Princess Parrot Care: UK Guide to This Unique Parakeet

The Princess Parrot (Polytelis alexandrae) is a beautiful, medium-sized parrot native to Australia, named in honour of Princess Alexandra of Denmark, the Princess of Wales and later Queen of England. Also known as the Queen Alexandra parrot or the Princess of Wales parakeet, these birds have striking pale olive green plumage with a pale blue crown and rump, a rosy pink throat, and bright green shoulders. Males display more vivid colours, including coral-red beaks and orange eyes, while females have duller, greyer markings and brown eyes.

This species ranges from 34 to 46 cm in length, including their long narrow tails, and weighs around 110 to 120 grams. Unique captive mutations include Lutino, Blue, and Albino, making them even more sought after in aviculture.

Princess Parrots are naturally elusive and highly nomadic, inhabiting Australia's arid woodlands containing plants such as desert oaks, eucalyptus, spinifex, and acacias. They move widely following rainfall to access food and water, commonly feeding on seeds, flowers, and fruit. Their social behaviour in the wild includes living in small groups outside breeding seasons and displaying protective mobbing behaviour against predators such as birds of prey.

Keeping Princess Parrots in Captivity

While these birds are sociable and live in groups in the wild, it is recommended to keep only one pair per enclosure for optimal companionship. They can cohabit peacefully with other gentle parakeets such as members of the Grass Parakeet family. Providing a large aviary of about 4 metres by 1 metre is ideal, giving them plenty of room to stretch their wings and exercise. If kept in cages, always opt for the largest available, and ensure the birds have regular supervised time outside the cage to investigate and explore their environment. To prevent accidents, parrot-proof any rooms they have access to.

Princess Parrots adapt well to the UK climate when housed outdoors with insulated night houses for roosting. Their noise levels are moderate; while not excessively loud, they will occasionally produce sharp calls, especially if frightened or during breeding times. Hand-reared birds typically bond well with the entire family, making them affectionate companions.

These parrots enjoy occasional spray baths, especially on warm days, but do not bathe frequently of their own accord.

Health vigilance is key: Princess Parrots are prone to worm infestations due to their habit of foraging on the ground. Regular worm treatment every three months is advisable to maintain their health and wellbeing.

Feeding Your Princess Parrot

A balanced diet is essential. Use a seed mix designed for large parakeets, supplemented with green foods, fresh fruit, vegetables, and safe wild greens (ensuring any weeds are free from pesticides). Fruits like apples and vegetables such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, silverbeet, and leafy greens provide variety and essential nutrients.

Commercial pellets can be included to cover all nutritional needs. For breeding pairs, sprouted seeds like mung beans and sunflower seeds support chick development.

Exercise caution with foraged wild plants to avoid pesticide exposure. Many owners grow their own safe weeds to offer as healthy treats.

Breeding Princess Parrots

Princess Parrots breed in response to favourable environmental conditions rather than strict seasons, usually when food is plentiful. In the wild, nests are built in hollows of eucalyptus trees or desert oaks. The female typically lays four to six eggs incubated over about 19 days. Chicks fledge approximately 35 days after hatching.

In captivity, breeding can be challenging. Provide a sturdy nest box around 10 inches square, 20-24 inches tall, with an entrance about 4 inches wide. Placing the box high in a sheltered night house mimics natural conditions. During incubation, the female incubates while the male feeds her.

A practical breeding tip is to use specially designed nest boxes with ladders or L-shaped configurations to reduce egg breakage—hens may accidentally break eggs if startled.

Chicks receive parental feeding for four to five weeks post-fledging and reach maturity between seven months and 18 months. Responsible breeding should only occur once birds reach at least two years of age.

Conclusion

The Princess Parrot is a charming, intelligent, and moderately quiet bird that bonds well with families and adapts to aviary life in the UK. With careful care and environmental considerations, breeding can be manageable despite their considered delicate nature. Their conservation status in the wild encourages responsible ownership and breeding practices to preserve this unique Australian species.

For those interested in acquiring Princess Parrots, it is best to source from reputable breeders or bird rescues prioritising ethics and bird welfare. Consider browsing listings for parakeets for sale to find suitable birds.