Taxonomy/Origins: Lineolated Parakeets originate from Central America where they inhabitat the forest canopy and mountain regions between 2000 and 3000ft in flocks of 6 to 30 birds. As such they are fully equipped to withstand a range of temperature climates and have even been seen foraging amongst the snow.
Subspecies: There is a single subspecies that I am aware of known as the Bolborhynchus lineola tigrinus, which lives in the Andean mountains, from the north-west of Venezuela to the centre of Peru. So called because of its darker feather colors and striped spots reminiscent of tiger's stripes.
Plumage Colouration: There is one "normal" colour for Lineolated Parakeets but there are quite a few mutations. Their natural colour is Green with black markings, but there are a wide range of mutations now freely available across Europe and North America. These include; Blue, Dark Green, Olive, Cobalt, Mauve, Lutino, Cinnamon, Cream-ino, Silver (or Grey) and Golden
Sexing: Lineolateds are sexually dimorphic, but only just IMO. Males can be identified by darker barring on their shoulders and also the black extends further up the central tail feathers. In some mutations this can be extremely difficult, especially in immature birds, so experienced breeders tend to sex their stock by feeling the gap between the pelvis, which is larger in hens. A knack slowly and patiently learnt.
Feeding: Lineolateds can happily exist on a good parakeet mix, but my preferred diet is 1 part parakeet mix, 1 part grouts, half part small white sunflower and a quarter part hemp. I keep my birds in generous flights, but if keeping birds in smaller cages I would advise reducing the amount of sunflower and hemp to an occasional treat to stop obesity.
It is essential to include FRESH fruit and vegetables in their diet in the form of grated carrot, small diced apples (these MUST be ripe), sprouted mung beans. You can try any other fresh fruit and vegetables suitable for parakeets but pay attention to the state of their droppings, should they became too liquid reduce quantities.
Calcium and minerals are essential to young and breeding birds so supply cuttle fish and occasional vitamin/mineral supplement. These can be added to drinking water or sprinkled of fuit and vegetables if necessary.
Always provide fresh clean water, changed daily. I supply this in a 'hamster style' water bottle, the type with a metal ball at the end of a tube (which they take to very easily), otherwise the birds tend to foul the water with grouts in a very short matter of time.
Housing: There are many opinions about the best size of cage or aviary to provide Lineolateds, needless to say there is no maximum size but they should never be given less than a cage 80x50x100 cm per pair. Many breeders report better results in cages rather than aviaries, some using identical set-ups to that used for breeding budgies but with deeper nestboxes. As mentioned Lineolateds are quite robust and will tolerant temperatures below freezing for short periods, as long as this is not a sudden fluctuation or caused by draughts. It is not recommended to keep them in conditions where temperature is less than 5 degrees celsius for any length of time. If kept in an outside aviary a heated shelter is essential.
Minimum size for an aviary for maximum six birds : 0.85m x 0.55m x 1.5m.
Breeding: Lineolated Parakeets can reach sexual maturity as early as 5 months of age, but should not be attempted to mate until 12 moths preferably. Many breeders use traditional Budgie type nexstboxes but better results have been reported by adding a entry tunnel to the front of the box to create an 'L' shape format with step down the the nest area which should measure 20x20x35cm, some use smaller to conserve warmth but my preference is for this size. Nesting material can consist of coconut fibre, though some will go to nest with just a layer of sawdust on a concave box bottom.
During breeding supply plenty of egg mixture, germinated seeds and grated vegetables (to which can be added hand rearing powder).
The average clutch consists of between four and seven eggs (one every two days). The incubation period is 18 to 23 days.
During this period the hen will remain inside the nestbox constantly, occasionally popping out for a top up of food if her partner is not supplying enough. This can make nest inspection difficult, and it has been known for a hen to get very upset, so inspection is best kept to a minimum until hatching time when it may be advisable to check against any dead chicks which may cause abandonment of the whole clutch.
Chicks generally leave the nest after four to six weeks. Three weeks after this they will be weaned and will be able to live by themselves. At this stage separate from the parents if and when a new clutch is imminent.
Unique Characteristics: Lineolated Parakeets are very easy to tame and can be hand reared from three weeks onwards. One endearing characteristic of many Lineolated parakeets is their enjoyment of spray baths, I spray mine from a handspray filled with luke warm water, their immediate response to which is to rush to the font of their aviary, hang upside down with wings and feathers extended fully to soak up as much water as they can.
Thanks and much credit to; John Robinson (Lincs.), Jim Rice (Carms.), Chris Iles (Carms.) and Stuart StGeorge (Canada).
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