Scarlet-Chested Parakeet (Splendid Parakeet)

The Scarlet-Chested Parakeet is a colorful bird that belongs to the genus Neophema. It bears a striking resemblance to turquoisine parakeets.

As a dimorphic species, the males are characterized by a dark blue face, bright red chest, and a yellow belly while the female parakeets have a greenish chest.

Scientific Classification
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Psittaciformes
Family	Psittaculidae
Genus	Neophema
Scientific Name	Neophema splendida

 

Quick Information
Other Names	Scarlet-chested Parrot, splendid parrot, scarlet-breasted parrot, orange-throated parrot, grass parakeet, splendid parakeet
Distribution	Central South Australia, Inland Southern Western Australia
Habitat	Semi-arid areas, open woodlands of eucalypts, mulga, she-oak and spinifex, saltbush ground covers
Song	Soft and pleasant two-syllable notes; In flocks they produce soft twitters
Color	Brightly colored in scarlet red, green, yellow, and blue with brown eyes
Size	About 19-21 cm
Wingspan	10 cm to 11 cm
Weight	40 g
Diet	Seeds, grasses, flowers, insects, fruits, and berries
Lifespan	10 to 15 years
Egg hatching time	8 to 10 days
Clutch size	4 to 6 eggs
Fledging	4 weeks
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Mutations

This brightly colored bird comes in several attractive color variations such as white, cinnamon, turquoise, par blue, violet, and gray.

Pet care

The quiet and calm nature of the parakeet makes it an ideal pet for first-time owners. With proper attention and care, it can be tamed well.

Cage setup

Since this little bird needs enough room to fly and run around, a relatively large cage, about 4 feet in length, 2 feet in depth, and 2 feet in width is required. It can also be housed in well-protected aviaries that are about 10 feet long, 3 feet wide and 7 feet high.

Cage accessories

Placing foot toys inside the cage keeps the bird engaged and active. As this cheerful parakeet is a ground feeder in the wild, you can put some soil and grass at the bottom of the cage to let it scratch around. Hang small, wooden branches, perches, and swings to keep them busy throughout the day.

Nest

Vertical nest boxes, measuring 20cm x 20cm x 40cm should be installed for a breeding pair.

Temperature

Scarlet-chested parrots feel uneasy when kept in humid and damp conditions. As extreme temperatures are unsuitable for them, their dwelling places must be slightly warm and free of moisture.

Temperament

Grass parakeets socialize well with their owners even though they have an introvert personality. They can stay comfortably with other peaceful birds of same or different species, but tend to become aggressive to their house-mates during the breeding season.

Feeding

A healthy diet comprising of seeds, pellets, millets, fresh fruits, and vegetables should be provided. You can also feed it with leafy greens like kale and spinach, and fresh sprouts.

Bathing

As splendid parakeets prefer taking a bath in standing water or on wet foliage, you can keep their bathing water in a clean bowl inside the cage. Sometimes, they also take a sunbath by puffing out the body feathers and bending their wings.

Health problems

As scarlet chested parakeets are accustomed to staying in dry places, they might suffer from respiratory problems when exposed to extreme cold and humidity. Consult a veterinary physician if your pet bird experiences sudden weight loss, lack of activity, and loss of appetite.

Price

A splendid parakeet will cost your around $250-$350.

Interesting facts

• The splendid parrots can survive for days without water.
• They produce a sharp whistle when alarmed.

References:

1. https://beautyofbirds.com/scarlet-chested-parakeets/
2. http://www.featherfantasy.com/scarlet-chested-parrakeet-i-24.html
3. https://www.thesprucepets.com/scarlet-chested-parakeets-as-pets-390921
4. https://www.petguide.com/breeds/bird/scarlet-chested-parrot/
5. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?id=10556
6. https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Neophema-splendida