Australian parrots

Australian parakeets : Also called Australian parakeets, parrots and parakeets, they are charming birds considered one of the most pampered and popular birds by man. Due to their relative resistance and ease of procreation they have spread remarkably worldwide.

For an adequate rearing of this type of birds, different very important aspects must be considered that can guarantee the survival of this little animal and are: feeding, facilities, reproductive management, training, hygiene; We must also take into account the various diseases that these birds may suffer and know very well the behavior of these birds in order to associate it with any need that these birds may have.

It is because of the importance of the previous aspects that I will develop each point below. Prior to this I will discuss general aspects of these birds in order to know them a little more.

Table of Contents

Summary

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1 Origins
2 General Characteristics
3 Classification
4 Hygiene
5 Food
6 Sex
7 Behavior
8 Most common diseases
9 Conclusions
10 Source

Origins

Australian parakeets belong to an Order of birds called Psitacciformes, integrating the Psittacidae family, its scientific name is Melopsitaccus undulatus, which comes from melody melodies, music, it is curious that this bird is not characterized by being endowed with a harmonious and pleasant song. The second part of its first name psitaccus places the parakeet in the family of talking birds to which it belongs. Lastly undulatus refers to the wavy appearance of its plumage.

The Australian parakeet comes from the southeastern regions of Australia; Hence it is that in many places they are known by the name of Australian parrots.

The naturalist and painter John Gould is recognized as the person who first introduced these types of birds to Europe. It did not take long for these parrots to reproduce in cage, from there their popularity was assured. The first country to raise these birds was England, but the poor little animals did not adapt to the cold English climate and died shortly after the change had occurred. Then they tried to change the climate and they were taken to the Spanish Levantine coast, where the true acclimatization process began.

General characteristics

Today there are numerous varieties of parakeets. However, the wild one is known for the coloration of its plumage, in general it is green, the face and throat are lemon yellow, with three black spots on each side of the neck. The markings on the wings and back are yellow and black. The feathers have a yellow border, which gives them a curly or wavy appearance; They look like tiny shells, that is why they are also known as “shell parakeets”. Head and neck: The head is round and harmonious. The eyes are small and are surrounded by a blue circle, the iris is dark in color, slightly black, with a white rim. Under the eyes, on the sides of the beak, they have feathers that vary in color, depending on the variety, but all generally have a spot and two blue specks. The feathers of the head are fine and short, they form a pattern like waves; having the same pattern on the dorsal part of the neck, instead the front of the neck is uniform in color, without waves. Its beak is short, hook-shaped and thick, completely flattened or flattened to the point that only the upper part of it can be seen with the naked eye, the lower part being much smaller and covered by feathers. Immediately above the upper part of the beak they have a wax, or what we could call a nose, of regular size compared to the maxilla, they are two small holes that communicate with the respiratory system, which, unlike the beak, is soft to the touch . having the same pattern on the dorsal part of the neck, instead the front of the neck is uniform in color, without waves. Its beak is short, hook-shaped and thick, completely flattened or flattened to the point that only the upper part of it can be seen with the naked eye, the lower part being much smaller and covered by feathers. Immediately above the upper part of the beak they have a wax, or what we could call a nose, of regular size compared to the maxilla, they are two small holes that communicate with the respiratory system, which, unlike the beak, is soft to the touch . having the same pattern on the dorsal part of the neck, instead the front of the neck is uniform in color, without waves. Its beak is short, hook-shaped and thick, completely flattened or flattened to the point that only the upper part of it can be seen with the naked eye, the lower part being much smaller and covered by feathers. Immediately above the upper part of the beak they have a wax, or what we could call a nose, of regular size compared to the maxilla, they are two small holes that communicate with the respiratory system, which, unlike the beak, is soft to the touch . completely flattened or flattened to the point that only the upper part of it can be seen with the naked eye, the lower part being much smaller and covered by feathers. Immediately above the upper part of the beak they have a wax, or what we could call a nose, of regular size compared to the maxilla, they are two small holes that communicate with the respiratory system, which, unlike the beak, is soft to the touch . completely flattened or flattened to the point that only the upper part of it can be seen with the naked eye, the lower part being much smaller and covered by feathers. Immediately above the upper part of the beak they have a wax, or what we could call a nose, of regular size compared to the maxilla, they are two small holes that communicate with the respiratory system, which, unlike the beak, is soft to the touch .

