Species Profile: Green Rump Parrotlets
© Mary Wilson
Compared to the outgoing pacifics, green rump parrotlets come across as being shy and retiring; however, this simply is not the case. Green rumps make enjoyable pets.
Green rumps are the smallest of all parrotlet species, weighing up to 22 grams. Females are apple green, with yellow feathers between their eyes. Male green rumps have blue on their wing feathers. Green rumps are the only species of parrotlets that lack blue on the rump, with the exception of one subspecies.
It is true that green rumps are more timid. These birds tend to frighten easily, and, when placed into new surroundings, may revert back to eating only millet and a few seeds until they are comfortable. Still, once settled in, green rumps will play and entertain themselves, and their owners, for hours.
Some green rumps are prone to beak abnormalities. At this time, there is no explanation for why this happens. In most cases, nutritional deficiencies, medical problems, genetic flaws and the bird's environment have been ruled out. Some theories suggest that in Guyana, their native environment, these birds wear down their beaks faster than they do in captivity. Another theory suggests that the birds need a trace mineral only found in their wild habitat. Until a cure is found for these beak abnormalities, the only thing a parrotlet owner can do is keep the beak trimmed. It is suggested that an avian veterinarian or someone extremely familiar with birds trim beaks. An incorrectly trimmed beak can interfere with eating and normal behavior.
Still, this isn't meant to discourage potential green rump owners. Further information on this condition can be found in back issues of the International Parrotlet Society (http://www.parrotletranch.com/ips/) Newsletter. Management of beak abnormalities is something that can be worked into an affected green rump's schedule. Not all green rumps exhibit signs of this condition, either.
Because they are not as established in the pet trade as pacific parrotlets, green rumps tend to be a bit more expensive. Their care is the same as the pacific parrotlet, and they, like their other parrotlet cousins make great pets.
Next time, I'll take a look at spectacled parrotlets.
There is joy at Nemglan Aviary, for my pacifics, LittleHawk and SheBear, have laid a fertile clutch of eggs. Their first chick hatched this morning, and I am eagerly preparing for the task of handfeeding the chicks as they become older.
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