The Kakariki: Lifespan, Care, and Responsible Pet Keeping

The Red Crowned Parakeet (Cyanoramphus noveazelandiae) is one of the three species of parakeet known collectively as Kakariki parakeets by the New Zealand Maori. "Kakariki" means ‘little parrot’ and is a name also used in aviculture. The other species include the Yellow Crowned Parakeet and the Malherbe’s Parakeet, the latter critically endangered in the wild. These birds are native to New Zealand and are admired for their lively personalities and vibrant colours.

Historically widespread across mainland New Zealand, the Red Crowned parakeet now mainly survives on Stewart Island, the Kermadec Islands, and other offshore islands due to habitat loss and introduced predators.

Males typically measure around 27cm in length and weigh about 60g, with females being slightly smaller and lighter. Their lifespan in captivity usually ranges from 15 to 20 years with proper care, though some sources suggest 12-15 years as a more conservative estimate.

Keeping Kakarikis as Pets

In captivity, Kakarikis come in various colour mutations beyond the natural green, such as buttercup yellow, cinnamon, and pied varieties featuring mixed green and yellow feathers, offering vibrant choices for enthusiasts.

They are social and usually tolerant of other birds if there is ample space. Ideally, provide a minimum flight area of approximately 3x2x2 metres so they can exercise sufficiently. Kakarikis in cages must be allowed supervised time outside for physical activity.

These parrots are known for their curious and engaging nature. Even unhandled birds can be gently tamed over time. For example, one owner shared how their male Kakariki learned to approach their hand and take treats, demonstrating their sociability and intelligence. However, they can be quite vocal and produce loud calls.

Nutrition-wise, Kakarikis are opportunistic eaters enjoying a wide variety of seeds such as millet, canary seed, sunflower, niger, hemp, linseed, and safflower. They also relish peanuts, sweetcorn, and pinenuts. Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, kiwi, berries, spinach, kale, and carrots are important for a balanced diet. Greens such as dandelion leaves and cabbage supplement their nutritional needs. Some individuals might show quirky preferences—for example, one bird enjoys dried chillis often included in parrot food mixes.

Reflecting their natural foraging behaviour, Kakarikis enjoy raking through flooring material or food bowls to find their favourite seeds. This makes them messy eaters, so in caged setups it’s best to place food bowls near floor level and shielded to catch the scattered food.

These birds are also excellent climbers, adept with their beak and feet to scramble quickly over cage mesh and perches. They use their dexterous feet to grasp and manipulate objects, even sometimes taking food from larger cage mates.

Bathing is a favourite pastime of Kakarikis, who enjoy large shallow baths where they splatter water enthusiastically, often getting themselves soaked. Providing a suitable bird bath encourages natural bathing habits and maintains feather health.

Unlike some birds, Kakarikis are not highly interested in elaborate toys but benefit from varied perches and occasionally simple wooden or plastic balls. They will chew on toys and cage furnishings, so expect some wear and replacement over time.

Training Your Kakariki

Kakarikis are intelligent but have a short attention span, so training sessions should be brief and positive. Teaching them to step back before feeding reduces biting risk. Positive behaviours reinforced with treats encourage learning, while negative behaviours should be calmly ignored as shouting can inadvertently reward unwanted actions due to birds’ perception of loud noises.

Breeding Kakarikis Responsibly

Kakarikis reach sexual maturity at around five months, but breeding is best deferred until they are at least one year old. Typically, they produce up to two clutches per year to avoid health complications from overbreeding.

Males may initially display territorial behaviour when paired, which softens with time and confidence. Indications the female is ready to breed include increased chewing behaviour.

After mating, the female lays 6 to 14 eggs, one every other day. Eggs incubate for approximately 21 days. If ringed, this should be done when chicks are about 9 days old. At three weeks, the chicks begin feathering, with males often taking over feeding duties while females rest or prepare for a subsequent clutch. Chicks fledge at around five weeks and are weaned by about 45 days, transitioning to an adult diet by 55 days old.

Conclusion

Kakarikis, small parrots with striking personalities, provide rewarding companionship for those equipped to meet their needs. They enjoy exploration, interaction, and can form strong bonds with their owners. While they require a messy but diverse diet and ample space to exercise, they remain accessible birds for enthusiasts wanting to add an engaging species to their collection. Always seek Kakarikis from reputable breeders or ethical sources to support responsible pet ownership and conservation.