The mandible fits perfectly with the maxilla; both are movable; Thanks to this, the parakeet manages to crush the food it consumes to perfection. The mouth is triangular in shape, very concave. The tongue is muscular, rough and strong; it is an important tactile organ. The parakeet lacks the sense of taste. The parakeet’s neck is very curious because a single condyle articulates the skull with the first cervical vertebra. For this reason, the head of the parakeet is highly mobile: its total field of vision covers 360 °.

Body: The body is rounded and graceful. The color of the belly feathers is generally smooth and light. The plumage in this area is short and silky. The rest of the body is primed. The wings are also zebra or wavy although the stripes are more widely spaced; In other words, the waves are of greater amplitude in relation to those of the head and neck, enlarging in the direction of the rowing feathers and almost breaking the undulation, below them you can see the smooth area of the lower part of the back. The wings, in their lower part, are of a smooth and uniform color that appears crossed, transversely, by a whitish band. The tail is quite long, pointed, decreasing the length of the feathers from outside to inside, being therefore staggered.

Legs: The legs are short and resistant, of a bluish color, having, like all the clamps, four toes, two long and two shorter, directed two forward and two backward, alternated in such a way that, when they are perched on a branch or jumper, the four long toes are on the outside of the feet, and therefore the four short ones on the inside. Among all birds, they are the ones that climb the best because not only do they use the characteristics of their legs, but they also use a hook on the recurved tip and projecting from the beak, in this way they manage to climb without having to jump off the branch. On the branch, but by a vigorous and rapid progression. The nails are in proportion to the length of the feet, being reddish-white or bluish-white. The parakeet when it reaches its full development reaches, with its corresponding plumage, a length of 20 to 22cm. Today there are numerous varieties of parakeets. However, the wild one is known for the coloration of its plumage, in general it is green, the face and throat are lemon yellow, with three black spots on each side of the neck. The markings on the wings and back are yellow and black. The feathers have a yellow border, which gives them a curly or wavy appearance; They look like tiny shells, that is why they are also known as “shell parakeets”. The markings on the wings and back are yellow and black. The feathers have a yellow border, which gives them a curly or wavy appearance; They look like tiny shells, that is why they are also known as “shell parakeets”. The markings on the wings and back are yellow and black. The feathers have a yellow border, which gives them a curly or wavy appearance; They look like tiny shells, that is why they are also known as “shell parakeets”.

Head and neck: The head is round and harmonious. The eyes are small and are surrounded by a blue circle, the iris is dark in color, slightly black, with a white rim. Under the eyes, on the sides of the beak, they have feathers that vary in color, depending on the variety, but all generally have a spot and two blue specks. The feathers of the head are fine and short, they form a pattern like waves; having the same pattern on the dorsal part of the neck, instead the front of the neck is uniform in color, without waves. Its beak is short, hook-shaped and thick, completely flattened or flattened to the point that only the upper part of it can be seen with the naked eye, the lower part being much smaller and covered by feathers.

Classification

The different crosses carried out in the places of captivity have given rise to a wide variety of parakeets. However, unlike the canary, there are not very notable variations between one variety and another in terms of morphology. Some are bigger than others; some, somewhat slimmer than their peers; however, these differences are minimal and the anatomical structure of the parakeet remains constant.

The differences, marked and remarkable, are observed in the plumage. The American Budgerigar Society, an entity of North American origin that is dedicated to the study and protection of parakeets, has classified them according to the color of their plumage. Next, we will present the most common varieties with a brief description of their characteristics:

Sky blue: The mask is white and three perfectly defined black spots appear on each side of the throat. Violet moles can be seen on the cheek. The back is bishop color; chest, flanks and underside are sky blue. The long-feathered tail is blue-black.

Diluted sky blue: The mask is white and the spots that appear on either side of the throat are Isabella in color. The body shows the same colors as the previous one, except that the sky blue is replaced by a much paler sky blue. The long tail feathers are blue with the calamus brown.

Sky blue flavo: The mask is white; the spots, brown. The body is the same color as the previous one. The eyes are light red or plum. The tail feathers are long and bluish-gray in color.

Sky blue opaline: The body is sky blue; the mask is white. The tail feathers are the same color as the mantle.

Sky blue gray wing: The mask is white and the spots are gray. The mole on the cheek is light purple. The body is identical to the sky blue. The tail feathers are long, grayish blue.

Cobalt blue: Same as sky blue, but with an intense cobalt blue body. The tail is long and dark.

Diluted cobalt blue: The body color is pale cobalt blue, as are the tail feathers.

Cobalt blue flavo: Same as sky blue flavo, except the body is cobalt blue. The tail feathers are darker.

Cobalt blue opaline: Like sky blue opaline, but with a cobalt blue body. The tail has long, darker feathers. Cobalt blue gray wing: Same as sky blue gray wing, but cobalt blue. The tail has the same color.

