What-toFeed.com

what to feed a moustache parakeet

by Francisca Schmeler Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

A moustache parakeet does well on a mixture of the following:

  • Pellets
  • Fresh, raw vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and carrots
  • Raw fruits such as bits of peeled apple, orange, and strawberries
  • Small amounts of protein, such as hard-boiled egg

Wild Moustache have a diet that consists of leaf buds, berries, fruits, seeds, insects, nuts and vegetables. In captivity these birds should have a combination of fruits, vegetables, pellets, a good seed mix, meal worms and nuts.

Full Answer

What do moustache parakeets eat?

Wild moustache parakeets usually live in flocks in forests or wooded areas. They feed on fruit, leaves, grains, seeds, and nuts. Pet birds also like a varied plant diet. A moustache parakeet does well on a mixture of the following: Fresh, raw vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and carrots

Is a moustached parakeet a good pet?

A beautiful parrot, the moustached parakeet is named for its distinctive feathers above the beak that looks like a well-groomed mustache. This bird makes a great pet and has a sweet, outgoing personality that bird lovers enjoy.

What do parakeets like to eat?

Most parakeets will try almost anything. They love fruit, vegetables, greens, popcorn, etc. Parakeets also love spray millet and seed treats. However, these are also very fattening and should be given only occasionally. Below is a partial list of food items your parakeet might like to try:

How to take care of a mustached parakeet?

Provide toys for the bird’s enrichment. It is advisable to keep breeding pairs in an outdoor aviary. They prefer a temperature of around 70°F. As previously mentioned, mustached parakeets have a jocund disposition, especially when hand-fed from a young age.

image

What should I feed my mustache parakeet?

As with all parrots, it is essential to feed pet moustached parakeets a varied diet that includes a high-quality commercial pellet formula and seed mixture, as well as a range of fresh foods. Feed approximately 1/4 cup of pelleted food and 1//4 cup of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

Can a mustache parakeet talk?

0:262:01PARROT TALK #5 Meet my Mustache Parakeet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I thought I would make this one video with him before he fell asleep I know that's how he says itMoreSo I thought I would make this one video with him before he fell asleep I know that's how he says it so I'm going to keep this short mm-hmm but that is what a bird looks like when it's something. And

How long do moustache parakeets live?

20 to 25 yearsThe Mustached Parakeet is the nominate form of eight different subspecies. The average lifespan of the Mustached Parakeet is 20 to 25 years.

Are moustache parrots cuddly?

Moustache parakeets are attractive, intelligent, and playful birds belonging to the parrot family, or the Psittacidae. They're entertaining to watch and can be trained to talk. Unlike some birds kept as pets, such as my dusky conure, moustache parakeets are generally not cuddly.

How much does a mustache parakeet weigh?

5.2 ozRed-breasted parakeet / Mass (Adult)

What is a moustache?

1 : the hair growing on the human upper lip especially : such hair grown and often trimmed in a particular style his long mustache combed and waxed — Henry Petroski. 2 : hair or bristles about the mouth of a mammal.

What age do mustache parrots breed?

2-3 years of ageBreeding Moustache Parrots The Moustache Parrot is easy to breed; they reach maturity at 2-3 years of age. They can breed twice a year between August and October and lay 2-4 eggs. The chicks hatch after 22 days and leave the nest at 6-8 weeks; they are independent 10-14 weeks after leaving the nest.

How do you know how old your parakeet is?

If your parakeet came registered with an ID band around his leg, that can tell you exactly how old he is. Check the abbreviation letters on the band, as different organizations track years using different colors.

How old is the oldest parakeet?

29 years and 2 monthsAccording to the Guinness Book of World Records (2) the oldest living parakeet was a budgie hen bird named Charlie. She lived to a ripe old age of 29 years and 2 months and was also known as Charlie the Curser.

Where are moustached parakeets illegal?

While some states are accepting of these little birds, others banned them altogether. According to a list compiled by the Quaker Parakeet Society, Quaker parakeets are illegal to own in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Pennslyvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Wyoming.

How much do moustached parakeets cost?

