‘Instincts’

Orange-bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster

Captive Management Using Biological Data

Please click here or on the image above to download a copy of the research paper.

Captive Amazon parrots and their diet: a study on reproductive success

The aim of this study was to compare the performance in terms of breeding success of  ‘Organic’ and ‘Traditional’ pellet-based feeding regimes for parrots.  A wide range of parameters was measured throughout the trial, while breeding success was determined by egg production and fertility, and hatching and fledging success rates.

Please click on the link to download a copy of the paper.

The science of artificial incubation is one that can only be perfected with practise, often with common species such as certain breeds of fowl. Artificial incubation can be a very rewarding experience especially when successful with the incubation of more difficult species such as the members of the psittascine (parrots and cockatoos) family.

For more information about parrot egg incubation, please click on the page below to download the Priam Parrot Incubation Guide:

There are many good reasons for putting in the time and effort required for artificial incubation. The removal of eggs from the nest will often stimulate the hen to relay, thus increasing egg production. This can be beneficial for conservation efforts when trying to increasing species numbers of endangered species or simply for breeders whose wish to increase their chick production. Artificial incubation can help to control certain avian diseases such as Psittacosis and Psittacine Beak and Feather. The combination of the right knowledge and equipment can result in many years of further learning and enjoyment. Contact us for further information or advice. The science of artificial incubation is one that is only perfected with experience and the right equipment.

We have been researching the critical issues associated with parrot incubation over the last 15 years. Much has been written about parrot egg incubation, which we believe is false. We are now able to artificially incubate parrot eggs far more successfully than the parrots themselves. Our understanding of the critical issues is such that the vast majority of our eggs hatch with out any assistance from us.

Gathering Biological Data via Incubation Technologies

.. please click on the link above to take you to the document

Detailed information regarding incubation can be found by Clicking on the link to download the pdf.

For more information about incubation and husbandry products, please click on this link.

Keeping Exotic Birds in Australia

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife-trade/exoticbirds/index.html

2007 Inventory of Exotic (non-native) Bird Species known to be in Australia

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife-trade/publications/inventory-exotic-bird07.html

Buyers of exotic birds should ensure that the seller is able to provide a genuine copy of relevant documents and records for individual birds that prove legal entry or legal ownership.

Exotic Bird Record-keeping Scheme

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife-trade/exoticbirds/record.html

An MTR is not proof of legitimate origin of a specimen and the buyer should ensure necessary supporting information is available.  If you intentionally record false information legal action could be taken against you.

A guide to record keeping for Exotic Birds

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife-trade/publications/keeping-guide.html

Proving Legal Possession of Exotic Birds

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife-trade/exoticbirds/legislation.html

If you keep an exotic (non-native) bird that:

1. is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), or
2. is not listed on Part 1 of the live import list

You must be able to prove its legal origin.

State Legislation regarding Keeping Native & Exotic Birds in Australia

Regulations depend on individual state or territory laws.

NSW: All native birds are protected in NSW under the National Parks and Wildlife Act.

 http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/wildlifelicences/BirdKeepersLicence.htm

Queensland: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-ecosystems/wildlife/living_with_wildlife/native_animal_pets.html

“Provided you lawfully obtain native birds and keep them under proper conditions, you can keep many species including budgerigars, cockatiels, Bourke’s parrots, star and zebra finches, brown, king and stubble quail, and diamond and peaceful doves without getting a licence. These are called exempt birds. When you buy a native bird, keep a record of the source of that animal so you can prove it was legally purchased.

Some other birds, called controlled birds, may be kept for personal enjoyment without a licence but you are not allowed to buy or sell more than 10 controlled birds in a 12 month period. Examples are pale-headed rosellas or bar-shouldered doves.

If you want to keep other native bird species, you will have to apply for a licence from the QPWS. You will only be allowed to keep certain species.

