Bring touch of tropical colour into your home

BEDECKED with elegant, long tail feathers, tropical colour plumage, iconic rose-red beaks and exotic origins, parakeets bring a touch of tropical glamour to suburban homes up and down the country. Along with dogs and cats, the bird is now one of the UK's most popular pets.

Larger than budgerigars and cockatoos, and slightly more high-maintenance, the demand for the birds continues to soar.

"Parakeets are always popular," says Kenny Sharpe, assistant manager for the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "It's always easy for us to find these birds homes quickly."

The bright emerald green ring-necked parakeet is one of the most common of the species, originating from Africa, India and southern Asia. Initially kept as caged birds, it wasn't until some escaped in the 1960s that they came over to the UK.

By the 1970s they had started breeding here, and have adapted to our cooler climate. Now, in addition to those in our homes, there are believed to be around ten which have established themselves in and around the Royal Botanic Garden in the Capital.

Fettes Village resident Ken Dundas sees them regularly in his garden on the bird feeder.

"There's a very small population of naturalised parakeets in Edinburgh and the best place to see them is near the Botanic Garden," says a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds spokesman.

Their success in adapting to the wild and to such a different climate is not rare. For years they have been settling in the wild in southern England and Wales.

So what is it that we love about them? According to Kenny, it is their temperament. Outgoing and affectionate to their owners, humorous (they can mimic voices) and entertaining – they offer it all and don't need walking or petting.

They have a simple diet too. "They feed on seeds, peanuts and fruit," says the RSPB spokesman. But they still need care, love and attention. "Hygiene maintenance is essential, as it presents disease," adds Brian Finlay, a parakeet owner and breeder from Liberton.

"Always ensure there are fresh seeds and clean, fresh drinking water at all times. Parakeets can get diseases quite easily and it can be costly to cure – and painful for the bird. Caring for parakeets is the most important step in keeping them as pets.

"Their immune systems are touchy, and at the first signs of potential illness contact the vet. I've found in the past that even a seemingly simple virus can turn deadly very quickly."

According to both Brian and Kenny, regular check-ups are key. Look at their plumage. Birds keep it in top condition by preening and it can be encouraged by adding warm water.

A good diet is just as important to shape health and vitality. Leafy green vegetables, rice and fruits such as oranges provide change and added nutrition to the standard seeds offering.

"Proper grooming is crucial too," says Brian. "Regular trimming of toenails is essential, as is regular bathing. A lack of care can result in feather plucking, moody and ill-trained parakeets."

Select a cage large enough for the bird, to allow for movement and plenty of exercise. Kenny adds: "When buying a parakeet it is best to do a lot of research and invest in a spacious cage or aviary outside with food, water, branches and a quiet, covered area in which the parakeet can hide.

"The great thing about parakeets is that they pose absolutely no threat at all," says Kenny.

"Around Edinburgh they are very unlikely to attack you, and at most you'll hear their warning call if you get too close to their nest.

"It is rarely in any bird's nature to attack, even if it is being threatened."

PARROT FASHION
A PARAKEET is the descriptive term for a small to medium-sized parrot species that generally has long tail feathers. The common pet parakeet is often a budgerigar or budgie. Ringneck parakeets are also popular.

The rose-ringed parakeet – also known as the ring-necked parakeet – is a sociable bird and one of the few non-migrating species.

The adult male can be recognised because of his black neck ring and pink nape band, while the female and younger birds of both sexes show no neck rings, or display shadow-like neck rings and light nape bands.

It was reported last year that the rapid growth of the parakeet population may pose a threat to other birds, according to authorities. At present there are in excess of 30,000 of the bright green, rose-ringed parakeets in London alone, and their numbers could reach 50,000 by 2010.

The number of parakeets throughout the country is unknown, but increasing flocks will compete with native birds, such as woodpeckers and robins, for food and nesting space.