Mauve: It is the same as sky blue, except that its body is purple mauve with a tendency to pink. The tail feathers are long and darker.

Diluted mauve: Same as diluted sky blue, but with a pale mauve body. The feathers are long and mauve in color.

Mauve flavo: Like sky blue flavo, but with a soft mauve body tending to pink. The tail feathers are darker than the rest of the body.

Mauve opaline: Like sky blue gray wing, but with mauve body and darker tail feathers.

Mauve gray wing: Like the sky blue gray wing, but with a mauve body. The tail feathers are darker.

Violet: Same as sky blue, except that the body is of an intense violet color. The long tail feathers are darker.

Diluted violet, violet flavo, violet opaline, violet gray wing: They are equal to the sky blue of the corresponding subgroup, except that instead of blue they are purple.

Light green: The mask is golden yellow and is adorned by three black spots on each side of the throat. The moles on the cheeks are purple. The back is rumpled in color. The chest, flanks and lower body are light green. This shade is uniform and bright. The pilothouse feathers are blue-black.

Diluted light green: The mask is golden yellow and the spots are Isabella in color. The color of the body is the same as the previous one. The tail feathers are long and blue with a brown axis.

Light green flavo: The mask is yellow and the spots are brown. The color of the body is yellowish green, The eyes are red or plum colored. The tail feathers are bluish gray.

Light green gray wing: The mask is yellow, adorned with gray spots. The body is the same as the previous one.

Olive green: Like light green, but with olive green plumage. The tail feathers are darker.

Diluted olive green, olive green flavo, olive green opaline, olive green gray wing: They are the same as the light green of the corresponding subgroup, except that, instead of being light green, they are olive green.

Dark green: Like light green, but with darker body and tail feathers.

Diluted dark green, dark green flavo, dark green opaline, dark green gray wing: They are the same as the light green of the corresponding subgroup, except that they are dark green.

Light yellow: The mask is yellow, the face is rumpled; the chest, flanks, and lower body are also yellow. The tail feathers are lighter.

Dark yellow: Like the previous one, but with a more intense yellow body.

Olive yellow: like the previous one, but with a mustard colored body.

Pure yellow with red eyes: They are known under the name of Lutinos. The general color is golden yellow and the tail feathers are grayish white. His eyes are light red.

Yellow face: Has a yellow face; the rest of the body responds to the varieties of blue and white.

Whites: They are of a pure white color; mask, body and tail.

Pure white of red eyes: They are totally white. His eyes are light red.

Gray – The mask is white with three black spots. The body is compact and uniform gray.

Light green gray: It is the same as light green, except that the body is a dull mustard color and the tail feathers are black.

Medium green gray. Represents the dark green form of gray.

Dark green gray: Represents olive green gray.

Slate: The mask is white with three black spots. The body is a uniform greenish slate color. The tail feathers are blue-black.

Light green slate: Like light green, but the overall body color is sage green.

Hygiene

1.- Cleaning: the cage must be cleaned daily, the lower tray will be removed and it will be carefully washed, eliminating excrement, food remains and any foreign element that may have fallen into it. These remains are often carriers of microorganisms that are harmful to the bird’s health. After cleaning your feeder and drinker, the tray will be placed in its place at the end.

2.- Disinfection: In the breeding season, cleaning is not enough and it is necessary to disinfect the cages. This process is very simple. Simply boil the metal framework for a few minutes. In the case of aviaries, thirst should cover the ground with a good lime scale with disinfectant. The use of DDT is not recommended because we could poison the bird.

3.- De-infecting or deworming: it is done in order to suppress parasites, mainly lice. At present in stores there are non-toxic spray products for parakeets. We must know that organophosphate insecticides are toxic. The spraying of products against lice or commonly called “red tick”, will be carried out at a minimum distance of half a meter, and for a period of time that does not exceed five seconds. These substances were said to be harmless, but for safety reasons, it is suggested that the water and food be placed after the cage has been sprayed.

Feeding

Obviously, the health of the parakeet is due in large part to food. The diet must be varied, as far as possible, but simple, without trying to “try” with food scraps that we do not know if they will be good for the bird. Below is a list of the main components in the parakeet’s diet. It is advisable not to give other things to try.

The basis of a parakeet’s diet is composed of cereals and seeds, generally white millet (40%), birdseed (40%) and oats (20%) (with tolerances of ± 5%), although they are currently sold in all the compost birdhouses for these birds, where, apart from the indicated ingredients, other varieties are added (yellow millet, red millet, etc.).

