Pacific parrotlet: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Pacific parrotlet eggs hatch after 18–22 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 28–35 days and are weaned and independent at about 42–49 days. A typical clutch is 4–8 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 28-35 |
| Length (cm) | 12-14 |
| Clutch size | 4-8 |
| Incubation (days) | 18-22 |
| Fledging (days) | 28-35 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 42-49 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 10–12 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 15-20 |
| Breeding season | All year; best autumn-spring; one pair per cage |
| Sexing | Visual from feathering: cock has cobalt rump and wing stripe and blue eye-streak, hen none. |
Origin: Ecuador and Peru — Scientific name: Forpus coelestis
Size: 13 cm, 25-35 g
Breeding and care tips
Tiny but aggressive to other birds and to grown chicks; separate youngsters soon after weaning.
Mutations and colours
Mutations Zajel calculates: Blue, Dark factor, Grey (recessive), American yellow, Marbled (European yellow/pastel), Fallow, Ino (lutino/albino), Cinnamon (SL), Misty, Dominant pied, Faded. Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Turquoise, Recessive pied, Violet factor, Dilute (green-rumped).
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Peach-faced lovebird
- Fischer's & masked lovebird
- Black-cheeked lovebird
- Nyasa Lilian's lovebird
- Cockatiel
- Indian ringneck
- Alexandrine parakeet
- Plum-headed parakeet
Frequently asked questions
How long do Pacific parrotlet eggs take to hatch?
Pacific parrotlet eggs hatch after 18-22 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Pacific parrotlet lay?
Usually 4-8 eggs per clutch.
When do Pacific parrotlet chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 28-35 days old.
When are Pacific parrotlet chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 42-49 days.
At what age can a Pacific parrotlet breed?
A Pacific parrotlet reaches breeding age at about 10–12 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Pacific parrotlet breeding season?
All year; best autumn-spring; one pair per cage
How do you tell a male Pacific parrotlet from a female?
Visual from feathering: cock has cobalt rump and wing stripe and blue eye-streak, hen none.
How long does a Pacific parrotlet live?
About 15-20 years with good care.