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New here and looking to buy a parrotlet!

3K views 26 replies 13 participants last post by  David Miller 
#1 ·
Hi everyone! I am new here and really interested in getting a cute pet bird. I live in a studio apartment, and the landlord already told me I have permission to get one. My question is, do pet shops have parrotlets generally? I really adore the aqua blue color. Would they have that? What advice do you have for buying one at a pet shop? I am in the US.
 
#2 ·
Often you will get a healthier, tamer bird by buying directly from a breeder rather than a pet shop. I don't think it's allowed to give breeder info out on the open forum, but if you want to say what state you are located in, people can send you a private message if they know of a breeder. You could also have one shipped to you but you have to be really careful if you do that that you are dealing with a reputable, knowledgeable breeder.
 
#5 ·
Welcome! If you want a parrotlet, then do your research first. Look at the left side of this forum page and you will see the column called " Forums ". There are many selections you must read before you get a bird. Please look at them . P'letts are a difficult but beautiful and smart birds, but temperamental. They will and can have a biting problem. They are small, but think they are 2 feet tall! They are not good around other birds or pets. There are exceptions, but not many. They like to bond with one person. They love veggies and treats and proper food. They need attention. Breeders are the best place to get one. Look up parrotlet breeders in Pa. Call bird food stores for info to breeders. Good luck. Let us know. Call avian vets for some insight to local breeders.:D

David and Bogie, the parrotlet.
 
#6 ·
Welcome! These little guys sure are cute :)

But they are also a lot of work!

I grew up with a lovebird that is HALF the amount (if not less!) of work than Levi is. Parrotlets are spunky and stubborn... more like having a toddler than a pet. You mentioned you live in a studio - make sure that you have enough room for a good sized cage. Parrotlets are small but they need large cages with lots of perches and toys as they are very active (typically).

For me, I looked for a breeder that I trusted and then waited and waited and waited until their birds had a clutch. I waited about a year. This wait time allowed me to do a lot of research (a lot of reading on this forum) to make sure I absolutely wanted a parrotlet.

Of course, he has stolen my heart and there's no turning back now :)

Good luck!!
 
#7 ·
While I would agree that a breeder is a good way to purchase a parrotlet.

In NJ we have bird stores who only sell birds. They typically breed themselves or buy from local breeders.

I bought my guy from a bird store. He was hatched and raised there.
 
#9 ·
While I would agree that a breeder is a good way to purchase a parrotlet.

In NJ we have bird stores who only sell birds. They typically breed themselves or buy from local breeders.

I bought my guy from a bird store. He was hatched and raised there.
There is a store like that here but they only have larger birds. They keep the babies that are being handfed at the store so you can pick your baby out before it's weaned and visit it if you like. I agree that's a good way to go also if there's some place like that near you.
 
#10 ·
Greetings and welcome! If a good breeder can be found buying from a breeder is great. Alternatively, as has been said, there are shops that specialize in birds, buying from local breeders and breeding some themselves, and that can also work very well. I have old family friends who own a bird shop and I've gotten great birds from them over the years, including my parrotlet, Sky. I wish you the best of luck finding a new feathered friend! :)

As for parrotlets....they are awesome little birds, like a big parrot in a dinky body the size of a canary...totally amazing. :D
 
#12 ·
congratulations on selecting a parrotlet as a pet. Forum members are correct---they usually need a lot of attention and love, and good food/environment.

I obtained Ollie from a great bird breeder, who is no longer selling parrotlets. Very disappointed on that prospective. Parrotlets are bitey birds, but there are ways to calm them down from that annoying behavior. My Oliver (Ollie) is certainly my companion - baby, since my babies have grown!
Ask all your concerns to the breeder you select to get basic information on your bird. The forum members can fill in the rest! best to you.
 
#14 ·
Where I got Levi from they are breeders / bird store. From my understanding they were breeders who realized their customers needed somewhere to buy supplies so they opened a store!

They post on Facebook frequently asking for volunteers to come socialize the babies and play with their boarders... If the shop was at all closer to me I would be there every weekend!!
 
#15 ·
Tumi's also from a parrot shop, which takes birds from breeders still unweaned and raises them and then sells them. All the sell are baby birds (quite well socialized) and some parrot supplies. Either directly from a good breeder or from a parrot shop are the best places to find a well-socialized bird, but you really should try to meet the bird first and let the bird pick you. :)
 
#16 ·
Both times, I purchased birds from local bird stores, I was able to meet before hand and spend time while they were still being weaned. It is very common for me to see the new owners walking around the store with their new babies getiting to know then before it is time to go home.
 
#22 ·
You are fine Kiwibird, you are just not allow to mention them by name. If you have a breeder you would like to recommend to a member who asks you may send them a PM so you did the right thing.

Now we need to welcome you and have you start a thread to tell us all about your new baby bird!
 
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