Yellow-fronted Parakeet (Cyanoramphus auriceps)

Yellow-fronted Parakeet Cyanoramphus auriceps
Name	Yellow-fronted Parakeet
Name Lat.	Cyanoramphus auriceps
Family	Parrots
Family lat.	Psittacidae
Order	Parrots
Order lat.	Psittaciformes
Origin	New Zealand
Climate	Temperate - subtropical
Diet	Large Parakeet seed, veggies, fruits
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Easy
Reproduction	Cavity nest
Life Span	15-20 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B
Metric Units
Size	23 cm
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	200 x 100 x 100 cm
US Units
Size	9.1"
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	80" x 40" x 40"

Distribution and habitat

The spring parakeets are widespread on the North and South Island of New Zealand. There they live in larger forest areas but also in the bush land. 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 must be cleaned regularly. 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 prevent soiling of the feed and water containers. A bathing opportunity must be available at all times and a varied, biotope-like equipment with natural branches in different thicknesses that are harmless to health as well as employment material (e.g. rings, ropes) must be offered.

Diet

The species-specific food offer consists of mixed seeds, available in specialized trade as "large parakeet food" in premium quality, in addition cob millet, green millet, chickweed, vegetables and fruit (apples, carrots, berries) as well as fresh twigs with buds and especially for the rearing of young flour beetle larvae, germ and egg food. If there are several animals, set up several feeding stations. Grit, cuttlefish and vitamin lime must be offered 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 prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The sexes are relatively easy to distinguish, females have a narrower red headband.

They breed in handmade nest boxes made of softwood or in hollowed tree trunks. Coniferous sawdust, mulch, small twigs are especially suitable as nest box bedding. The clutch consists of 4-10 eggs, the incubation period is about 19 days. The incubation period is, biologically speaking, from March to August when 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).

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

Jumping parakeets often stay on the ground and scratch for food. They do not use their beaks for climbing. They may only be kept in pairs or in a group. During the breeding season they may only be kept in pairs, but they are compatible with birds of other species. If they are kept in outdoor aviaries, they also need a heated shelter (at least 1 m²), which can be visited by the birds at any time, the temperature of which must not be lower than 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 must be between 8 and 14 hours per day and the day-night rhythm must be observed. An adequate indoor climate must 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; GRUMMT & STREHLOW (2009): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Vögel, Verlag Harri Deutsch 

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF