Bourkes Parakeet

Gentle and usually quieter than many parrots. Bourkes Parakeet fits calm homes that can provide stable routines, good space, and low-pressure interaction.

size
Small
energy
Low to Medium
noise
Low
lifespan
10 to 15 years
socialNeeds
Medium
messLevel
Low to Medium
trainability
Low to Medium
talking
No
aloneTimeTolerance
Medium
space
Flight cage or roomy cage

Best for

  • Noise-sensitive homes
  • People who prefer calmer birds
  • Owners who can provide stable routines
  • Homes that enjoy observation and gentle interaction

Not ideal for

  • Very busy schedules with long stretches of alone time
  • Homes that need very quiet pets
  • Anyone not comfortable with routine cleaning

Temperament

  • Gentle and typically calm
  • Can be shy at first
  • Prefers predictable routines
  • Responds to low-pressure interaction

Daily routine

diet: Fresh water daily. Quality pellets plus vegetables, with treats used in moderation.
enrichment: Rotate toys, add foraging opportunities, and use short training sessions for mental work.
outOfCageTime: Aim for supervised out-of-cage time most days once the environment is safe.
cleaning: Spot-clean daily, deeper clean weekly (liners, perches, and food bowls).

Living fit

apartment: Often a good fit, especially with a stable routine and good hygiene.
family: Can work with gentle, supervised handling and consistent routines.
firstTimeOwner: Often a good option for first-time owners who prefer routine care.

Health notes

  • Birds hide illness. Watch for fluffed feathers, low appetite, changes in droppings, or reduced activity.
  • Maintain bird-safe air quality. Avoid PTFE/Teflon fumes, smoke, aerosols, and scented candles.
  • Find an avian vet for baseline checks and advice on diet and environment.

Cost and time

time: Low to moderate. Daily feeding and regular cleaning are the main tasks.
cost: Low to moderate. A proper enclosure, food, and routine care are the main costs.

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