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| BOURKES PARROT |
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Bourkes Parrot
Neosephotus Bourkii
An ideal small parrot for new aviculturists. Hardy and prolific breeders. Readily available.
Housing
A draft free, fully roofed aviary with the front facing the north (in southern hemisphere) to make the most of the sun in winter is ideal. Can be kept and bred in cabinet type cages but a minimum length of 1200cm (4feet) long is recommended.
Sexing
Normals and Creams, cock birds have a distinctive blue brow band and hens don't. Rosa and pinks are more difficult to sex. Most breeders go by the size of the head. the cocks head being bigger and more squarish the hen's smaller and more rounded.
Feeding
A good quality comercially available "budgie mix" with a small amount of sunflower seed added should be in constant supply. Vegetables, such as spinach, endive, brocolli, carrot, celery etc will be readily eaten. Green seed heads and/or sprouted seed should also be given on a regular basis in breeding season. Obviously a constant supply of clean water must be available.
Breeding
Breeding season (in Australia) is usually from July to March (mid winter through to mid autumn). In warmer climates they may breed all year round. They will nest in almost any type of nest box or hollow log. Three to six oval white eggs are laid at two day intervals. Incubation usually commences after the third or fourth egg is laid and hatching about 21 days later.The chicks fledge on average at 28 days (this may vary afew days either way). The fledglings are independent at about 14 days after leaving the nest. Adult plumage is moulted in at approximately 4 to 5 months.
Mutations
The most popular and readily available mutations in Australia. - Rose or Rosa: Sex-linked mutation
- Cream: Recessive mutation
- Pink: Sex-linked Recessive mutation
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| Last Update: 13/03/07 20:56 |
Views: 9454 |
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