Mallee Ringneck (Barnardius barnardi)

Mallee Ringneck Barnardius barnardi
Name	Mallee Ringneck
Name Lat.	Barnardius barnardi
Family	Parrots
Family lat.	Psittacidae
Order	Parrots
Order lat.	Psittaciformes
Origin	Australia
Climate	Subtropical - tropical
Diet	Large Parakeet seed, veggies, fruits
Keeping	Pair
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Cavity nest
Life Span	15 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 home of the Barnard's parakeet is Western and Southwestern Australia, except for the coastal regions. There they live mostly in pairs in the eucalyptus savannas and in the bushland. 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 3 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 are to be installed in such a way that the longest possible flight path is created. They need a bathing opportunity and should also be sprayed with water occasionally (e.g. sprinkler system). Rings, ropes, and natural branches that are not harmful to health should be offered for occupation. They should be kept at room temperature.

Diet

The species-specific food offer consists of mixed seeds, available in specialized trade as "large parakeet food" in premium quality, supplemented with foxtail millet, green food (dandelion, chickweed, green panicle millet), vegetables (carrots etc.), fruit, (apples etc.), berries (firethorn, rowan), occasionally insect food and especially for the rearing of young sprouted seeds.), fruit, (apples, etc.), berries (firethorn, rowan), fresh twigs with buds, occasional insect food and, especially for raising young, germinated seed (wheat, corn), meal beetle larvae and egg food. 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 varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

Females have paler, duller plumage and the back is dark gray-green.

They breed in nest cavities made of softwood or in hollowed tree trunks. Bark mulch or sawdust from conifers is suitable as nest box bedding. The clutch consists of 4 to 6 eggs, the brood duration is about 20 days. The incubation period is, biologically speaking, from March to August when the birds are kept in open-air aviaries. Young birds must 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

They are very quarrelsome and may only be kept in pairs. Socialization with related species is not recommended

If they are kept in outdoor aviaries, 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 5 °C and the furnishings must correspond to those of cage keeping

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: Othmar Sieberer

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