[popples]

Hi everyone I'm new to the thread and so glad to have found this place!
I am getting my first parrotlet in a few weeks but so far I keep getting negative information aboiut these little beings and how "vicious" they can be etc etc. I am well aware about how every bird and pet has boundaries and can bite but I am really looking for some positvity and positive stories about these guys as my heart is very set on them.
Thanks so much

 

[HarryTheParrotlet]

You have to remember two things.
1. They are very small prey animals and are geared towards protecting themselves by any and all means.
2. You are entering a two way relationship. If you are expecting unconditional love-get a puppy. You have to give as much or more love to earn it back. It is totally worth it.

 

[popples]

thanks so much. I fully intend to give 120% of my time to this baby bird - but what I am saying is eveyone keeps mentioning how "vicious" these guys are and hence giving me fear.

 

[HarryTheParrotlet]

Vicious.
Will they take a finger off? No.
Will they make your nose or finger or earlobe bleed? Rarely, but it will happen as you get used to reading body language.
Ex. Birb wants a scritch and cuddles up to your tender neck; however, you're scrolling on your phone and don't immediately respond. You may get a reminder!
Most of the time the biting is part of showing affection and as it happens they have very sharp beaks that make these bites feel more significant than they are. In time most people get used to it.

The beak open, running at strangers or the non preferred flock human, becomes routine and very entertaining (if you're not the one being chased).
On the other hand I spend hours with Harry on my shoulder or nearby while I do chores, prepare meals (she loves helping), play games and also training on the T stand.

 

[Rubydoo252]

Tumi lets me know that he is frightened by something (real or imaginary item) by biting me for attention. Nine years into our relationship, he and I have great snuggle times. However, he is stubborn and what he wants isn't always what I need from him. He will express his displeasure with his beak.

Would this be your first parrot? As was mentioned, they are different creatures than dogs or cats. They are prey animals, and do not trust you. You have to earn their trust over weeks, months, and years. The relationship I have now was hard won. Tumi trusts me, but I do still have times that he bites. Parrotlets seem to have "obsessions" that other parrots aren't prone to that can cause them to get overexcited and lose all beak manners even with the person they trust (aka bite HARD because they are too excited). Also, many parrots of all varieties think that attacking toes is a "fun" game. Parrotlets have a disproportionately strong beak for their size, more like a medium sized parrot, and so their bites do hurt. Because of their small size they also don't tend to give warning like a larger bird would but instead defend themselves by biting right away.

 

[popples]

Vicious.
Will they take a finger off? No.
Will they make your nose or finger or earlobe bleed? Rarely, but it will happen as you get used to reading body language.
Ex. Birb wants a scritch and cuddles up to your tender neck; however, you're scrolling on your phone and don't immediately respond. You may get a reminder!
Most of the time the biting is part of showing affection and as it happens they have very sharp beaks that make these bites feel more significant than they are. In time most people get used to it.

The beak open, running at strangers or the non preferred flock human, becomes routine and very entertaining (if you're not the one being chased).
On the other hand I spend hours with Harry on my shoulder or nearby while I do chores, prepare meals (she loves helping), play games and also training on the T stand.

Thanks so much for the feedback! I’m excited and nervous at the same time

 

[popples]

Tumi lets me know that he is frightened by something (real or imaginary item) by biting me for attention. Nine years into our relationship, he and I have great snuggle times. However, he is stubborn and what he wants isn't always what I need from him. He will express his displeasure with his beak.

Would this be your first parrot? As was mentioned, they are different creatures than dogs or cats. They are prey animals, and do not trust you. You have to earn their trust over weeks, months, and years. The relationship I have now was hard won. Tumi trusts me, but I do still have times that he bites. Parrotlets seem to have "obsessions" that other parrots aren't prone to that can cause them to get overexcited and lose all beak manners even with the person they trust (aka bite HARD because they are too excited). Also, many parrots of all varieties think that attacking toes is a "fun" game. Parrotlets have a disproportionately strong beak for their size, more like a medium sized parrot, and so their bites do hurt. Because of their small size they also don't tend to give warning like a larger bird would but instead defend themselves by biting right away.

Thank you for the feedback!

 

[Tofu]

I think they’re very outgoing birds that react passionately to their environment maybe more so than other parrots of their general size do. This can be a bit of a shock to some people especially of they’re not prepared to commit to the time it takes to train and bond with them. It sounds like you are ready to put in the time and effort though!

That being said I LOVE how parrotlets communicate. They will let you know exactly what they want when they want it. I think my Tofu has probably trained me as much as I have trained her. A relationship with a parrotlet is a practice not a task. You don’t complete xyz and then you’ve got a trained bird. It’s something you cultivate everyday but with the high input comes high reward. While they’re prone to reacting intensely in a negative sense they also love very passionately. Aesthetically speaking, they’re very cute and have some beautiful colors. I have an American yellow and she’s so vibrant and stunning.

