Twenty eight Parrot
BirdCare.com.au
PO  Box 126 Mitcham Vic 3132 ( Victoria, Australia )

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. twenty eight parrot
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    twenty eight parrot pair photo
  • An Australian Parrot                                              (Click on photo to enlarge)
  • Within the genus Barnardius (the Australian Ringnecks)  there are 4 sub-species.  The common names of the sub-species are : Cloncurry Parrot,  Mallee Ringneck Parrot,  Port Lincoln Parrot,  Twenty Eight Parrot.  All these sub-species will hybridize where their natural range overlap in the wild (as well as in captivity).  Pure sub-species are easily differentiated and care should be taken to ensure no captive hybridization takes place.
  • Scientific Name: Barnardius zonarius semitorquatus
  • Common Name/s: TWENTY EIGHT PARROT
  • Sub Species in country / area of origin: Refer above
  • Origin / Distribution: South-west corner of Western Australia.
  • Habitat In Wild:  Jarrah and Karri forests.  Higher rainfall areas than the other 3 ringnecks. Generally along or near a tree lined river or a watercourse.  
  • Status In Wild:  ?
  • Status In (Australian) Captivity: Secure
  • Age To Sexual Maturity:  ?
  • Lifespan (estimate): approx. 15 or more years
  • Sexing: Monomorphic / Dimorphic
  • Mutations: Yes, several.
  • Availability: Bird dealers
  • Temperament: This genus generally have an aggressive nature and housed one pair per aviary. They are very territorial birds especially at breeding season.
  • Cost (Victoria) Per Pair: - Normal colour (Approx.) $180
  • Description Of Adults:
  1. Length: Approx 380 - 420 mm (or approx 15 - 16.5 inches). Largest of the 4 sub-species.
  2. Colour ( "normal" colour ): Refer photo above - top right of page. (Click on photo to enlarge).
  3. Weight: Approx. 140 - 200 gms (or approx  5 - 7 ozs)
Twenty eight Parrot is a member of the genus BARNARDIUS along with the Cloncurry Parrot, Mallee Ringneck Parrot and the Port Lincoln.  These birds all have a green body and a yellow ring or collar around their necks and are referred to as Australian Ringnecks. 

Aviary Notes:

Level Of Knowledge Required: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Specialist Breeders Only.

Government Regulations & By-Laws: Refer to " Government Laws " web page.

Housing Requirements: Refer to " Housing Birds " web page for general details on the housing of Australian Parrots or read on for specific details for this parrot.

This genus generally have an aggressive nature and housed one pair per aviary. They are a large bird and prefer a large aviary and like to chew on eucalypt branches.

Minimum aviary size is about 3 metres (10 feet) in length and one metre (3 - 3.5 feet) wide and 2100mm (7 feet) high.  Double wiring between each aviary flight is necessary.

Non-toxic leafy branches, such as eucalypts, can be placed in the aviary for the birds to chew up. This will entertain the birds, help minimize boredom and give the birds some beak exercise. Natural branches of various diameters, and placed at various angles, can be used for perches. These natural perches may be chewed by the birds and may need to be replaced regularly. The birds may chew any flowers and fruiting bodies on the branches.

Diet / Feeding: Refer to " Feeding Birds " web page for general details on the feeding of Australian Parrots or read on for specific details for this parrot.

The Twenty Eight Parrot requires a quality parrot seed mix along with a variety of fruits, green leafy vegetables and vegetables. Seeding grasses and green can be offered. Soaked or sprouted seeds if available. Nuts such as peanuts and almonds will be consumed.

Commercial parrot pellets may form part of a balanced food intake.

Nesting: A basic overview only. Dimensions are typical / average and can vary widely, influenced by the owner's preferences and the birds preferences.  Parent bird's preferences can also be influenced by the size and type of nest-box / log in which the bird was hatched and reared.  If space allows, offering a choice of sizes and types of logs or nest-boxes, and placed in various locations within the aviary, can allow the parent birds to make their own choice.  Once a pair has chosen a specific nest-box/log and been successful in it, offer that one to them each breeding season.  Try and keep that one for their exclusive use.  Once a pair has chosen its log or nest-box, the other ones can generally be removed.  If the "spare" boxes are to be removed and moved to another flight, ensure the log / nest box is cleaned to ensure the receptacle has the minimal contamination of mites, parasites and pathogens.

All Australian parrots will breed in hollow logs.

  • Nesting months: July to November
  • Log / Nest-box:
    • Length / depth  600 mm (or approx. 24 inches)
    • Log internal diameter approx. 160 - 200 mm. (or approx. 6.5 - 8 inches)
    • Nest-box internal dimensions approx. 160 - 180 mm square (or approx. 7 inches square)
    • Diameter of entrance hole approx  75 - 80 mm (or approx  3 inches)
    • Inspection hole (square or round) 100 mm (or approx 4 inches)
    • A removable top / lid can be a useful access point for inspections and for cleaning.
    • Location and height of log / nest-box = high in the covered part of the aviary but not too close to the roof to be affected by heat from the roof in the summer months.
    • Angle of log or nest box =  45 degrees through to vertical.
  • Nesting log / nest-box material: Decomposed non-toxic saw dust, wood shavings or other suitable material/s.
  • Who incubates the egg/s: Hen / cock / both share.

A sturdy log is recommended.  Timber nest-boxes generally require a climbing structure attached inside the box below the entrance hole. Both logs and nests need an entrance hole/opening about 100 mm (about 4 inches) from the top. Many species of parrots like the entrance hole to be just big enough to squeeze through.

More details on parrot nestboxes/logs and a selection of parrot nestbox/log photos can be found on the "nests", "parrot nests" and "parrot nestbox photos" web pages.  Click on "Up" then "Nests" then "parrot nests" and "parrot nestbox photos" in the navigation bars.

Breeding: Egg Colour White.  Clutch/s per year 1 or 2.  Eggs per nest 4 - 6.  Incubation approx. 20 - 21 days.  Fledge approx 5 - 6 weeks.  Independent approx. another 2 - 3 weeks.

Young should be removed from the parent birds after they have become fully independent to avoid possible aggression from a parent bird and to allow the adult pair to start another clutch.

Artificial incubation and hand rearing or fostering will not be covered on this web site.  It is too complex and diverse in nature to be attempted here.

Health Issues: Refer to "Avian Health Issues" web page for information and references.

  • Worming and parasite control and Quarantine requirements of new bird/s or sick bird/s are considered to require veterinary advice and therefore not covered on this web site. Refer "Avian Health Issues" web page option.
  • Avian medicine is advancing at a rapid pace. Keep updating your knowledge and skills.

General References: Refer to references listed on "Book References" web page.

Specific References:

  • Australian Aviculture
  • A/A Vol 58 No. 11 Nov 2004 Page 241 - 244 (Aust. Ringnecks).
  • A/A Vol 39 No. 4 Apr 1985 Page 86-88 (Inc photo)
  • A/A Vol 30 No. 1 Jan 1976 Page 11-13
  • A/A Vol 29 No. 10 Oct 1975 Page 155-156
  • A/A Vol  6 No. 1 Jan 1952 Page 7.
  • Australian Birdkeeper
  • ABK Vol 17 Issue 4. Aug-Sept 2004 Page 206-210.
  • ABK Vol 14 Issue 8. Apr-May 2001 Page 443

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