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Bourke’s Parrot
Bourke’s Parrot
Origin
Australia
Size
Small Breed
Ideal Weather
15º-30ºC
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹3,500
Basic Lifestyle
₹4,500
Premium Lifestyle
Top 5 Traits
Gentle
Quiet
Affectionate
Playful
Social
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 11 Nov 2025
Introduction to Bourke’s Parrot
Bourke’s Parrots are a small sized, gentle parrot species. These birds are originally from Australia and are also called Neopsephotus Bourkii. They are known for their calm personality and soft chirps ideal for people who are looking for a peaceful bird companion.
Bourke’s parrots are kept as aviary birds but also make delightful house pets. Unlike many parrot species these are not loud, overly destructive or aggressive making them best suited for beginners.
Lifespan of Bourke’s Parrots
Bourke’ Parrots, on an average live up to 15 to 30 years in captivity. With proper love, care and medical attention they can outlive their peers. However, in the wild due to predators and varying climatic conditions their lifespan can be shortened.
Physical Characteristics of Bourke’s Parrots
- These birds can grow up to 7 to 9 inches in length and weigh 40 to 50 grams.
- The body color of these birds will be pink, wings have blue highlights and pale underparts.
- Males have a brighter coloring than females.
- They have small pale grey beaks and large dark eyes.
Temperament of Bourke’s Parrots
- These birds are very calm and even tempered.
- They have a soft chirping and best suitable for apartment living
- They enjoy human company and are not overly clingy.
- They are sociable and can live with small groups of birds.
- They are most playful in morning and evening times
Characteristics
Affection
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Vocalization
Silent
Vocal
Intelligence
Low
High
Social Behavior
Prefer Isolation
Very Social
Nutrition Guidelines for Bourke’s Parrots
Monthly Food Expenses
₹2,500 - ₹ 3,000
Ideal weight
45 - 55 grams
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Carbohydrates
Fats
Vitamins
Minerals
List of foods
Seeds
Vegetables
Fruits
Leafy Greens
Sprouts
Pellets
Legumes
Bourke’s Parrots require a balanced diet that contains proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats. Here is what you should focus on while designing a diet for your bird.
- Protein-rich food helps in muscle development and growth.
- Fats are used in a balanced fashion that helps in providing energy and lustrous feathers.
- Nutrients that support immunity, bone development and joint health.
Best food to feed your Bourke’s Parrots
Here are some of the best food items that you can feed your Bourke’s Parrots-
- Include seeds and pellets as the base food.
- Include vegetables like bell peppers, carrots and leafy greens in their diet.
- You can also feed them fruits like apples, strawberries, papaya, mangoes and cherries.
- Keeping them hydrated is equally important. Provide clean water in adequate amounts.
Foods that are harmful to Bourke’s Parrots
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Dairy products
High-fat foods
Onions
Garlic
Xylitol
Chocolate
Avocado
Just like how you got an idea of what all the food items should be fed to your pet bird. It is also essential to know what food items can cause harm to your pet. Here is a list of those food items that should be avoided-
- Avoid food items that have a high amount of fat, which leads to obesity.
- You should not feed them foods like chocolates, avocado, alcohol, caffeine, onion and garlic that can cause serious issues to their digestive system.
- Do not feed them food that contains high amounts of salt. This can cause serious damage to their kidneys and cause dehydration.
- Meat can have bacteria and can cause infections in birds.
- Dairy products should be avoided as birds do not have the enzymes that can digest lactose.
- Avoid Xylitol, which is a sugar substitute, as this is toxic for birds.
Healthcare Guide for Bourke’s Parrots
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹1,000 - ₹1,500
Recognising Stress
Feather Plucking
Excessive Vocalization
Withdrawal or Hiding
Loss of Appetite
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Weight Loss
Changes in Droppings
Common Health Issues
Psittacosis
Respiratory Infections
Chlamydiosis
Feather Plucking
Aspergillosis
Egg Binding
Nutritional Deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin A deficiency)
Energy Level
Medium
Preventative measure
Physical checkup every 6-12 months
Annual Blood Work
Annual Fecal Exam
Beak Assessment
Nail Trimming
Feather Assessment
Environmental Enrichment
Common Health Issues Found in Bourke’s Parrots
- Obesity: This is one of the common health conditions found in these birds. It is caused due to feeding a high-fat, seed-based diet.
- Nutritional deficiency can cause lack of diet and abnormalities in the health.
- Respiratory issues: Due to poor hygiene and dusty environment this can be caused.
General Health Care Tips for Blue-Headed Pionus
- Schedule yearly vet visits with an avian specialist to detect any health conditions at the early stages.
- Provide regular bath and misting for the feather care.
- Encourage them to play and provide enough pace for them to play around to keep them active and healthy.
Prerequisites to pet a Bourke’s Parrot
Time Commitment.
Living Space.
Stress-free Environment.
Enrichment Activities.
Ideal Habitat for Bourke’s Parrots
Initial Setup Cost
₹3,000 - ₹ 3,500
Monthly Expenses
₹1,500 - ₹ 2,000
Essential Equipment
Bird Cage
Perches
Food/ water dishes
Toys and Enrichment
Cage Liner Paper
Cage Cleaning Brush
Cuttle Bone
Compatible mates
Cockatiels.
Budgerigars.
Red-Rumped Parrots.
- Provide a cage with 24 x 18 x 24 inches for a single bird, however, large aviaries are preferred.
- Provide a mix of natural wood perches for them to fly around.
- They are playful and enjoy toys, bells, chewable items to keep them active.
- They love horizontal flights, hence, provide wide cages.
- Place the cage in bright areas but make sure to avoid direct sunlight.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bourke’s Parrots good pets?
Yes! They are among the calmest and quietest parrots—ideal for beginners or apartment living.
Can Bourke’s Parrots talk?
They are not known for talking. Instead, they have sweet, gentle chirps.
How long do Bourke’s Parrots live?
On average, 10–15 years with proper care.
Can Bourke’s Parrots live with other birds?
Yes, they are peaceful and can coexist with other small, non-aggressive birds like finches or budgies in aviaries.
What time of day are Bourke’s Parrots most active?
They are most active during early mornings and evenings.