Parrotlet Care Standards
International Parrotlet Society
What are Parrotlets? Parrotlets are one of the smallest species of parrot in the world. They are true parrots and very closely related to Amazon parrots. Parrotlets are intelligent, affectionate and have very comical personalities. They can be taught tricks and many, especially males, learn to talk. Males can be identified from females by the blue on their wings, backs and often heads. Females are primarily green. Parrotlets are long-lived and with proper care, can live 20-30 years.
Are There Different Kinds? There are three different species of parrotlets sold as pets. Pacifics or Celestials are the most common and one of the most colorful. They are the most fearless and outgoing of the parrotlets. They can sometimes have a stubborn streak but respond very quickly with training. Green Rump parrotlets are very sweet and gentle but they can also be a bit timid and shy around new things. Spectacles are also very curious and personable and usually very good talkers.
Who is a Better Pet - Male or Female? Both males and females make wonderful pets, however, females are often more devoted to their owners. In fact, females often will become "one-person birds" if not handled by a variety of people when young. Males will have a favorite person will but usually go to anyone.
Where Can I find More Information? The International Parrotlet Society was formed in 1992 to promote the care, breeding, exhibition and conservation of all species of parrotlets. We publish a bimonthly journal that includes a photograph of a different parrotlet in each issue. Each issue contains information about general parrotlet information, pet information and breeder information. Check the application on the second page of this form.
Standards of Parrotlet Care
· Feed your parrotlet a healthy, varied diet on a daily basis including pellets (cockatiel), vegetables, beans, grains, fruits, seeds (cockatiel) and nuts.
· Clean water should always be available. Change water at least once daily.
· Learn what foods should be avoided such as salt, sugar, chocolate, avocados and alcohol.
· Secure the services of a veterinarian certified in or experienced with avian clients.
· A well-bird examination and annual check ups are highly recommended.
· Quarantine any new bird(s) coming into your home for at least 45 days if another bird(s) is already present.
· Have nails, beaks and flight feathers trimmed when needed.
· Keep your parrotlet away from smoke, toxic plants and fumes.
· Never leave parrotlets unsupervised with children or other pets.
· Never take parrotlets outside unless they are in a cage. Even a parrotlet with clipped wings can still fly.
· Always transport your parrotlet in a cage that is securely fastened with a seat belt
· Provide a cage large enough to contain many toys and perches to allow your parrotlet ample room to exercise. A recommended MINIMUM is 18" wide x 18" deep x 24" high. Maximum bar spacing is ½".
· Provide enrichment items and rotate them on a regular basis to alleviate boredom. Also, check them often to make sure they are not damaged and are safe.
· Clean cage, perches and toys regularly and change cage papers daily. Food and water dishes should also be cleaned daily.
Taking Care of Your New Baby
Water - Provide both a glass tube or ball waterer (for rodents) AND a small dish on the bottom of the cage. After you see him drinking from the tube regularly, you can remove the small dish.
Food - If you change the diet, do it gradually!! The bird may have not learned to associate different foods so be careful. Young parrotlets have been known to starve to death because their diet was switched overnight and they did not eat the new food. For the first week or so, place your bird's food on the bottom of the cage in a paper plate or on a paper towel. Provide seed and/or pellets in small, flat dishes on the bottom. Also, be sure to give them as much millet as they want especially the first week. Then, you can gradually reduce the amount to a spray a couple of times a week. After he is seen eating out of the dishes regularly, you can move the rest of his food to small, flat dishes and then to the regular dishes provided with the cage. Avoid dishes with hoods on them; many parrotlets will not stick their heads inside and can starve to death.
Stress - Remember your bird is a baby and he needs rest. When you first bring him home, put him in his cage and let him get used to the new environment. On the second day, you can open the door and take him out for playtime. After about an hour, return him to his cage. He can then come out a few more times during the day. Do not continually play with him for hour after hour while he is very young. As he gets older, gradually his out of cage time can increase. 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. If your baby appears lethargic, quiet, weak, cold or is unable to perch, immediately place the bird's cage on a heating pad or under a light covered with a towel. Try and warm him up to 85°- 88° and get him to an avian veterinarian. Many times heat will work wonders and in a few hours they are up and running around. Sometimes, the stress of the new home, et cetera, can be a little much.
International Parrotlet Society
Application / Renewal
The International Parrotlet Society welcomes and appreciates all people who enjoy parrotlets. The purpose of the IPS is to promote interest and education in parrotlets, including their care, exhibition, reproduction and conservation. Individual annual membership dues are $25.00, $30.00 family, $30.00 international. Membership with the IPS provides you:
· Bimonthly Journals w/Photograph & Free Classified Ads
· Contact Information, Parrotlet Breeder Directory & Biannual Meetings
· Cooperative Breeding Programs, Surveys, Rescue/Adoption Program
· Traceable Banding System, Society Issued Bands, Show Standards
You may obtain additional information by contacting:
President - April Winger - (805)-928-7742 (California)
Vice President - Jerry McCawley - (480)-484-0931 (Arizona)
Treasurer/Editor - Robert Molenda- (831)-688-5560 (California)
Secretary - Sandee Molenda - (831)-688-5560 (California)
Membership Reps. - Katy Secor - (978)-251-3653 (Massachusetts)
Darlene Fitchet - (480)-860-4211 (Arizona)
AFA Delegates - Jerry McCawley - (480)-484-0931 (Arizona)
Sandee Molenda - (831)-688-5560 (California)
Band Secretary - Rosemary Flamion - (805)-528-7372 (California)
Internet: http://www.parrotletranch.com/ips
International Parrotlet Society's Products
IPS Lapel Pin $8.00/each or 2 for $12.00
IPS Membership Badges $14.00
Back issues of IPS newsletters $4.55 each
Parrotlet Lovers Cookbook $10.00
(All information is regarded as strictly confidential)
Is this an Application / Renewal / Information Change - Member ID ______________________________
Club Directory entry: No Listing / Name & Phone & E-mail / Club Affiliation
Club Breeder Directory entry: Band-ID_______ MAP Certified ___________ Shipping ______________
Are you a breeder or pet owner? Breeder / Pet Owner / Do you show? _____________________________
What parrotlet species do you own :________________________________________________________
Please indicate any preferences for newsletter articles :_________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Name _______________________________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
E-mail: ______________________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number - (____) - _____ - __________
Return this form to:
International Parrotlet Society
PO Box 2428
Santa Cruz, CA 95063-2428
Referred By : _______________________ Date ______________________