Celestial or Pacific Parrotlets
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Various Celestial Parrotlet mutations.
pictures by Brian Nielsen
Normal Celestial ParrotletNormal
Fallow Green Celestial Parrotlet
Fallow Green
Lutino Celestial ParrotletLutino
White Celestial ParrotletWhite
Blue Celestial ParrotletBlue
For more information about Celestial Parrotlets below are a list of UK keepers:

Chris (Carmarthen)

Liz (Carmarthen)
For more sites about Celestial Parrotlets below are a few links:

Parrot-lets.com
If you keep Celestials and would like us to add you to these contacts just send us an email and we will.
Parrotlets are the smallest form of the parrot family, Celestials or Pacific Parrotlets as they are alternatively known originate from the West coast of South America which borders the Pacific Ocean - hence the name. They may be tiny in stature measuring as little as 5" in length but do not be fooled into thinking this relates to their mental capacity as they are without doubt one of the brightest little birds around. Their personalities differ from bird to bird, all having their own identifiable characteristics which make them distinct individuals. Without attention and training they will learn how to manipulate their keepers just how they wish, but given limits and guidelines they may turn into very affectionate and well behaved pets, giving hours of pleasure and satisfaction.

Both sexes have beautiful emerald green body feathers but males differ slightly from females, this being far more apparent around the breeding season when the cocks cobalt blue streaks take on a bolder and more vivid look on his back, wings and most eye brows. There are several colour mutations in captivity the most common mutation being the blue, but other colours include dark blue, yellow, lutino, white, albino and fallow. These mutations are mostly sexlinked meaning that it is the cock bird which holds the dominant colour genes but freak occurences have been recorded. If breeding for colour always use the strongest stock possible using splits to keep offspring vigourous.

Celestials need stimulation and room to keep active, so attempt to give them as much room as possible. Young birds can be quite sociable together, but when they reach sexual maturity around 11 months of age it may be necessary to separate them as they have powerful beaks for their size and can inflict a painful bite, possibly mortally to other birds. If keeping them in a cage they prefer to be in pairs, a minimum size of 2' x 2' but ideally 2' x 3' with a good depth. There perches are best made from natural wood preferably fruit tree. This gives their feet good exercise and also keeps their beaks in trim whilst they busily gnaw at the wood. Wood from the garden should be well scrubbed first, never allow your birds to be exposed to wild birds faeces as this can spread all manner of disease and worm infestations.

If keeping birds in an outside aviary it is wise to double wire adjoining flights to stop feet injuries, you can divide them with board but it is thought that the visual stimulation of other birds allowed by wire may be a little more beneficial.

If you intend to breed your birds supply them with a nesting box approximately 7 x 7 x 10" deep. I have recently heard from a local breeder that a more production nestbox for him has been a slightly deeper version with a half division in the centre, so that they can get further away from the light of the hole. This can be partially filled with wood shavings which may be discarded but refill if possible to avoid chick foot problems. You can also put coconut fibre in there, as they like to weave it.

Parrotlets enjoy a varied diet based primarily on a seed mix, some use canary mix others cockatiel but basically any seeds they enjoy, though not too much sunflower as this can be consumed to excess. They also needs greens, fruit and veg it small but regular proportions. This can be many differents types - only your celestial will know what he or she fancies, but above all they must be fresh. If your bird does not take to a particular veg straight off try them again a few weeks later as their pallet may change with seasons. Of course never forget to supply them with fresh unsoiled water at all times, consumption of this may be very little especially if moist fruit or veg are also available.

Their are very few specialist sites for Celestials in the UK, but to my knowledge there are a number of Parrotlet Breeders on the FF Message Board who I have found to be excellent help in all manner of areas, so if you are having problems or would just like a bit of inside info post a message or use one of the links to the left. They have been an out standing assistance to me in the short time since I started keeping Celestials and I would like to take this opportunity to convey my deepest thanks to them now.Laurance TrigwellMy email:laus@mac.com