Pacific Parrotlet
The Pacific parrotlet has become one of the more popular small birds in the country, and is the most common of the various parrotlet species. They are referred to as “pocket parrots” — because of their small size, and they might very well sit in your shirt pocket as well!
Adult Size
4-5 in.
Weight
~1 oz.
Life Expectancy
20-30 yrs
History of the Pacific Parrotlet
Pacific parrotlets have not been bred in captivity long, however, they are the most common parrotlet species kept as a pet. Other popular species include the Mexican parrotlet (Forpus cyanopygius cyanopygius), the spectacled parrotlet (Forpus conspicillatus conspicillatus), and the yellow-faced parrotlet (Forpus xanthops).
Characteristics of the Pacific Parrotlet
Pacific parrotlets are very cheerful, funny, intelligent, feisty, curious and cheeky little chaps. They’re becoming more and more popular as pets as their plumage is so colorful.
Talking Bird
Hand-tam Bird
Bird Noise
Pacific Parrotlet Care
While parrotlets may be small, they are by no means low-maintenance. They are naturally easier to clean up after compared to larger birds. However, they require socialization and handling daily to keep them tame.
Bored parrotlets will become destructive—it's a fact. This can include nipping people, chewing up things around your home, or self-mutilating behavior. You can keep your parrots content by training them properly, using positive reinforcement, engaging them with toys, and giving them daily attention.
Health & Common Conditions
A parrotlet’s curiosity, combined with its small size, can make it accident prone and being stepped on can pose a real hazard.
Speech & Sound
Pacific Parrotlets are not noisy birds, making them the perfect choice for people living in apartments. They will repeat words and simple phrases, but they are not the finest talkers of the parrotlet family. These birds can learn to mimic, but they are not the best talkers of the parrot family. Some individuals can learn quite a few words. They are not noisy, so they will not disturb your neighbors.
Diet and Nutrition
Pacific parrotlets have a fast metabolism and must have food available at all times. They are known for their voracious appetites and absolutely thrive on a varied diet. In the wild, parrotlets feed on blossoms, seed heads, fruits, and berries.
Their diet must consist of fresh, bird-safe fruits and vegetables, small seeds, high-quality commercial pellets, and nutritious protein sources such as eggs. They must have access to a cuttlebone as a calcium source, particularly if a female is egg-laying.
Fruits and veggies should make up 50 percent of a parrotlet's diet. A high-quality bird pellet should account for 35 percent. The remaining 15 percent should be a low-fat seed mix primarily consisting of barley, millet, cantaloupe, flax, or grass seeds.
Pros
- Small-sized, don't require as much space
- Quiet, although may be trained to talk
- Affectionate
Cons
- Small size makes them more delicate
- Can be feisty, bullish, and temperamental
- Can get destructive if bored
Did You Know?
Pacific parrotlets come from Central and South America, more specifically Peru and Ecuador.
Pacific parrotlets live in tropical rainforests, bushland and savannas.
They’re very social and often live in flocks of 100 or more.
