Care guide
Bourke's parakeet care
- Typical lifespan
- 8–15 years
- Size
- Small
- Noise level
- Quiet
- CITES
- Appendix II
Bourke's parakeets are soft-voiced, gentle Australian parakeets, most active at dawn and dusk. They're peaceful with finches in a large aviary.
Housing and flying
These are flying birds: a long flight cage at least 80 cm wide, or an aviary, with bar spacing of about 1.3 cm suits a pair better than a tall cage. Give perches of different widths and daily time out in a safe room if they're tame.
With good care many live 8 to 15 years, so plan for who will care for your bird if your life changes.
Diet
A quality small-parrot pellet or seed mix with fresh greens and vegetables every day, some sprouted seed, and a cuttlebone or mineral block for calcium.
Company and noise
They're gentle and fairly quiet, and usually do best in pairs. Most aren't as cuddly as a hand-raised parrot but become tame with calm, regular attention.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 14, 2026.