Hand Fed Jardine's Parrot - Poicephalus gulielmi

Noise Level & Talking Ability

Jardine's parrots are very capable talkers and mimics. They can achieve volumes that make them best suited to owners residing in detached housing, but people have kept hem in apartments with very few issues. Noise is not constant, and often done when people can be heard but not seen, or briefly when the bird is excited. Jardine's parrots can learn most sounds, many words, and often phrases or short sentences as well. They are particularly intelligent and are capable of developing large vocabularies even without any training and often with human-like qualities. Both the male and female are equally adept talkers.

Physical Features 

They have bare eye-rings that are pinkish-white in color. The upper bill is grey, with a horn-colored base and a dark tip. The lower mandible is dark grey/black. The plumage is mostly iridescent green with narrow black scalloping on most feathers of the head, neck, back, and wings. There are distinctive orange-red markings on the forehead, thighs, and edge of the wings; flight feathers and tail brownish-black. The extent of red or orange to forehead, the bend of the wing and thighs varies, some individuals may lack the red-orange entirely. Generally the colour will increase with each molt. The rump and upper tail coverts are a lighter yellowish-green. The abdomen occasionally is tinged with blue.
The eyes have been said to be red-orange in males or orange-brown in females. The eye rings are pinkish-grey, and the legs are grey-brown. It has also been said that females have a brighter green plumage, but this is highly case-by-case as the green can vary between subspecies as well.

Juveniles have a paler plumage and they often lack the orange-red markings on the head, thighs, and wings. They have a blackish plumage above the beak instead. The green edging to the feathers is narrower, and their breast and abdomen have a bluish tinge. Immature birds also have a paler beak and brown irises.

Pet Profile

This species is a great choice for those who want to "step up" to a mid-size parrot, and their popularity as pets is increasing due to their loyal following and increased availability. Their compact size, sweet temperament, and mostly quiet disposition make them a potential choice for apartment dwellers when compared to the larger, louder parrots. Their energy level is moderate to high and they should be provided with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation both in physical interaction as well as toys (foraging, puzzle, wooden).  They are animated and clowny birds that easily learn tricks and sound effects, such as phones, whistling, barking, and other sounds that may be typical to your household. With proper training, discipline, and ownership Jardine's parrots are excellent pets and among the most rewarding species to own as pets.

Diet

Pellets should make up 60% of the diet. Fresh fruits and veggies, and other healthy chop mixes should make up 30% of the diet, and seed should only make up 10% as a treat. Almonds are a good treat choice for most African species, including Jardine's. Seeds and fruit are both relatively low in nutrients and should not make up a significant amount of the diet.

Housing

Like other African parrots, too large of a cage can cause issues long term. A cage suitable for an African Grey, or slightly larger, works perfect for Jardine's. It is important to select a high quality, strong, well-made cage as these guys have large beaks and are strong enough to break poor welds, thin bars, and strip paint. Cages with lead-free paint are important for all parrots, but especially large parrots that are at an increased possibility of consuming paint. The cage should not be placed at a window as this can be stressful or overstimulating. 

Breeding Information

There are three subspecies, of which only two are well-represented in captivity in Canada. The black-winged Jardine's and the lesser Jardine's parrot can be found in Canadian Aviculture, but are unfortunately often bred together. The greater Jardine's parrot is rare, possibly absent in Canadian Aviculture. 

Wild Status

Decreasing - Least Concern
Last assessed in October 2016 for the IUCN Red List