Keeping Wildlife for Recreational Purposes:http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/ecoaccess/plants_and_animals/recreational_use_of_animals/keeping_wildlife_for_recreational_purposes.html

Victoria: 

A guide to laws relating to keeping wildlife for private purposes in Victoria:

http://www.land.vic.gov.au/CA256F310024B628/0/B26F8AF7E3D97226CA257193007930EF/$File/Application+for+a+Private+Wildlife+Licence.pdf

South Australia: Native Animals in Captivity: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Plants_and_Animals/Permits_and_Licences/Native_animals_in_captivity

Tasmania: Importing and Keeping Birds in Tasmania http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/internnsf/Attachments/JAAR-8265YP/$FILE/Importing%20and%20keeping%20birds%20in%20Tasmania..pdf

Northern Territory:  A permit is required to enable people to legally possess, import or export any wildlife in captivity within the NT. The term ‘protected wildlife’ includes any native flora or fauna living, deceased or part of an individual (e.g. skulls and seeds).  http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/permits/index.html

Permit to keep protected or prohibited wildlife  http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/permits/keep.html

Western Australia: A permit or licence is needed to keep many birds – both native and introduced. They can only be kept under certain conditions and are removed as soon as they are detected in the wild.  Some birds are prohibited from entering the state because of the risks they pose if they were to become established in the wild.

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/biosecurity-quarantine/biosecurity/invasive-species

Importing and keeping introduced mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in Western Australia:

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/invasive-species/vertebrate-animal-pests-policy-and-management

Possessing Legal exotic birds in Australia

The possession of illegally imported specimens and their progeny is an offence under national environment law and various penalties may apply.

Inspectors under national environment law may seize exotic bird(s) in Australia if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that the origins of the bird(s) cannot be proven. The decision to seize is made on a case by case basis, and does not result in the automatic forfeiture of the bird(s). National environment law provides several ways for people who have birds seized to provide additional information to verify the origin of those specimens.

See Compliance guide for exotic birds in Australia

Report illegal wildlife trade activities

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife-trade/illegal-activity.html

DAFF (National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare): Guidelines for the welfare of pet birds

http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/welfare/nccaw/guidelines/pets/birds

“A juvenile bird that is not fully feathered or self-sufficient should not be traded except to a person who has skills and experience in raising such birds.”

NSW:

Animal Welfare Code of Practice: Animals in Pet Shops 

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/244018/Animal-welfare-code-of-practice-animals-in-pet-shops.pdf

15.1.5  Hand-reared birds must be fully feathered and self-sufficient before sale.

 NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice # 4: Keeping and Trading of Birds:

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/animal-welfare/codes/aw-code-4#7–Trading

7.3    Juvenile birds unable to feed themselves should not be traded except for the purpose of hand rearing.  The sale of fledglings unable to feed themselves must be restricted to persons competent in the procedures of hand rearing and they must be adequately informed of the nutritional and husbandry requirement of the species and the hygiene and management standards necessary.

Queensland: 

Queensland Code of Practice for Pet Shops:

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/AnimalIndustries_AnimalWelfareAndEthics/QldCodeOfPracticeForPetShops.pdf

15.27. Hand-reared birds should be fully weaned and self-sufficient before sale.

Code of Practice: Aviculture: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/register/p00055aa.pdf

Victoria: 

Wildlife Regulations 2002: Hand-Rearing Birds:

“The hand-rearing of birds held under a private wildlife license may generally only be undertaken by the holder of that licence. Under the Wildlife Regulations 2002, it is illegal to buy, sell, dispose of, consign, convey or transport any egg or any bird that is too young to fly (or, if a flightless bird, is less than four weeks old), for any purpose other than treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon, (whether or not a licence is required), unless the prior written permission of the Secretary has been received.  Contact the Wildlife & Game Licensing Service for more information.”

Northern Territory: 

Guidelines for the Care and Welfare of Caged Birds

http://www.animalwelfare.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/76572/Guidelines_Caged_Birds.pdf

“A juvenile bird that is not fully feathered or self-sufficient should not be traded except to a person who has skills and experience in raising such birds.”

Angled nestbox for small parrots.

L-shaped Nestboxes.

L-shaped nestbox for small parrots.

L-shaped nestbox for medium parrots.

L-shaped nestbox for medium parrots -'sideways'.

‘Grandfather Clock’ Nestboxes.

'Grandfather clock' nestbox for medium parrots.

'Grandfather Clock' nestbox for large parrots.

Founded in 1948, the Union’s mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and ensure that any use of the natural resources is equitably and ecologically sustainable.

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