Moustached Parakeet

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs hours of out-of-cage activity and mental challenges every day.

• GroomingEasy upkeep

  Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• Living spaceStandard cage

  A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment20–25 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Respiratory issues · Obesity · Feather plucking

The Moustached Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri), also called the Red-breasted Parakeet, ranges across South and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the same genus as the familiar Indian Ringneck and Alexandrine, and shares their build: slim, long-tailed and built for fast flight. Its distinguishing marks are the black band across the forehead and the black chin stripe that gives it its name, above a salmon-pink chest. Among Psittacula parakeets it has a reputation for being both quieter and gentler than a ringneck, with a clear talking voice and a strong ability to learn phrases. It is intelligent, playful and needs a lot of occupation. Like other Psittacula it goes through a difficult adolescent phase, often called bluffing, in which a previously tame young bird becomes nippy and standoffish for several months; owners who keep handling calmly and consistently through it come out the other side with a tame adult, while owners who back off usually do not. These are strong fliers and suffer in small cages. Provide the longest flight cage or aviary you can, with daily out-of-cage flight time, plenty of hardwood and foraging toys. Feed a formulated pellet base with vegetables, leafy greens and limited fruit and seed. Watch for obesity, feather plucking as a boredom signal, and chronic egg laying in hens; control the light cycle and remove nest boxes. Keep the air free of non-stick fumes, aerosols and smoke, and see an avian vet annually.

• How much activity does a Moustached Parakeet need?

  High. Needs hours of out-of-cage activity and mental challenges every day.

• How much feather care does a Moustached Parakeet need?

  Easy upkeep. Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• What cage does a Moustached Parakeet need?

  Standard cage. A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Is a Moustached Parakeet a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Moustached Parakeet live?

  20–25 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Moustached Parakeet?

  Keep an eye out for Respiratory issues, Obesity, Feather plucking. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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