Lineolated Parakeet (Linnie) Complete Guide — The Calmest Small Parrot You’ve Never Heard Of

Picture a tiny golden bird perched on your shoulder, perfectly calm, while your puppy snoozes at your feet — and nobody panics, nobody bites, nobody screams. The bird doesn’t flinch. The dog doesn’t lunge. They just coexist, easy as a Sunday morning. That’s life with a Linnie. And once you’ve experienced it, no other small bird quite measures up.

Hey guys, I’m Kalyn, author of The Parrot Bliss Bond and several other parrot books. Over the years I’ve had the joy — and the chaos — of knowing over 30 parrot species up close. I’ve lived with Amazons, Macaws, African Greys, Cockatoos, Caiques, Conures, Parrotlets, Ringnecks, Pionus, and more. And after all that? The bird I keep breeding, keep expanding my flock with, and keep falling more in love with? The Lineolated Parakeet — the Linnie.

Before we dive in, watch this short video where you’ll meet Kiki, one of my yellow Linnies. She explains everything just by sitting there being her gorgeous, mellow self. 🦜

👆 Check out more on my @ParrotBliss YouTube channel!

🐣 Baby Linnies available now!

TL;DR: Lineolated Parakeet at a Glance

  • Species: Lineolated Parakeet (Bolborhynchus lineola), also called Barred Parakeet or Catherine Parakeet
  • Size: 6–7 inches long, 47–55 grams
  • Lifespan: 10–15+ years in captivity with good care
  • Voice: Quiet and soft — one of the quietest parrots. A flock is louder, but a single bird is very apartment-friendly.
  • Diet: Pellets, seeds, fresh vegetables, fruit, and grains
  • Companionship: Bonds deeply with people when handfed; does beautifully in pairs or small flocks; gentle with other species
  • Best for: First-time bird owners, apartment dwellers, families, or anyone who wants a parrot that actually chills out

What Is a Lineolated Parakeet, Really?

Most people have never heard of them — and that’s the wild part, because Linnies are spectacular. They’re native to the cloud forests and highlands of Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico all the way down through Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Bolivia. In the wild they live in small flocks, moving quietly through the canopy, which explains a lot about their personality: they’re flock-oriented, calm, and not inclined toward loud drama.

The name “Lineolated” comes from the Latin for “lined” — referring to the dark barring that most Linnies wear like little zebra stripes across their green feathers. They’re also called Barred Parakeets for exactly that reason. But here’s something that surprises people: Linnies come in a stunning rainbow of color mutations. Green is the wild type, but breeders have developed blue, cobalt, turquoise, white, silver, lutino, and — my personal favorite — yellow. Yes, a tiny golden parrot that looks like living sunshine.

One of the most distinctive things about Linnies that people notice right away is how they move. They don’t perch upright the way most parrots do. They rest in a more horizontal posture, almost like a little barrel with wings, and they walk with a deliberate, rocking gait that is absolutely charming. People often describe it as the way they imagine a tiny dinosaur would walk. Once you see it, you’ll never stop smiling at it.

Here’s the other thing: Linnies are often overlooked in pet stores. They sit quietly, they don’t call out to you, they don’t make a show of themselves. People walk right past them to get to the louder, flashier birds. That, Kalyn will tell you, is a tremendous missed opportunity.

Meet Kiki: My Linnie

Let me tell you about Kiki — full name Kipuka, though she mostly goes by Kiki. She’s one of my yellow Linnies, and she is, without question, one of the most serene creatures I have ever shared a home with.

Kiki is probably a female — I say “probably” because Linnies are not visually sexable in most color mutations. You’d need a DNA test to know for sure, and I haven’t gotten around to it. What I do know is that she has this gorgeous butter-yellow coloring with almost no visible barring, which is unusual. Most Linnies have those little black zebra stripes across their feathers, just like a budgie. Kiki’s are so faint you have to look hard to see them. She’s just this smooth, luminous golden bird.

Kiki has a male buddy, and he’s the talker of the pair. He says things — little sounds, fragments of words — and when I watch the two of them together, it really does seem like Kiki is learning from him, picking things up, doing her best impression. I love that about Linnies: they soak up their environment. Their social intelligence is quiet but real.

But the moment I love to tell people about? Kiki hanging out with my puppy. I know, I know — a tiny bird and a dog sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. But Kiki was completely unbothered. She sat on my arm while the puppy sniffed around, and the puppy — bless him — actually leaned in and gave her a little kiss. And Kiki just took it. Didn’t bite, didn’t flap, didn’t lose her mind. Just sat there, dignified as a queen.

That’s Kiki. That’s the Linnie temperament.

I want to be clear: Kiki is on the exceptionally mellow end of the Linnie spectrum. Not every Linnie will be quite so laid-back. But even my more active Linnies — and I have nine of them in a little aviary — have that same fundamental sweetness. They don’t pick fights. They don’t bully. They just live their little birdie lives with this wonderful peaceful energy.

