New Parrotlet Question

Dear Ann:

Hi there,
i have just got a parrotlet for the first time, I am used to budgies but have never had a parrotlet before. I am concerned that the bird seems to eat all the time although there is a lot of uneaten seed at the bottom of the cage which he throws from his dish. I am about to introduce him to pellets and have also tried to give him a variety of fruit and vegetables, but as yet, he is not interested even although I know he ate them prior to coming to me. I will continue to offer them to him, its early days yet, I have only had him for two days!. However, I am concerned that he is always at his food bowl. I would be grateful for any advice. Thank you.

Thank you for your email. 2 days is not enough time for this bird to adjust. I have a page on my site called Bringing Home Baby and I suggest you read it as it will explain all various issues the bird is going through, what you can expect and tips for training, etc. Remember that budgies are domesticated birds and parrotlets are still very much wild. They need to adjust to you and become familiar and comfortable in the environment and that can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the bird. As for his eating habits, this how parrots behave. “Wasting’ food is how Nature designed them to be part of the eco-system in the wild. They spread seed across the environment and this is all part of the natural ecosystem. It can be frustrating to owners but such is the Nature of the beast. Also, parrotlets are very high energy birds and gram for gram eat more than macaws so again, this is very normal behavior. As far as pellets are concerned, again, I have a page on my site and a very extensive blog on the subject that explains exactly what they are, what they were intended to be used for and whether or not they really are the best nutritional value for birds. You can find it at http://www.parrotletranch.com/pellets.html or an updated version on my blog at http://parrotletblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/pellets-color-mutation-parrotlets.html

Hope this helps and best of luck to you and your new bird!

Sincerely yours,

Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com
Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org
A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest.
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