Scarlet-chested Parrot

Scarlet-chested Parrot key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

About 10 years

Size

19-21cm (36-44g)

Diet

Small seeds (canary seed, millet, small amounts of oats, buckwheat and safflower), greens, seeding grasses and pellets

Cage

A walk-in flight at least 2.1 m long is recommended, or 1.8 m indoors, with a vertical nest box about 15 x 15 x 30 cm, a bath dish, and clean sand for the birds to scratch in.

Temperament

Gentle and normally kept in pairs. It forages on the ground in the wild and spends much of its time on the floor of the aviary too.

Vocalization

In flight it gives soft two-syllable notes that in repetition sound like chirrups; flocks produce a soft continuous twitter, and the alarm call is a clear, sharper whistle.

Notes

Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. Because it feeds on the ground, floor hygiene and parasite control matter.

About Scarlet-chested Parrot

A small Australian parrot known for the male's vivid scarlet chest, growing 19-21cm (36-44g) and living around 10 years. Its quiet voice suits intermediate-level keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Scarlet-chested Parrot

1. 1Sexes Look Different

   Males have a deep blue face and a vivid scarlet chest, while females lack the red chest and show a more muted overall color. Once mature, males and females are easy to tell apart at a glance.

2. 2Quiet Temperament

   These birds rarely vocalize loudly and are generally known for a calm disposition. They tend to bond with people but often prefer quiet company over constant handling.

3. 3Prefers a Dry Setup

   Native to Australia's arid interior, this species doesn't do well in hot, humid conditions. Keep the cage well-ventilated and avoid placing it somewhere humidity can build up.

4. 4Forages on the Ground

   In the wild, they descend to the ground to search for grass seeds. A seed-based diet supplemented with leafy greens and small amounts of fruit works well in captivity too.

5. 5Needs a Roomy Cage

   Despite their small size, they're active fliers, so a cage with enough horizontal space to move around is important. Regular out-of-cage time also helps prevent a lack of exercise.

6. 6About a 10-Year Lifespan

   Average lifespan is around 10 years, so keeping one is a long-term commitment. Make daily health checks a habit so you can catch changes in weight or appetite early.

7. 7Best for Experienced Keepers

   This breed is generally considered suited to keepers with some parrot experience rather than complete beginners. Research its diet and housing needs in advance and prepare the right setup before bringing one home.

Frequently asked questions about Scarlet-chested Parrot

Q.Is this parrot suitable for beginners?

A.It's generally considered a breed for intermediate keepers with some parrot experience. First-time owners should research its care needs thoroughly before bringing one home.

Q.How do males and females differ?

A.Males have a vivid scarlet chest, while females lack the red chest and appear more subdued overall. Adults are easy to sex just by looking at them.

Q.How big do they get?

A.Adults reach about 19-21cm in length and weigh roughly 36-44g, making this a small parrot. Despite the compact size, they're quite active.

Q.How long do they live?

A.Average lifespan is around 10 years. Since this is a long-term commitment, consistent daily health monitoring is important.

Q.Are they noisy?

A.They're generally known for a calm, relatively quiet temperament and rarely vocalize loudly. That said, individual birds vary, so it helps to talk to experienced keepers before bringing one home.

Useful tools for Scarlet-chested Parrot care

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