Can I tame an older breeder parrotlet?

[mandolynn]

I am seriously considering buying an older former breeder parrotlet. I've wanted one for a long time, but babies are rare in my area. I saw one for sale for $50, and I feel kind of sorry for him.. I have tamed other breeder birds in the past, so I know it's possible, but I am wondering what the difficulty would be like with a stubborn little parrotlet? I almost think I might buy him even if I know he would never be tame, just to give him a good home, but I am just wondering if anyone has experience hand tamed no them? Any advice or info would be much appreciated!

 

[MonicaMc]

No experience with parrotlets, but if you used positive reinforcement training aka Force Free Animal Training, then I think it's possible to get him tame and friendly, at least to a point!

 

[MurkyWaters]

Mine had been stuck in her cage for years but she's so social that she loves flying to me and just being with me. Most of this is on HER terms though not yours. They are so social that you might see him crave the attention. I was able to hand tame a teil but this little one is on her terms only. So.... good luck lol

MurkyWaters

 

[RavensGryf]

As Monica said above, with force free positive reinforcement (important in developing confidence in a wild bird), you might get him "tame to a point". Depending on the bird, the reality is this will take a ton of time and dedication, possibly more than the average person has time for. "How" tame are you expecting? With all the handfed, hand raised, socialized ones out there, IMO I'd pass on this one. I've found rare birds before that I was looking for. You just have to be patient for some time, and keep searching. It helps if you're open to pay for shipping. Good luck!