The moustached parakeet costs around $500, although you may pay a little more or less than this depending on the reputation of the breeder, availability, and the history of the bird. You can buy from breeders but ensure that you find one with a good reputation and that allows you to inspect their premises.

How much do moustached parakeets cost?

The moustached parakeet costs around $500, although you may pay a little more or less than this depending on the reputation of the breeder, availability, and the history of the bird. You can buy from breeders but ensure that you find one with a good reputation and that allows you to inspect their premises.

Where are moustached parakeets illegal?

While some states are accepting of these little birds, others banned them altogether. According to a list compiled by the Quaker Parakeet Society, Quaker parakeets are illegal to own in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Pennslyvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Wyoming.

How big does an Indian ringneck get?

16 inchesIndian ringneck parakeets are medium-sized birds, measuring approximately 40 cms (16 inches) in length when fully grown. Wild Indian ringneck parakeets are naturally mostly green with some blue on their tails and yellow feathers under their tails and wings. They also have distinctive hooked red beaks.

How big are quaker parrots?

11 in.Monk parakeet / Length (Adult)

What are some good treats for parakeets?

Like any person or animal, parakeets love getting occasional treats. There are a lot of different ways that you can treat your parakeet: Peanut butter: Another great source of protein, and it’s a super tasty treat for parakeets.

What do parakeets eat?

Parakeets are capable of eating a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. They can also eat some foods that humans eat, like eggs and chicken. Foods to avoid for parakeets include chocolate, fruit pits, apple seeds, avocado, and foods that are high in fat, sodium, and sugars. Parakeets are not limited to just seeds!

How often should I feed my parakeets protein?

If you want to supplement protein to your bird through these ways, keep in mind that fresh protein should be limited for parakeets (about a fingertip’s amount) every two weeks. Remember that if your parakeet were still in the wild, they would be snacking on protein-rich foods like bugs and worms.

What are the vitamins parakeets need?

Fresh vegetables give parakeets essential vitamins, like vitamin A, B, C, and calci um, such as broccoli. Spinach and alfalfa sprouts are rich in vitamin A, E, and K.

How much does a parakeet weigh?

Parakeets are very small, incredibly light creatures- their average weight ranges between 25 to 35 grams or 0.8 to 1 ounce! If you give them an entire head of broccoli or even an apple slice, they’re going to have a hard time breaking it apart and eating it.

How much food should a parakeet eat?

Just like fruits, make sure you are feeding your birdie buddy fresh vegetables! It’s recommended that a parakeet should eat about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

What fruits are good for parakeets?

Fruits and Their Benefits for Parakeets. Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Apricots: apricots and mangos are both loaded with beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A. Strawberries: the seeds in strawberries are safe for birds to eat, so you won’t need to worry about removing them.

Personality and Behaviour

If you want a medium-sized parrot with many personalities, the Moustached Parakeet is the bird for you. This bird is well-known for its intelligence and playful character. They love a lot of attention and can be attached to one person. Like any other parrot they can be aggressive towards people.

Mustached Parakeets Diet

The Red-breasted Parakeets feed on fruits, grains, seeds, vegetables, and nuts in the wild and, because of that, are considered pests rather than pets by farmers who fall victim to these birds. The Moustache Parakeets in captivity also love to feed on varieties of diets.

Mustached Parakeets Training

Most training with birds like the Moustache Parakeets goes wrong because owners believe that their birds can perform magic. The first thing to note is that training a parakeet requires time and patience. The second is there are specific techniques that you can apply to get your results.

Gender Identification

Unlike some monomorphic parrots, Moustached Parakeets are dimorphic, which means you can easily distinguish between the male and the female by looking at them even though they all have greenish-blue plumage on their tails.

Cage for Mustached Parakeets

Mustached Parakeets need a large cage to fly about, explore, and maintain their health. They should be provided with a small Alexandrine Parakeet or macaw cage with 3 x 2 x 3 ft as the minimum size. You can also make the size bigger if it suits your budget.

Mustached Parakeets Breeding

Mustached Parakeets in the wild naturally pair themselves when breeding, but those raised as pets or for breeding should be paired at a young age as possible. The birds in the wild have been familiar with one another for a long time hence ease in pairing up.

