Splendid Parrot Care: Scarlet Chested Traits & Guide

The Splendid Parrot or Scarlet-chested Parakeet (Neophema splendida) is a captivating member of the grass parakeet family, native to central and western areas of Australia. Known also as the Orange-chested Parrot, though its breast is more a bright scarlet than orange, these birds are appreciated for their vibrant colouring and gentle nature.

They are classified as vulnerable in New South Wales due to habitat loss from tree harvesting, especially Eucalyptus trees, which reduces natural nesting sites. Understanding their care needs is crucial to promoting responsible ownership and conservation.

Appearance and Gender Differences

Male Splendid Parrots measure 19-21cm and display a stunning scarlet chest, cobalt blue face, and green upperparts. Their lower breast and underparts are yellow with pale blue wings, a green tail, and brown-grey legs. Females share similar colours but are less vibrant and resemble the female Turquoise Parrot, a close relative. In captivity, they typically live 10-15 years.

Housing and Environment

Splendid Parrots have become popular among bird keepers in Britain due to their quiet nature and adaptable temperament. They live well with smaller birds like finches and canaries but should not be housed with other grass parakeet species to avoid crossbreeding.

An aviary or cage should be at least 1200mm x 600mm x 600mm, with larger spaces always better to allow natural behaviour. They need to be kept in a draught-free area with shelter from severe weather if housed outdoors.

They enjoy a well-planted environment with safe, non-toxic branches, which helps reduce boredom and allows natural foraging. Regular cleaning is vital, especially as they spend time foraging on the cage or aviary floor, making them susceptible to parasites and worms. Routine treatment and hygiene are essential for health.

Diet and Nutrition

Their natural diet consists mainly of grass and herb seeds, flowers, fruits, insects, and berries, varying with the season. In captivity, provide a high-quality grass parakeet seed mix supplemented with parakeet mixes. Treat seeds such as canary and sunflower seeds, and grains like oats, buckwheat, safflower, and hemp seeds can be offered occasionally.

They enjoy fresh leafy greens like spinach, kale, swiss chard, lettuce, and common edible weeds such as dandelions and chickweed. Fruits like apple, orange, and banana are appreciated in moderation, along with occasional low-fat cheese, hard-boiled eggs, or wholegrain bread, ensuring a balanced diet.

These birds are also adept at sourcing moisture from succulent plants in the wild, aiding survival in arid regions. For breeding birds, live foods like mealworms provide valuable extra protein.

Personality and Handling

Splendid Parrots are generally cautious and not inclined to frequent handling. Some birds raised by hand may learn to come for food from their keeper’s hand, but normally, they are best enjoyed as more observational companions. Their quiet nature and small size allow them to fit comfortably into a variety of home settings, including apartments.

Breeding and Nesting

In their natural habitat, these parrots breed from August to October or after the rainy season, producing one or two broods. They prefer hollows in mulga or eucalyptus trees to nest, laying 4-6 white eggs incubated for 18-20 days. Chicks fledge after 4-5 weeks and become independent around 3-4 weeks later.

Captive breeding is achievable with a parakeet-sized nest box around 400-500mm deep and 150-200mm square, featuring an entrance hole about 100mm wide. The box base can be lined with non-toxic sawdust and some greenery added by the hen. Usually, breeding occurs in spring and autumn. Young birds are clumsy when fledging, so aviary safety measures such as greenery on mesh help prevent injuries. Breeding birds should ideally be at least 18 months old.

Mutations and Colour Variations

A variety of beautiful colour mutations exist in captivity, including par blue, sea green, white fronted blue, cinnamon, lutino, and fallow. Enthusiasts like noted breeder Colin O’Hara have developed pied, ivory, and violet mutations extending from the blue variants, enhancing the species' appeal.

Responsible Ownership Tips

When acquiring Splendid Parrots, ensure they come from reputable breeders to support ethical practices and genetic health. Promptly providing fresh food and water after transport helps reduce stress. If you bring them home in the dark, artificial lighting for a few hours allows them to acclimatise and feed comfortably before resting.

Regular maintenance of their living environment and health assessments are key to a thriving companion. Treating for parasites and maintaining hygiene will prevent common health issues due to their ground-foraging habits.

Conclusion

These charming, quiet parakeets make excellent first birds due to their manageable size, gentle temperament, and adaptability with other small birds. Their stunning plumage and interesting behaviours offer a rewarding experience for conscientious keepers looking to explore the parrot family.

By understanding and meeting their care needs responsibly, enthusiasts can contribute to the conservation of this vulnerable species while enjoying the companionship of the splendid Scarlet-chested Parrot.