You can also find what is called “panizo” in stores. Panizo is untreated white millet on the branch. It is not essential for the feeding of the parakeet, but they love it, because it is not as monotonous as eating from the feeder. Also, it is quite cheap, but you must be careful, because the time it lasts in the cage is incredibly short. Another thing, which tries to imitate the panizo, are the pressed bars that, apart from these seeds, contain kiwi, pineapple and similar fruits. They are more complete than the panizo, but also much more expensive. This can be allowed if we have one or two parakeets, since when we have more, one of these bars does not last a day in the cage. However, interspersed with the panizo, you can put one of these bars from time to time,

Another super-important element in the diet is fresh vegetables (mainly lettuce (these birds go crazy for it), although they can also be given spinach and chard). You have to put one or more leaves, depending on the number of parakeets hooked to the cage (for example, with a clothespick), well clean and dry (if not, the parakeet may get diarrhea). This food will not be put every day, but on alternate days. In the breeding season it is essential. Fruit is also part of the menu of these birds. You can put apples, pears, watermelons, peaches, etc. (The first time a different type of fruit is put in the cage, the parakeets panic, because they do not know what it is. We should not despair if the first times the parakeet is put in the cage or touches them. In time they will start to eat them.

Pasta or egg cake (also called “brood paste” is also usually put in a feeder, so that the bird’s food is not so monotonous. This paste is essential if the parakeet is breeding, as it is a basic food for the young , although they are also usually put at all ages.

During the rearing period, a little calcium should not be lacking either, for the shell of the eggs. This mineral can be provided with an egg shell or with a cuttlefish bone, although the most convenient thing to do is to buy some lime sticks in the store that are hung directly on the cage for the bird to peck at. These calcium bars are also used by the bird to sharpen its beak, apart from helping digestion.

Finally, vitamin complexes are also sold that are put into the drinking water (which, by the way, should not be lacking and should be changed every day), but they are not strictly necessary for the bird to be in perfect condition, although they are recommended during the breeding season.

In short, and if we do not want to complicate our lives: the main food is the compound of millet, birdseed and oats, which will be the one that should not be missing in the cage. In a trough we will also have breeding pasta, even if it is not being raised. When we remember, we put a lettuce leaf or some fruit, and every now and then, a calcium bar.

NOTE: It seems that the parsley could harm them. Chocolate can also harm them.

As for milk: there are different opinions according to Vecchi: it should never be given MILK, as it damages them and in the long run could kill them. But according to the opinions of Internet users, they raise their parakeets and put bread dipped in skimmed milk on them and they do well. In any case, it is not advisable to give them milk (even if it is skimmed) for a long time, since the milk has nothing to do with birds but with mammals.

Regarding water: like any other living being, water is of vital importance for the life of the parakeet, it must be boiled (it is not recommended that it be directly from the pipe) it must be available to the bird, it must be renewed every day.

Sex

To determine the sex of a parakeet you have to see the color of the wax that covers the nostrils above the beak. These are the rules:

When the bird is very young, the color is usually bluish-white, light purple or fleshy, so it is not possible to determine the exact sex. If the wax is brown (in its various shades, from very dark to very light), it is a female, whatever the color of the parakeet. If the bird is mostly green or blue, and the wax is blue, it is a male. If the bird is not of the previous colors and the bone is light purple or pink, and it is a few months old (at least two), it is a male. c) Most suitable time for reproduction: The most suitable time for the beginning of the reproductive cycle is always spring-summer, whatever their habits may be in a state of freedom. However, they can reproduce throughout the year if conditions are not adverse.

When speaking of reproduction in a domestic state, it is necessary to start essentially from the weather conditions of the locality where it is lived, forgetting the customs that the species had when it lived in the wild. In fact, the only thing that remains unchanged is the need for many hours of sun to facilitate feeding of the young.

Behavior

When he is comfortable: We will see that when he is comfortable, he performs all possible activities to stay in optimal condition. First of all, cleaning the plumage, an activity that occupies a good part of the day of all birds, since plumage is of vital importance for them. In addition to protecting the body, it serves to fly and, if the feathers are broken or lacking, flight may even be impossible.

The parakeet has a sebaceous gland at the birth of the tail that secretes a fat that the animal spreads through the plumage, waterproofing it. You will only do this important activity if you feel safe in the place where you are.

One more activity they develop when they are calm is scratching their heads with a paw, to position their feathers well and keep clean. Although scratching the head can also mean tension, since we surely observe it too insistently (it is like when we run our hand through our hair).