Linnie Temperament: What People Fall In Love With (and What to Be Ready For)

Three Things People Fall In Love With

1. The calm. Linnies are genuinely one of the most laid-back small parrots available. They don’t vibrate with nervous energy the way some birds do. They’re content to hang out on your shoulder, explore at their own pace, or just sit with you while you work. If you’ve ever wanted a parrot that actually relaxes — Linnies are it.

2. The gentleness. Linnies very rarely bite hard. They don’t go out of their way to start trouble with other birds or animals. They’re friendly, especially when they’ve been handfed and socialized from an early age. That makes them wonderful for families, for first-time bird owners, and for multi-pet households.

3. The quiet. One Linnie is remarkably soft-spoken. They make sweet, gentle chirping sounds that are pleasant to live with rather than piercing. If you’re in an apartment, or if you share walls with neighbors who might not share your enthusiasm for birds — a Linnie is a gift. (Fair warning: an aviary of nine? They do get a bit more vocal together. But even then, we’re not talking conure-level chaos.)

Three Things to Be Ready For

1. The invisibility problem. Linnies are easy to overlook in a store because they don’t perform for you. They need an owner who will actually seek them out, do the research, and appreciate what they are. If you get a Linnie expecting a bird that will entertain you with acrobatics and constant noise, you’ll miss the gift entirely.

2. Time and bonding. Time is the magical ingredient with every parrot — and Linnies are no exception. The more time you invest in handling, socializing, and just being present with your Linnie, the more deeply they bond with you. A neglected Linnie is a sad Linnie. They want connection.

3. Sex is a mystery until it isn’t. In most color mutations, you cannot tell a male from a female by looking at them. If you want a bonded pair and are hoping for babies, you’ll need DNA sexing. Don’t make the mistake of assuming — I’ve been surprised before!

What to Feed Your Linnie

Linnies thrive on variety. A bird eating only seeds is like a person living on crackers — technically surviving, but not thriving. Here’s what my Linnies’ daily plate looks like:

  • High-quality pellets (small size, appropriate for parakeets) — 40–50% of the diet
  • Fresh vegetables — leafy greens (kale, chard, romaine), broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, squash, cooked sweet potato. Daily if possible.
  • Fresh fruit — small amounts of apple, blueberry, mango, pomegranate. Think of fruit as a treat, not a staple.
  • Grains and cooked foods — quinoa, brown rice, cooked lentils, sprouted seeds. These are nutrient-dense and Linnies love them.
  • Seeds — a small amount of a quality seed mix is fine, but seeds alone are not a complete diet.
  • Always fresh water — changed daily, every day, no exceptions.

Please remember, I’m not a veterinarian or a nutritionist — this is what works in my flock. Always consult an avian vet for guidance specific to your bird.

Foods to avoid: avocado, chocolate, onion, garlic, caffeine, alcohol, and anything with artificial sweeteners. These are toxic to birds. And skip the heavily processed “people food” — your Linnie deserves better.

Housing Your Linnie: Cage, Space, and Enrichment

Linnies are small, but they still need room to move. Here’s what I recommend as a minimum — and remember, bigger is always better.

  • Minimum cage size: 18″ x 18″ x 24″ for a single bird. For a pair, go larger — at least 24″ x 24″ x 36″.
  • Bar spacing: 3/8″ to 1/2″ — this is critical. Anything wider and a Linnie can get their head stuck, which can be fatal.
  • Perch variety: Natural wood perches of varying diameters keep their feet healthy. Add a rope perch and a flat perch for sleeping.
  • Out-of-cage time: Aim for at least 1–2 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily. Linnies need to stretch, explore, and interact with you.
  • Enrichment: Foraging toys, shreddable toys, foot toys, and swings. Rotate them so the cage stays interesting. Linnies are intelligent — they get bored with the same setup.
  • Location: A room where the family spends time, but away from the kitchen (cooking fumes, especially from non-stick cookware, are deadly to birds).

Don’t make the bird pay for a setup mistake. If the bar spacing is wrong, if the cage is too small, if the perches are the wrong size — fix it. Your Linnie can’t fix it for themselves.

Socialization and Companionship: One Bird or Two?

Here’s the honest answer: Linnies are flock birds at heart, and they are happier with a companion. A bonded pair will play together, preen each other, keep each other company when you’re away, and generally live a fuller birdie life. I keep mine in an aviary together, and watching them interact is one of my great daily joys.

That said, a single Linnie who receives generous daily attention from their human can absolutely thrive. If you’re getting one bird and you work from home, or you have lots of time to spend with your bird, a solo Linnie can bond deeply with you in a way that a bird with a companion sometimes doesn’t — because you become their flock.

What doesn’t work: a single Linnie who is left alone for long hours, day after day, with little interaction. That’s a recipe for loneliness, feather-destructive behavior, and a sad little bird who never reaches their full potential. If your schedule is demanding, please do your Linnie the kindness of getting them a companion.

