GOLDEN SHOULDERED PARROTS IN OZ
The Golden Shouldered parrot ( Psephotus chrysopterygius ) is a native species of Australia and is found in a restricted area of the Cape York Peninsular in Far North Queensland. There is believed to be only 2,000 birds left in the wild and this site is intended as an information source for those who are interested in it's survival.
It also is intended as an information source for those who keep and breed these rare birds and we are dedicated to improving the husbandry standards in order to improve breeding results and therefore the future of these iconic parrots.
It also is intended as an information source for those who keep and breed these rare birds and we are dedicated to improving the husbandry standards in order to improve breeding results and therefore the future of these iconic parrots.
A hen GSP prepares to leave after feeding her five chicks.
Firegrass seed ( Schizachyrum fragile) is a small low protein grass species that the GS parrots eat for 6-8 months of the year during the dry season.
- Below is some information about the research that has been done on The GS parrot in the past.
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IN THE WILD.
Below is typical landscape after recent rain.
Since the 1970's Tom and Sue Shephard of Artemis Station in Cape York have carried out a survival program for the GS parrot on their 55 square mile cattle station. This program consisted of regular " cool" burns where some areas are burned at the appropriate time of the year ( usually in the mid Dry Season) and other areas nearby are left unburned. This so called " mosaic" burning allows the seed eating birds of the area to move from one food source to another. The burning reveals seed that has lain hidden beneath the long grass therefore allowing the birds to feed.
This practice was maintained for centuries by the original Aboriginal people all over Australia for the purpose of attracting the native grazing animals such a Kangaroos to specific areas in order to be hunted. Many native animals and birds have adapted to these burning practices and now must rely on their continuation by landowners. The GS parrot relies on stocks of the seed of the Firegrass ( Schizachyrium fragile) for 6-8 months of the year. This seed is low in protein ( around 8%) but is very prolific with the production of thousands of seeds per square metre. When the Wet Season starts the heavy rains wash the seed away or it is floating , making the access impossible for the birds. Many young birds , up to half the young from last season at times are starved to death. This, as well as predation by the commonly found Pied Butcherbird ( Cracticus nigrogularis ) leads to heavy losses each year and the numbers of Gs parrots have plateaued or may be falling. One possible solution for this population decline due to starvation is currently being trialed on Artemis. Numerous feed stations have been constructed by members of the Far North Queensland Bird Club , under the leadership of John Griffith. Seed is supplied by the Club and the wild GS parrots now have access to food where , in the past, they did not. |
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A mixture of young uncoloured and half mature GS parrots at the feeder.
csiro_gs_nest_temps_1.pdf | |
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The above is an interesting insight into the typical temperatures experienced by nesting GS parrots.
AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE.
The GS parrot was first collected for Science in 1856 by J R Elsey , some ten years after the famous ornithologist and bird collector John Gilbert was killed by Aborigines in 1845 at a location near present day Dunbar station. Gilbert was the foremost ornithologist of his day and was accompanying the infamous Ludwig Leichhard's ill fated expedition to Port Essington . Gilbert had recorded in his diary only a few days before his death that he had seen the '" Beautiful Parakeet" or closely related Paradise Parrot , though this sighting is disputed. The now extinct Paradise Parrot ( Psephotus pulcherrimus ) was only officially recorded in an area between the Upper Burdekin region near Bundaberg to around the St. George area in the lower Darling Downs in southern Queensland.
The GS parrot was soon keenly sought after as an aviary bird and heavy trapping took place . This trapping continued until the 1970's but heavy penalties today , local vigilance and the access to captive populations have largely put an end to this activity.
Some trapped birds found their way to Europe but the numbers today are very low, possibly fewer than 200 individuals.
In Australia things are not much improved with estimates between 200- 300 birds being held .
THE GS PARROT IN CAPTIVITY
As stated the GS parrot is uncommon in aviculture worldwide. The previous Australian prices of around $2,000 per pair have fallen and nowadays ( 2014 ) the price ranges from $300 - 500 ( AUD) per pair.
The birds in captivity, even those found in European aviaries tend to stick to the seasonal breeding times of their wild cousins as well as the habit of leaving the young non-brooded at night. This March breeding is problematic in cold climates when cold Autumn weather is approaching. The resolution is to use heated nest boxes to cover the period when the hen stops brooding at night. At this time , cold weather can bring disaster to the young birds. A heated box set to 28C - 32C prevents these deaths and a large clutch of young is also advantageous as the chicks huddle together for warmth.
These breeding difficulties mean that the GS is not a bird for the beginner . In the hands of an experienced breeder , however, a well suited pair can be very productive. One breeder recently bred 9 young in two broods at his first attempt though his experience as a bird keeper is extensive. Aviaries of around 4-5 metres long ( with 3 mts as a minimum ) are recommended as the GS is an active flyer and the fitness of the pair is vital to overcome issues of infertility. My opinion is that a traditional aviary with a sandy floor is preferred though suspended flights , especially in warmer areas , have been used successfully. A hybrid setup consisting of a sandy floored section with a suspended flight attached may be a good compromise.