They're incredibly smart and I’m constantly shocked by how Tofu solves problems. She’s at the point now where I’m running out of ideas for little puzzles and games to play with her. A current favorite is: take lid off cup, put toy in cup, put lid on cup. She does small puzzles, has a favorite and least favorite color (blue and orange respectively), and enjoys listening to music. She knows where the speaker is and will cheep until we turn it on for her-but only her playlist she likes or else there will be a tantrum.

This is my husbands first bird and he adores her. He regularly says, “I have never in my life thought I could love a creature as much as I love my parrotlet.” I would have to agree. My parrotlet is my best friend!

 

[vkelman]

We have parrotlets for 26+ years, really like them and are enjoying every day with them.
Yes, sometimes they bite, but they are tiny and it isn't the really big problem. They like to interact with people so much, we're their flock. They like cuddles. They are great birds. Owners just need to be smart observe and learn bird's sounds and body language. It's getting better over time.

 

[popples]

We have parrotlets for 26+ years, really like them and are enjoying every day with them.
Yes, sometimes they bite, but they are tiny and it isn't the really big problem. They like to interact with people so much, we're their flock. They like cuddles. They are great birds. Owners just need to be smart observe and learn bird's sounds and body language. It's getting better over time.

Thanks so much for your reply!

 

[popples]

I think they’re very outgoing birds that react passionately to their environment maybe more so than other parrots of their general size do. This can be a bit of a shock to some people especially of they’re not prepared to commit to the time it takes to train and bond with them. It sounds like you are ready to put in the time and effort though!

That being said I LOVE how parrotlets communicate. They will let you know exactly what they want when they want it. I think my Tofu has probably trained me as much as I have trained her. A relationship with a parrotlet is a practice not a task. You don’t complete xyz and then you’ve got a trained bird. It’s something you cultivate everyday but with the high input comes high reward. While they’re prone to reacting intensely in a negative sense they also love very passionately. Aesthetically speaking, they’re very cute and have some beautiful colors. I have an American yellow and she’s so vibrant and stunning.

They're incredibly smart and I’m constantly shocked by how Tofu solves problems. She’s at the point now where I’m running out of ideas for little puzzles and games to play with her. A current favorite is: take lid off cup, put toy in cup, put lid on cup. She does small puzzles, has a favorite and least favorite color (blue and orange respectively), and enjoys listening to music. She knows where the speaker is and will cheep until we turn it on for her-but only her playlist she likes or else there will be a tantrum.

This is my husbands first bird and he adores her. He regularly says, “I have never in my life thought I could love a creature as much as I love my parrotlet.” I would have to agree. My parrotlet is my best friend!

awww thanks so very much for all this information tips and advice! I cannot wait to get my baby!

 

[kirstenmae]

You want some happy things about parrotlets? This is Cirrus. He is one year old, parent raised, and I do not clip his wings. I got him when he was a few months old. He is very much like my children were as toddlers, but add a beak and wings.

He is smart. He loves to be read to, and has favorite books. He loves throwing things on the floor and waiting for me to pick them up. He laughs (like me) when he does it. He has favorite YouTubers (Apollo and Frens, Kiwi the Indian Ringneck) and loves to watch Lucas the Spider videos. He understands most of what I say but does what he wants. He loves attention and lives for approval. He goes to work with me sometimes and has favorites among the students. He rides in a small carrier that I hang from the passenger seat head rest, so he can see. He loves riding with me.

If he gets scared, he does bite, but he's just a tiny little guy... I don't blame him. I did teach him 'gentle beak' by petting his beak gently if he bites. He knows and uses the word 'beak' and even used it to make a joke - I told him 'i love you' and petted him, and he gently beaked me and said 'beak you' and then laughed 🤣

They're amazing, smart friends. I know people who have taught parrotlets to read! Take your time with yours, and remember, consent is everything, trust is everything. They're smart - treat them like they're tiny, very cute people. You'll be amazed! 💙💙💙

 

[popples]

View attachment 48240
You want some happy things about parrotlets? This is Cirrus. He is one year old, parent raised, and I do not clip his wings. I got him when he was a few months old. He is very much like my children were as toddlers, but add a beak and wings.

He is smart. He loves to be read to, and has favorite books. He loves throwing things on the floor and waiting for me to pick them up. He laughs (like me) when he does it. He has favorite YouTubers (Apollo and Frens, Kiwi the Indian Ringneck) and loves to watch Lucas the Spider videos. He understands most of what I say but does what he wants. He loves attention and lives for approval. He goes to work with me sometimes and has favorites among the students. He rides in a small carrier that I hang from the passenger seat head rest, so he can see. He loves riding with me.

If he gets scared, he does bite, but he's just a tiny little guy... I don't blame him. I did teach him 'gentle beak' by petting his beak gently if he bites. He knows and uses the word 'beak' and even used it to make a joke - I told him 'i love you' and petted him, and he gently beaked me and said 'beak you' and then laughed 🤣

They're amazing, smart friends. I know people who have taught parrotlets to read! Take your time with yours, and remember, consent is everything, trust is everything. They're smart - treat them like they're tiny, very cute people. You'll be amazed! 💙💙💙

oh my goodness he is just precious!! thank you for sharing this with me! I cant wait to get my baby soon!!