Princess Parrot (Polytelis alexandrae)
| Princess Parrot Polytelis alexandrae | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Princess Parrot |
| Name Lat. | Polytelis alexandrae |
| Family | Parrots |
| Family lat. | Psittacidae |
| Order | Parrots |
| Order lat. | Psittaciformes |
| Origin | Australia |
| Climate | Subtropical - tropical |
| Diet | Large Parakeet seed, veggies, fruits |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cavity nest |
| Life Span | 20-30 years |
| Protection | CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 45 cm |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 300 x 100 x 200 cm |
| US Units | |
| Size | 18" |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 120" x 40" x 80" |
Distribution and habitat
Princess of Wales parakeets are native to the interior of Australia, where they live in arid spinifex landscapes. Spinifex is a hard, spiny grass. They are only available as offspring since the export ban in 1960.
Cage size
The minimum size of the aviary is 300 x 100 x 200 cm (L x W x H) for a pair. This size may not be undercut even in the case of justified single keeping. For an additional 2 birds, the floor space must be increased by 50%, provided that the birds are compatible with the species. The aviary must be placed in a bright, draft-free and quiet place and should have cross-wiring or netting. An aviary with 5 m² of floor space is recommended.
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. A bathing facility must be available at all times and they should also be sprayed with water at least once a week (e.g. sprinkler system). Climbing and occupation material, such as rings, ropes and natural branches that are harmless to health, must not be missing. 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), mealybug larvae and egg food. 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 varied diet promotes good health.
Reproduction and breeding
The females are clearly paler colored.
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 4-7 eggs, the incubation period is 18-20 days. The incubation period is, biologically speaking, from March to August when the birds are kept in an open aviary. 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 may only be kept in pairs or groups. During the breeding season, they can also be kept in pairs
In the case of 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 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 shall be 8-12 hours per day and the natural day-night rhythm shall be respected. 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: 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