A surrounding wall of 1.2 mts high, dug in to the soil or sealed to deter rats and mice also has the advantage of giving the birds some protection from surprise visits of dogs or cats. In cold climates , plastic corrugated sheeting helps with heating and a fully roofed enclosure keeps predators and contamination from the faeces of visiting wild birds which may contain eggs of intestinal worms.
The GS parrot has an argumentative nature especially with its own or closely related species. If the birds can reach a neighboring pair, serious injuries can occur. In breeding season pairs are very quarrelsome and a dividing barrier such as shadecloth and clear plastic , to allow light in, are recommended. The close presence and sounds of other mating pairs is advantageous but direct contact is to be avoided.
Once the chicks leave the nest , care should be taken as some males will attack them ( especially young males ) as the try to drive the hen back to nest. Once the young are observed to be feeding independently, they should be removed. A softfood diet as well as ad lib seeding grasses and green feed are essential from the beginning of incubation and should continue for several months as the youngsters grow and begin the change in plumage. They should be fully fledged around 12 months of age but young males have been observed feeding a nest of young in the wild but were not, perhaps, the sire of the nest in question. This trait in wild birds may explain why captive GS parrots are ready to change to a new partner should that be required due to a poor feeding male or death of one of the pair. There appears to be more young males produced than hens.
As stated the GS parrot is uncommon in aviculture worldwide. The previous Australian prices of around $2,000 per pair have fallen and nowadays ( 2014 ) the price ranges from $300 - 500 ( AUD) per pair.
The birds in captivity, even those found in European aviaries tend to stick to the seasonal breeding times of their wild cousins as well as the habit of leaving the young non-brooded at night. This March breeding is problematic in cold climates when cold Autumn weather is approaching. The resolution is to use heated nest boxes to cover the period when the hen stops brooding at night. At this time , cold weather can bring disaster to the young birds. A heated box set to 28C - 32C prevents these deaths and a large clutch of young is also advantageous as the chicks huddle together for warmth.
These breeding difficulties mean that the GS is not a bird for the beginner . In the hands of an experienced breeder , however, a well suited pair can be very productive. One breeder recently bred 9 young in two broods at his first attempt though his experience as a bird keeper is extensive. Aviaries of around 4-5 metres long ( with 3 mts as a minimum ) are recommended as the GS is an active flyer and the fitness of the pair is vital to overcome issues of infertility. My opinion is that a traditional aviary with a sandy floor is preferred though suspended flights , especially in warmer areas , have been used successfully. A hybrid setup consisting of a sandy floored section with a suspended flight attached may be a good compromise.
A surrounding wall of 1.2 mts high, dug in to the soil or sealed to deter rats and mice also has the advantage of giving the birds some protection from surprise visits of dogs or cats. In cold climates , plastic corrugated sheeting helps with heating and a fully roofed enclosure keeps predators and contamination from the faeces of visiting wild birds which may contain eggs of intestinal worms.
The GS parrot has an argumentative nature especially with its own or closely related species. If the birds can reach a neighboring pair, serious injuries can occur. In breeding season pairs are very quarrelsome and a dividing barrier such as shadecloth and clear plastic , to allow light in, are recommended. The close presence and sounds of other mating pairs is advantageous but direct contact is to be avoided.
Once the chicks leave the nest , care should be taken as some males will attack them ( especially young males ) as the try to drive the hen back to nest. Once the young are observed to be feeding independently, they should be removed. A softfood diet as well as ad lib seeding grasses and green feed are essential from the beginning of incubation and should continue for several months as the youngsters grow and begin the change in plumage. They should be fully fledged around 12 months of age but young males have been observed feeding a nest of young in the wild but were not, perhaps, the sire of the nest in question. This trait in wild birds may explain why captive GS parrots are ready to change to a new partner should that be required due to a poor feeding male or death of one of the pair. There appears to be more young males produced than hens.
A young captive GS male.
A young captive GS hen.
A successful nest of GS parrots. Note the brighter blue cheek patches of young males. Courtesy Klaus Sietas
The following is an excellent article which describes the breeding of GS parrots in captivity.
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Below is a report from another from a breeder in a climate which experiences cold weather during breeding season.
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Above is a successful design for a GS nest box for use in in areas where UNHEATED boxes are suitable. night time temperatures should be above 15-18C degrees at night or heavy losses of young will occur once the hen ceases her brooding around 10 days
Below is a successful design for a heated nestbox. Heat is supplied by a 10 -20 watt reptile heating mat placed under the inner box and linked to a thermostat set at 28-32C degrees.
Below is a successful design for a heated nestbox. Heat is supplied by a 10 -20 watt reptile heating mat placed under the inner box and linked to a thermostat set at 28-32C degrees.
Note the heavy insulation in both styles obox