Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla)
| Galah Eolophus roseicapilla | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Galah |
| Name Lat. | Eolophus roseicapilla |
| Family | Cockatoos |
| Family lat. | Cacatuidae |
| Order | Parrots |
| Order lat. | Psittaciformes |
| Origin | Australia |
| Climate | Subtropical - tropical |
| Diet | Parrot seed, sprouts, veggies, fruits |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cavity nest |
| Life Span | 40-60 years |
| Protection | CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 35 cm |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 200 x 100 x 100 cm |
| US Units | |
| Size | 14" |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 80" x 40" x 40" |
Distribution and habitat
The pink cockatoo is a breeding form. The home of the wild form of the cockatoo is in eastern, central and northern Australia, where they live in forest areas, grassland with trees and as a culture follower. Since the export ban in 1960 they are only available as a breeding form.
Cage size
The minimum cage size is 200 x 100 x 100 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 2 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. A bathing facility should be available at all times, alternatively they can be sprayed with water at least once a week (e.g. sprinkler system). In addition to hiding places (burrows or half burrows), they need climbing and occupation material, such as rings, ropes and natural branches that are harmless to health. They should be kept at room temperature.
Diet
The species-specific food offer consists of mixed seeds, available in specialized trade as "parrot food for cockatoos", which should also be offered in germinated form, supplemented with cob millet, berries, green food (dandelion, chickweed, etc..), fruits (apples, pears, etc.), vegetables (peppers, carrots, etc.), plus mealybug larvae, fresh twigs with buds and, especially for rearing young, sprouted feed (semi-mature corn), egg feed and cookie. 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 stable, open containers and, like food, must be offered fresh daily in clean containers. A varied diet promotes good health.
Reproduction and breeding
The sexes can be identified after coloration in adults by the red iris of the female.
They breed in handmade hardwood nest boxes with softwood bedding or in hollowed tree trunks. As nest box bedding, offer twigs with leaves to carry in. The clutch consists of 3 to 5 eggs, the brood duration is 23 days. Young birds must be raised in such a way that they are species-specific. Hand rearing may only take place in justified exceptional cases.
Species protection
They must be identified in accordance with Appendix 6 of the Federal Species Protection Ordinance. The animal population must be reported to the competent authority in writing immediately after the start of keeping
Species protection: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.
Important
Parrots may only be kept in pairs or in a group and not chained or on a hanger. During the breeding season, they may only be kept in pairs.
In the case of outdoor aviary keeping, they also need a heated shelter of at least 1 m², which can be visited by the birds at any time. The temperature in the shelter must not fall below 10 °C and the furnishings must be the same as those used for caging
Sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to daylight must be provided in rooms, including the shelters. The lighting duration should be 8-14 hours per day and the natural day-night rhythm must 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
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF