Papuan King Parrot (Alisterus chloropterus)
| Papuan King Parrot Alisterus chloropterus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Papuan King Parrot |
| Name Lat. | Alisterus chloropterus |
| Family | Parrots |
| Family lat. | Psittacidae |
| Order | Parrots |
| Order lat. | Psittaciformes |
| Origin | Papua New Guinea |
| Climate | Subtropical - tropical |
| Diet | Large Parakeet seed, veggies, fruits |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cavity nest |
| Life Span | 20-25 years |
| Protection | CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 36 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 Papuan King Parakeet is native to Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea. There it lives in humid mountain forests up to 2,300 m altitude. King parakeets are only available as a breeding form since the export ban in 1960.
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 must be installed in such a way as to provide the longest possible flight path and also to prevent soiling of the feed and water containers. 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 (peppers, carrots etc.), fruit (apples, pears etc.), rose hips, berries (firethorn, ash), wild herb seeds, fresh twigs, buds, occasionally insect food.), fruit (apples, pears, etc.), rose hips, berries (firethorn, rowan), wild herb seeds, fresh twigs, buds, occasionally insect food and, especially for raising young, germinated seed (wheat or corn), mealybug larvae and egg feed. If there are several animals, set up several feeding stations. They need grit, cuttlefish and vitamin lime as digestive aids. Water must always be available in birdbaths or in stable, open containers. Feed and water must be offered fresh daily, and the containers must be cleaned beforehand.
Reproduction and breeding
The sexes are easily distinguished, females are predominantly green with little red on the head, neck and chest.
They breed in nest cavities made of soft wood or in hollowed tree trunks. Sawdust from coniferous wood or mulch are particularly suitable as bedding. The clutch consists of 4-6 eggs, the incubation period 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 in such a way that they are species-specific. Hand rearing may only be done in justified exceptional cases. Life expectancy can be 20-30 years.
Species protection
They should be provided with a leg ring. The animal population must be reported in writing to the competent authority immediately after the start of keeping.
Protection of species: WA Annex II; EU Annex 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
In the case of outdoor aviaries, they also need a heated shelter of at least 2 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 housing
They may be kept only in pairs or in a group. Sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to daylight must be provided in rooms, including shelters. The lighting duration shall be 8-12 hours per day and the natural day-night rhythm shall be observed. Adequate indoor climate shall be provided. The health condition of the birds shall be checked daily.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; 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