Bourke's Parrots aka Bourke Parakeets, Bourke Grass Keets
Endangered Species
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The Bourke's Parakeets (Neopsephotus Bourkii) are
endangered in their own homeland of Southwestern and Central Australia, but are popular in aviculture.
They are readily available in the United States and relatively inexpensive.
I have had the pleasure of having several pairs of the Bourke's Parakeet (Neopsephotus Bourkii), together with other species of the grasskeet family - in my aviary, and enjoyed them very much.
They are quiet, gentle and unassuming, with very endearing personalities. They are not known to be aggressive with other species - even smaller than themselves (i.e., finches, canaries). However, their gentle nature may make them an easy mark for aggressive birds.
Photos and below information are courtesy of Mandy & Paul - Breeder of Canaries & Other Exotic Birds - Singing Wings Aviary - www.singing-wings-aviary.com (A great source for these delightful parakeets)
Description:
In the normal form the head and back are a scaled grey with the chest and abdomen being a pink shade. The wings and tail are eched in blue. Males will have a blue crown on the forhead while hens and juveniles have a full grey head
Size: The average size for this species is 71/2 inches (19cm).
Sexing:
Mature males will have a blue crown on the forhead and brighter blue on the wings.
Hens and juveniles have a full grey head; however, hens can be distinguished from juvies as they will have more pink coloration.
Mutations/Sub-species:
There are several Splendid mutations such as the Opaline (Rosey), White Face Pink, Cinnamon, Fallow, Cream, Lutino and Rubino.
Diet:
The diet for the Bourke should include a mixture of canary seeds and millets along with safflower and some sunflower seeds. Sprouted seeds, kale, boiled egg, spray millet, brocolli, grated carrot, corn and chopped apple can also be offered. We have offered other fruits and veggies but the above seem to be the ones they normaly chose to eat.
General Care<:
This species is relativly hardy as long as not exposed to ongoing damp conditions.
Compatibility:
Bourkes are very peaceful and can be kept in an aviary with other peaceful species such as Splendids, Socities and other peaceful finches.
Housing:
This species is not very flighty being most active at dawn and dusk. They are social and do enjoy the company of other birds or people. Young handfed birds make excellent pets and can be kept in med. size parrot cages as long as they have ample time out of the cage. Parent raised birds will enjoy a mixed aviary or the company of it's own species. I would suggest a min. cage space of 30 x 18 for a pair although we breed our Bourkes in a same species aviary with several pairs and nest boxes hung throughout. They do best in temps between 60-85 degrees.
Song:
This species has no true song and are pretty quiet but do make the occasional melodious chirps and whistles. They are not known for talking.
Breeding:
Established pairs can become very prolific and may breed any time of the year given the right conditions. We use a 12 x 10in. nestbox for our pairs.
When ready to breed the hen will lean forward on the perch and make small chirping noises. In most cases the male will be more than willing to accept her request.
The hen normaly lays 4-6 eggs though the average clutch to hatch seems to be 3-4 babies. After the third egg is laid she will incubate them for 18-20 days. The male rarely accompanies the hen in the nestbox but will often make frequent visits in which he feeds the hen.
The hen is normaly a tight sitter and will be reluctant to move from the eggs. Young bourkes normaly leave the nest at 4 weeks of age.
At 7-8 weeks of age the young are independent and can be moved from the parents.
Valuable Information: General Information on Care & Disposition ... Procuring Your Bird ... Aviary Birds / Breeding ... Nutrition ... Housing Your Birds ... Pet Bird / Breeder & Sanitation Products
Genus: Scientific:Neopsephotus ... English: Boerke's Parrots ... Dutch: Bourke's Parkieten ... German: Bourkesittiche ... French: Perruche de Bourke
Species: Scientific: Neopsephotus bourkii aka Neophema bourkii ... English: Bourke's Parrot ... Dutch: Bourke's Parkiet ... German: Bourkesittich, Rosenbauchsittich ... French: Perruche de Bourke
CITES II - Endangered Species
Distribution: Southern and Central Australia
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
Photo contributions are welcome!
