PARROTS AND PARRAKEETS
This group of birds covers a very wide range from Parrolets, Lovebirds, Grass Parrakeets, Cockatiels to Rosellas and all the rest of the Australian Parrakeets to Ringnecks, Plumheads, African Grey Parrots and Macaws to name just some.
HOUSING
These bird are best kept in flights, indoor and outdoor. Sizes can start at 2 foot wide and 6 foot long and 6 foot high on up to 4 foot wide, 8 foot high and 15‑20 foot long, the bigger the better. If inside flights are not provided, some form of shelter should be provided at one end, to be used as a feeding and roosting area, although if possible it is recommended that the full roof is covered to avoid contamination from wildbirds. eg Salmonella. Provided the majority of these birds have a good draught free shelter, then no heat is required during our winters, however, the small Parrolets and Lovebirds do need inside quarters during this period
FEEDING
The basic food is seed, parakeet mixture ‑ parrot mixture, plus water. Many types of fruit, apple is the most common and vegetables eg: carrots, cabbage, spinach etc. and when breeding, egg food should also be given.
BREEDING
When breeding these birds it is 1 pair to a flight or cage with the possible exception of Cockatiels who may be kept and bred on a colony system. Nest boxes can range from 5" X 5" x 10" deep to 12" X 12" X 6 foot deep, or barrels for the larger parrots. Some of these birds make ideal pets, eg: Cockatiels, African Greys and Cockatoo's. If they have been hand‑reared it will be very easy to tame and teach them to talk and mimic giving the family many hours of pleasure.