The magnificent rosella, scientifically known as Platycercus super, is a vibrant and visually striking species of parrot that belongs to the flat-tailed parakeet family. This captivating bird has gained a devoted following among avian enthusiasts, largely due to its breathtakingly colorful plumage that effortlessly captures attention. However, keeping magnificent rosellas as pets is not without its challenges, as these intelligent and energetic creatures have specific needs and demands for a suitable living environment. To ensure their well-being, these parrots should ideally be kept in pairs, as they are naturally sociable and thrive with companionship. Additionally, their active nature requires access to ample space where they can fully exercise their impressive flying abilities.
Providing them with an environment that caters to their need for activity and enrichment is essential for their physical and mental health. Another remarkable aspect of magnificent rosellas is their considerable lifespan, which can extend up to 30 years. This longevity provides a unique opportunity for owners to form a lasting and fulfilling bond with these extraordinary birds, as they brighten their surroundings with charm and beauty every single day. For those considering welcoming a magnificent rosella into their lives, it is important to be well-informed about their care and lifestyle. To assist you in making an educated decision, we have compiled essential information and key facts about these enchanting members of the flat-tailed parakeet family.
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The magnificent rosella reaches a height of about 30 cm and weighs 90–120 g. It is particularly characterized by its colorful plumage, composed of the colors blue, white, red, green, purple and black. Characteristic is the red color of the head, throat and upper part of the abdomen, from which the white spots on the cheeks stand out clearly. Females differ in that they have a smaller percentage of red-colored areas, which are also lighter than males.
Original distribution and lifestyle
The distribution range of the magnificent rosella extends throughout south-eastern Australia, from New South Wales via Victoria to northern Tasmania. In their homeland they prefer to inhabit tree-lined savannah, light wooded areas and even parks and gardens. The first Rosella parakeets arrived in Spain around 1860. Due to their attractive appearance, they soon became the most popular large parakeets throughout Europe.
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The magnificent rosellas live in small groups that can be observed in nature in the late afternoon on the ground in search of their food, which consists of seeds, grasses, fruits, berries and herbs. Like most parrot species, rosellas nest in cavities. The clutch usually consists of four to nine eggs and the young hatch after about 19 days. When they are about five weeks old, they fly away but stay with their parents for several more weeks. In human care, magnificent rosellas can live up to 30 years.
Animal-friendly breeding
Accommodation
In order not to wilt, the magnificent rosellas definitely need a companion. Since the animals can become very aggressive towards other species and defend their territory, it is advisable to raise a couple of the opposite sex (rooster and hen). Although animals live in groups in the wild, because they cannot sufficiently avoid each other when in the care of humans, it is not advisable to keep them in groups. Individual housing should be refused for animal welfare reasons.
Important: Magnificent rosellas rarely become truly docile towards people. They can get used to you to the extent that they are not afraid, are “friendly” and can even let themselves be touched, but unlike, for example, cockatiels, they usually do not have much interest in people. So if you want parrots that form close relationships with people, you will definitely be happier with other species.
The magnificent Rosellas are fast and persistent fliers. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them in a “bird room” with a sleeping cage. This gives them the opportunity to fly all day and retreat when necessary. The cage is only used for eating and sleeping. If this form of housing is not possible, an aviary with minimum dimensions of 200 x 100 x 100 (W x D x H; according to the information sheet according to § 21 TierSchG) is required. These dimensions must not be smaller. The Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) recommends a surface area of at least 400 x 100 cm and a height of at least 200 cm when keeping aviaries.
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The prerequisite for maintaining an aviary is daily, several hours Free flight. If free flight cannot be guaranteed, according to TVT a free flight space of at least 10 m3 must be permanently available and the aviary must have a surface area of at least 5 m2.
When flying free, care must be taken to ensure they do not injure themselves or become poisoned (Be careful of electrical cords, mirrors, fans, poisonous houseplants, etc.). Cage bars must not be galvanized or covered with plastic and must run diagonally to allow animals to climb. It is possible to keep them outdoors all year round if the animals are provided with a frost-free shelter.