Bathing Parakeets

While dogs and cats are taken to the shower to have a proper bath, bird owners do not know if they can bathe their birds and how to go about it. The exciting news is that it is safe to bathe Parakeets. Bathing them regularly helps them stay healthy.

What is a moustache parakeet?

Moustache parakeets are attractive, intelligent, and playful birds belonging to the parrot family, or the Psittacidae. They’re entertaining to watch and can be trained to talk. Unlike some birds kept as pets, such as my dusky conure, moustache parakeets are generally not cuddly. They do like and respond to human attention, however. If they’re socialized and handled daily from an early age, they are friendly and affectionate birds and make lovely pets.

What is the appearance of a moustache parakeet?

Physical Appearance of a Moustache Parakeet. Pet moustache parakeets are attractive green birds with a salmon-coloured chest and upper abdomen. The upper part of the lower abdomen is lilac, and the lower part is green. Females usually have a paler colouration than males.

Why are moustache parakeets in trouble?

Wild moustache parakeets are in trouble for three reasons. They are captured for the pet trade, which is the main problem in most areas.

Why do parakeets molt?

Molting in a moustache parakeet can be an alarming process the first time you see it, because in addition to the loss of feathers the bird may look dowdy and seem quieter than usual.

How to keep a bird from dropping on its feet?

Perches must have a suitable diameter for your pet’s feet. Natural wood perches are good. They should be placed at different levels in the cage so the bird can move from perch to perch as he or she would move from branch to branch in the wild. Don’t put perches directly above the water or food bowls, since bird droppings can contaminate the bowls. Perches covered with sandpaper shouldn’t be used, since they are too abrasive and can cause sores on the bottom of a bird’s foot.

Can moustache parakeets eat beans?

They also enjoy corn on the cob, after the cob has been cooked for a short time. Cooked rice or beans can also be given to a moustache parakeet. Seeds and nuts should make up only a small proportion of the diet. Avocado is poisonous to pet birds and should never be given to them.

Can you put a moustache parakeet's perch on the bottom of the bowl?

Perches covered with sandpaper shouldn’t be used, since they are too abrasive and can cause sores on the bottom of a bird’s foot. You need to make sure that your moustache parakeet’s cage is safe and interesting.

Origin and History

Native throughout southeast Asia, the moustached parakeet is found in China and Indonesia and its range is spreading as the bird adapts and expands its habitat. As well as living in woodlands and mountains, the birds are frequently seen in cities and urban centers.

Temperament

The moustached parakeet can make a very good pet, especially if it undergoes early and ongoing socialization. Where possible, rear the bird from young and spend plenty of time with it. Although some Java parakeets may be quite cuddly, most will prefer to spend time near you without necessarily being cuddled and held.

Speech & Vocalizations

Parrots make noise, and some make more than others. Fortunately, the moustached parakeet is a relatively quiet bird. It may whistle contentedly, and it is a good mimic, but it is less likely to scream and screech like some other species. If you want a quieter bird that can mimic human speech, the Java parakeet is a good option.

Moustached Parakeet Colors and Markings

Adorned with feathers in a gamut of colors, the mustache parakeet is a bright and beautiful parakeet species. Most commonly, they will have green and yellow on the back, blue heads, and they have facial markings that give the appearance of a well-manicured moustache. They also have blue legs and bellies and green-blue tails.

Caring for the Moustached Parakeet

The moustached parakeet is smaller than most parrots and will require a small parakeet cage, at the very least. It should be given plenty of time outside the cage, although the breed can be a master of escape so care must be taken to ensure that yours does not escape through an open window or door.

Common Health Problems

As well as bacterial infections and parrot fever, this little parakeet is a generally hardy bird. Do look for symptoms of the following conditions and seek veterinary help if any surface.

Diet and Nutrition

In the wild, the moustached parakeet would eat seeds and fruit. In captivity, it needs a varied diet consisting of a mix of pellets with seeds and a good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. Owners tend to opt for 50% pellets and 50% fresh food.

What do parakeets like?

