>>> Return to Previous Page

Cages, Toys & Perches for Parrotlets

Cages
We recommend nothing smaller than 24" wide, 18" deep and 16" tall. Cage bars should be no wider than 1/2". Bar spacing should be between 1/2" and 5/8". Anything wider and a head could get caught. Also, be sure the cage has a grate on the bottom to keep curious beaks away from droppings and debris. Put the cage in the room where the family spends most of its time. Your bird will enjoy interacting with everyone. Be sure lighting is adequate.

Toys
In the world of Parrotlets, everything is a fun game. Parrotlets absolutely love to play. Their natural boldness and intelligence makes them a delight to watch as they tumble and play. Usually bundles of energy, parrotlets spend hours swinging, climbing and playing. Parrotlets will use a wide variety of toys that should be alternated often to keep the Parrotlet from getting bored.

Since they have such strong beaks be sure and buy sturdy, well made toys designed for cockatiels, small conures or small birds. Toys that provide motion are favorites. Swings are especially coveted and many parrotlets enjoy sleeping on them. Natural fiber rope, leather, rawhide and wood are also appreciated as parrotlets love to chew. Soft toys with natural fibers are great for snuggling. I do suppy acrylic toys, with bells are good (they last forever) but the toys they can tear up will always get the most action.

The most important feature of a toy is safety. Dyes should be all natural vegetable dies.

Perches
Perches should be thick enough that the Parrotlet's toes cannot touch all the way around. A variety of perches are important. I like keeping two perches in each cage. Either a softer natural untreated wood perch (The irregularities provide a kind of massage for the feet and they enjoy nibbling on the bark and wood) or a cotton rope perch which are soft for their feet. They are great to rest on.

And a harder perch such as a cement or pumice which are great to wear down the nails. I put the softest perch (smooth wood or cotton rope) up in a high place. Parrotlets tend to sleep and sit there the longest. They like to sit high up in order to have a good view of their surroundings. Too many perches can interfere with the parrotlet's movements. Make sure each one is spaced far enough away from the other and not over the food bowls.