Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Barred Parakeet Parrot

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.