Linnies also tend to coexist beautifully with other gentle species when properly introduced — as Kiki demonstrated with my puppy, they don’t come out swinging. But always supervise interspecies interactions, and never house predatory animals with birds unsupervised.

Linnie vs. Similar Species: A Quick Comparison

Linnie vs. Budgie (Parakeet): Both are small, colorful, and charming, and both have that striped/barred look. But Linnies have a more parrot-like beak, a stockier body, a slightly longer tail, and that signature horizontal posture. Budgies tend to be better mimics of individual words; Linnies are quieter and even more laid-back. If you want maximum chatter, go budgie. If you want maximum chill, go Linnie.

Linnie vs. Parrotlet: Similar in size, but very different in personality. Parrotlets are known for being feisty — they have big personalities stuffed into tiny bodies and can be quite territorial. Linnies are gentler, more easygoing, and less likely to bluff or bite. A Parrotlet is a firecracker; a Linnie is a warm ember.

Linnie vs. Green Cheek Conure: Green Cheeks are about 10 grams heavier than Linnies and noticeably louder (though they’re still considered quieter among conures). Green Cheeks are more acrobatic and playfully mischievous. Linnies are calmer and quieter. Both are wonderful — it really comes down to whether you want more entertainment or more peace.

Common Questions About Lineolated Parakeets

Are Linnies good for first-time bird owners?
Yes — they’re one of my top recommendations for first-timers. Their calm temperament and gentle bites (when they bite at all) make the learning curve much more forgiving. They’re still parrots with real needs, but they’re not going to scream the apartment down while you figure things out.

Do Linnies talk?
Some do! They’re not in the same league as Amazons or African Greys, but Linnies can pick up words and sounds, especially when kept with other birds that vocalize. My male Linnie says things regularly, and Kiki seems to be doing her best impression. Don’t expect a full conversation, but do expect some very sweet attempts.

Can a Linnie live alone?
Yes, with a committed owner who provides lots of daily interaction. If you’re home often and will genuinely spend time with your bird, a solo Linnie can thrive and bond very closely with you. If your life is busy, please get two.

Are Linnies noisy?
A single Linnie is one of the quietest parrots you can own — their sounds are soft, pleasant chirps. A flock, like my aviary of nine, does get louder, but even then the sound level is nothing like larger or more vocal species. They’re a great fit for apartments and condos.

How do I know if my Linnie is male or female?
In most color mutations, you can’t tell visually — not reliably. You’ll need a DNA test, which is simple and inexpensive (a feather or blood sample sent to a lab). If breeding is something you’re interested in, DNA sexing is essential. Don’t guess!

How long do Linnies live?
With proper diet, veterinary care, and a safe environment, Linnies typically live 10–15+ years. They’re a long-term commitment — which is exactly how I think about every bird I bring into my home.

Lineolated Parakeet (Bolborhynchus lineola), also called the Barred Parakeet or Catherine Parakeet. A small, stocky South American parrot native to cloud forests from Mexico through Bolivia, known for its remarkably calm temperament, distinctive horizontal resting posture, quiet voice, and gentle nature. One of the most apartment-friendly and beginner-friendly parrots in the world.

Linnie Quick-Start Checklist

  • ✅ Cage at least 18″x18″x24″ with bar spacing no wider than 1/2 inch
  • ✅ Natural wood perches in varying diameters, plus rope and flat perch options
  • ✅ High-quality small pellets as the dietary foundation
  • ✅ Fresh vegetables offered daily or near-daily
  • ✅ Foraging and shreddable toys rotated regularly
  • ✅ A committed avian vet located before you bring your bird home — not after
  • ✅ Daily out-of-cage time and genuine interaction with you

My parrots are my bliss — and the Linnies have earned a very special place in my heart and in my aviary. After more than 30 species, I keep choosing them, keep breeding them, keep watching people fall in love with them the moment they really stop and pay attention. There’s something almost magical about a bird that quiet, that peaceful, that perfectly itself.

If you’re ready to bring a Linnie home, please buy from someone who can show you the parents, the aviary, and the babies before the sale. I breed Linnies here at Parrot Bliss, and I’d love to help match you with your new little feathered soul. Visit my Available Parrots page to see who’s looking for a home.

Time is the magical ingredient with every parrot — and a Linnie will reward every moment you give them.

Catch you next time. 🦜

Aggressive, Adopted Amazons- Can They Become Adorable Best Pets?

Amazon parrots, often seen as one-person birds, possess a unique blend of independence and aggression. When adopted as adults, these feathered companions might carry emotional baggage from their past. Much like humans, they need time to unravel these complexities, often requiring a significant period, around two years, to heal and rebuild trust.

1. Emotional Space Creating an environment where these adopted amazons are free from coercion and allowed to find their place within a caring family is pivotal. Patience becomes the cornerstone; letting them be themselves, providing love, and nurturing a safe space for them to flourish is crucial to their recovery. This approach facilitates their journey of healing, gradually reinstating trust in human interactions.

