In these birds to distinction between the sexes is quite easy to differentiate. Males have the beak slightly wider and higher, while females have a narrow beak and shorter. Another characteristic is that males usually have more body, while females are smaller. In old times there has been the risk of extinction in its homeland, this good breeder bird is now very well reported in poultry, but little known both in books, websites and so on. Currently in our country is beginning to show up some breeders of these beautiful birds. The Kakariki birds are delicate and can be mixed with other birds in the same pond. In the breeding season, should keep only one pair per cage because they can become very aggressive towards other birds. The Kakariki are extremely active birds. They love to perform tricks and walk upside down across the net in the aviary. The Kakariki are extremely restless and explore all areas of the nursery. As a result, may have some accidents. Make sure that there are no wire nozzles or other sharp objects in your pond to avoid any injury. Also be careful because these birds are artists on escaping and they do not miss an opportunity to beat their wings.
Habitat:
The Kakariki are delicate birds that can be mixed with other birds in the same pond. At the time of reproduction, must keep only one pair per cage because they can become very aggressive towards other birds. An outdoor aviary must not be less than 2 m long, 2 m high and 1 m wide. A cage should always have about 1 m long, 80cm high and 60cm wide. The Kakariki are extremely restless and like to explore all areas of the cage. From the beginning of its coming here, it was necessary to help with the temperature despite the climate of New Zealand being very similar to ours. But due to its breeding in captivity here in our country, at present they are birds that can withstand our climate and there is no need for any extra heating.
Breeding:
A couple of Kakariki in good condition can have up to four reproductions in a year. Two in one year would be ideal to not exhaust the birds. Should not let these birds reproduce in the summer months, because of the risk of death due to the stress these birds tend to pick up. Some Kakariki have a weak heart and adrenaline released during stress can create the smallest heart to beat driving, and lead to their death. If you let them, these birds will begin to reproduce at 4 months of age, which is not very advisable, should only encourage the breeding after 12 months of age. By purchasing Kakariki, make sure that you get young birds, since they only have a life expectancy of 6-8 years. Place the nest, they should measure approximately between 35 to 40cm tall, 25cm wide, 25 cm deep. (Identical to the cockatiels). Some females like to hide the eggs. For that, place on the bottom, roughly 3cm tall, wood chips, (already on sale in specialist shops). Typically the female lays her eggs on alternate days. Laying an average of 5 to 7 eggs or more; incubation usually lasts 19 to 21 days. The eggs are incubated by the female but the male can sit beside her on the nest. You should not try to make couples of red Kakarikis with yellow Kakarikis. Besides wasting time by not being able to breed, you risk endangering this type of bird. The young are fed by both the male and the female, and after 8 weeks they become independent. The females can start to lay eggs again even with the kids still inside the nest and thus having the risk of parents plucking the feathers on the puppies. If that happens, it is best to remove the birds from the nest and, if they do not feed by themselves yet, you should breed them by hand. But despite that, the Kakariki are some great parents to their offspring.
Food:
Give the birds a seed mix appropriated (Same as the cockatiels, lovebirds, etc..), existing in pet stores and do not forget that a variety of fruit and vegetables is essential to keep your poultry in good health. So, you can give your birds broccoli, spinach, corn, cucumbers, carrots, apples, grapes, oranges, etc.. Vegetables should be washed, because of the insecticides. They should be provided fresh and changed daily. In breeding season, never forget the moulting, or as a stimulus for creation, always give supplements and foods containing eggs and breeding porridge. In relation to feeder and drinking fountain, the ideals are the round, in glazed clay, with a raised edge to facilitate the landing. In addition to practical, they are also easy to clean. About the water, the one to drink like the one used to bath, the both should always be fresh, clean and changed daily. Kakariki love taking baths, it must then be made available a large container for this