How to Breed Red Rump Parakeets

Red rump parakeets, also called red rump parrots, are a larger species of parakeet native to Australia. They are about 10 to 11.2 inches in length. The male is usually a bright emerald green with the characteristic red rump. The female is usually a dull olive green. Red rump parakeets are one of the easiest species to breed in captivity and a good bird for novice breeders.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage
  • Log or nest box
  • Nesting material
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your pair of red rump parakeets in a cage at least 6 feet long, 3 feet wide and 7 feet high. These birds can be aggressive, especially during mating season, and should be kept in separate cages in pairs or singly.

    • 2

      Place a log or nest box in the cage. Position it higher than the perches to ensure the birds feel secure, but not at the highest point in the cage, which will make the nest too hot during the warmer months. A log should 12 to 18 inches long and 6 to 7 inches in diameter. A nest box should be either 6 or 7 inches square with an entrance 2.2 to 2.5 inches in diameter.

    • 3

      Line the log or nest box with a nesting material such as clean straw or dried grass, corn cob, decomposed non-toxic saw dust, shredded newspaper or aspen wood shavings. Never use pine, cedar or redwood shavings.

    • 4

      Offer a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, and a seed mixture containing canary seed, millet, and sunflower seed. A calcium or vitamin supplement can be added to ensure that the hen gets all the nutrition she needs.

    • 5

      Keep fresh water available at all times. The water should be changed at least once daily.

    • 6

      Remove the offspring once they are fully independent of their parents. Since these birds are aggressive, the cock may injure one of the offspring once it is mature.