Bourke's parakeet: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Bourke's parakeet eggs hatch after 18–19 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 28–35 days and are weaned and independent at about 42–49 days. A typical clutch is 3–6 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 40-50 |
| Length (cm) | 19-23 |
| Clutch size | 3-6 |
| Incubation (days) | 18-19 |
| Fledging (days) | 28-35 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 42-49 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 10–12 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 8-15 |
| Breeding season | Autumn-spring; crepuscular, breeds well in quiet flights |
| Sexing | Normal: cock has blue forehead band, hen little or none. Rosa birds: cock may keep less white on underwing; DNA for mutations. |
Origin: Central Australia — Scientific name: Neopsephotus bourkii
Size: 19-23 cm, 40-50 g
Breeding and care tips
Quiet, dusk-active bird; peaceful in mixed flights. Rosa (pink) is the most popular colour.
Mutations and colours
Mutations Zajel calculates: Rosa (opaline, the pink Bourke), Lutino, Pale fallow (old 'yellow'/'cream'), Recessive pied. Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Cinnamon (SL; possibly pallid), Bronze fallow, Dilute, Edged dilute (spangle), Dominant pied, Blue (structural S-factor).
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Peach-faced lovebird
- Fischer's & masked lovebird
- Black-cheeked lovebird
- Nyasa Lilian's lovebird
- Cockatiel
- Indian ringneck
- Alexandrine parakeet
- Plum-headed parakeet
Frequently asked questions
How long do Bourke's parakeet eggs take to hatch?
Bourke's parakeet eggs hatch after 18-19 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Bourke's parakeet lay?
Usually 3-6 eggs per clutch.
When do Bourke's parakeet chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 28-35 days old.
When are Bourke's parakeet chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 42-49 days.
At what age can a Bourke's parakeet breed?
A Bourke's parakeet reaches breeding age at about 10–12 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Bourke's parakeet breeding season?
Autumn-spring; crepuscular, breeds well in quiet flights
How do you tell a male Bourke's parakeet from a female?
Normal: cock has blue forehead band, hen little or none. Rosa birds: cock may keep less white on underwing; DNA for mutations.
How long does a Bourke's parakeet live?
About 8-15 years with good care.