Moustached Parakeet: Bird Species Profile

A good looking parrot, the moustached parakeet is called for its distinctive feathers above the beak that appears like a well-groomed mustache. This chicken makes a terrific pet and has a candy, outgoing character that chicken lovers take pleasure in. When you’re on the lookout for a small parrot that may speak and perch in your shoulder, the moustached parakeet is a species to think about.

Origin and Historical past

The moustached parakeet has in depth vary in southeast Asia. It’s native to China and the islands of Indonesia, the place a number of subspecies dwell. Feral populations are spreading to many different areas, together with neighboring cities. Their shrinking pure habitat causes flocks to change into city dwellers.

Within the wild, this species tends to dwell in woodlands, hills, and mountains and collect in flocks of as much as 60 birds. The group can change into fairly loud, so it is arduous to overlook them. This chicken has an unmistakably deafening warning calling when hazard approaches. Throughout the mating season, a pair will depart the flock and discover a tree cavity to name dwelling till their chicks mature.

Temperament

Moustached parakeets could make lovely pets when hand-fed as infants and correctly socialized. They’re lively, social creatures who like to spend time taking part in video games and spend time with their homeowners.

Some homeowners of moustached parakeets report that their birds are likely to act bossy or needy. They may demand an proprietor’s consideration in the event that they really feel ignored. Nonetheless, they do are typically extra relaxed than the boisterous Indian ringneck parakeet.

Moustached parakeets don’t are likely to take pleasure in plenty of cuddling, although will welcome some petting close to the neck. If dealt with typically and gently, it could heat to extra cuddling.

Whereas moustached parakeets are extremely smart and really trainable, some homeowners report aggression points. This conduct normally outcomes from insufficient socialization. Moustached parakeets have a tendency to decide on a favourite particular person and bond strongly with them whereas appearing out towards different individuals and pets.

Like different Asiatic species, in addition they undergo a interval of aggressive bluffing conduct—biting and territorial—throughout their adolescence. Due to this and their want for further consideration, they will not be the perfect “newbie” chicken species, although some birders differ in opinion.

Identified to be glorious talkers (particularly the males), these birds will reward their homeowners with a few years of comical companionship if adequately cared for. 

Speech and Vocalizations

Whereas all parrots will make a specific amount of noise, moustached parakeets are one of many quieter species when it comes to screaming and squawking. Many homeowners report that the birds would a lot relatively speak or whistle pleasantly than bellow ear-piercing screams. Because of this, a moustached parakeet will be the proper selection for many who need a parrot however would favor a quieter chicken.

Moustached Parakeet Colours and Markings

Moustached parakeets show a rainbow of colours of their stunning plumage. Their backs and wings range with good inexperienced and yellow hues, and so they have stunning greenish-blue tail feathers. They’ve powder-blue heads with attribute “moustache” black stripes above and beneath their beaks. Their rose-colored breast fades right into a bluish-turquoise shade on the legs and bellies. 

A dimorphic species, it is comparatively simple to inform women and men aside. Whereas the males have a brighter pink breast, the best strategy to distinguish the sexes is by trying on the beak. The males could have a shiny orange higher mandible with a yellow tip. Females have a beak that’s shades of darkish grey and even black. Each have grey pores and skin on their toes.

Some coloration mutations seem infrequently; birds may need extra blue or turquoise of their plumage.

Caring for a Moustached Parakeet

As pet birds, moustached parakeets aren’t as widespread as another species, although they’re rising in popularity. They’re typically solely obtainable by specialty breeders.

On the minimal, this chicken requires a small macaw cage—3 toes by 2 toes by 3 toes. Two people mustn’t share a cage, and completely different genders collectively will also be an issue. Females are likely to dominate males. 

These birds are inquisitive and can all the time need to know what you are doing. They’re explorers. If left unattended exterior of their cage, they might find yourself in part of your house you do not need them in. It is best to have a perch close by and convey the chicken again to it each time it strays. This chicken enjoys perching on shoulders and desires to be a part of the motion.

If you’re taken with a pet for the entire household, a moustached parakeet will not be your best option—it is extra a one-person pet. Nonetheless, in case you are a single particular person or in any other case intend to be the chicken’s sole caretaker, then this chicken might very effectively be probably the most loyal companion you’ll ever have.

Widespread Well being Issues

This chicken is a hardy species, however it may be inclined to some situations:

• Polyoma, a lethal avian virus
• Sarcocystosis, a parasitic illness
• Aspergillosis, a fungal illness
• Bacterial infections
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Psittacosis (parrot fever), a illness brought on by the chlamydia micro organism

Weight-reduction plan and Diet

Within the wild, this chicken eats fruits, seeds, and blossoms. As with all parrots, it’s important to feed pet moustached parakeets a various food regimen that features a high-quality industrial pellet method and seed combination, in addition to a spread of recent meals.

Feed roughly 1/4 cup of pelleted meals and 1//4 cup of recent vegatables and fruits day by day. A uncooked and various food regimen will assist be certain that your chicken maintains prime vitamin. Moustached parakeets are identified to be good eaters. They are typically much less finicky than different birds concerning the sorts of vegatables and fruits they’re keen to attempt. Seeds ought to be fed sparsely to keep away from weight problems, however are an essential supply of protein in your chicken.

Fruit and veggies which you can feed embrace melon, apple, kale, strawberries, carrots, collard greens, and banana. Do not feed avocado, as it may be poisonous to those birds.

Train

Moustached parakeets are very lively birds, each within the wild and in captivity. Give this chicken loads of room to climb, swing, and play each out and in of their cages.

Moustached parakeets ought to obtain a minimal of 4 hours of supervised playtime exterior of their cages per day in a secure, “bird-proofed” space. Due to these necessities, they might not make the perfect pets for somebody who has little or no time to work together with their pets.

Toys are important to retaining this parakeet completely satisfied and out of hassle. Make sure you give your chicken a big cage with loads of ladders, swings, and chew toys. Any toys made out of wooden, leather-based, or beads will likely be a lot appreciated and supply wanted stimulation.

The place to Undertake or Purchase a Moustached Parakeet

Contact native breeders and go to with their birds to get a really feel for his or her personalities. This go to may give you a greater thought of what it is prefer to dwell with a moustached parakeet. They will price from $250 to $1,000 from a breeder; verify animal shelters and rescue organizations, too. On-line assets can level you in the suitable course of breeders or rescues:

• Fowl Breeders
• Hookbills for Sale
• Undertake a Pet

If shopping for by a breeder, ensure you interview them, have a look at the overall well being of their birds, take a look at their dwelling situations and speak to previous prospects. Indicators you must keep away from the breeder embrace cramped dwelling situations, inactive birds, and breeders who keep away from your questions or don’t appear to have a lot data on their birds.

Extra Pet Fowl Species and Additional Analysis

If you’re taken with comparable species, take a look at:

• Indian Ringneck Parakeet Species Profile
• Alexandrine Parakeet Species Profile
• Pink-Lored Amazon Species Profile

In any other case, take a look at all of our different medium-sized parrot profiles.