To aid in the healing, I like to allow them as much cage-open time as possible, time when their door is open and they can come out or stay in, giving them the power of choice. A person or parrot with choice automatically feels different. They start to learn that there is more love and respect, allowing them relax and trust more so.

Amazing Amazons Despite their loud nature, amazons make incredible pets. Their loyalty surpasses that of many other parrot species. Once they establish trust, they become steadfast companions, always by your side. Their dedication and unwavering presence create a bond that resonates with their owners, making them cherished members of the family.

2. Time The journey with an adopted amazon is an evolution—a process where time, love, and understanding intersect. It’s a testament to the resilience of these birds, showcasing their capacity to adapt, heal, and form unbreakable bonds with those who offer patience and compassion.

3. Environment Try different things, like giving your Amazon the companionship of another parrot or at least the sounds from music or videos. Hearing other parrots provides a feeling of safety and comfort. Provide palm plants, a place for your Amazon to hide when they feel unsafe, a natural “toy” that they can chew and play with.

Every parrot wants to belong to a flock, just like we, as people, want to belong to a tribe. Just the same, parrot or creature, needs to be loved and respected. Provide these and, in time, your parrot will work through their issues. Their aggression will turn to adorableness, when you are patient and understanding. This doesn’t mean that anyone should get hurt (not the people at home or the Amazon parrot); it means that inappropriate behavior should be ignored. Positive behavior should be praised. When this is the case, your adopted, aggressive Amazon parrot will become one of the best pets or birds you’ll have.

How Many Parrotlets Can I Put In A Parrotlet Aviary?

The truth is that I’m getting a new -small- aviary, which had me thinking about how many #Parrotlets I could get in the new aviary.

 

First, why would you want to put Parrotlets together?

There are several advantages. My favorite is that it gives the parrotlets the chance to choose a best feathered friend, or a mate, from a larger pool. 

If you have several Parrotlets, an aviary – or three in my case- is easier to take care of than several smaller cages. The larger space allows the Parrotlets to fly around more and there can be well-being in numbers. More Parrotlets means more eyes to alert the flock if there’s a problem and more friends to provide warmth.

Of course, you have to be careful not to put too many Parrotlets in. If there are too many for a space, then all sorts of problems can occur.

How Can You Decide How Many Parrotlets You Can Put Into An Aviary?

– Always make sure there is plenty of space. For each Parrotlet you add, you need to increase the space. In other words, a cage suitable for one or two Parrotlets needs to be increased for a third and increased again for a fourth.

– Always make sure their ages “match.”

Let’s put the Parrotlet ages into three groups: babies, young Parrotlets and adults. These three groups generally can’t be placed together. Adult Parrotlets can be cruel to younger ones; you, viral and hormonal Parrotlets can bully older Parrotlets.

If you house two or more together, make sure their ‘ages’ match.

– Provide an abundance — of food, of perches. I like to give my Parrotlets places to ‘hide,’ like a coconut. Within the aviary, I try to provide more perches than needed because some individuals will claim certain areas to be more-so theirs. I also like giving several feeding and drinking stations so that no individual can dominate it. With multiples, there is generally another place to feed or drink from.

-Birds, of course, are the reason we have the saying, “The pecking order.” It is important to be able to distinguish between your Parrotlet bickering and establishing a pecking order versus fighting, which can escalate and become dangerous. You can watch this video:

to help you start to see signs and some of the differences.

– When placing your Parrotlets into their new aviary, make sure it is new to every bird. Parrots fight over territories that are established, but when they all enter a new space (cage or aviary) at the same time, they can get comfortable with their new environment and mates at the same time.

– Similarly, all of the aviary’s resident Parrotlets should enter the aviary at the same time. This way no Parrotlet has had the time to claim the space.

Parrotlets are beautiful and fun parrots. They come in several color mutations, so an aviary with them can be beautiful to watch. We love walking into our large aviary and putting our hands into our smaller one with seeds to have them come and eat from our hands.

The trick is to monitor your Parrotlets to make sure they are getting along. It is common for me to set up an aviary or new communal cage and to have to remove a Parrotlet or two. Parrotlets are just like people. Some are gregarious; others aren’t as group-oriented. Some are sweet and congenial and others are cranky and don’t want to socialize. 

It is important to watch and get to know your parrots. Generally speaking, if a parrot has been weaned or grown up with another parrot from a young age, then they are more likely to get along. As you watch, you’ll see who you can add to your aviary, adding to their experience and yours.

All of my aviary birds started as hand-fed babies here. If you are building a flock, our available Pacific parrotlets.

—

Have a questions about parrots?

As the author of “The Parrot Bliss Bond,” I love and welcome questions about having a parrot and creating one of the best experiences of your life!

Comment below, in my site (link below) or on the FB/Instagram messenger.

BOOK

Get my book Parrot Bliss Bond at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0998010065?ref=ppx_pt2_dt_b_prod_image

TINK’S (CBD) OIL

CBD oil for parrots! Help de-stress your parrot’s plucking, anxiety or pain and support a healthy immune system at ParrotBliss.com which takes you to https://shop.petlife.zone/product/tinks-parrot-relief/

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Dino-Squakers! Amazon VS Macaw 🦜

Dino-Squakers! Amazon VS Macaw

This is an interesting video – 2 out of the 3 largest squawkers!

