Bourke parakeets (Neopsephotus (neophema) bourkii) are members of what is loosely classified as the Australian grass 'keets family.  With their large eyes and subtle coloring they have been aviary favorites for years.  However, a hand fed and tamed Bourke can make an endearing companion parrot as well.  They are quiet, non-aggressive little birds that are most active at dawn and dusk.

Mine are fed a seed based (with a few pellets thrown in) diet as that's what their bodies are geared for.  They are also fed greens (which they relish,) sprouted seeds, wheat grass and mixed veggies.

They are good breeders.  Care must be taken to not let them produce more than 2-3 clutches a year.  I've often found hens laying eggs again as soon as the chicks leave the nest box, so I've been pulling the chicks for hand feeding at about 2 weeks and taking the box down to give the hens a rest  (and let them spread their wings) between clutches.

Although there are now many mutations established with the Bourkes, at present I only have normal (wild colored) birds and opalines (rosies.)  I have one pair that often throws "rainbow" rosies, as pictured above.  The normal Bourkes are sexually dimorphic.  Males will sport a blue brow.  Opalines cannot be reliably sexed based on visual appearance.

Pricing: 
            Normal hen:            $ 50.00
            Normal male/rosa:  $ 75.00
            Opalines:                 $ 100.00*

* Please add $ 25.00 if d/n/a sexed.