Barred Parakeet Parrot
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Aves
Order:
Psittaciformes
Superfamily:
Psittacoidea
Family:
Psittacidae
Subfamily:
Arinae
Genus:
Bolborhynchus
Species:
B. lineola
Binomial name:
Bolborhynchus lineola
Size:
15 – 16
centimetres / 6 – 7 inches.
Weight:
55 grams.
Rings:
Size M à 4.4 mm.
Incubation:
21 - 24 days / 18 – 20 days
Fledging:
5 – 7 Weeks.
Lifespan:
10 years.
Breeding Life:
6 years
Sexual Maturity:
5 – 6 Months / 8 months
Recommended 1 year.
Aviaries:
Minimum size for an aviary
for maximum six birds: 0.85m x 0.55m x 1.5 m.
Temperatures:
They resist to minimal
temperatures of 5°C, if they have the possibility to shelter in a nest but
they live better in little heated rooms during the winter.
Character
The character of these
parakeets is extraordinary, does not become stressed from the changes, but
indeed in little time they adapt to new situations. They tend to be quite timid
quickly looses every fear becoming confident with the breeder.
Really calm
birds, Lineos are peaceful, non-destructive birds. Although being
parakeets, Lineos behave in a way which resembles mostly to parrots.
Thus, they very often use their feet to grab food to eat or toys to play with.
Furthermore, during moments of great excitement, it is possible to observe
their eyes blinking, which is typical of large parrots.
As Lineos are not
aggressive, it is not advisable to make them share an aviary with aggressive
species. Lineos would probably not defend themselves and be wounded
or even killed. Lineos use their beak to eat and to hold on objects,
not to bite. An aviary with wood structure is perfectly possible for these
birds. Excellent acrobats, Lineos only fly when they have to.
These parakeets have chewing
and bathing needs but love to be sprayed with a water bottle. Tame lineolateds frequently
hang upside down from their perch, spreading every feather on their bodies for
maximum drenching, when being squirted from a water bottle.
It has the advantage of
having a parrot-like personality in a small package. They are not destructive,
have a quiet voice, and when hand-fed make delightful pets and good talkers.
Lineolateds are hardy
birds. Not overly active, they do not require a big aviary or flight cage.
Pairs are happiest housed in a secluded, location.
These parrots are not big
flyers; they prefer climbing to their bowls, or running across the cage bottom.
Even when chased with a net, they like to just "drop off" the perch
and cling to the wire. When perched or resting, Lineolateds adopt a
funny posture: they either sit in a horizontal position, or rest with their
tails pointing up, and their heads leaning down.
Feeding
Mixture of seeds for small
parakeets with little small sunflower and more canary seeds.
Fruit and vegetables (carrot,
pear, apple, maize, corn on the cob, green seedless grapes, lettuce, broccoli)
Oat groats (once a
week)
Wheat bread, cooked bean mix
and egg food.
Spray Millet.
Cuttlefish bone (or blocks of
mineral), grit and fresh water always to disposition.
Breeding Cages
Breeding in little cages 50 x
40 x 40 cm.
To avoid that the subjects
fatten too much it's better to lodge them in cages at least 70x 40x40
Breeding cages are
18"x18"x24" solid all around with mesh on the front only.
80x50x100 cm.
Nest
Width 30
centimetres / 10 inch (can be 6 inch)
Depth 20
centimetres / 8 inch (can be 6 inch)
Height 20
centimetres / 8 inch
Hole Diameter 6
centimetres / 2 inch
Nesting Material
Place about 3" of pine
wood shavings on the bottom and this seems to work well
At first I used coconut fibre
and they really liked it to weave a nest. They will weave a nest in a stand up
circle at the back of the box and if given enough material will actually build
a tunnel type nest. The problem with fibre is that it will tangle in there
claws and will pull out of the box when they leave, and can pull the babies as
well if they get entangled.
As babies tend to crawl away
and chill. The bottom of the box should be lined with two inches of pine
shavings with a handful of coco fibres added to the top. The fibres will be
used to build a round, cocoon-type nest within the box.
Breeding Period
The main reproduction begins
in spring but, if it is lodged in a heated and well illuminates room, in order
to at least 14 hours light a day, they will breed all year.
Eggs: They place from 4 to 6
eggs, intervals between 24 and 48 hours and begin to incubate from the second
egg.
Incubating: Female broods
mostly. The male will also help feed the young.
Batches
Up to three batches per year
are possible but make sure you check the hen to see that she is still in good
condition and not stressing. Another round is not worth it at the expense of a
good hen.
Though
the Lineolated can produce several clutches a year, they are not the
most reliable breeders. They may lay 3-5 eggs, and raise 2-3 chicks
successfully, and then just raise one baby the clutch thereafter.
Foster parents (Bourke
parakeets) and hand feeding will greatly help increase production.