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Scarlet Chested Grass Parakeets
Neophema splendida

Scarlet Chested Parakeets are amongst the most beautiful grass parakeets. Not only are they beautiful, but very friendly towards other species of birds making them excellent aviary birds with other parakeets, finches and softbills.

Male Scarlet Chested Grass Parakeet

These birds are found in Australia although decreasing in numbers. Scarlet Chested parakeets are sexually dimorphic meaning that you can identify male Vs. female by just looking at them. The photograph seen to the lef is a mature male. Male Scarlet Chested Parakeets have a brilliantly bright blue head, crimson red chest, bright yellow belly and a deep green back. Females however, are not as intense with their colors and do not have the red chest. They measure about 8 to 8.5 inches and weigh no more than 3 ounces at 6 months of age.

 

Scarlet Chested Parakeets are relatively quiet compared to others in the parakeet and parrot world. In fact, they are the most peaceful and quiet birds I have ever owned in my opinion. For this reason, I keep a room in my home with about 8 pairs of these birds and  no one would ever know since they usually chirp very softly and quietly. These precious little birds live an average of 10-12 years in captivity witn some owners reporting that they have lived much longer than expected. Of course, it all depends on the care given to them throughout their lifetime.

Lutino Scarlet Chested Parakeet

Mutations

 

Over the past few years we have seen several mutations that have been developed through very careful and strategic breeding. Amongst the Scarlet Chested Parakeets, we find about 8 different mutations and within those mutations you wll see color variations like the 'Turquoise Cinnamon'. To date we have the normal Green, Blues (including Turquoise & Par Blue), Fallow, Pied, Lutino, Cinnamon, Grey and the most recent mutation, Violet.

 

On the left you will find a male Lutino Scarlet Chested Parakeet. This beautiful bird belongs to a renowned Scarlet Chested breeder, Juan Vazquez in Orlando, FL. (contact info is located at bottom of the page)

Gray Scarlet Chested Parakeet

Breeding Scarlet Chested Parakeets

 

 

These birds are prolific breeders once some of the basic necessities are met. I have found that much of what you read on the internet about their difficulty of breeding is erroneous. They do require a clean environment, especially since they spend a lot of their time at the bottom of the cage foraging for food. Also, a balance diet is key. A good vitamin enriched parakeet seed is ideal for these little birds. It is strongly recommended that you condition the birds for breeding about a month prior to allowing them access to the breeding nest box. This preparation includes increasing their protein and fat levels, providing them with ample excersice and providing them with extra vitamins, minerals and calcium. The female will lay about 4-6 eggs. They will start incubating the eggs after the third egg is laid and incubation is between 19 -21 days. The babies fledge around 5-6 weeks old and by week 7, they are self sufficient and can be separated from the parents. These babies will reach maturity between 8-12 months of age.

 

I know this is an extensive subject and I have only covered the basics. I will continue to add information as time permits so please check back often.

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