Are Rock Pebblers a rarity?

[Shourn]

I have bought a Rock Pebbler and when i search on this site i dont get much back, hardly anything at all!!

They go by a few different names such as:

Rock Pebbler/Rock Pepplar
Black-tailed Parakeet
Smoker/Murray Smoker
Regent Parrot
Marlock Parakeet
Rockies

I've put a pic on of mine but seem to be the first to put one on of this species.
Surely there is another site member with one?!?!?!?!!?.....

 

[RavensGryf]

Rock Pebblers and family would be found more in 'aviary' circles rather than as pet parrots. Still, they're uncommon (at least outside Australia). I've seen posts this year a couple times with people asking about them, but no one who is on here regularly.

I saw one in a small cage in a pet shop this year which was sad. My mom has a Princess of Wales, and another member used to have a Barrabands (seems like someone else maybe also)... Those are the other two species in the Polytelis genus.

 

[4dugnlee]

Ummm....what's a Rock Pebbler?? I would love to see a pic...

 

[Birdman666]

They are pretty rare here in america. And they're kind of on the quirky side from what I understand. I've only seen one or two... in around 20 years of parrot keeping.

They were not imported in large numbers. They were never all that popular as pets.

 

[veimar]

I've seen several people wanting them in IL, and we only managed to find two breeders somewhere in CA. They are rare. I've never seen one live, but I heard that they make very good pets although are not as smart as conures or cockatiels.

 

[RavensGryf]

They (and grass parakeets in general) are just smart in a 'different' way from parrots. They are just more "bird-like" with the emotions and actions they show towards humans, if that makes sense. The grass keets generally have a much more "wild" nature about them, even in handfeds.

My mom's related species POW, is such a funny guy. He's not handleable, but he's active and talks a lot as he runs around. He talks much better than my parrots, even says full sentences in a cute voice (I know, surprising!). He's obsessed with toys, and can even do simple 'smart toys' too!

But yeah, IMHO they're better as aviary birds because it goes along with their natural personalities.

 

[EdwardH]

The rock pebbler or Regents parrot is a great pet. They are quiet, gentle, very smart and love to be with you and around you. A great choice if you live in an apartment. They do not however like cuddles which is their only down side. Not being cuddly is in my opinion the main reason that they are not as popular as they should be.