Proper Temperatures, The Parrotlet Handbook, Breeders

I have had birds many years ago and am thinking about getting a parrotlets. I am currently the RESPONSIBLE parent of two dogs-a cavalier King Charles spaniel and a papillon plus I have two horses at home. I am reading about the parrotlets and would like to order the handbook you offer for sale. There is a dear, sweet parrotlets in the XXXXX where I buy my dog food. They are improving and renovating their store but while things get finished, this little, young parrotlet seems a bit chilly because they don't have the windows in yet around their aviary/bird sales area and I almost want to buy this parrotlet to get him in a warmer environment. It bothers me so much to see this! Anyway, I always want to be an informed owner so that is why I may call soon to order your handbook because I want to provide correct care. Do you sell parrotlets still?? I thought I saw somewhere that someone said they weren't selling them anymore but it could have been a different farm. Thank you for your time. Kathy Dear Kathy: Thank you for your email. No, I am no longer breeding parrotlets. 30+ years of hand-feeding thousands of baby parrotlets has taken its toll and I can no longer hand-feed. I can't comment on whether or not this particular bird is being cared for appropriately or not since I am not there. However, parrotlets can easily withstand temperatures into the 60's and much lower (even 40's) if they are acclimated. Furthermore, windows make things colder not warmer as glass is not well-insulated. In fact, it is a myth that these birds require hot temperatures as they most certainly are in much greater peril when they are too hot rather than too cold; the areas that they come from rarely get above 85 or 90 degrees. Anything above that can kill them unless they have lots of water and the ability to cool themselves. I am in the process of revamping my website and I hope to have that done shortly. In the meantime you can order my book from Amazon.com or can send me a check in the amount of $15 to The Parrotlet Ranch, PO Box 2842, Aptos, CA 95001 and I'll be happy to send you a signed copy. Hope this helps! Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest. Camaroonian Phrase

Parent Raised Parrotlet Questions

When should I remove chicks from there parents? They are over a month old they seem to get along well. They sleep together in there nest. Should I leave them housed together or seperate by pairs ? Ty Gary Dear Gary: Thank you for your email. I've written an entire book on breeding parrotlets called The Parrotlet Handbook that has chapters on breeding parrotlets so I'll just answer this very briefly. Remove the male once the chicks fledge otherwise he may attack and even kill his male offspring. Leave the female in the cage to teach them how to eat and keep them fed until they are weaned. Generally, it takes parent-raised birds longer to wean than hand-fed birds so they should be left with the hen until they are at least 8 weeks old. Then you can move them into another cage but separate them by sex. All females together, all males together. Hope this helps. Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. Secretary, International Parrotlet Society

Parrotlet Training Books

Please advise me of any good books regarding Parrotlets

Matt

I only know of one that I can recommend and that’s the one I wrote. The Parrotlet Handbook published by Barron’s, written by Sandee L. Molenda and its available at amazon.com or on my Parrotlet Ranch website. www.parrotletranch.com

Sincerely yours,

Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
Secretary, International Parrotlet Society