Seriously Considering a Parrotlet...

Phlox

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So I'm planning some bird accommodation shuffling soon, hoping to get my GCC into my biggest cage (48x36) with a divider if needed to share with my tiel and dove. (that was the set up with my previous GCC, without a divider, but I'm realistic they may need it) They currently share a smaller (30x24) flight cage with my budgie...and the budgie can't move into the big cage due to bar spacing. The 30" flight cage has a divider too, and I'd like to get a 2nd bird to share with the budgie.

I work during the day, so I like them to have bird buddies to keep them stimulated when I'm not around. I'm working on trying to tame the budgie, but its hard to say how effective its going to be. She was an aviary bird and lived with finches before so she thinks she's a finch, not a parrot.

I know parrotlets can be fiesty, but I also know they can be little darlings.

I'd love to hear experiences with them in mixed bird households and how that worked out. I've found a nearby breeder with handfed babies, but I don't want to rush into things.
 

BridalWreath

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Parrotlets are wonderful pets however the bigger the cage, the happier they will be. They tend to love toys and will play with pretty much anything that you put in their cage. Mine also lovers to climb up and down on ladders like a manic, which is one of the reasons why I have one leading up to his front door. The cage that I have for my parrotlet is around 34x40, which gives him enough room to climb, swing, play and do what he wants to do.

Another thing about them is that some of them can be velcro birds and may only tolerate being a single bird. They are not afraid to charge after another animal (mine charges after my dog) and let them know who is boss. If you believe you would have time with one, I would say go ahead. However, I would possibly think about it before splurging.
 
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Phlox

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That's my primary worry...I would be pretty sadly disappointed to end up with a bird hating bird. I can even deal with birds that aren't terribly fond of people, as long as they don't hurt themselves over it, but not liking other birds sort of defeats the purpose.

Anyone else have any experience in this? Or should I reconsider and just get another budgie?
 

Terry57

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Were you planning on them actually sharing the cage? I really wouldn't put a budgie in with a parrotlet. Parrotlets think they are huge birds, and they can be quite mean and territorial, especially to a different kind of bird. If it were me, I think I would just get another budgie to be on the safe side:)
 
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Phlox

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I'm beginning to think so too. The cage is divided, but I don't want to hurt my little budgie pal. Maybe I can find a nice English budgie and prevent any damages. I do NOT want to hurt my little Finn.
 

Terry57

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Hawkhead(Darwin),YCA(Dexter),VE (Ekko),OWA(Slater),BHP(Talli),DYH(Calypso),RLA(Kimera),Alex(Xander)CBC(Phoe),IRN (Kodee,Luna,Stevie),WCP (Pisces),CAG(Justice)GCC (Jax), GSC2(Charley)
When I first added my female p'let, we divided their cage for awhile to see how they would do, and my male was always trying to get her feet:( They finally started to get along after a long time and are now living happily ever after in the same cage, thank goodness:)

English budgies are awesome & I bet would be a wonderful friend for Finn:)
 

BirdSquawk

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Jack- 5 year old pacific parrotlet
I don't know about mixing them with other birds, but my parrotlet is very sure of himself and he isn't afraid of biting.
 

BridalWreath

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Parrotlets are known to chase other parrots twice their size, if that helps you out with their temperament with other species.
 

MrsKay

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Did you ever decide on another bird?
I vote for another budgie. They are extremely sociable with one another and will most likely bond ;)
 
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Phlox

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Still debating options for the moment. I expect to be adding a larger bird to my flock in the next two weeks, so I'm in no rush for this situation. My budgie is still living with her cockatiel and dove friends for the moment; its just due to some caging options that this may happen and I haven't shuffled anyone yet. (the flight cage bar spacing is too wide for the budgie)
 

SoCalWendy

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Parrotlets are fiesty lil bird that generally do not like other birds and will take on larger birds but this could be to their detriment. With people however, they are delightful. They have their moments, but most of the time they are great lol companions. My daughter has a P'let and they are insuperable.
 

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