How do I compare?

My Mac’Girls

(Catalina Macaw and Harlequin Macaw)
They can be hear at the end of the block. Sometimes my neighbors ask if that’s one of my parrots they hear… I smile, take comfort in the fact that we bring them back inside if they are being too loud or obnoxious, and say, “Yes,” in a sweet voice. Fortunately, my neighbors usually then say, “We hear them and call back,” or “My grandson loves to hear them!” And I’m relieved!

The Macaws are loud, for sure, but they tend to call and then be done. Sometimes they go on for several minutes, as I watch with a bated breath, and then stop. Otherwise, in they come.

They can also be loud indoors, of course. They spend most of their day out back, but they like to come in mid-day to rest in their cage and eat. They are obviously more comfortable resting in their ‘bedroom’ than outside. Indoors they can get loud, especially after they have rested and they are ready for round two. They start to play-fight, which has never been a problem or caused an injury, but it does get loud with screams.

It too doesn’t last too, too long…

 

Then There’s my Zons, or Amazons 

At about 1/3 the size, my Amazon parrots are worse. Believe it or not!

There are two reasons for this, their call and consistency. My youngest Amazon, (Amazona viridigenalis) called a Red-crowned parrot, Green-cheeked Amazon or Mexican Red-headed parrot, is the worst. On a regular basis, he screams, usually twice a day. 

The Amazon scream is cacophonous, though not as bad as the Cockatoo family can sound in my opinion. When Ursulus starts, it’s hard to get him to stop. Same goes for his buddy, Tiko.

The upside to the Amazons is that they talk, and are known to be better talkers than the Macaws. They can also sing too, and Tiko will whistle/sing sometimes. They talk and sing most when they are spoken to or sung to, and I’m not a singer!

The Amazons also tend to practice their repertoire of words, so the more they learn to say or sing, the less likely they MAY be to not scream. 

While our Macaws are also picking up words, and one of our Mac’Girls uses “Bye-bye” in context, they aren’t known for being able to learn to talk as much or as well as an Amazon.

Which Would I Choose?

If you are trying to decide between an Amazon and a Macaw parrot, consider two things:

1 – Space
Macaws are BIG birds. They need a lot of space to fly around in and plenty of wood to chew. No wood equals stress. Yes, Macaws actually need wood to chew on for their well-being. When they don’t have the flying space or the wood to chew, they resort to your furniture, be it plastic or wood! Those huge beaks can be very destructive, so it’s something to consider.

While Amazons also need space to fly and wood to chew, their needs are not as vast. They can fly around a home easily and ours don’t EAT the house. However, you would do best to not have neighbors close by so that you can put your Amazons (or Macaws) outside. They require UV and UB light (not provided by our lightbulbs, unless you get specialty ones, and these rays don’t come through most windows) and fresh air is pure health for parrots, but it would also give you some quiet time, when needed.

Mind you, neither screams all day.  A parrot that does so is ill or deeply stressed out and something needs to take place quickly to address his or her issue.

2- Amazons Only Like You

Amazons are typically one-person birds. This means that they don’t like more than one person and can be mean, aggressive and will attack other household members. They choose their ‘pair’ and the rest of the world needs to stay away, according to them.

Both of these species is a lifestyle change, especially if you haven’t had a large parrot before. Taking care of them takes time and attention: preparing fresh vegetables, sweeping/cleaning the mess they make on the floor (several times per day) and keeping their cage clean. Then there is the time that should be spent with them. These are highly social animals that are built to be together all day. This is why we have 2 of each species. The ‘flock’ is human and parrot and it gives them more of the social structure that they are made for. Not perfect, but it clearly goes a much longer way than keeping one parrot alone.

While keeping one alone can be problem-free, when parrots are together they relate to each other in ways that we humans can’t. They feed, preen and approach each other, again, in ways that we aren’t built for (we’re too big and I’m unwilling to preen feathers with my teeth! LOL)

Have a questions about parrots?
As the author of “The Parrot Bliss Bond,” I love and welcome questions about having a parrot and creating one of the best experiences of your life!
Comment below, in my site (link below) or on the FB/Instagram messenger.

BOOK
Get my book Parrot Bliss Bond at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0998010065?ref=ppx_pt2_dt_b_prod_image

TINK’S (CBD) OIL
CBD oil for parrots! Help de-stress your parrot’s plucking, anxiety or pain and support a healthy immune system at ParrotBliss.com which takes you to https://shop.petlife.zone/product/tinks-parrot-relief/

FACEBOOK
Join Parrot Bliss on FB at https://www.facebook.com/ParrotBliss
Join the flock on FB! https://www.facebook.com/groups/pbflock/

WEBSITE
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YOUTUBE
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The Parrot Bliss Love Triangle

The first time Tiko, my #Amazon-parrot, saw Binx, my #Golden_Conure, he kept greeting him with, “Hello!, Hello! Hello!” over and over.

