15 Things to Know Before Getting a Parrotlet
Thinking about bringing a Parrotlet into your home? These tiny parrots may be small in size, but they’re full of personality — and they can make wonderful companions for the right person or family. If you’re new to birds or just curious about what it’s like to live with one, here’s what I’ve learned from experience (and a lot of love for animals) that’ll help you decide if a Parrotlet is the right pet for you.
What Makes Parrotlets So Special?
Parrotlets are often called “pocket parrots” — and for good reason. They’re only about 4.5 to 5 inches long but act like they’re ten times their size. These birds are playful, curious, and full of charm. They love to explore, interact with their humans, and even learn a few words if they’re in the mood.
If you’ve always wanted a parrot but don’t have the space (or budget) for a big one, a Parrotlet might be your sweet spot.
Cage Size & Setup: Small Bird, Big Energy
Even though they’re tiny, Parrotlets need room to move. A minimum cage size of 18” x 18” x 18” is okay for one bird, but honestly — the bigger, the better. These little guys are busy bodies and need space to flap, climb, and play.
If you’re thinking about keeping two Parrotlets, make sure the cage is at least 50% larger and set up with multiple food and water dishes to avoid squabbles. They can live together peacefully, especially if they’ve been raised or socialized together, but it’s not always a guarantee — especially with opposite sexes (unless you’re ready for baby birds!).
Social Butterflies (with a Beak)
Parrotlets are affectionate and bond strongly with their people — sometimes even preferring one person over everyone else. But they do need daily interaction to stay tame and happy. If left alone for too long, they can get nippy or bored. Ours loved hanging out on our shoulder or playing with foot toys (yes, they’ll grab and toss things with their little feet!).
They can be a bit feisty too — not in a bad way, just confident. Training and gentle handling from the start go a long way in building trust.
Are They Good with Kids?
Generally, I’d say Parrotlets are best for families with older kids — at least 6 and up. Younger children may be too rough or unpredictable, and these birds are delicate. But for a responsible child who’s ready to learn how to handle a bird gently, a Parrotlet can be a wonderful buddy.
Playtime & Out-of-Cage Time
No matter how nice their cage is, Parrotlets need time outside of it every day. Letting them fly around a bird-proof room (no open windows, no ceiling fans, no tiny spaces to hide in) is great for their physical and mental health.
Just make sure your bird is tame enough to come back when it’s time to go in — otherwise, you’re in for a game of "chase the parrotlet" around your living room.
What Do They Eat?
Parrotlets thrive on variety. A good base diet is a quality seed mix (not just sunflower seeds), supplemented with fresh fruits, veggies, leafy greens, sprouts, and even cooked grains or legumes.
They’re not big fans of commercial pellets, at least not in our experience, but you can try mixing a few in for balance. Water is just as important — they can dehydrate quickly, so check their bowls daily (and clean them often).
Are They Loud?
Compared to other parrots, Parrotlets are pretty quiet. They chirp and chatter, but it’s not ear-splitting. Some can even learn to talk — though not all will. If they’re going to talk, you’ll usually see signs early on (like mimicking simple words or sounds). If talking is important to you, try to find a bird that’s already starting to vocalize.
Long-Term Commitment
This is a big one: Parrotlets can live 15 to 20 years — sometimes even longer with great care. That’s a serious commitment. They’re not a short-term pet, and they’ll need your attention, love, and proper care every step of the way.
Vet-wise, make sure you find an avian vet in your area before bringing your bird home. Not every general vet handles birds, and having someone you trust will make a big difference if health concerns pop up.
Final Thoughts
Parrotlets are tiny powerhouses — full of sass, smarts, and sweetness. They’re not as demanding as larger parrots, but they’re definitely not low-maintenance either. If you’re ready to put in the time and care to build a bond, they’ll reward you with years of companionship and fun antics.
Whether you’re a first-time bird owner or just looking for a smaller feathered friend, Parrotlets are a fantastic choice — as long as you go in knowing what they need. Trust me, once you’ve got one bouncing around on your shoulder, it’s hard not to fall in love.