KEEPING GRASS PARAKEETS SPECIES IN PAKISTAN

One of the most beautiful parakeets origionated form australian open lands where the temperature remains same whole year.Bourke,Elegant,Turqouisine and scarlet chested all are in neophema species.Neophemas are some of the World's most perfect birds. They are the size of a budgerigar, with pleasant-sounding voices and few vices. They come in a rainbow of brilliant colors, and their versatility in the wild makes them adaptable aviary birds. Also known as Australian Grass Parakeets, they include the popular Bourke (N. bourkii), Scarlet-chested (N. splendida), Turquoisine (N. pulchella) and Elegant (N. elegans) parakeets, and lesser know Rock and Orange-bellied Parakeets.Neophema parakeets are popular aviary birds because of their beauty and peaceful temperament. Aviculturists around the world appreciate them. The birds nondestructive nature and pleasant chirping make them easy to keep in all kinds of situations. Grass parakeets have been successfully bred in captivity for many years, making them hardy and good reproducers. And, for those who have mastered breeding various species, there is always the challenge of a wide variety of intriguing mutations.
The birds are small, which allows for the housing of many individual pairs. This appeals to aviculturists who are interested in keeping diverse bloodlines and collecting their mutations. Birdkeepers who house an assortment of birds in planted flights can add one pair of grass parakeets and appreciate these colorful gems in their entire splendor.
It is tempting to keep these birds as pets, since their colors outshine the comparatively plain budgerigar. These birds, however, have quiet, introverted personalities; they are not as outgoing or charismatic as budgies. Grass parakeets are best enjoyed in aviaries or flight cages.
Accomodation according to climate of pakistan.
These parakeets are very sensitive to sudden weather change and cold and wet condations.Therefore sensible breeders keep them in roomy avairy where the average temperature is not less than 20 C.Except for the more sedentary Bourke, Neophemas are busybodies. They spend their day running around the cage bottom and eating or flying around their flights. To accommodate these energetic creatures, they are best housed in aviaries or large flight cages.
I keep my grasskeets in off-the ground flight cages, approximately 2x2xr. This adds to the sense of security the birds feel, resulting in better breeding. This size cage works well for me.but larger is the better.These birds are non destructive in nature so,you can planted their avairy by some nontoxic plants(I planted my cages with bamboo plants because they are non toxic and best in vitamin A,B and iron.
For the hobbyist with a mixed aviary, grass parakeets are certainly worth considering. Bourkes and Scarlet-chesteds get along well with Cockatiels, finches and doves. Turquoisines and Elegants can also be kept in community flights, although they can be quarrelsome during breeding season. However, winters are very cold in pakistan .it is best to keep them in indoor avairyand in summers they should be placed outdoors to enjoy sun.
Availability.
In pakistan the bourkes are fairly kept by experienced breeders.Therefore,other species are very rare in Pakistan.Prices range from 4000 to 6000 according to mutation.most popular mutation is rosa bourke,lutino bourke and normals.
DIET.
In wild the love to eat grass seeds,buds from trees and sometimes larvae from soil.In captivity sunflower seeds,hemps,oats.dehusked rice, ,millets(cheena,bajra,kangani etc)are sufficient diets.They also like to eat greens but not as much as compared to other australian parakeets.Water is to be served fresh and should be changed 2 times a days.
Breeding.
Neophemas are very prolific breeders and give up to 3 clutches a year but its its recomended to not to be breed in winter because of high mortality of chicks.Best breeding months for neophema are sep to nov and from feb to may.If u have extra heating faucility u can also bred them in indoor in winters.Lovebird sized box(8x8x10) give me best results.Hen usually lay 4 to 6 eggs and incubate them alone for 18 days while male feeds her and take cares of her.Chicks are indepandant after 45 days then removed to large cage for strength and parents renest them once again.Humidity level in air plays an important roll in hatching of eggs.I usually spray water around the box when the hatching is near.
EXTRA CARE.
These birds need some extra care.Avoided birds can become ill .They need their cage clean on daily basis.Feed should be clean and free from pesticides.Scrub the feeding and water bowls twice a day.



BY AHMED USMAN JAVED