Cloncurry Parrots
Ringneck / Long-tailed Parakeets ... Ringneck Photo Gallery
The Cloncurry Parrot (Barnardius zonarius macgillivrayi, formerly Platycercus barnardi macgillivrayi) is native to North-western Queensland, adjacent eastern area Northern Territory in Australia.
Cloncurry Parrot is a member of the genus barnardius, along with the Mallee Ringneck, Port Lincoln Parrot and the Twenty eight Parrot. These parrots all have a green body and a yellow ring or collar around their necks and are referred to as Australian Ringnecks.
Their life expectancy is approx. 15 or more years
Description:
The Cloncurry Parrot is the smallest of the Australian Ringnecks, averaging 13 ins (33 cm) in length and 4.3 to 4.8 ounces (120 - 135 g) in weight.
This parrot looks similar to the Mallee Ringneck Parrots, but is generally paler green also extending to back and lower back. Cheeks and lower ear-coverts bright pale blue; broad pale-yellow band to abdomen; lesser wing-coverts green; forehead pale yellow-green; and, as previously mentioned, is smaller.
Several striking mutations have been bred in aviculture. Please refer to below photos.
Breeding the Cloncurry Parrots:
They are not beginner birds. An intermediate to advanced knowledge of parrot breeding is recommended.
Housing:
The Cloncurry is probably the least aggressive of the Australian Ringnecks, and yet they are sufficiently aggressive to best house them one pair per aviary. The minimum aviary size should be about 10 feet (3 meters) in length and 3 to 3.5 feet (about one meter) wide. Double wiring between each aviary flight is necessary. Non-toxic leafy branches can be placed in the aviary for the birds to chew up. This will entertain the birds and give the birds some beak exercise. Natural branches of various diameters, and placed at various angles, make great perches.
The Cloncurry Parrot requires a quality parrot seed mix along with a variety of fruits, green leafy vegetables and vegetables. Seeding grasses and green can be offered. Sprouted or germinated seeds are usually more easily accepted by "seed addicts" than fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Sprouted seeds are healthier as the sprouting changes and enhances the nutritional quality and value of seeds and grains. Sprouted seeds are lower in fat, as the process of sprouting utilizes the fat in the seed to start the growing process - thus reducing the fat stored in the seeds.
- Sprouted seeds will help balance your bird’s diet by adding a nutritious supply of high in vegetable proteins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and chlorophyll.
- Soaked and germinated "oil" seeds, like niger and rape seeds, are rich in protein and carbohydrates; while "starch" seeds, such as canary and millets, are rich in carbohydrates, but lower in protein.
- It is in invaluable food at all times; however, it is especially important for breeding or molting birds. Sprouted seeds also serve as a great rearing and weaning food as the softened shell is easier to break by chicks and gets them used to the texture of seeds.
- For more on parrot nutrition, please click here.
Nesting Box:
Dimensions are average and can vary widely, influenced by the bird's and the owner's preferences. Parent bird's preferences can be influenced by the size and type of nest-box / log in which they have been raised. Offering a choice of sizes and types of logs or nest-boxes, and placed in various locations within the aviary, will allow the parent birds to make their own choice. Once a pair has chosen a specific nest-box/log and been successful in it, offer that one to them each breeding season. Once a pair has chosen its log or nest-box, the other ones can generally be removed.
All Australian parrots will breed in hollow logs. Sturdy logs are recommended. The length of a nest box / log should approximate 24 inches. A log's internal diameter about 6-5 to 8 inches; and the internal diameters of a nest box about 7 inches square. The inspection hole should be around 4 inches (square or round). A removable top / lid is recommended for easy inspections and for cleaning. The best location for the nest box / log is high in the covered part of the aviary, but not too close to the roof to be affected by heat from the roof in the summer months.
Nesting:
They generally produce one clutch per year, with about 4 eggs each clutch. Both the male and female incubate the eggs for about 20 to 21 days. The young stay in the next box for about 5 weeks and are independent within another 2 to 3 weeks. .
Young should be removed from the parent birds after they have become fully independent to avoid possible aggression from a parent bird and to allow the adult pair to possibly start another clutch.
- Please visit this webpage for more detailed information on breeding.
Training and Behavioral Guidance:
Ringneck parrots are less demanding than other parrot species, which makes them an excellent choice for someone who wants to "step up" from an easy-going and easy-care cockatiel or budgie.
Consistent training and behavioral guidance from a young age is recommended to ensure potential owners enjoy a bird free of destructive and annoying habits.
Behavioral challenges that ringnecks present include:
- Chewing: Any parrot will chew. In nature, they use their beak to "customize" their favorite tree, to enlarge the size of their nest in a tree hollow. Doing this keeps their beaks in good condition. The problem is excessive and undesirable chewing. Undisciplined ringnecks may chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. The owner needs to provide plenty of "healthy" chewing opportunities (bird toys, natural wood branches, etc.) and training is necessary to teach a parrot what is "off-limits."
- Jealousy / Aggression: The ringneck parrots can be jealous of other family members and pets. They can develop a bond with only one human and refuse to interact with other people, even attacking them in some cases. Although this is a small bird it does not seem to believe so, and will attack larger birds and even dogs if it feels it or its human is threatened. Owners should be cautious in multiple-pet homes. Continuing to socialize the hand reared pet bird from a young age and letting many people handle and interact with it can prevent single-person bonding and allow it to become an excellent family pet.
- Noise: They can be noisy - albeit not as noisy as their larger cousins. Not everybody can tolerate the natural call of a ringneck parrot, and even though it can't (or should not) be entirely eliminated, there are ways to discourage screaming / screeching in your pet. Ringnecks are known for their talking and whistling ability, and teaching and encouraging your pet to talk is one way to reduce undesirable screeching in your pet.
Continuous obedience training is recommended ...
- AvianWeb Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training. If you found a way to resolve a "parrot behavioral issue" please share it with others.
- If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
- Stop Biting
- Perform Tricks &
- Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
- and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, please visit the following websites for information:
- Procuring your Parrot
- Click here for a Breeders Listing
- Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here to see your options.
- Ringnecks love to climb and play and need to be provided with a cage that allows them to move around freely and toys to entertain themselves with. Info on Housing Your Bird
- The 3 Key Elements to Your Pet Bird's Happiness and Health
- Training Your Bird
- Bird Nutrition
- Parrot Products
Photos at the top and below are copyrighted and courtesy of: http://www.mutace-papousku.com
Ringneck Parrots are generally hardy birds. However, the following diseases have been reported in this species:
- Polyoma
- Sarcocystosis
- Aspergillosis (fungal disease)
- Bacterial infections (pneumonia)
- Hypovitaminosis A
- Psittacosis
Relevant Resources:
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Barnardius zonarius macgillivrayi - previously Platycercus barnardi macgillivrayi or Barnardius barnardi macgillivrayi ... English: Cloncurry Parakeet ... Dutch: Cloncurry Parkiet ... German: Cloncurrysittich ... French: Rosella Cloncurry
Photo, Video and/or Article contributions are welcome! Please click here for info
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