The New Owner's Checklist

When you bring your parrotlet home, or if you have requested us to bring the parrotlet to your home, we will either go through a certain checklist with you to ensure that you are aware of the potential risks and dangers that common households pose to these little birds, or we will provide you with a little information package or handbook explaining these same points.

You can also find some main points listed here. 

• On cookware: 

  • Remember that stainless steel is a safe option for pots and pans. Teflon is not!

  • Do not heat surfaces (or the oven) to high temperatures (450 F or higher) to avoid releasing and emitting toxic, lethal fumes. 

  • Do not use the self-cleaning function or broiler functions on your oven.

  • George Foreman grills and similar are not safe when used indoors!

• Other fumes: Say NO to...

  • Candles of any kind (scented or not)

  • Any other kind of smoke (cigarettes, marijuana, fireplaces, etc.)

  • Incense, Febreeze and similar fragrances

  • Hairsprays, hair dyes, nail polish, nail polish remover, perfumes (you may use these in your washroom behind closed doors; your bird must not inhale any of these)

  • Household cleaners such as Lysol 

    • • For cleaning your bird's cage, use cleaners specifically designed to be used in households with birds, such as Nature's Miracle Cage Cleaner. Alternatively, you may also use diluted organic apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda.

• Beware of:

  • Windows and mirrors, as birds may fly into them and seriously injure themselves. To solve this issue, before letting your bird fly around freely, ensure that they are familiar with their environment and/or use stickers to signal to the bird that the window or mirror is another surface and not an entrance.

  • Other pets, or more specifically, cats and dogs. No matter how well you think you know your pet, they are inherently a predator, and it only takes a second for hunting instincts to kick in. DO NOT keep a cat/dog in the same room with your bird!

• Educate your children on how to behave around birds and remind them to check their environment (especially the floors) before entering a room to avoid stepping on and injuring the bird that may be playing in the room freely.

• Also remember to provide your bird with a generously sized cage, lots of toys, and at least 12 hours of sleep! 

• To prevent night fright (getting scared and having a heart attack at night upon hearing a sudden, loud sound), you can play white noise or other calming musing in the background. This may be especially helpful in a household where there are lots of people, especially children, or other pets.