Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently lost my lovebird do to an accident.

after completely remedying the possibility of that ever happening again I was ready to get another lovebird.
But then i started reading up on the little Parrotlets.
Most of what i have read says that they are more active, less loud, can speak, but most of the rest is the same.

I want a bird who is fun to watch when in his cage by himself but also that loves to come out and play around in my room when im home. my lovebird would fly out of his cage to me to spend time with me it was great.

ALSO i was wondering if two would be just as exciting? there is usually one day a week where i am gone the entire day at school and then meetings afterwards not getting home till late so i was wondering if two would keep each other busy on those days and then the days that i have free time i would have two little buddies riding around on my should and punching holes in my homework.

I think a lot will depend on the individual bird or birds. I have worked with both and personally out of the two I have a fondness for parrotlets. That is just my preference though. My aunt raises lovebirds and would never be without at least one as she loves them so much. Personally I think parrotlets are quieter. There are some people who are annoyed by their little chirp/squeak noises but again some are annoyed by the noise of lovebirds. Also when having two or more birds it seems to me (IMO) that lovebirds bond more strongly to each other and have less of a need for human companionship if they have a mate. Parrotlets if raised to be used to human companionship seem more likely to keep their human bond even with a cagemate. Again this is all my opinion and I am sure others will have opinions that are just the opposite.

Lovebirds seem more likely (in the ones I have known) to self mutilate if hormonal or bored but personally I have never seen a parrotlet do this. Some lovebirds also seem to form a strong bond to a person or other bird and exclude or even bite etc ohers coming into their "family". Although parrotlets can strongly bond to one individual or bird they seem more open to a family or other people being around.

Again these are all just my opinions and a lot will depend on the bird/breeder/store/rescue that you choose.