Does anyone have a parrotlet?

[Candi]

Just curious if anyone here has a pet parrotlet? We're considering adding one to the family next spring (when my daughter is 5) and would love some first hand stories. I always had birds growing up, from budgies to a cockatoo but it's been years since we've had a bird... my daughter has been begging for a budgie for a couple years but I'm learning towards the parrotlet as I'd personally like something more "parrot like".

Thanks!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Candi, even though I've never owned a parrotlet, I can tell you that they can be quite noisy (annoyingly so). They are cute little parrots, but tend to become quite "nippy" and "moody" as they sexually mature. I personally wouldn't advise getting one of those, especially if you have your daughter handling the bird. A parakeet is certainly a better choice, or even a cockatiel, especially when you get one that has just been weaned.

If you want to go with a bigger bird AND a cuddly one, why not consider another Cockatoo? Goffins are small and very lovable and predictable.

---
Wendy

 

[blange3]

Candi, even though I've never owned a parrotlet, I can tell you that they can be quite noisy (annoyingly so). They are cute little parrots, but tend to become quite "nippy" and "moody" as they sexually mature. I personally wouldn't advise getting one of those, especially if you have your daughter handling the bird. A parakeet is certainly a better choice, or even a cockatiel, especially when you get one that has just been weaned.

If you want to go with a bigger bird AND a cuddly one, why not consider another Cockatoo? Goffins are small and very lovable and predictable.

---
Wendy

I was waiting for Wendy to chime in hoping she had owned one.

I haven't owned one either, but I have the same impression of parrotlets as Wendy does.

I'd stick with a parakeet or a cockatiel.

 

[adesimone1]

I agree I have raised many parrots, cockatiels and parakeets. If you can deal with the mess and the dander I would get another cockatoo they are definitely the friendliest out of the bunch. We have always gotten our birds from the nest and hand reared them. If you have the time and patience raising a baby bird can be so much fun.

 

[diverrk]

Candi, even though I've never owned a parrotlet, I can tell you that they can be quite noisy (annoyingly so). They are cute little parrots, but tend to become quite "nippy" and "moody" as they sexually mature. I personally wouldn't advise getting one of those, especially if you have your daughter handling the bird. A parakeet is certainly a better choice, or even a cockatiel, especially when you get one that has just been weaned.

If you want to go with a bigger bird AND a cuddly one, why not consider another Cockatoo? Goffins are small and very lovable and predictable.

---
Wendy

I was waiting for Wendy to chime in hoping she had owned one.

I haven't owned one either, but I have the same impression of parrotlets as Wendy does.

I'd stick with a parakeet or a cockatiel.

Well I beg to differ with the opinions on Parrotlets. I have had one for 3 years now and have had no problems. He is a fun and wonderful pet to myself, my wife and my two children. They are hardly as noisy as parakeets, for sure. Can you hold and play with a parakeet ? Don't think so. Cockatoos ! They are one of the noisiest parrots around, that's why you will find many of them up for adoption . Just check with www.cockatoorescue.org/.

ANY bird will be noisy if they are not getting the attention they should, just like a child .

Anyway, with my experience with the Parrotlet I would reccomend one to you, but get one from a reputable breeder, make sure he is weened properly and hand fed from birth.

Not trying to be argumentive, but how can somebody give advice on something they have no experience with. I have had plenty of experience with birds. I have owned several parrots, Yellow Naped Amazon, African Grey and the Parrotlet.

Here is some pics. Oh by the way can you put a Parakeet on a Skateboard or put a Santa hat on them ;D

 

[diverrk]

He better look out for the attack Parrotlet ;D

 

[JerseyWendy]

Not trying to be argumentive, but how can somebody give advice on something they have no experience with. I have had plenty of experience with birds. I have owned several parrots, Yellow Naped Amazon, African Grey and the Parrotlet.

diverrk, you wondered how someone can give advice when they have no experience? Easy, my GF has been a bird breeder for the past 25 years, and I take her expert advice any given day. She certainly didn't steer me wrong with my 2 Amazons. She's bred all types of birds, parrotlets included. Oh, and I forgot to add that my sister and brother-in-law were proud owners of a parrotlet for 8 years. Once she reached sexual maturity she became an egg-laying machine, a nasty biter, AND extremely noisy. They ended up finding her a mate and they both lived happily ever after.

---
Wendy

 

[adesimone1]

And for me I have hand raised parakeets ,Blue and Gold Macaw, cockatoos, cockatiels, sun conures, african grays. orange winged amazon etc. and as I said they need attention if the bird is apart of the family he/she will do well in my experience birds do get nippy when they get older.

 

[blange3]

Not trying to be argumentive, but how can somebody give advice on something they have no experience with. I have had plenty of experience with birds. I have owned several parrots, Yellow Naped Amazon, African Grey and the Parrotlet.

Well I think we were all clear that our opinions were not based on personal experience.

I too have kept numerous birds for well over 30 years, including Yellow Napes, Double Yellow Heads, African Greys, Blue and Gold Macaw, Alexander Ringnecked Parakeet, Cockatiels, Budgerigars, and numerous finches. I also spent 15+ years caring for them in the pet trade, so I wasn't just speaking to hear myself talk.

As any experienced bird keeper knows, Psittacine temperments can vary to a great degree. I'm glad your experience has been positive and I'm glad you shared it. The parrotlets I have handled have been cute little rascals, but not something I would let a 5 year old get their first bird experience with.

 

[Candi]

Thank you to everyone for the opinions, experiences, and suggestions. I have had (well, my parents had while I was growing up & living with them) a cockatoo, cockatiel, and amazon (along with budgies, love birds, canaries, etc) so I do have some experience with birds. Parrotlets caught my interest as they are toted as having the personalities of the larger parrots in a smaller much quieter body. It'll be at least 8 months to a year before we even seriously considering bringing a bird into the family so I'll be sure to do lots of research and talk to a few different breeders to make an informed decision.