AVIAN | PET GAZETTE | 13
roughly 30 days after, they will continue to be
fed and cared for, for a further three to four
weeks. It must also be pointed out that this is
a species that does take some time to mature
into being ready for breeding. You should not
try to breed young hens especially, they are
however able to be bred from between 18-24
months onwards. They may lay up to two
clutches a season, they are monomorphic,
and as such DNA sexing is valuable. Hybrids
between the core Rosella species are common
there has also been much blending of the
subspecies of GMR to date. Care should be
taken to remove the risk of hybridising as
should the propagation of the wild form within
distinct species where possible. There is a very
welcome move within Budgerigar keeping
at present in which respected breeders
are now thoughtfully breeding ‘wild-type’
or ‘bush’ Budgerigars in groups. This is in
stark contradiction to those breeding those
described as being ‘exhibition’ birds. Bush
Budgies are altogether smaller and more
gregarious than those of selective breeding.
The Golden Mantled Rosella is a wonderful
bird that is both comical when ambling around
the flight and quite breathtaking in flight. They
remain as being quiet overall and easy to
keep and breed. They should be maintained
in pairs but can be kept within birdroom or
outside aviaries. They are interesting to work
with and fairly acceptable to those living
close to neighbours. They are available as a
staple via the livestock wholesalers and via
local breeders and breeders meets. Pairs
can usually be found between £100 - £150
on the open market depending on locality
and availability. Certainly another species to
consider inclusion in your regular offering.
www.petgazette.biz
December 2018