Mystic Creek Aviary

About The Parrotlet: The genus Forpus

The Parrotlet is the second smallest true parrot measuring around 5 inches, head to tail, with some

sub-types being smaller or larger. The smallest parrot being the Fig parrot is currently endangered.

I'm not even sure there are any in existence.

There are several subspecies of Parrotlets including; Pacific, Pacific Lucida, Green Rumped, Spectacled,

Mexican, Blue Winged, Yellow-faced, and Dusky-billed. There are also some others that are not available in the U.S. They are found all over South America. For example the Pacific Parrotlet is found in western

Equador and northwestern Peru.

The Parrotlet is sexually dimorphic meaning you can tell male from female by the color markings.The boys have a blue mask and coloring on their back and tails. So DNA testing for gender is no necessary.

Keep in mind a Lucida Pacific female has coloring similar to the male.

 

[I raise Pacific and Lucida Parrotlets in a variety of colors.]

 

The Parrotlet is said to be a cousin to the larger Amazon parrot, so don't take their size or intelligence for granted. They are a feisty, active, pint sized parrot with the heart of a lion. They will keep you entertained with their antics as it seems they constantly have some important project going on. Small as a mouse, yes, but certainly not timid as a mouse and they love [or hate] with all their hearts.

Like any parrot much larger than they are, they must have proper training and daily interaction to keep them friendly and occupied.

A Parrotlet adopted before 3-4 months of age will quickly adapt to a new home and caregivers,

but older babies and adult birds sometimes take a little longer. They have a fierce loyalty to their early

caregivers and this is somewhat unique about these little guys. So, whenever possible, adopt them as

young as you can.

That being said, don't overlook an older bird. With a little time and patience they will adapt and become fiercely loyal to you.The bottom line is that with any parrot going to a new home, a few simple tips applied can make the transition go more smoothly. I will send you home with a care and information packet that describes these steps. But it's up to you to follow through.

If you educated yourself about parrots in general, and then the specific species that you are interested in, you can have a wonderful feathered pet. Keep in mind that having any type of exotic bird is not like having a cat or dog.

The number one mistake, in my opinion, is that because of the Parrotlet's size people handle them differently than they would a large parrot. This can lead to fear and frustration for the little guys and a nip might follow. You wouldn't just reach in a grab an Amazon and the Parrotlet requires the same handling.

Again, they require proper interaction.

 

This is the 3rd and 4th generation of Parrotlets for me, but I have been raising exotic birds for nearly 30 years.
FYI, I do not breed visual to visual in the color mutations such as blue to blue or yellow to yellow. The practice of breeding one bird to the same colors causes health problems in the chicks.