Most parakeets will try almost anything. They love fruit, vegetables, greens, popcorn, etc. Parakeets also love spray millet and seed treats. However, these are also very fattening and should be given only occasionally. Below is a partial list of food items your parakeet might like to try: Corn. Broccoli.

How long does it take for a parakeet to change to pellets?

After a couple of weeks you can change to 100% pellets with a few seeds sprinkled in. The times for each mixture aren’t written in stone. It may take your parakeet a little more or a little less time than I’ve mentioned here. Be patient and move at your bird’s own pace, but never move backwards.

Can you put pellets in a parakeet?

Once you’ve decided to introduce pellets into your parakeet’s diet, remember that you have to be patient. You’re not in a hurry, so take your time and make sure your parakeet is getting proper nourishment. The first step is to figure out how much food your parakeet is eating normally.

Can parakeets eat sunflower seeds?

Also, pre-mixed, packaged parakeet seed contains lots of sunflower seeds. These are extremely fattening. You might want to pick these out and save them for special treats only.

Do parakeets eat seed?

Most people think parakeets only eat seed. This is a common misconception. Although seed is part of their diet, proper nutrition requires additional foods. Careful consideration of the nutritional content of your parakeets food, along with exercise, will help your bird live a long, healthy life.

Do parakeets drink water?

However, they need a good supply of fresh water at all times. Keep the water clean. If it doesn’t look clean enough for you to drink, then your parakeet shouldn’t be drinking it either.

Can you switch a parakeet cold turkey?

If your parakeet is stubborn, just stay at a level a little longer. I don’t recommend trying to switch them cold turkey. You run the risk of starving your parakeet if he’s particularly stubborn. Just be patient and the conversion should go smoothly.

What do parakeets eat?

Parakeets enjoy feeding on fruits like grapes, oranges, melon, kiwi, berries, apples, and pears. These are among their favorites. Other fruits include pineapples, coconut, bananas, cherries, carrots, etc. Just keep in mind to feed them fruits in moderation.

What are the benefits of eating fruits for parakeets?

Fresh fruits play a crucial role in the diet of a parakeet. They provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some of these fruits, like mangos and apricots, contain beta carotene. This is processed and turned to vitamin A.

How do parakeets get protein?

You can add proteins in their diet by giving them hard-boiled eggs, thoroughly cooked chicken, corn, and tuna. Parakeets can also feed on bread. Just ensure that the bread is whole grain. Sweetbread may be harmful due to the additives.

How to get creative with birds?

Just be careful that you give them the right foods. One of the ways to get creative is to include vegetables in the diet. These vegetables are healthy for the birds, and they provide vitamins such as vitamins A, B, C, and minerals as well.

What are some good foods for birds?

Carrots, potatoes, asparagus, cucumber, celery, zucchini, corn, peas, leafy greens such as kales, spinach, romaine lettuce, dandelion leaves, and sprouted seeds. Leafy vegetables will provide fiber, calcium, and iron. Foods rich in fiber are great for the bird as they help in the digestion of food.

Why do people pet parakeets?

Parakeets are some beautiful, talkative, and highly intelligent birds. They are very social, and this is among the reasons most people choose to pet them. Petting them comes with some responsibilities. You have to maintain their charm. This can quickly be done, making the right food choices for them. In this article, we shall be looking ...

Do parakeets eat nuts?

Nuts For Parakeets. Nuts are also an excellent way to implement some changes in the diet. They are nutritious, and most importantly, they love nuts. The only issue with nuts is that they are as big as their heads, and the birds have small throats.

Why do mustache parakeets get needy?

They tend to get needy when they feel they are not getting enough attention from their owners. Adolescent mustached parakeets are sometimes prone to get aggressive, often nipping, lunging and biting their owners, but this eventually goes away with age. Mustache Parakeet Baby. Mustache Parakeet Male and Female.

What is the temperament of a mustached parakeet?

Temperament. As previously mentioned, mustached parakeets have a jocund disposition, especially when hand-fed from a young age. They are rather curious, energetic, social and active birds who adore the time they get to spend with their owners.

Where does Dammerman's Mustached Parakeet live?

