Regent Parrot

Regent Parrot key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

About 25 years

Size

40cm (150-206g)

Diet

Mixed seed, seeding grasses, greens, fruit, buds and blossom, and pellets

Cage

A large species for which a walk-in flight 7 m long is recommended, with a diagonal nest box about 18 x 18 x 61 cm. It is not suited to indoor housing.

Temperament

Wary of people in the wild. Satisfy its urge to chew with unsprayed fir, pine, elder and willow branches, including flowering ones.

Vocalization

The contact call is prolonged and rolling and harsher than that of the superb parrot; birds twitter quietly after landing and feed in silence.

Notes

Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. The space it needs is large, so an outdoor aviary is a precondition.

About Regent Parrot

A striking yellow-and-green parrot reaching 40cm, native to southern Australia with a lifespan of about 25 years. This large, long-lived species is best suited to experienced keepers with spacious outdoor housing.

7 things to know before welcoming a Regent Parrot

1. 1Requires a Spacious Outdoor Aviary

   As an adult, this species reaches about 40cm and is a strong flier, requiring a spacious outdoor aviary of around 7 meters or more. A small indoor cage alone isn't enough exercise space, so setting up an environment with room to fly is essential before bringing one home.

2. 2Suited to Experienced Keepers

   Due to the large housing requirements and handling considerations involved, this species is considered suitable for experienced keepers. It's best suited to those with prior experience keeping large parrots and the ability to prepare thoroughly in advance.

3. 3A Long Lifespan of About 25 Years

   With a lifespan of around 25 years, welcoming one is a long-term commitment. Consider future life changes, such as moving or shifts in your household, and make sure you can provide care for the bird's entire life before deciding to bring one home.

4. 4Social and Affectionate Nature

   Known for their intelligence and social nature, Regent Parrots often enjoy interacting with their keepers. It's worth considering whether your lifestyle allows for consistent daily interaction and communication time before bringing one home.

5. 5Diet Suited to Body Size

   Adults typically weigh between 150 and 206g, requiring a nutritionally balanced diet suited to their body size. Rather than relying solely on seeds, combining pellets, vegetables, and other varied foods is generally considered key to maintaining good health.

6. 6Two Distinct Populations

   This species is known to have two isolated populations in southern Australia, each adapted to its own local habitat over time. Understanding this background can offer useful hints when designing a suitable captive environment.

7. 7Preparing Your Environment in Advance

   There are many things to prepare in advance, such as finding space for a large aviary, considering noise for neighbors, and investing in equipment built for the long term. It's best to take your time setting up a suitable environment before bringing one home.

Frequently asked questions about Regent Parrot

Q.Can beginners keep a Regent Parrot?

A.This species is generally considered suitable for experienced keepers. Managing its need for a spacious outdoor aviary and its strong flying ability often calls for prior experience with large parrots, making it a challenging first bird.

Q.How much space is needed to keep one?

A.Since adults reach about 40cm and are strong fliers, a spacious outdoor aviary of around 7 meters or more is typically required. Keeping one indoors alone makes it difficult to provide adequate exercise space.

Q.How long do Regent Parrots live?

A.They typically live around 25 years, making them one of the longer-lived large parrot species. It's important to consider a long-term care plan before bringing one home.

Q.How big do Regent Parrots get?

A.Adults reach about 40cm in length and weigh between 150 and 206g, making them a large parrot species. Housing needs to be sized appropriately for their body.

Q.Are there legal restrictions on keeping a Regent Parrot?

A.Regent Parrot is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Useful tools for Regent Parrot care

Learn more about Regent Parrot in the encyclopedia

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