Home

Poicephalus

African parrots

African parrots. Part 2.

Care and Maintenance

Price range

E-mail

Sassicat Aviary
Home made, quilted pet carrier covers
Hand raised and tame baby Parrots


 
Red-Bellies are native to Africa; they are about 9 inches in length.  They are prolific talkers and whistlers; they learn to mimic many of the sounds around the house, like the phone, microwave, and doorbell. They are very affectionate after about the 10th month.  They go through a period, much like the "terrible twos" in humans, between 5 months and 10 months.  But after that they are wonderful.  The Red Bellie would make a good "Apartment" pet since they usually are not very noisy and even their loudest squawk will not bother the neighbors.  They love interaction with their human family but are not as "clingy" as some other parrot species.  They are happy if they are in the same room as their family.
Keikki&Makani.jpg (29187 bytes) This is a picture of Keikki and Makani.  Keikki was our first pet bird.  Makani just kind of fell in our laps and when they bonded we had no choice but to let them breed.  I miss my baby (Keikki) but I know she will enjoy being a mama.  I have been lucky enough that while they are not breeding they are still friendly and therefore they come downstairs as all our pets do.
As you can see here, this species is dimorphic which means the males and females look different.  The male is the one with the red belly.
Sunnie&Peaches.jpg (116254 bytes) This is a picture of Sunnie and Peaches.  They are Sun Counures.  It is not possible to tell the sexes visually on this species.  DNA testing is necessary to be sure of the sex.  We got Peaches Dec. 2000.  She was introduced to Sunnie late March 2001 after her quarantine.  They immediately bonded and so we put them in a cage together within about a week.  They now have a nest box and we are anxiously awaiting babies.
1DayOld.jpg (98744 bytes) This is Keikki's first baby at only a few hours after hatching.  It hatched on September 16, 2000. Since this is her first clutch I was not at all surprised that only one egg was fertile.
21DaysOld.jpg (129910 bytes) This is the same baby as above at 21 days old.  It weighed 102 grams.  Almost 3/4 what it will be full grown.  It is able to hold its head.
28DaysOld.jpg (111259 bytes) This is the second baby.  He is from Kaimana and Akala.   He is 28 days old here.  This species is remarkably easy to hand feed.  I don't have to hold their head up at all.

Progression of Babies Growth

1DayOld.jpg (98744 bytes) 3DaysOld.jpg (118643 bytes) 9DaysOld.jpg (123800 bytes)
1 Day Old 3 Days Old 9 Days Old
21DaysOld.jpg (129910 bytes) 31DaysOld.jpg (99990 bytes) 40DaysOld2.jpg (134940 bytes)
21 Days Old 31 Days Old 40 Days Old