When he finds that his beak is dirty from a piece of food he will rub it against something (bars).

Finally, we remember that the claws are also cleaned, removing dirt or nail remains.

When you are calm: During the day they are active in the morning and in the afternoon until dusk. On the other hand, during noon they are usually quite passive or take a nap. It tucks its head slightly between its shoulders and closes its eyes, although without adopting the typical position of the night (head bent back and hidden in the plumage of the back).

Upon awakening, he tends to yawn to loosen his beak muscles. They yawn also when they are bored.

When accompanied: As these birds usually live in colonies, a complex repertoire of behaviors has been established to distinguish the various relationships between individuals. It is said that most of these behaviors are instinctive, innate, but a sector of the scientific world studies and speculates with the possibility that some behaviors are learned throughout life observing parents, other couples and other individuals in the colony.

Scratching each other’s neck with the beak is a classic double meaning behavior. This is an area that the same animal can barely reach for daily cleaning and therefore uses the help of its companion. But it is also a form of physical contact that reinforces the bond of the group. This behavior also occurs in birds that live in captivity and that have acquired an excellent relationship with their cage partner. If the parakeet lives alone, it will form a strong bond with the human and, therefore, it will also require him to scratch the back of the neck.

When angry: In case an enemy approaches one of these parrots, the tactics used by it are multiple, and they range from ruffling the plumage, in order to appear larger, to keeping a claw standing to keep away the adversary (although the latter would be more common in larger parrots). Parrots widen their tails, also to appear older. The beak opens, the head rises, the neck stretches upwards and a low sound is heard that reveals the state of extreme discomfort and excitement in which the animal is (God, déjà vu! Iris la Wild, Hoshi’s wife, does exactly that when I put my hand to her.)

More common diseases

Parakeets, like other birds, can suffer from a number of diseases, some of them less serious than others, throughout their lives. Let’s see, now, what are the most characteristic of these volatiles.

Here are the main diseases that parakeets usually suffer:

Diseases and Signs

Acariasis: Rough crusts, feather drop, labored breathing. Alopecia: partial or zonal states of lack of feathers. Anemia A situation characterized by a decrease in red blood cells. weakness. Asthma: Shortness of breath, with wheezing. Aspergillosis: Manifest respiratory distress, whitish plaques at the corners of the beak. Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids. Cannibalism: A mother’s tendency to kill or eat her young. Cataract: Total or partial opacification of the lens in old birds. Cloachitis: Inflammation of the mucosa of the cloaca. Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva that surrounds the eye. Excessive nail and beak growth: Same. Dehydration: Darkening of the skin (visible especially in chickens). Diarrhea: More frequent and more liquid stools. Enteritis: Inflammation of the intestine. Epilepsy: Loss of consciousness, seizures, dizziness and sometimes coma. Constipation: scanty and slimy stools. Gastritis and gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach or stomach and intestine simultaneously. Gout: formation of nodules on the fingers (in the joint form). Brown wax hypertrophy: Old birds. Hyperdevelopment of the waxy zone. Avoid plugging the nostrils. Muda: It is natural. Stress, weakness and loss of feathers. French moult: Defective development of feathers, weak and curled. Difficult flight. Nephritis: dejection, sadness, weakness. Inflammation of the kidneys. Infrequent. Obesity: Fatigued breathing, less activity. Prolapse of the oviduct or rectal: Exit to the outside (like a sock) of the oviduct or intestine. Continuous laying: Lays eggs without having a partner. Regurgitation: Vomiting. Scabies on the head and legs: Prominent yellowish brown scabs on the membrane of the beak, eyes, skin, … Head trauma: Tachycardia, stunned, staggering (let the animal rest). Tumors: in testicles; The waxy area changes color from blue to brown. Vertigo: Loss of balance, staggering. Blocked Egg: Unable to eject the egg.

Conclusions

It should be borne in mind that if we want to start breeding not only Australian parakeets but any type of animal, we must receive guidance in relation to breeding, in order to provide the necessary conditions and ensure the well-being of our pet. It is very important to bear in mind that if we want to improve the species that we are dedicated to raising, we must make the indicated crosses, it should not be crossed by crossing, because the purpose of our breeding must be to have better and better birds and not stray from the standard . The management of our birds is very important, since the health of our parakeets depends on this, in terms of management we must consider whether the cage where the animal will be covers the required comforts, Correct nutrition is also very important since the good health of our pet depends on it, cleanliness is another very important factor that helps prevent diseases, because it must be remembered that it is much more important to prevent diseases than to cure or treat them . It is important to consider that for the training of our pets it is to have a lot of patience with them.