Tiko was a rescue. Don’t know much about him. He didn’t really want to be affectionate or bond, but if he was left alone, he didn’t bother any person or parrot. He let other birds, like LunaLove, #Cockatiel, hang out and feel protected (because other parrots weren’t going to bother her when she was close to Tiko and he never did anything to make them uncomfortable.

So, Tiko was fine. Life was fine. Nothing to exciting, nothing too worrysome.

And then Binx joined the flock. Even though they are both DNA’d males and even though I’m guessing Tiko is in his 20’s or 30’s and Binx isn’t a year old, Tiko took to Binx. It was love at first sight.

All of a sudden Tiko became excited and animated. He sought Binx out, fed him, groomed him — and no one else (bird or human) was allowed near Binx!

What a pair!

It wasn’t long before I felt comfortable housing Tiko and Binx together. It was clear that Tiko was not going to hurt Binx; instead, he was going to take care of him.

Lately Binx hasn’t been feeling well, so he went to the vet. He got meds and we’re waiting on test results. He seems to be doing better- the wonderful thing is that I see Tiko taking care of Binx. He comforts him. Binx hasn’t been alone, he’s been loved by either of us, mostly Tiko. Tiko has fed him, groomed him and obviously made him feel loved and needed.

Better still, Tiko now understands that I trust him and I trust them being together. This means that Tiko is letting me pick him up and take him back into their cage or bring them out into the family room. In the past Tiko has only let me pick him up when he was in ‘trouble,’ meaning that he flew somewhere and couldn’t get back, like upstairs.

What an interesting bond we are creating, the flock and I. My flock knows that I seek to take care of their needs, including the need to be a flock bird with other birds -usually of their own species. They know I care for them and that I want to bond with them too, and we do. 

However, I can’t be around all the time, so when I’m not, they still have flock members to help provide a place where they belong, where they are looked out for and cared for, especially Binx.

—

Have a questions about parrots?

As the author of “The Parrot Bliss Bond,” I love and welcome questions about having a parrot and creating one of the best experiences of your life!

Comment below, in my site (link below) or on the FB/Instagram messager.

BOOK

Get my book Parrot Bliss Bond at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0998010065?ref=ppx_pt2_dt_b_prod_image

TINK’S (CBD) OIL

CBD oil for parrots! Help de-stress your parrot’s plucking, anxiety or pain and support a healthy immune system at ParrotBliss.com which takes you to https://shop.petlife.zone/product/tinks-parrot-relief/

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Like Romeo & Juliet: 3 Rules To Mixing 🦜Parrot Species

I’ve had several requests for information on how to -if you can – put different parrot species together and have them be housemates-

So, here’s 3 basic rules to live by:

1 Same Species Tend To Get Along

Two of the same species tends to be safe. Two Green-cheeked Conures or Parrotlets want to be in a flock and the best flock is their own species. So getting a second parrot of the same species usually works and makes them happy.

2 Depends on the species

Some species have characteristics that tend to make them better or worse at getting along with others. For example, I find that Caiques don’t play well with other species! Neither do Indian Ringnecks – for the most part. In my flock, that tends to spell trouble.

Golden Conures, on the other hand, or Hanh’s Macaws tend to get along with other parrots — or at least not create conflict. They are friendly and do well around other parrots whether they befriend them or just co-exist around them.

3 It Depends On Each Individual Parrot’s Personality

Then you have the fact that every parrot is different. Green-cheeked Conures (GCC) seem to be great examples of this: it seems common to have a GCC that is aggressive, they often think they are larger than they are. It also seems common to have one that defers and is more of a ‘team player’ than a one-bird force to be ‘reccond with! In either case, GCC are very social and create deep bonds. Sometimes it can be with a parrot of another species but other times their instinct seems to be to hurt the other species.

It just depends on the individual parrot’s personality.

Predicting how your parrot will get along with a potential new parrot is a gamble. The odds are more so in your favor when you get the same species of parrot. Sometimes it doesn’t matter, parrots can form deep bonds with another species as well when they, like Romeo & Juliet, fall in love.

A Romeo & Juliet bond can be immediate and pronounced, whether the parrots are of the same species or not. Similarly, a dangerous and perilous relationship can also form with parrots of the same species or not. The most important thing to do is watch your parrots carefully and closely to ensure their safety, security and happiness as much as possible.
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If I Could Have Any Conure, Which Would I Choose?

So many Conures, such limited choices!

Did you know there are over 50 species of conures? That’s A LOT!

You’ve probably heard of the more ‘common’ species, like the Green-cheeked Conure, or a Sun Conure –probably one of the most beautiful parrot species. You may have also heard of the less common, but still (relatively) easy to find conures like Blue-crowned, Black -capped, Crimson-bellied, Half-moon… There has to be a conure for everyone out there, given that they come in a variety of colors, sizes and prices!

