. Looking under under the wing for the darker blue in this mutation is the determining factor.
