CenTex Grasskeets

Scarlet Chested Grasskeets

(Neophema Splendida)

 

© CenTex Grasskeets Aviary 2008

Names: 

Splendid Parakeet or Scarlet Chested Parakeet

 

Origin: 

Southern Australia

 

Description: 

The chest of the male is a scarlet red and the hens remain a green/yellow color.  The head of the male is a much brighter blue color which extends down the nap of the neck.  The back and rump are a dark green with the under-belly being yellow.  Young birds all resemble the hen until the young males reach approximately three to six months of age.  At this time the young males will molt into their adult colors.

 

Size: 

Average size is 7.5”

 

Sexing:

At approximately three to six months the young males will begin to molt into their adult color; at this time the red “specks” can be seen on their chest.  Since the hens do not have red color on their chest, you will know these are males.

 

General Care:

Other than on-going damp conditions, this species is very hardy.

 

Diet:

We use the following mixture:  seeds—a 50/50 mix of parakeet and cockatiel seeds; greens– broccoli, spinach, kale (any of your dark green, leafy veggies), carrots; treats-fruits such as apples, please note: do not leave fresh vegetables and fruits in your bird’s dish for more than thirty-minutes due to risk of the food spoiling. 

 

Housing:

A typical cage approximately 16” x 16” x24” will house a single bird comfortably.  Should you wish to keep a pair or more, remember, the larger the cage the better.  (See breeding section)  These are peaceful birds and can be kept in a mixed aviary with other peaceful birds.

 

Breeding:

We use a 10” x 12” nest box, these birds are very prolific and may breed through out the year given the right conditions.  The hen will make small chirping noises when ready to breed.  The average clutch is four to six eggs.  And after the third egg is laid the hen will incubate for 18 to 20 days.  The male keeps close watch over the hen, who is a tight sitter and very reluctant to move from the eggs.  The babies normally fledge at four weeks of age.  At approximately eight weeks of age, the young can be removed from the parents.

 

Mutations:

There are several mutations available in the splendids, such as: cinnamon, pastel, sea-green, fallow, albino, lutino, silver, pied, blue, white breasted blue and red bellied.