To get another person’s opinion, I asked my daughter what species of conure she would get if she could only get one. Drumroll please… she said her first pick is a Crimson-bellied Conure.

My Daughter’s #1 Conure Choice:

Crimson-bellied Conures are gorgous. Starting with their bright, crimson-colored bellies, and then considering their sweet dispositions, these guys are fantastic pets. Crimson conures are friendly, smart and not to loud, especially for a conure, since a lot of conures can be very loud…

My #1 Conure Choice:

I have always liked conures, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve never been attracted to them. Sure, you see a Sun Conure and you want to touch their vibrant, radiating feathers that look like they’ve been kissed by the sun.

Then you learn that they can be loud, in addition to being a little too smart. (Just how loud is a Sun Conure? Around 120 decibels — the honest answer.)

However, I had heard for some time that the Queen of Bavaria Conure, also known as the Golden Conure or Golden Parakeet, is supposed to be a special parrot, a must-have, if you have the opportunity to own such a magnificent bird.

And it’s true. My first choice is a Golden Conure. They are a great size, comparable to an Amazon parrot, maybe a touch smaller, to handle and to carry. They are super-affectionate, intelligent and somewhat magical. Everyone seems to like them, including the other parrots! While they aren’t good talkers, the way many conures are, they do talk to me and communicate non-verbally all of the time. They are very happy and joyful birds who will gladly share this with you.

While they can be loud when they want to be, most of their “talking” is sweet and at a low tone. It feels more like a ‘birdie’ conversation because it’s not too loud and it’s whimsical.

Love may have a new luster to it, a golden luster. Queen of Bavaria conures are a rare find – breeding them, I suspect, only happens with a handful of experts do to their unique requirements. This is part of the reason they are costly, but certainly worth the price.

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Is It Normal For Parrots To Be So Noisy?

Yes. Let’s Ask, “Why Are Parrots So Noisy” Instead

If you’ve ever been to an exotic bird store, a breeder’s or a person’s house who has parrots, then you know. You could have also heard a flock of parrots fly by- their sound is unique and they are loud. The question is better not as “Is it normal for parrots to be noisy?”  but instead, “Why?”

In the wild if your flock flew from tree to tree then you’d have to be able to hear them. Parrots quickly vanish in a tree, their camouflage being amazingly leaf-like. Of course, since parrots fly considerable distances quickly, they have to be heard over a distance. So, they are loud.

At Home: Parrots & Their Noise

As humans, the chitter-chatter of small parrots, like budgies, may be a sweet sound. The squawking of a Cockatoo or another large bird might be cacophonous. You might consider it difficult to take and even annoying.

I don’t find that my parrots are loud and squawking all of the time, but some common conversations in my house include the phrase, “What?” because in the early morning or early evening it is common for parrots to be vocal. Amazons, for example, are said to greet the day- with their voice – and then say good bye, again with their voice.

A Vociferous Parrot Can Also Be In Distress

Of course, a parrot can voice their joy or their distress – and an unhappy parrot can voice this for hours on end.

What distresses a parrot?

Some of the obvious issues can be boredom or a lack of food, sunlight or water.

However, I want to focus on the loss of their “parrot-ness.” A lost parrot-soul.

I have done it all with parrots: I have hand-raised breeders and pets; I have rescued young parrots and, more significantly, adults. I have observed some of what shapes the personality of a parrot, the conditioning that comes from being hand-fed versus hand-reared, the latter meaning that time and love are given in addition to food as opposed to a parrot almost being ignored and just fed.

Just like humans, the experiences that a parrot has affect and shape their behavior, their outlook on life and how they relate to other parrots or people.

Just like humans, conditioning has a lot to do with whether or not needs are met. Needs go beyond physical needs for food and shelter; just as important and impactful are emotional or social needs for both humans and parrots. Interestingly enough, at this time, we are experiencing the pandemic and people have had to socially distance for months. Now that it is Thanksgiving, the news keeps reporting about the fact that people are planning to fly, against warnings that it is best to stay home, and they are reporting on what percentage of people plan to require their Thanksgiving guests to wear masks.

What’s missing here is the recognition that our human nature is social; we need our family tribe. That need is strong, stronger than an old concern about socially distancing. People have been told to social distance for so long that the novelty has worn off and they’d rather spend their holiday with their tribe.

Parrots are no different, except I might easily argue that they may be more social than people. If people would rather go to Thanksgiving, imagine what a parrot who is deprived of his flock would be like. Imagine a parrot who is isolated and kept in a home or cage by him or herself day after day with only some engagement with humans when we have time to spend with our beloved pet.

In jail, that’s practically solitary confinement. No, I’m not saying you should not have a pet parrot; I’m saying that I’ve rescued parrots that had no other parrots in their lives and I find them to be somewhat broken, “parrotless.” They weren’t given the chance to develop themselves and know themselves as a parrot because they didn’t have another parrot of their species or otherwise to be a parrot with. Instead, being told to be quiet, being clipped and scolded for doing typical parrot things, like eating at the wood furniture, is damaging to the psyche.

