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Owning
a Parrotlet is a 20-30 year commitment. This is longer than a child
would stay in your home. If you are ready to make the commitment
to care for and be the social flock for one of these delightful
little parrots, you are in for a very rewarding relationship.
Let
Your Parrotlet Rest
When you first bring your Parrotlet home
and put him in his new
cage
he will be afraid and timid about his new surroundings.
Give him plenty of time by himself to get familiar
with his cage. He/she may be too shy to eat
with you, your family, your neighbors, your other pets walking
up and staring at him/her in
the cage. THE FIRST DAY HOME, LET HIM
REST & EAT IN PEACE AND QUIET! Be sure that he finds his food and
water. Start giving him attention AFTER you notice his food has
been disturbed and is he/she is eating.
DO
NOT CHANGE DIET RIGHT AWAY!
Your Parrotlet should initially be fed the healthy diet we
have raised them on. If you decide to change the diet,
do it gradually! Young parrotlets have
been
known to starve to death because their diet was switched
overnight and they did not eat the new food. Have
plenty of millet available. If he doesn't explore the cage
to find his food, put the millet and water close to where
he perches most. If he becomes fluffed up and not eating,
contact your avian vet immediately.
Parrotlet
Toys
Parrotlets love to play and should be given a lot of toys. Things that move such
as swings and hanging toys are favorites.
They
also
like
things made from natural materials such as wood, leather and raw hide. Parrotlets
can be taught to stay on playpens and baskets. This will allow your pet more
freedom as well
as more time with you as he is more mobile and easy to move around.
Time Out of Cage
The next few days, only
take him out to play with him for about 15 minutes at a time. Let him settle
into his new home. Then
make sure to give your Parrotlet time out of its cage
daily. He is depending on you to be his
companion for his entire lifetime. Play with, provide toys and exercise
outlets, share affection with your feathered friend daily. Parrotlets
require one on one time with their person. It doesn't have to be a long
period of time but it must be consistent. If you are gone all day, take
a minute for
a little "scritch and chat" before you leave. When you get home they'll
be happy to see you and content to sit on your shoulder to watch TV or work on
your computer.
Warm
Temperature
Your
baby is used to cuddling up against his siblings at night.
Make sure his cage is placed in a warm area and cover him
at night. Do not expose him to drafts.
Molting is Natural
Parrotlets have their first molt at about 4 months of age. This is
a stressful time. He might be a little irritable and look a bit ragged in appearance.
Be
patient with your Parrotlet. He will probably like being misted with warm water
more often at this time.
Parrotlet Nippy Phase
Sometimes
young Parrotlets go through a nippy
phase.
To deter this behavior, say NO firmly. Never physically
punish your bird. Your Parrotlet will enjoy sitting on your shoulder and having
the back of his neck rubbed. He will become your best friend. Be patient
during the training process.
To make the adjustment easier for your little guy (and you), please try and
use these simple tips for the next two weeks or so until he is fully adapted
to his new surroundings. Remember that your bird is a baby and must learn many
new things.
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