Setting up for Grass Parakeets

[Hsaiotei]

A friend of mine has several neophema splendida, the Scarlet-Chested variety. She has offered me several babies from two different clutches and I want to take them, but I need to know their specific needs before committing to this as I strive to provide the best care possible for my animals.

Information I have found online has been contradictory--one site says they thrive in flocks with other small bird species, another says they are contentious.

The one thing I have looked into is building a large flight cage (5' wide, 6' tall, 3' deep). What types of toys do they enjoy? How many can safely be kept together? What are their favorite foods? What are the common diseases or health problems in these birds?

Thanks in advance,

Beth

[tommyg]

hey beth, I have had splendids & red rumps, both having very different habits. The scarlet chested being closest to the splendid. They are generally a very tollerant bird can be kept in mixed flights, seem to get on well with cockatiels & other grass parakeets, with the exception of the red rump (very aggresive), obviously you should have a pair at the very least, the company of another bird is far better than human company for well being. of course if you wish to have more they should be ok in a larger group, try to have equal numbers m/f any aggression will occur around mating time, but i've never experienced anything serious, just keep an eye out. Its important to keep them adequately warm in the winter & the air quality good (look out for respiratory probs, if outdoors shouldn't be an issue) as they are tough birds they aren't quite as hardy as some similar species, space is very important give them enough to exercise, plants also give them something to do i find that mine love to chew on conifer branches, dont know whether they eat it but it helps keep them healthy & happy, also provide a range of fruit & veg (lettuce, celery, apple, corn on the cob are favorites) & of course bathing water. good luck