Regent Parrot (Polytelis anthopeplus)

Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus
Name	Regent Parrot
Name Lat.	Polytelis anthopeplus
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	40 cm
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	200 x 100 x 100 cm
US Units
Size	16"
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	80" x 40" x 40"

Distribution and habitat

The mountain parakeets are native to southeastern and southwestern Australia, where they live in shrub steppes and eucalyptus forests along river courses, and as cultural successors also in gardens. Since the export ban in 1960, they are only available as offspring.

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. 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 health harmless natural branches must not be missing. They should be kept at room temperature.

Diet

The species-specific food offer consists of various seeds, available in specialized trade as "large parakeet food". In addition, cob millet, green millet, chickweed, buds, vegetables, fruit (apples, berries, etc.) and especially for rearing young sprouted food (semi-mature corn), meal beetle larvae 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 reduces deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The males are partly bright yellow in color, the females are paler and olive yellow to olive green. They breed in nest cavities made of softwood or in hollowed-out 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 take place in justified exceptional cases.

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

Parrots may only be kept in pairs or in a group

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 correspond to those of cage keeping

In rooms, sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect), corresponding to the light spectrum of natural sunlight, must be provided. The lighting duration should be 8-12 hours per day and the day-night rhythm should 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: 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