Bourke's Parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii)
| Bourke's Parrot Neopsephotus bourkii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Bourke's Parrot |
| Name Lat. | Neopsephotus bourkii |
| Synonym | Neophema bourkii |
| Family | Parrots |
| Family lat. | Psittacidae |
| Order | Parrots |
| Order lat. | Psittaciformes |
| Origin | Australia |
| Climate | Subtropical - tropical |
| Diet | Budgie seed, veggies, fruits |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Cavity nest |
| Life Span | 10-15 years |
| Protection | CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 19 cm |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 100 x 50 x 50 cm |
| US Units | |
| Size | 7.5" |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 40" x 20" x 20" |
Distribution and habitat
The home of the Bourke's parakeets is in the inner and western Australia, where they live in the dry, partly acacia-covered grass and bush landscapes. Since the export ban in 1960, they are only available as a breeding form in many color mutations.
Cage size
The minimum cage size is 100 x 50 x 50 cm (L x W x H) for a pair. The cage size must not be undercut even in case of justified single keeping. For an additional 2 birds, assuming species compatibility, the floor space must be increased by 50%. The cage must be placed at a height of at least 80 cm (except aviaries) in a bright, draught-free and quiet place and should have cross-wiring or netting. Keeping in an aviary with a floor area of at least 1 m² is preferable to keeping in a cage.
Maintenance
The floor must be covered with sand, shavings of untreated wood or similar material and cleaned once a week if possible. At least 2 perches made of wood or branches of different thickness and height shall be installed in such a way as to provide the longest possible flight path and prevent contamination of the feed and water containers. A bathing facility should be available at all times, alternatively they can be sprayed with water at least once a week. They need climbing and employment material, such as rings, ropes and natural branches that are not harmful to health. They should be kept at room temperature.
Diet
The species-specific feed offer consists of mixed seeds, available in specialized trade as "neopheme feed" in premium quality, supplemented with foxtail millet, green feed (chickweed, green panicle millet and grass panicles), vegetables (peppers, grated carrots, etc.), fruit (apples, berries, etc.) and, especially for raising young, germ and egg feed. If there are several animals, set up several feeding stations. They need grit, cuttlefish and vitamin lime as digestive aids. Drinking water must always be available in birdbaths or in stable, open containers and, like food, must be offered fresh daily in clean containers. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Reproduction and breeding
Males have a blue headband, which is faint or completely absent in females. They breed in budgerigar nest boxes or in hollowed tree trunks. Bark mulch or sawdust from conifers is suitable as nest box bedding. The clutch consists of 4-6 eggs, the brood duration is about 18 days. The incubation period in open-air aviaries is, biologically speaking, from March to August. Young birds should be raised so that they are species-specific.
Species protection
They should be provided with a leg ring. They are exempt from the obligation to notify (Federal Species Protection Ordinance Annex 5 to § 7 para. 2). Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.
Protection of species: WA appendix II; EU appendix B. The purchase receipt is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe!
Important
The Bourke's parakeets may only be kept in a family or in a flock. During the breeding season, they can also be kept in pairs. They often stay on the ground and search for food there. If they are kept in an outdoor aviary, they also need a heated shelter of at least 0.5 m², which can be visited by the birds at any time. The temperature in the shelter must not fall below 5 °C and the furnishings must be similar to those used in cages
Sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to daylight must be provided in rooms, including the shelters. The lighting duration shall be 8-12 hours per day and the natural day-night rhythm shall be observed. Adequate indoor climate should be provided. If caged, they should be allowed free flight. The health condition of the birds should be checked daily.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Othmar Sieberer; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1995): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Papageien; ARNDT (1997): Lexikon der Papageien, Arndt-Verlag; GRUMMT & STREHLOW (2009): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Vögel, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF