Parrotlets

Scientific Name Origin Food Life Span Size Housing Diet Feeding Recommended Supplies Normal Behavior & Interaction Habitat Maintenance Grooming & Hygiene Signs of a Healthy Animal Common Health Issues Red Flags

 

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SCIENTIFIC NAME: Forpus, Touit, Nannopsittaca spp.

ORIGIN:

FOOD:herbivore

LIFE SPAN: 10 to 20 years with proper care

SIZE: 4 - 6 inches long

 

HOUSING:

• Birds acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme temperature
  change; cage should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts
• A cage approximately 18"W x 18"D x 24"H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 3/8" apart, makes a good home for your parrotlet; as with all animals, it is best to provide the largest habitat possible; a flight cage is strongly recommended; perches should be at least 4" long and ½" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and prevent arthritis is suggested
• A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with cage paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning; to avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches.
• Bird owners should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release fumes hazardous to your birds health
  care menu

 

DIET:

• Specialized pelleted diets are highly recommended and should consist of 60–70% of the diet; use fortified seeds in moderation as they are higher in fat and less nutritious than pellets
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apple slices, grated carrots, raw broccoli, and green leafy
  vegetables
• Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water changed daily
• Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol, or caffeine as these can cause
  serious medical problems
  care menu

 

FEEDING:

• If your bird is used to a seed diet, convert to pellets gradually; fresh pellets or seeds and fresh,
  clean, chlorine-free water should always be available
• Fresh fruit and vegetable supplements should be given daily and discarded if not eaten within 24 hours; parrotlets appreciate quality and variety in their food
  care menu

 

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES:

• Cage and cage cover
• Grooming spray
• Vitamin supplements
• Cage paper or substrate
• Millet spray
• Variety of perches
  
• Pellets and fortified seed
• Play gym
• Variety of toys
  
• Food and water dishes
• Treats
  Cuttlebone
  
• Book about parrotlets
• Bird bath
• Nail clippers and styptic gel
  care menu

 

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION:

• Parrotlets are best kept singly as they can be territorial
• Active and need time out of their cages daily to interact with the family
• Enjoy a variety of chew toys
  care menu

 

HABITAT MAINTENANCE:

• Clean and disinfect the cage and perches regularly; replace substrate or cage liner weekly or
  more often if needed; replace food and water daily
• Replace perches, dishes and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat
  regularly
• Ensure that there are no cage parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead and lead-based paints or
  galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird
  care menu

 

GROOMING & HYGIENE:

• Provide filtered, chlorine free, lukewarm water regularly for bathing; remove the water when
  done; as an alternative, mist the bird with water or a grooming spray
• Clipping flight feathers is not necessary, but when done correctly it can help prevent injury or
  escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird
• Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird
  care menu

 

SIGNS OF A HEALTHY ANIMAL:

•Active, alert, and sociable • Eats and drinks throughout the day • Dry nostrils and bright, dry eyes • Beak, legs, and feet normal in appearance • Clean, dry vent • Smooth, well-groomed feathers
care menu

 

COMMON HEALTH ISSUES:

Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action

Chlamydiosis Appetite loss, fluffed feathers,
nasal discharge
Seek immediate veterinary attention

Diarrhea Fecal portion of stool not formed. Multiple causes
Seek veterinary attention; ensure correct diet; reduce fruit intake

Feather Plucking Bird plucks own feathers Relieve boredom with attention, new toys, or space; improve diet;
seek veterinary advice

Mites (Scaly Face and Leg Disease) White deposits on eyes, beak, legs, and feet
Seek treatment from veterinarian
care menu

 

RED FLAGS:

•Beak swelling or accumulations • Fluffed, plucked, or soiled
feathers • Sitting on floor of
habitat • Wheezing or coughing • Runny or discolored stools • Favoring one foot • Eye or nasal discharge • Red or swollen eyes • Loss of appetite
care menu

REFERENCES & LINKS: