Health and Pacific Parrotlet record keeper (Forpus coelestis) Congratulations on adopting your new feathered companion. Here are a few basic recommendations we’ve compiled to guide you in becoming the best caregiver possible for your small parrot. We encourage you to continue your parrot care education with numerous resources available to provide optimum care, health and enjoyment for years to come. Record for: _____________________________________________________ Bringing your Pacific Parrotlet Home Pacific Parrotlets are naturally green in color the avian companion to pair bond with human pet is provided with a although mutations are extremely popular such flock member can have undesirable consequences comfortable and secure as the yellow, fallow, albino, Isabel, and pastels (contribute to unfavorable behaviors such as night-time retreat. To screaming and biting). promote an undisturbed Parrotlets do not possess the screaming abilities sleep, the sleeping cage that other parrots do but this does not impede “Versatile living quarters” for should be covered at their intelligent, comical, curious and acrobatic your Pacific Parrotlet night and located in a character. The parrotlet being the tinniest of In order to prevent cage bonding and territorialism, quiet and safe location, parrots in the world, they have a strong charismatic your bird should be equipped with a variety of away from disturbances and predators (i.e. cat personality and a powerful beak for their size! Their habitats to provide versatility throughout the or dog, family entertainment room, and/or character reveals one of a large parrot trapped in day and a distinct retreat for the night. This will electrical devices that can make sudden noises a small body & determined to prove to all they are also challenge him mentally, prompting and (furnace, refrigerator). worthy of the attention. encouraging his instincts for adaptability and Socialization Parrotlets easily entertain themselves when offered independence. Unfortunately many birds are not occupational activities. Naturally gregarious they provided with versatile living quarters, regrettably It’s also important to socialize your bird. A well- will thrive if provided an enriched and stimulating living in a single cage dwelling day and night can socialized parrotlet is curious and gregarious, lifestyle, safe comfortable, spacious living have irreversible consequences that often lead to takes an interest in its surroundings and quarters, a healthy diet hormonally triggered undesireable behaviors and thrives on attention. To help socialize your pet, you and endless foraging health concerns. might want to consider taking him along to family opportunities. events or for strolls through your neighbourhood. Day Cage This can be achieved through the use of an avian Supervision is a must The day cage is perhaps transport cage or parrot backpack. to make sure your the most important parrotlet doesn't take Avian flight harnesses are not recommended for investment you can cover in a sofa or under this extremely small species. Partial flight feather make. It should be a a pillow or blanket trying to claim a territory, they grooming should be discussed with your avian spacious, stimulating are so tiny accidents can easily occur. Because veterinarian, as this may be necessary to prevent environment allowing of their size parrotlets can easily engage in an accidental uncontrolled flight injury should for plenty of light and flight exercise in your bird safe environment in your bird not have a bird proof room to fly in. air. Ideally the space your home but caution as they can quickly get within the day cage into mischief. Visual Enrichment (actual total useable "Bring" the flock to your feathered companion They welcome challenging occupational therapy area to allow some with videos intended for this purpose. Numerous such as foraging toys and weaving materials. They exercise especially if this amounts of wild bird footage has been compiled enjoy daily misting or bathing, plenty of exercise will be the only living quarters) or as large as you for companion parrots to virtually participate and training. We recommend that you have your can accommodate within your living space. The in social flock vocalization and communication. parrotlet sexed (blood sampling for DNA sex dimensions can vary based on the design of the This boredom buster will also encourage & determination) to give you additional guidance cage and the other living quarters offered. teach foraging skills, preening activities and for its future behavior and health preoccupations. An exercise gym and a separate training stand are social hierarchy. Parrotlets are reputed to have an expansive also recommended. Transportation personality, despite their limited talking abilities. Sleeping Cage Compared to larger parrot species, their small size, Another method of quiet nature and relatively less destructive nature Your bird should also be provided with a sleeping transporting your make these excellent feathered companions. cage, covered at night and placed in a quiet retreat parakeet is by the use They are extremely sociable birds but must be within your home to allow undisrupted sleep of an avian transport guided with loving discipline and training so for your feathered companion. A “starter” cage, carrier. From his first they can understand the boundaries and what purchased for weaning and fledgling chicks can car ride to his new is expected from them. We encourage all new always be converted to the sleep (or boarding) cage home, to annual vet parrotlet caretakers and all members of the family once is not longer needed for its original purpose. check-up, to grooming to establish a healthy flock hierarchy within your It is recommended that caregivers provide their appointments, to home from start. With the participation of all parrotlet with 10-12 hours of undisrupted sleep “play dates” with other members of the family, a relationship of tutor to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You’d be surprised feathered friends - a and child must be promoted and should not at how quickly undesirable behaviours can be carrier plays an essential role. encourage one of mating companion. Allowing managed and eventually modified when your Bringing your Pacific Parrotlet Home 2 My Pacific Parrotlet Profile and Health Records These forms and charts can help you record and monitor your bird's specific lifestyle, the care you are providing and the relationship he has with his family, flock and environment. These details of your parrotlets' life can provide valuable information to your veterinarian, bird sitter or future adoption family. Should your pet require hospitalization or boarding, a copy of your birds profile will be useful to the clinic or bird sitters. The answers to these questions could be valuable when consulting for medical and behavioural concerns. The complex nature of these birds should not be limited to these questions. We encourage you to add as much information as possible to your parrot’s profile forms. Conserve this information along with the birth certificate, feathers, photos and any health related documents. INFORMATION Name: ____________________________________________________________ Hatching date: ______________________________________ This bird was rehomed with limited information available : Species: __________________________________________________________ Latin name: _________________________________________ Band #: Opened Closed _____________________________ Physical characteristic of ID: _______________________ Microchip #: ______________________________________________________ Chip manufacturer: ________________________________ Breeder: _________________________________________________ Captive bred Neonate diet fed: __________________________________ Average weight: ___________ g Sex: M F Unknown Sexing Method (parrotlets are dimorphic and can easily be sexed by the dark blue color streaks near their eyes, under carriage of their wings and feathers on their backs. Mutations can be more difficult to identify.): Sexual dimorphism Has layed eggs History (source, previous owners, quarantine, parent ID, etc.): _______________________________________________________________ EXAMINATION Tested for: Polyomavirus Pacheco’s Virus Psittacose Chlamydia PBFD Borna: Type ______________ Sample taken from: Feathers Blood Nail Vein Environmental swab Droppings Samples submitted by: ____________________________________________ To which lab: ___________________________________________ Past vaccinations: (register and conserve all documents): Polyoma Pacheco’s Diet provided - specify as much detail as possible (quantity eaten, brands, frequency offered, etc,) Formulated diet: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ / ________ % Sprouting grains, seeds, nuts: _____________________________________________________________________________________ / ________ % Veggies & fruits: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ / ________ % Supplements (vitamins / calcium): __________________________________________________________________________________ / ________ % Water source & quality: ______________________________________________________________________________ Daily Intake: _______ ml MEDICAL HISTORY Check-mark the following (if your parrotlet has previously encountered & required medical attention for): Respiratory problems Bacterial infections Allergic reactions