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| PET GAZETTE | AVIAN
being given enough space, ideally to be able
to fly unimpeded. It is in flight that this bird
really comes into its own, a lightning bolt of
mesmerising colour. This is a species of a quiet
disposition, they do call and shout of course
as does any Parrot type bird, but the generally
pleasant call could make them more suitable
for those living close to neighbours than many
of the new world species such as the smaller
conures. This species is not known for its ability
to talk at all, however certain birds can pick
up the calls of other birds and even human
whistles. Selling one as a potential talker would
be very inaccurate.
The Golden Mantled Rosella has a fairly easy
going and peaceful nature, they will tolerate
human interaction for much of the year but
are more than able to bite when the mood
takes them or when handled. They do however
crave the attention of a mate. As such they
should be kept in settled pairs. Care should
be taken upon introduction for a few days,
typically both birds should be introduced at the
same time to reduce the risk of quarrels. It is
true that keepers have kept these as solitary
house birds over the years and yes some have
done ok, overall the birds tend to pine and lose
condition. There is a clear split between the
available keeping advice and between those
that are assured that hand reared birds can
live a life in the home and remain happy and
those that are vehement in stating that they
must be maintained in pairs outside or in large
flights. As with every advice stream there is
an element of truth in each. Certainly, as the
generations pass by and the birds become
more and more ‘domesticated’ they may
become more steady in the home. It could also
be suggested that those of a colour mutation
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linkage would also be more acceptable to
life in the home. However, as a general rule,
caged birds, even when allowed free flight
around the home will lose condition, feather
quality and colour. For the purpose of this
article we will assume that young birds can be
kept inside until able to be moved to either a
suitably sized indoor or outdoor flight. Outside
aviaries should of course be protected from
the elements and be maintained as being as
rodent/hawk/cat proof as possible. I always
fear that these species that have developed for
so long in the heat of Australia, and will suffer
with the damp and very cold temperatures of
the UK. It would be prudent to have a spare
large cage in which they can be maintained
over any very harsh weather. This will remove
the risk of foot damage through frost. This is
also a species that can fall out of condition
fairly quickly of the husbandry is not quite right,
special attention should be given to the type
and quality of diet. This is a foraging species,
as such it spends long periods searching for
grasses and seeds on the ground in the wild,
as do most birds. This is an indicator to their
requirement for naturally found full-spectrum
minerals. Certainly, a bird with a reduced
mineral provision and lacking a full and varied
diet and with access to either natural sunlight
or a UV source will start to lose condition.
Grits should be supplied also alongside the
usual cuttle and iodine blocks, natural mineral
powders can be added very safely to seed.
This is a striking bird, a real live gem that will
fly and clamber all over the flight, we should
therefore pay good attention to the decoration
and perching that we supply for them. Using
natural branches within the flight will provide
them not only with physical enrichment but it
will also exercise the feet and provide them
with important opportunities to chew. A
covered roosting box can be added to provide
them with the aforementioned protection from
the elements.
These birds can be maintained on a quality
seed rich Parakeet mixture. Attention should
be given to the mix available to them, there
are some species-specific options available
now in store. They should also be given
regular access to fruits, berries and even some
edible flowers. A fruit and honey gel can be
provided which will provide them with essential
added nutrients. They are also noted as
being proactive in sourcing insects in the wild,
especially when rearing. I am not sure if the
historic breeders of these birds provide insect
protein, but I have no issue at all with anyone
that does. Again, all natural fruit, honey and
insect gels can be bought and given if live
feeders are unpalatable to the keeper. I will
also once again point out the nutritional value
of freshly sprouted seeds, these really can
make all the difference.
This Rosella is not difficult to breed at all. The
cock bird will start his display as the season
approaches by bowing and sweeping on the
perch with the hen whilst calling, if acceptable
to the hen they will then start the ever-
endearing process of feeding each other. This
is a typical excavated log nester, as such, they
should be provided with a suitable Parrot nest
box being 18-24” deep and placed high within
the flight. The hen will select the next box that
suits her best and lay up to eight white eggs.
The hen takes over the sole role of incubation
with the cock bringing her food and eventually
also for the chicks. Incubation lasts around
22 days with the young starting to fledge
December 2018