Plum-headed parakeet: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Plum-headed parakeet eggs hatch after 22–24 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 42–49 days and are weaned and independent at about 60–70 days. A typical clutch is 4–6 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 65-85 |
| Length (cm) | 30-36 |
| Clutch size | 4-6 |
| Incubation (days) | 22-24 |
| Fledging (days) | 42-49 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 60-70 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 24–30 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 15-20 |
| Breeding season | Winter-spring |
| Sexing | Juveniles green-headed; at ~2 years cock gets plum head, black ring and red shoulder spot, hen grey head with yellow collar. |
Origin: India and Sri Lanka — Scientific name: Psittacula cyanocephala
Size: 30-36 cm, 65-85 g
Breeding and care tips
Quiet and pleasant; hen has a grey head. Suitable for mixed flights.
Mutations and colours
Mutations Zajel calculates: Blue, SL lutino. Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Grey-green, Turquoise, Recessive lutino, Cinnamon, Opaline, Dilute, Faded, Dominant pied, Recessive pied.
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
- Moustached parakeet
Frequently asked questions
How long do Plum-headed parakeet eggs take to hatch?
Plum-headed parakeet eggs hatch after 22-24 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Plum-headed parakeet lay?
Usually 4-6 eggs per clutch.
When do Plum-headed parakeet chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 42-49 days old.
When are Plum-headed parakeet chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 60-70 days.
At what age can a Plum-headed parakeet breed?
A Plum-headed parakeet reaches breeding age at about 24–30 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Plum-headed parakeet breeding season?
Winter-spring
How do you tell a male Plum-headed parakeet from a female?
Juveniles green-headed; at ~2 years cock gets plum head, black ring and red shoulder spot, hen grey head with yellow collar.
How long does a Plum-headed parakeet live?
About 15-20 years with good care.