The ideal temperature for animals is between 18 and 25 degrees. They feel most comfortable at 60% humidity. Avoid humidity, direct sunlight an
drafts. The magnificent rosellas kept at home require a UV lamp with UVA and UVB components for their vision and for some metabolic processes, since window glass «blocks» most of the natural UV light. If you use fluorescent tubes for lighting, you must install a ballast to avoid flickering. Unlike humans, magnificent rosellas can perceive high-frequency flickering, which is very irritating and unpleasant for them. The same goes for televisions and computers. The magnificent rosellas need 10-14 hours of light per day. Adequate darkness should be ensured in the evening so that they can relax. A weak light source can be left in completely dark rooms for orientation.
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You can use beech shavings or hemp bedding as a substrate in the sleeping cage or aviary. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls of sufficient size are suitable as containers for water and food. Birds need multiple perching and landing options. Ideal are natural branches of different diameters attached only on one side, so that they rise slightly when landing and relieve the strain on the joints. A bathhouse should always be available for animals.
Magnificent rosellas love to cool off in a birdbath.
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In addition to free flight, which gives them the opportunity to test their flying skills, magnificent rosellas should be kept busy in various ways. Here are some suggestions:
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- Various natural branches, often with flowers and leaves, satisfy the gnawing instinct. For example, untreated fruit trees, willows or hazel trees are suitable.
- Regularly provide them with different materials to deal with, such as cardboard tubes, pieces of cork, hay or straw.
- You can attach or hide pieces of fruit, vegetables or treats in various places in the room or aviary. This allows them to follow their natural foraging instincts. Millet and other “exciting foods” are also sought after by intelligent birds.
- Liven up your bird room or aviary with versatile furnishings such as ladders, swings, thick ropes, landing platforms, etc.
Important: You should absolutely avoid accessories that violate animal welfare, such as harnesses for flying with a leash, mirrors, small plastic toys, etc., so as not to expose your pets to the risk of injury or developing behavioral problems.
Nutrition
To provide your birds with everything they need to stay fit and agile, you should provide them with a high-quality grain mix for large parakeets and fresh food. Parakeets love to eat (wild) grasses, green fodder, fruits and vegetables and ensure an adequate supply of nutrients. So-called adventure foods such as foxtail millet, Darikobs or fodder plants such as Callisia liven up the menu. Every now and then you can give him a special treat with sprouted food. During moulting, the need for proteins increases, which you can cover for example with egg food to facilitate the change of plumage. To digest grain feed, birds must always have access to sand. Fresh drinking water must also be constantly available. A sepia bowl and a limestone provide minerals to your favorites.
Health
A balanced diet, lots of movement (free flight), the company of another animal, work and human attention are the fundamental requirements for health and a long life. Always keep an eye on your animals and if you notice any anomalies, contact an avian vet.
Many diseases can be traced back to unilateral and unhealthy errors in nutrition and/or breeding. Lack of exercise and poor nutrition can cause obesity and metabolic disorders. Foot ulcers are usually caused by improper perches, such as posts that are always the same diameter or covered in sandpaper or plastic. Keeping animals alone has a particularly fatal effect: they can become aggressive and develop various behavioral disorders, including self-harming behavior (feather plucking, etc.).
Who are the magnificent rosellas suitable for?
The magnificent rosellas are particularly suitable for people who have enough time and space to satisfy the needs of animals. Magnificent rosellas need a lot of free flight, ideally all day. They also need to be kept busy every day, otherwise the intelligent birds will die. The volume of parakeets should not be underestimated. They are very «talkative» and have a vast repertoire of different vocalizations. In particular, they can call very loudly and shrillly. You should also keep this in mind if you have neighbors who are hard of hearing. You should also be aware that magnificent rosellas only rarely become as tame as other parakeet species. Anyone who knows these facts and can meet the needs of the animals will be able to enjoy the beautiful and charming parrots for many years.
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