You Can Hear Parrots In My Videos

When I record videos, you can hear my parrots. I recently had a question in which someone asked why there is a parrot constantly calling in the background. Well, I have parrots and I know they are loud. It can get hard at times, but during most of the day they aren’t so loud. My parrots particularly seem to want to be YouTube stars because they always seem to get super vocal during videos — and that’s also when get performance anxiety and stop doing tricks!

Yes, if you have parrots, you know they are loud. If their is distress, hopefully you can and will do something about it. For example, our rescue is getting more calm. She is starting to spend time in the bird room without calling, but again, mornings are loud. That’s just the way parrots are. When the opportunity arises, I’m going to try to find her a mate so that she can experience another parrot of her species. Parrots relate and recognize their own species quite differently that other parrot species. Their behavior changes and becomes more “natural.”

Yes, parrots are loud because that’s what they are by natural design.

Have a questions about parrots?
As the author of “The Parrot Bliss Bond,” I love and welcome questions about having a parrot and creating one of the best experiences of your life!

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Would I Add Eclectus Parrots Or Hahn’s Macaws To My Flock?

Decisions, Decisions! What Parrot Would I Choose?

What a red, green (and a little purple) dream! Eclectus parrots are STUNNING! What a unique and stately-looking bird, but would I add them or the sweet, mini-macaw, a Hahn’s Macaw?

Eclectus Parrots

Oh baby! Do they have a specialized diet! You really have to know what you are feeding your Eckie, as they are called, but I don’t know if most people KNOW what to tell you to feed them. I’ve seen blogs that say they can be given eggs or chicken, for example, but then these parrots wind up sick due to clogged arteries.

No! A healthy Eckie is NOT fed eggs. Or chicken.

They are not given pellets with extra vitamins either – and IF they are fed pellets, it CANNOT be colorful pellets! Eckies don’t do well and their bodies react, causing them to have itchy skin and bite themselves. I would not want to see that!

Eckies need fruits and vegetables! If you are prepared to prepare meals, what a parrot!

Be careful, if you get two, they need SPACE from one-another! A ‘normal’ cage their size won’t cut it. You need to give them lots of space because these parrots can be independent and they like to do their own thing without another parrot buggin’ them!

Hahn’s Macaw

More personable. Our Hahn’s is a rescue and she was the inspiration for Velcro. I swear! You put her down on a perch and she just doesn’t come off! If she does, the Velcro quickly re-sticks!

Yes, our Hahn’s is a people-person. Now part of that comes from her conditioning. I don’t know if she was ever around her own, actual species, but she lived with people for over ten years. Yes, this affects how a parrot sees themselves and how they relate to the world.

I suspect that most Hahn’s Macaws are not quite so needy and clingy, but that they are just as gorgeous, intelligent and playful.

Who Would I Pick?

If I wanted an independent bird and I didn’t mind a special diet, the stunning dimorphic Eclectus pair!

If I wanted to bond more with my parrot and I wanted to be able to give them pellets (so I wasn’t always preparing food) then I’d go for the more social Hahn’s Macaw.

If you landed on the Hahn’s too, that is the macaw I breed — I hand-raise them here in Florida. See the babies I have available →

Have a questions about parrots?
As the author of “The Parrot Bliss Bond,” I love and welcome questions about having a parrot and creating one of the best experiences of your life!

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Looks Like The Stork Is Bringing Me A Golden Conure Parrot

A Golden Conure, Or Queen Of Bavaria For My Flock

Could it be? Is my dream bird coming my way?

Oh the rich, gold colors of the Queen of Bavaria! I don’t know that any other parrots have such enticing and delicious, deep yellow colors!

The baby is on a special diet and will stay at the store for a couple of week. Ugh! Can I wait that long?

I’ve been dreaming about a Golden Conure for a while. And I mean, dreaming! I’ve had no other night-time sleeping dreams before – only about getting my Golden! I am excited to welcome my baby home.

People rave about Golden Conures and say that this is a parrot you want to add to your “collection.” This Queen of Bavaria (I am trying to find out why they are called Queen of Bavarias) is said to be a great companion and delight their owners.

What Are Queen Of Bavaria Parrots Like?

Will my Golden Conure be loud? Hmmmm Will my Queen of Bavaria be magical?

Enchanting? I have a sense of this, I can’t wait to find out!

Golden Conures are the largest conures. My experience with conures makes me feel they are interesting because they are smart as whips, very personable and can be too couragous. They like to stand up to other parrots, even when the other parrot is bigger than them!

I’m curious about their classification because their diet is similar to a Macaw parrots, but they are classified as conures. They are extremely sociable, even in their breeding. And they are said to be very gentle with their human companions.

I can’t wait to bring my bundle of gold home!

Have a questions about parrots?
As the author of “The Parrot Bliss Bond,” I love and welcome questions about having a parrot and creating one of the best experiences of your life!

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