How to Care for a Pacific Parrotlet

Pacific parrotlets are one of the world's smallest parrots with an average size of only 5 to 6 inches. They are not known for being loud like conures or other parrots. Parrotlets actually have a finch-like chirp that is coupled with a sweet personality, making them a very popular pet. Read on to learn how to care for a Pacific parrotlet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Bird cage
• Corn cob
• Perches
• Bird toys
• Food and water bowls
• Diluted bleach concentrate cleaner

1. Purchase a bird cage that has at least 2 square feet of floor space with bars that are spaced half-inch apart. The cage should have a metal grate on the bottom that separates the bird from its droppings.
2. Fill the bottom tray with corn cob to act as an easily changed and inexpensive substrate.
3. Place the bird's cage in an area of your home that is away from drafts and direct sunlight. The cage should be somewhere where the bird can see you often.
4. Affix plenty of half-inch-diameter perches in the enclosure. Parrotlets enjoy hopping from perches and playing with toys so provide several of each.
5. Fill a water bowl with non-chlorinated water. Fill a food dish with fortified seed or commercial pellets, and another with treats like fresh fruits and vegetables.
6. Change the substrate, and clean the food and water dishes daily. Clean and disinfect the entire cage and its contents once a month with a diluted bleach concentrate.
7. Take your parrotlet out and interact with it as much as possible. Parrotlets crave attention and enjoy spending time with you daily.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide perches made of natural, untreated wood along with cement perches or another material.
• Supply fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Also provide a mineral block and cuttlebone to help your bird get the necessary vitamins and minerals.
• Clip your parrotlets wings so that you can let it out of the cage and not worry that it will fly away or hurt itself.
• Locate perches and toys away from or below food and water dishes so that your bird's dropping will not land in the food or water.
• Remove the bird before cleaning the cage. Rinse away all traces of bleach before placing the bird back in the cage to prevent the fumes from killing your parrotlet.