Description

The Bourke’s Parakeet is a small Australian species with beautiful, subdued plumage of soft brown, rose, and blue, with males having a delicate blue band on the forehead. They are unique for being crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, remaining relatively quiet and sedentary during the bright day. They are known for a particularly gentle, calm, and docile temperament, making them extremely quiet companions. Their vocalizations are soft, melodious churring and twittering, which is completely non-disruptive, making them an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments.

Tamability and Maintenance: Bourke’s Parakeets are tamable and can become gentle, trusting pets if hand-fed, though they are generally less interested in intense physical cuddling than other species. They are a low maintenance bird, requiring a clean, stable environment and a spacious cage that allows for horizontal flight. They are prone to obesity and require plenty of exercise. Due to their preference for dim light activity, early morning and late evening out-of-cage time is best for bonding. Their typical lifespan is 10-15 years.

Diet: A Bourke’s Parakeet’s diet must be low in fat. The core should be a high-quality, small parakeet pellet or a lean seed mix. This must be supplemented daily with fresh, dark leafy greens (dandelion, chickweed) and chopped vegetables. Seeds should be strictly limited to prevent health issues like fatty liver disease. They need access to fresh water and a calcium source.