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FIRST DAY HOME
Introduce him to his new cage. Talk to him a lot. Practice the step up command
each time you want to pick him up. My babies are used to being out of their
cage, sitting on shoulders, and playgyms. He may look like he wants to bite you
as your hand approaches him, but don’t be afraid, ask him to step up by putting
your hand under his tummy. Lots of cuddles and scratches will win him over. Be
sure that he finds his food and water.
DO NOT CHANGE DIET RIGHT AWAY
Your Parrotlet should be fed the healthy diet I have raised them on. (See bottom
of page). If you want to change the diet, do it gradually! Young Parrotlets have
been known to starve to death because their diet was switched overnight and they
did not eat the new food.
Have plenty of millet available. I usually feed my babies food and water on the
bottom of the cage., so put a dish of seeds and some water on the bottom of the
cage. Also put a water bottle and a dish of seed next to a perch up higher. When
he starts to explore the cage and eats from the dish near the perch you can take
away the food and water from the bottom of the cage. Have plenty of food
available, like a piece of apple or broccoli. A small treat dish of mashed
boiled eggs.( Once or twice a week only) Always have a treat cup with Roudybush
pellets in the cage. He may not eat the food at first, but continue offering it.
PARROTLET TOYS
Parrotlets love to play and should be given a lot of toys. Things that move such
as swings and hanging toys are favorites. They also like things made from
natural materials such as wood, leather and raw hide. Parrotlets can be taught
to stay on playgyms and baskets. To train him to stay on the cage or playgym,
put him on top with a toy or a piece of millet. Each time he flies off, pick him
up and put him back on. After a few times he will get it and always stay on
where ever you put him. This will allow your pet more freedom as well as more
time with you as he is more mobile and easy to move around.
TIME OUT OF THE CAGE
The next few days, take him out to play with for short periods of time. Let him
settle into his new home. Then make sure to give your Parrotlet time out of its
cage daily. Play with him, provide toys and exercise outlets, share affection
with your feathered friend daily. Parrotlet require one on one time with their
person. It doesn’t have to be a long period of time but it must be consistent.
If you are gone all day, take a minute for a little “scratch and chat” before
you leave. When you get home they’ll be happy to see you and content to sit on
your shoulder to watch TV or work on your computer. You can also have a playgym
nearby in the kitchen and he can play around while you prepare meals.
WARM TEMPERATURE
Your baby is used to cuddling up against his siblings at night. Make sure his
cage is placed in a warm area and cover the cage at night. Do not expose him to
drafts. If you use a birdie tent you may not have to cover the cage if he is not
in a high traffic area.
MOLTING IS NATURAL
Parrotlets have their first molt at about 4 months of age. This is a stressful
time. He might be a little irritable and look a bit ragged in appearance. Be
patient with your Parrotlet. He will probably like being misted with warm water
more often at this time. You can mist him a few times a week or put a dish of
water in for him to take a bath. Most Parrotlets love to have a bath.
PARROTLET NIPPY STAGE
Sometimes young Parrotlets go through a nippy phase. To deter his behavior, say
No and give your hand a little shake to distract him. Distract him with toys or
put him down and pick him up again. Never physically punish your bird. Your
Parrotlet will enjoy sitting on your shoulder and having the back of his neck
rubbed. He will become your best friend. Be patient during the training process.
Talk gently to him.
MORE INFORMATION
Use the phrase “Step up” when you what him to come onto your hand. Always take
him out of the cage by getting him to “Step up” onto your hand. Never open the
cage door and let him out on his own,. After you have taken him out then let him
freely go in and out of the cage when left to play on top of cage. This way you
are in control.
If you are away all day at work. It is nice to leave a radio on with easy
listening music.
Practice the “step up” command by getting him to step up from hand to hand.
To make the adjustment easier for your little guy (and you), please try and use
these simple tips for the next two weeks or so until he is fully adapted to his
new surroundings. Remember that your bird is a baby and must learn many new
things. He will bond with you and be your companion for life.
Food I feed my babies and adults
- broccoli, apples, millet, mashed hard boiled eggs, piece of corn on the cob
- sunflower seeds with no shells, or black oil sunflower seeds
- premium budgie or lovebird seed mix
- Roudy Bush Pellets (crumbles)
- sprouted seeds (to help wean babies onto solid food)
- Any fruit or vegetable in season is good.
- They also like pastas, bread etc..
- No Avocado or chocolate!
Pet stores where I buy my bird food:
Websites for information on Parrots:
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