Last week, we bought a pet parrotlet (think miniature parrot) and he has finally become comfortable enough around us to climb on us and fly around us. Except, I can't figure out if he loves or hates needlework! He thinks gold French knots are seeds and tries to eat them and chews on the background fabric!! He's really cute though... Here are some pics:
Several years ago I had one of these - normally called a lovebird here. He loved to sit on the end of a needle while I was knitting. Knitting with a bird on one needle is not the easiest thing to do. Helena
Thank youHelena for this anecdote , i just can imagine it,knitting with a bird :>:>::>:>
mirjam
I can just imagine that that would be difficult. It was difficult enough trying to eat with him pecking at my earring and my pizza, not to mention trying to stitch with him eating my 'seeds'.
Lovebirds and parrotlets are different creatures. Lovebirds are African, while parrotlets are south and central American. They do look very similar and have many of the same characteristics though.
Addie
Are they as NOISY as lovebirds? I had a pair indoors, but they were SO noisy I moved them to an outside aviary!
Pat P
I see, too noisy for you so drive your neighbours dotty !
i do hope you plan to live at least another 50-60 years!
cause that's how long a small parrot will survive.....
Pat,
I only have one and he can be noisy, but usually he isn't. He does like to be in the same room as his humans and will let us know if we need to come back. I am trying to teach him to talk, but he is very young still and I know it will probably take a while. He is described in many places as a BIG parrot in a little body.
I got him to sit on my shoulder this morning. :) But I haven't had any stitching out today. I will probably pull out the quilt I am working on, so he will be right into it, I'm sure... :)
Addie
Wow, I hadn't seen any estimates that long, but given that I'm 30 with longevity in the family, I may outlive him if he makes it that long. The estimates I've seen all suggest less than 30 years. Generally, the larger the big, the longer the life span. He'll only be about 5" at full size - quite small!
Addie
We didn`t HAVE any neighbours then, you old moo!!!
Pat P
(delurking) Hi Addie. Your new little buddy looks a lot like my Kiwi. I've had him for six months now and he's a sweetheart. A parrotlet can live fifteen to twenty years with good care and a good diet.
Right now Kiwi is sitting on the right side piece of my glasses watching me type. This is his favorite place to snuggle and keep me company.
He also is curious about my stitching. He keeps trying to catch the thread I'm working with and chew on it. It's gotten to the point I have to put him on his stand while I'm stitching. I don't want any "deposits" to land on my needlework.
Good luck with your little "fid" (feathered kid)
Sheila B.
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