Kakariki (Red-crowned Parakeet)

Kakariki (Red-crowned Parakeet) key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

10-15 years

Size

25-28cm

Diet

Seeds, Pellets, Vegetables, Fruits

Housing

It loves to walk around on the ground, so use a cage with generous width and floor area where the bottom can be used freely. It also enjoys bathing.

Diet & Feeding

Feed seed and pellets as the base plus vegetables and fruit, ensuring nutrition that matches its high activity level.

Breeding & Egg-laying

A prolific breeder; if you do not plan to breed, manage reproduction by not providing a nest box.

Health & Cautions

Its bite is mild, making it beginner-friendly, but its call is somewhat loud. Common illnesses include chlamydiosis and fungal infections.

About Kakariki (Red-crowned Parakeet)

The Kakariki (Red-crowned Parakeet) is an active New Zealand parrot known for its unusual ground-foraging habit and curious personality. Living 10 to 15 years and reaching 25 to 28 cm, it suits first-time keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Kakariki (Red-crowned Parakeet)

1. 1Spends time on the ground

   Kakariki don't just perch — they walk and forage on the floor, a habit distinct from many other parakeets. Give the cage enough floor space to roam, and keep the substrate clean since they spend so much time on it.

2. 2Curious and active nature

   They're constantly on the move, poking and investigating objects with their beak. Rotating toys and perch layouts now and then helps keep this curious energy engaged.

3. 3Needs plenty of floor space

   Because of their active, ground-loving nature, a cage with generous floor space works better than a tall, narrow one. Daily time outside the cage to move around also supports their well-being.

4. 4Balanced seed and pellet diet

   Their staple diet is seeds and pellets, supplemented with vegetables and fruit for balance. Varying the daily menu rather than relying on one food type helps support their overall health.

5. 5Vocal, with a distinct call

   Kakariki do vocalize, and in apartments or shared buildings the volume may be worth considering in advance. It's worth checking how they typically sound before bringing one home, to see how it fits your living situation.

6. 6A 10–15 year commitment

   With a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, a Kakariki is a long-term companion. It's worth thinking through how your living situation might change over that time before bringing one home.

7. 7Settling into a new home

   Their curious nature often helps them settle into a new environment, though this varies by individual. Right after bringing one home, avoid handling it too much and give it a quiet space to adjust at its own pace.

Frequently asked questions about Kakariki (Red-crowned Parakeet)

Q.Is the Kakariki easy for beginners to keep?

A.It's generally considered beginner-friendly and manageable. That said, its active nature means you'll want to provide enough space for it to move around.

Q.How long do Kakariki live?

A.They typically live around 10 to 15 years. Since that's a long-term commitment, it helps to think ahead about your future living situation before getting one.

Q.How big do Kakariki get?

A.As adults, they reach about 25 to 28 cm in length. That's considered a manageable size among parakeets.

Q.What do Kakariki eat?

A.Their diet is based on seeds and pellets, combined with vegetables and fruit. Keeping the diet nutritionally balanced is important.

Q.Is it normal for a Kakariki to walk around on the ground?

A.Yes, walking and foraging on the ground is a natural, characteristic behavior for this species. They spend more time on the floor than many other parakeets do.

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