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Bourke Parakeet, Australian Grasskeets
Differences in Male and Female: The
male Bourke has a blue band of feathers above his nostrils. Hens are generally
smaller in size. Bourkes are the only members of the Neophema family that
lack the green feathering. They also have a slightly different body and
tail shape, indicating that they might not be as closely related to the
other Neophemas as we think. The Bourke's Parakeet is an extremely gentle
bird; they can be kept in most aviaries without any problems being caused
by them with other birds. They are most commonly kept in aviary situations,
although if handfed they make a very quiet and affectionate pet. Bourkes
are very quiet, handfed pets are a great apartment bird, being inoffensive
to everyone. I keep mine in pairs for breeding purposes and can still handle
them without them biting. The Bourke Parakeet is the ideal bird for the
novice aviculturist. They are hardy, easy to care for and willing breeders.
These peaceful birds have calm dispositions that make them ideal companions
for mixed flights that also house finches and cockatiels. Bourkes have a
soft, pleasant voice, and are not nervous or excitable birds. Due to their
non-destructive nature, it is unlikely that they will nibble on the vegetation
in a planted aviary. Some people consider Bourkes dull, because of their
sedentary nature; however they perk up at dawn and dusk. At these times,
Bourke's fly actively around the aviary, making endearing twittering sounds.
In the wild, it is not unusual for these birds to still be out and about
past sunset. I am very partial to my Bourkes. I love them more than any
other "pet" birds. They are just gorgeous and do not require a
lot of time and patience. They are ok to sit in their cage with their mate
or to come out and sit on your shoulder.
What my bourkes Eat: My Bourke's diet
is based in a good quality seed mix meant for Budgies, Canaries, and Finches,
then supplemented with some pellets. Larger seeds such as in Cockatiel mixes,
in general, though not always, are refused. Sometimes see the larger seeds
such as safflower and sunflower recommended, however, I do not offer these
to my Bourkes. I also include veggies and fruits occasionally. They also love
my eggfood and will eat my birdie bread also (this is generally where I hide
the fruits and veggies that I know they need but will not eagerly eat on its
own). They love millet as all birds do, but if you do not give this sparingly,
they tend to not eat anything else. Cuttlebone should always be available.
What I know about Breeding Bourkes: Provided
with a parakeet nest box the hen can lay up to 6 eggs. Incubation is about
18 days. Bourke's should be fed a diet of parakeet mix, black oil sunflower,
sprouted seeds and a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Apples, bananas,
and carrots have proved to be these birds' favorite foods. And given a choice,
they'd eat nothing but Spray Millet, so this food must be given only sparingly.
Cuttlebone should always be available and other mineral blocks to help keep
their beaks ground down, though these may be used only sparingly, depending
on the bird.
The male can breed as young at 8 months old, the hen at 10-12 months... but
just because they can does not mean we should allow this. Once a male and
female are assured, watch for true pairing activity such as being loving and
gentle around each other. Squabbling can indicate a mismatch, leading to poor
breeding performance and lowered chick success. The cock feeding the hen,
indicates of course a nicely partnered couple who are happy with each other.
When setting up for breeding Bourke as a single pair in a cage... try to have
2 boxes per pair as they like having a choice about it. A box is usually recommended
and a 'deep Budgie' or an 'English Budgie' box is appropriate and some have
even used Cockatiel boxes, as well. Each box must then have an inch or so
of wood shavings in the bottom so the new owners can throw it all out again.
The Bourke can go to nest anytime throughout the year, no matter the season.
The Bourke male will do a bobbing dance for the female and show off his wings
in order to entice her. Eggs are laid every other day, with an average of
4-6 being laid. Incubation goes on for 18-21 days. And chicks fledge at around
5th or 6th week of age, give or take a week. And remember to limit your hen
to only 2 clutches per year or you risk her health. Also take note that the
first clutch is often completely infertile, as with many bird species. When
the chicks do hatch, the male actually does the main work of caring for them
while his hen starts her next brood. This is why bourkes should not be allowed
to breed more than 3 times per year. If well cared for bourkes can prove to
be one of the tamest birds in our aviculture.
What I know about Color Mutations: The
Bourke has several color mutations that are more popular than the normal color
phase. One of these is the rosy Bourke. Rosies are relatively inexpensive
and readily available. After all, who would not like a bright pink bird in
their aviary ? This sex-linked mutation ranges in color from pale pink to
the more desirable dark pink. Males and females are virtually identical in
appearance, though hens have darker faces and more grey scattered throughout
their body. The cream or yellow Bourke's has a pale pink chest and a creamy
beige back. A popular mutation in the last years has been the Pink Bourke.
Not to be confused with the rosy, this bird is a bright pastel pink with light
highlights. It is a compound mutation, meaning that through several breedings
the colors cream (or cinnamon) were combined with the rosy Bourke.
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Page Last Updated on
Friday, September 29, 2006 7:36 PM
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