How to Breed Bourke's Parrots

Bourke's parrots are quiet, gentle birds native to Australia. These small, beautiful parrots can be found in various colors ranging from rose to cream, cinnamon and pink. Their social and peaceful nature makes Bourke's parrots ideal birds for the novice aviculturist, as well as for apartment dwellers. Bourke's parrots are prolific breeders and can breed year-round in favorable breeding conditions.

Things You'll Need

  • Male and female Bourke's parrot
  • 12-inch by 10-inch nesting box
  • Green seed heads and sprouts
  • Rolled oats
  • Hemp
  • Crushed corn
  • Small mealworms
  • Fruit pieces
  • Fresh water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Breed Bourke's parrots once they have reached one-year of age. Though Bourke's are capable of breeding much earlier, breed them only after 12 months, as they become physically mature and will have a longer breeding lifespan.

    • 2

      Identify a male and female Bourke's parrot and place them together in the cage to breed. The male Bourke's parrot has a blue strip of feathers above the nostril near the forehead, while the female has a full gray head. Female Bourke's are also smaller in size compared to the male.

    • 3

      Purchase a 12-inch by 10-inch nesting box for the female Bourke's parrot to lay its eggs. Place the nesting box in the cage along with the male and female Bourke's parrot.

    • 4

      Provide the mating birds with a nutritious diet during the breeding period. Feed them green seed heads and sprouts, rolled oats, hemp, crushed corn, small mealworms and fruit pieces. Keep a constant supply of fresh water available.

    • 5

      Observe the parrots for signs of mating. The female will lean forward on its perch and beckon the male with small chirping sounds to indicate it is ready to mate. Once they have mated, the female will lay between four to six eggs, which she incubates for approximately 20 days.