Recently, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a spike in pet adoptions. Many have become quarantined at home with scarcely anything to attenuate their boredom, and spending time with a cute critter companion is an excellent option to relieve loneliness and anxiety in such unprecedented times. When blessed with the time and ability to adopt a new pet, most people jump into deciding between dogs or cats. However, the range of available pets goes beyond the simple canine-feline debate. Perhaps, the most ideal pet may be flighted and adorned with colorful feathers.
Pet parrots come in many shapes and sizes. From the scarlet macaw to the lovebird, these hook-billed beauties will keep you staring in awe at their brightly painted feathers and melodious songs. Weighing in at less than an ounce, the smallest bird on this scale is the parrotlet. Just like the larger birds in the parrot family, parrotlets boast a big personality and impressive intelligence. They are capable of learning to speak and perform various tricks. Moreover, when paired with loving owners, these tiny birds are able to live up to 20 years!
Keeping a parrotlet is like enjoying all the best qualities of a big bird but not having to deal with the drawbacks of one. Many who live in apartments fear that their pet may be too loud for their neighbors and attract noise complaints. Named one of the most quiet pet birds, parrotlets communicate mostly using low chirps and the occasional squeaks. Furthermore, parrotlets are very intelligent birds and possess the ability to learn many tricks. Regular training sessions will reward an owner with a source of entertainment. They also love music and are more than enthusiastic to sing along to any of the newest additions to the Billboard’s Hot 100.
Alas, no pet animal is “perfect”, including the seemingly unflawed parrotlet. These small birds are surprisingly stubborn and need a patient owner who is willing to put in the effort to gain their trust. Once bonded to its owner, the parrotlet will remain fearful of other people, so it is important that the owner is able to take care of it long-term. Another shortcoming of the parrotlet is that it is very independent of other birds and tends to be aggressive toward them. It should always be kept in an isolated cage with many toys, where the bird is the most happy and content. If a person is looking to keep multiple pet birds, a parrotlet may not be the best suited for them. Even with such foibles, however, parrotlets can make wonderful pets that utterly outweigh the negatives.
Overall, the parrotlet is an amazing option when searching for a new companion. These miniature parrots are smart, beautiful, and full of personality. If we open our hearts to make room for these little birds, they are able to bring tremendous joy into our lives. How could one possibly say no to such wonderful creatures?
