OKay, so I'm really torn. At our local pet store they have a grey/blue parrotlet. He's been there for several months now. I've been thinking about him a lot lately . I've done research on parrotlets and have been saying for awhile now that eventually I would add one to the flock. I know they can be aggressive with other birds and that great care would have to be taken to ensure the parrotlet's safety - and that of the existing birds. I'm a stay at home mom - and feel that I would be able to provide for another bird.

My main concern about this particular bird - is where he's coming from. I hate this pet store - I hate the way they care for their animals. If I buy this parrotlet - I'm just giving him the ability to bring in another bird. But at the same time - I feel really guilty knowing about this parrotlet and not going and getting him. I've interacted with him 2x (the 1st time was about 2 months ago - the 2nd time was a few nights ago.) He didn't seem overly frightened of me - he came to the front of the cage while I talked with him and nibbled (but didn't bite) my fingers when I put them up to the cage.

They're currently feeding him Zupreem fruit pellets and sunflower seeds. From the reading I've done - pellets - especially colored pellets - are not very good for parrotlets. (I don't even know if he's eating much of the pellets - they're bigger than what I feed to my alexandrine.) I worry about someone else buying him, and them assuming it's a correct diet for him to be on - and him suffering from it in the long run. I also worry about the fact they have parakeets in the store that look sick (one is missing feathers around his eyes). I would not bring the parrotlet into my home without taking him to the vet first and when we did bring him to our house, he would go into our bedroom for quarantine. (my grandmother has agreed that if I got him, he could stay at her house till I was able to get him into the vet. She doesn't have any animals at her house.)

My husband and I talked it over again tonight - and he agreed that I could buy the parrotlet. But should I? I know some people will say no - don't support the store. But...... I don't know. Advice? Opinions?

I would get him and give him a good home. Then, if they get another, you can tell them that food is too big! He sounds so great. Sounds like you have a connection. I felt that when I saw Chipper. My hubby had wanted a parrot. I told him, as he knows, I cannot have noise in the house. Well, this is a perfect bird.

There are SO many good things about them. We adore Chipper. Good luck with your decision.

Oh about them being aggressive. Mine is not aggressive and the one at my birdclub plays with a Caique.You DO have to be careful about bigger birds hurting them. They are so small.

Thanks for your input Sally, I really appreciate it. I'll most likely end up going tomorrow and talking to the owner and see what we can work out. I'm not willing to the pay the price they have him on now, but think he'll probably work with me some. Plus I want some kind of guarantee that they'll help with the vet bill in the case the parrotlet has something and needs treated. If I do bring him home - I've promised myself not to go back to that store again!

By the way - what diet do you have Chipper on?

Chipper eats a veggie mash I cook in the microwave. I cook a bag of assorted veggies and then a sweet potato. I then use the food processor and get it soft, mixed all together. I then take some out for my little Shih Tzu! ha. She loves the mash too!

Anyway, I then add some seeds (Topper seeds, they have lots of safflower seeds) and pellets. I then freeze little packages.

She LOVES birdie breads, muffins, cookies! They are full of good things also. Here are some good recipes...http://www.parrothouse.com/recipes.h...Potato%20Balls

I give her scrambled egg, bird popcorn on the cobb, avi cakes, nutriberries, strawberrries, other friut, pasta, Beak Appetit.. I make sure she eats very well.

She is so pretty, like VELVET. I also have a Feather Brite light I use several hours a day.

They need a very large cage. I have a Kings cage for her. They love MANY toys.

They really are a HOOT to have and since she is our only bird, she is SO VERY quiet! They need a lot of quiet sleep and a nap. Chipper is just like a well behaved child! Amazing.

If you get the p'let, I can help with anything you need to know. I just love them. I hope the price is good for you.

I had two parrotlets for many years. They are huge birds in a little package. I fed mine Zupreem pellets in one bowl, Harrison's in another and fresh foods every day. They got Goldenfeast Petite Hookbill Legume once a week. They loved just about every food I gave them. My male actually had quite a vocabulary (not that talking is important - but his little voice was really cute - especially when he laughed)! I say give him a good home ... and you know the next part ... send Cosmo to me!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the info. Sally. I'm pretty sure I can get him to an agreeable price. He asked me the other night how much lower he'd have to go to get me to buy him. My husband and I talked about what to offer him and then how high after that we would go. I can use Zoey's old cage for awhile since she just got a new one. Her old cage is 23w x 19d x 27h. Trust me - he'll think he moved into a mansion - the cage they have him in now - I maybe would keep a finch in.

This is really all your fault you know! It's all those adorable pictures of Chipper you post! Gave me MBS months ago! LOL

But then I'd have to send Zoey to you too! I can't imagine her and Cosmo being apart for very long! And then - I'd be too busy crying to do anything with the parrotlet! I think they'll just have to stay here with me!

Does this mean there is a chance that I might get Cosmo???????

Yep!..............




Just as soon as you hire that hit-man!