Barnard's Parakeet Care & Breeding Guide

The Barnard’s Parakeet (Barnardius zonarius) is a fascinating bird also known as the Australia Ringneck, mallee ringneck, and Port Lincoln parrot. This variety actually comprises four subspecies recently classified as one due to interbreeding, each sharing basic green colouring, a yellow neck ring, and stretches of blue and green on wings and tails.

1. Recognising Barnard’s Parakeet Subspecies

These four subspecies measure about 33cm in length. Generally, males are more colourful than females, and they live around 10 years in captivity. Their distinct natural areas and identifying features are:

• Twenty-eight Parrot (B.z. semitorquatus): Found in coastal forests of south-west Western Australia, with a red band across the face and green belly.
• Port Lincoln Parrot (B.z. zonarius): Ranges from Port Lincoln to Alice Springs and across to the forests and Pilbara district of South-Western Australia.
• Cloncurry Parrot (B.z. macgillivrayi): Inhabits the Lake Eyre basin through to north-west Queensland. Notable for a yellow belly and light green body, lacking the red facial band.
• Mallee Ringneck (B.z. barnardi): The typical Barnard’s Parakeet found in central and western New South Wales, south-west Queensland, east South Australia, and north-west Victoria. It has a very dark red band on the face.

2. Housing Barnard’s Parakeets Responsibly

The Mallee Ringneck/barnardi subspecies is the one most often kept in captivity in the UK. They are hardy birds requiring a secure flight aviary approximately 15 feet long to allow proper wing stretching and flying. Housing should be one pair per enclosure to prevent aggression, especially during breeding season.

Providing perches and chewable branches from non-toxic trees is essential for their beak and claw health, along with fresh bathing water alongside drinking water. They appreciate a frost-free shelter at night during winter but do not require heating. These parakeets are quieter than many similar-sized birds and prefer limited handling but need regular social attention.

3. Feeding Your Barnard’s Parakeet

A high-quality seed mix for large parakeets forms the dietary base. They enjoy egg food particularly when breeding, and fresh green leafy vegetables are generally favoured over fruit. Sprouted seeds offer a nutritious balance, reducing fat content while preserving proteins and carbohydrates essential to health.

Willow or untreated fruit tree branches serve as ideal chewing materials to satisfy their natural gnawing instincts. Always provide grit as required for digestion. Allowing natural foraging behaviour by placing some food on the floor of their aviary encourages mental stimulation.

4. Breeding Barnard’s Parakeets Successfully

For breeding, acquiring a pair already bonded is best since forced pairing may not result in harmony. A mated pair remains lifelong partners. Courtship includes the male chattering, tail fanning, shoulder squaring, wing vibrating, and side-to-side movement to engage the female.

In nature, nests are built in hollow tree trunks, so offering several nest boxes about 40cm high and 25cm diameter encourages selection. Typical clutches are 4 to 6 eggs with incubation lasting about 20-21 days. Chicks fledge at roughly five weeks and continue to be fed by parents thereafter.

Barnard’s Parakeets mature at around one year old, although full male plumage may develop later. They typically produce only one brood per breeding season, making careful management essential.

5. Health Concerns and Care Tips

Owners should be aware of psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), monitoring for symptoms and maintaining good hygiene. A regular worming schedule is crucial since Barnard’s Parakeets forage on the aviary floor, increasing exposure to parasites.

Providing a stress-free environment, regular vet checks, and attentive observation help maintain the birds’ well-being. Responsible ownership supports ethical care and enjoyment of these beautiful Australian birds.

For those interested in keeping Barnard’s Parakeets or other similar parakeets for sale, seek out reputable sources and avoid unethical breeding practices to support healthy populations.