Hello All!

Hiya everyone, I'm known as Cymmie, or if you want Amber. I have never really owned a "parrot" of my own though my mom has had a yellow nape amazon my entire life (she's more like a sister to me than a pet). I have had a parakeet, who sadly died prematurely because of gout. I have just started showing interest in getting back into keeping birds, because of a certain Bourke's parakeet that is at a local petstore. She is beautiful and hand-raised by the store owner. She is for sale, though I don't know the price on her yet, still have to run it by mom (yikes >.<). But I really am quite interested in making her a part of my family.

Should I ask my questions about Bourkes here or on another board?

Thank you
Amber

Hi Amber, welcome
My mom has a male Rosy Bourke's. Pinky is as gentle and unintimidating as you can get! She was a senior citizen getting into birds for the first time (she was afraid all her life until I finally convinced her). So, she wanted something small, and something that wouldn't threaten or scare her (parrots with beaks lol).

Although Pinky was hand fed/hand raised, he remains mostly with his wildish nature that is typical of the Australian grass parakeets. Some Bourke's can enjoy shoulder rides, or sitting on you, especially if there not bonded to another bird, but even then I wouldn't count on them being "cuddly". They're usually aviary birds for a reason. They're getting more popular as a pet, but they have a MUCH different nature than a Budgie, despite looking similar.

Bourke's are very quiet. Just soft twittering and chirps. They also don't climb like a parrot. Instead they hop around like a finch or canary, so it's important to have branches somewhat close together. Pinky isn't big on toys. He'd rather hang around with the Princess of Wales keet (best friend).

Bourke's are pretty low maintenance as far as birds go. They kind of remind me of as if hey were half parrot/ half finch if that were possible as far as their general characteristics.

Ok actually talked to the store owner today, it's a boy Bourke's that's only a year and a half surprisingly. I got to hold him a little and he relaxed for a while in my hand. Though he did flutter off on occasion I wasn't worried as he'd just sit there and look at me XD Little cutie <3.

Thanks for the reply RavensGryf, I'm glad all that I've heard about them being sweet and unassuming is true. My mom's yellow nape is very aggressive toward me (there's a story behind it but it's mostly mom's fault for the aggression). I need a gentle bird to ease me back into the world of birds, and I really love this little guy. Though I think I'd rename him, he has a ridiculous name at least in my opinion... Peepers.

I was wondering what the diet is for Bourke's?

And also what is the minimum cage requirement?

Hello Amber, welcome to the forums and welcome back to the bird world. I think Bourkes are beautiful birds.

Minimum cage requirements are 24x24x30, but in IMHO bigger is much better and makes for a happier bird. Bar spacing should be no more than half an inch.

I think you'll find a wide range of commercial pellets and seed mixes available for almost any species. In addition you can offer kale, corn, chopped apple, broccoli, and sprouted seeds, to name a few. Hopefully some of our members who have Bourke's will come along and give you more diet information.

Good luck to you and your new friend.

Oh really? That's the minimum cage requirement? That's so small >.< I was thinking at least three feet across if I can find an indoor cage with small enough space between bars.

Minimum is the key word! Personally, I wouldn't keep any bird in a cage that small. I like plenty of room for toys, various perches and room for the bird to flap it's wings. Have you looked at flight cages? They have plenty of space and are reasonably priced.

Where should I look for a flight cage? I tried looking at petco and petsmart and they didn't have much in the way of something that was tall and also long. My craigslist doesn't have much either. Which is too bad because I like the prices on there of course XD

I've never really bought my own cage for a bird, so I don't know where to look. Thanks for all the help btw ^^

Sorry Amber, I should have added a link. Here you go. There are a lot to choose from on line. I have this one for my cockatiel and I'm really happy with it.

HQ Flight Bird Cage - Presented by BirdsComfort.com

Ooooh thank you so much, I will stare at these for hours and let you know which one I choose ^^

Lol! Oh my, what have I done? Parrots are a wonderful addiction. Wait until you discover My Safe Bird Store.

I decided to check on ebay at the flight cages there, found the one you recommended for 80 bucks o.o AM SO GETTING IT 8D