Splendid or Scarlett-chested Parrots (Splendida)
Endangered Species
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Location and habitat
The Starlet-chested Parakeet is erratically distributed across the arid interior of southern Australia.
Breeding / Aviculture:
It was a delight to have these little parrots in my aviaries. They are quiet, beautiful and have such a wonderful, sweet disposition.
On occasion I would handfeed the babies, and it was so much fun to take care of them. They are so trusting, loving and adorable.
I have moved and no longer own them, but am dreaming of having another aviary in the future -- and these, together with other grass keets, will be on the top of the list.
One thing that I have learned is very important is the aviary set-up. As they spend a lot of time on the floor, they can get a heavy burden of parasites / worms. Easy-to-clean concrete floor would be the only option for me -- however, they do like planted aviaries: potted plants / trees would be recommended. Edible / non-toxic - to provide them with a fresh supply of greens.
The Scarlet-chested Parakeets are readily available throughout most of the United States and come in several color mutations.
Their calls are soft and melodious. In nature, theyy feed on the ground and fly low, keeping close to cover.
The below information courtesy of Mandy & Paul - Breeder of Canaries & Other Exotic Birds - Singing Wings Aviary - www.singing-wings-aviary.com (A great source for these colorful parrots)
Description
Often considered one of the most colorful species of grass parakeets, in the normal form they have a bright blue color face and wing converts which receed to a little blue color. The back and rump are deep green while the underbelly is yellow. The chest is a scarlet red on males but on the hens it remains a green-yellow. Males will also have a much brighter blue facial color which extends to the nape of the neck. Juveniles resemble hens but young males will molt into adult color from 3-6 months of age. This species is often confused with the Turquoise Parakeet. Though very similar the Turquoise males male have red on the wings and yellow chest unlike the Splendid males which have no red on the wings and a red chest.
Size:
The average size for this species is 71/2 inches (19cm).
Sexing:
Sexing young birds can prove difficult unless DNA sexed as all young birds resemble hens. However at about 3 months of age males will begin to molt into adult plumage and red specks can be seen on the chest. Since hens do not have red chest you will know these young birds are males. From the photo you can see the young male on the right and hen in the upper left.
Mutations/Sub-species:
There are several mutations of the Splendids available though rare in the USA such as Pastel, Cinnamon, Fallow, Sea Green, Lutino, Albino, Pied, Silver, Blue, White Breasted Blue and Red Bellied although higher in cost in my opinion they are not as colorful as the original form.
Diet:
A good splendid diet 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:
Scarlet Chested keets are peaceful and can be kept in an aviary with other peaceful species such as Bourkes, Socities and other peaceful finches. Males of their own species may have a few territorial aggruments during the breeding season but normaly nothing fatal. They are not known for talking.
Housing:
These birds can be housed in a mixed species aviary with other peaceful birds or in breeding flights with one pair per flight. Be sure not to place them into cages to small for them as they are avid flyers and will greatly enjoy having the room to fly.
Song:
Males do not have a true song but do have quiet melodious calls. This is the perfect species for apartment bird lovers as they are beautiful and quiet.
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 inncubate 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 splendids 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. All juveniles resemble hens but at about 3 months of age young males will begin to get red chest color.
Taxonomy:
Genus: Scientific: Neophema ... English: Elegant Parrots ... Dutch: Elegante Parkieten ... German: Grassittiche ... French: Perruche neophema 
Species: Scientific: Neophema splendida ... English: Scarlet-chested Parrot, Splendit Grass Parakeet ... Dutch: Splendidparkiet, Glansparkiet ... German: Glanzsittich, Rotbruestiger Schönsittich ... French: Perruche à poitrine écarlate
CITES II - Endangered Species
Distribution: Southern Australia
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