Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 8/25/2007

Question
Besides price and lifespan, how does a parakeet compare to a parrotlet.  Which would make a better pet?  Are parrotlets hardier than parakeets?
Thank you.

Answer
Hi, Karen,

The lifespan of any bird is directly dependent upon its genetics and how well the bird is cared for during its lifetime.  Parakeets don't necessarily live shorter lives than parrotlets and vice versa.  

Which would make a better pet depends on the personalities of the individual birds involved and your skill and knowledge of these birds, as well as a variety of other factors.

Hardiness is a term I dislike, but if you mean is one species of bird "healthier" or easier to care for than the other, the answer is it just depends.  It depends on the individual birds involved, how well they are cared for, whether one feeds the birds properly, etc., etc.  Many things involving birds don't just depend on the birds; it also depends on the individual(s) caring for the birds.  Both species are fairly "delicate" in that they are small birds and all that comes with caring for birds this size.

Parrotlets are also known as "little amazons."  This means they have personalities similar to amazon parrots, but in a pint-sized bird.  They have large beaks compared to their size and, therefore, eat larger sized pellets/food compared to parakeets.  Parrotlets will eat a larger variety of foods than most parakeets.

I recommend you research these different species of parrots on the web or in books, etc., and then make your decision based on your lifestyle, desires in a parrot, your knowledge of aves, etc.

Chrys