Dammerman’s Mustached Parakeet ( P. a. dammermani) – Lives in the Karimundjawa Islands of Indonesia. Distribution. Indonesian islands, Andaman Islands of India, also in the Indian mainland, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and the Yunnan and Kwangsi Provinces in Southern China. Habitat.

Where do moustached parakeets live?

Mustached parakeets, alternatively spelled moustached parakeets are parrots found in islands of Indonesia, South Asia, and Indochina. There are several subspecies of this bird, and they are also one of the most widespread species of their genus. Mustached Parakeet. Mustache Parakeet.

Do mustache parakeets get aggressive?

Adolescent mustached parakeets are sometimes prone to get aggressive, often nipping, lunging and biting their owners, but this eventually goes away with age. Mustache Parakeet Baby. Mustache Parakeet Male and Female.

image

Origin and History

Image
The moustached parakeet has extensive range in southeast Asia. It is native to China and the islands of Indonesia, where several subspecies live. Feral populations are spreading to many other areas, including neighboring cities. Their shrinking natural habitat causes flocks to become urban dwellers. In the wild, thi…
See more on thesprucepets.com

Temperament

  • Moustached parakeets can make adorable pets when hand-fed as babies and properly socialized. They are active, social creatures who love to spend time playing games and spend time with their owners. Some owners of moustached parakeets report that their birds tend to act bossy or needy. They will demand an owner's attention if they feel ignored. However, they do tend to be more rel…
See more on thesprucepets.com

Speech and Vocalizations

  • While all parrots will make a certain amount of noise, moustached parakeets are one of the quieter species in terms of screaming and squawking. Many owners report that the birds would much rather talk or whistle pleasantly than bellow ear-piercing screams. For this reason, a moustached parakeet may be the right choice for those who want a parrot but would prefer a qu…
See more on thesprucepets.com

Moustached Parakeet Colors and Markings

  • Moustached parakeets display a rainbow of colors in their beautiful plumage. Their backs and wings vary with brilliant green and yellow hues, and they have beautiful greenish-blue tail feathers. They have powder-blue heads with characteristic "moustache" black stripes above and below their beaks. Their rose-colored breast fades into a bluish-turquoise shade on the legs and bellies. A di…
See more on thesprucepets.com

Caring For A Moustached Parakeet

  • As pet birds, moustached parakeets are not as common as some other species, though they are becoming more popular. They are often only available through specialty breeders. At the minimum, this bird requires a small macaw cage—3 feet by 2 feet by 3 feet. Two individuals should not share a cage, and different genders together can also be a problem. Females tend to …
See more on thesprucepets.com

Common Health Problems

  • This bird is a hardy species, but it can be susceptible to a few conditions: 1. Polyoma, a deadly avian virus 2. Sarcocystosis, a parasitic disease 3. Aspergillosis, a fungal disease 4. Bacterial infections 5. Vitamin A deficiency 6. Psittacosis (parrot fever), a disease caused by the chlamydia bacteria
See more on thesprucepets.com

Exercise

  • Moustached parakeets are very active birds, both in the wild and in captivity. Give this bird plenty of room to climb, swing, and play both in and out of their cages. Moustached parakeets should receive a minimum of four hours of supervised playtime outside of their cages per day in a safe, "bird-proofed" area. Because of these requirements, they may not make thebest pets for someon…
See more on thesprucepets.com

Where to Adopt Or Buy A Moustached Parakeet

  • Contact local breeders and visit with their birds to get a feel for their personalities. This visit can give you a better idea of what it's like to live with a moustached parakeet. They can cost from $250 to $1,000 from a breeder; check animal shelters and rescue organizations, too. Online resources can point you in the right direction of breeders or rescues: 1. Bird Breeders 2. Hookbill…
See more on thesprucepets.com

More Pet Bird Species and Further Research

  • If you are interested in similar species, check out: 1. Indian Ringneck Parakeet Species Profile 2. Alexandrine Parakeet Species Profile 3. Red-Lored Amazon Species Profile Otherwise, check out all of our other medium-sized parrot profiles.
See more on thesprucepets.com

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9