bourkes pet quality??

[Beck]

I just love this thread because I've always been drawn to Splendids, Bourkes, and Red Rumps as well as Parrotlets (but people have warned us that they tend to be territorial and nippy).

Huntress - What does the Splendid sound like when they chirp, are they playful with toys, do they enjoy being handled if handfed?

Thanks for any additional information on the pet quality of these 3 Australian 'keets.

[Lori~D]

My female was handfed (splendid) and was a shoulder bird and seemed very sweet but he has taught her when shes out to fly and fly. Shes not as tame anymore but then again I dont handle them much since they are to be breeders and I have so many birds. Splendid are way quieter than the bourkes. They dont make much sounds at all. Now one thing to remember - Bourkes and splendid (mostly Bourkes) are semi nocturnal birds. This is why they are pretty boring all day. They are most active mornings and moreso in the evenings - hence the large eyes as compared to a budgie. I can hear the bourkes sing late into the evening and even a little after dark esp. when they were outside all summer. This is also why they make better pets for apartment dwellers. They are quiet and pleasant sounding and they like to snooze around all day while your at work!

[Lori~D]

I plan on keeping a Male Splendid baby from these two as a pet for myself.

[Beck]

They sound wonderful. My husband sleeps during the day so a quiet bird is important...but I'd also like one that enjoys playing with toys and being handled. I can't wait to hear about your experiences with a handfed baby. Please keep me posted.

[Lori~D]

Ok but it could be awhile. This is a Virgin pair. The female likes to chew on things but they really dont "PLAy" per say. They would much rather scratch like chickens. I put fresh grass hay down on top of the feed plate on the floor. With a little alfalfa and some fresh vegis scattered in makes them ultimatly happy to scratch around for a bit in the morning and then sit on a perch for many hours and then in the late afternoon evening scratch around again. She chews on silk plants in the Aviary but doesnt destroy them. The roseys like to chew on string toys. They are at 12 hours of daylight now and Im going to hang nest boxes soon and increase the light again.