Successful breeding of the Golden-shouldered Parrot at Loro Parque Fundación

LPF NEWS

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Preparing the birds for the breeding phase requires a lot of concentration and awareness in order not to forget any detail. This also means to observe them during the moulting period and to help them if necessary. We offer our nestlings sufficient flying, bathing and shower possibilities in order to help them develop in an optimal way. In addition, the birds, which usually live in flocks outside the breeding season and during the learning phase, can now get along with birds in small groups.

The birds need now a lot of rest. But also the correct portion size of food is crucial. Not too much, not too little, just the right quantity.  Stability of basic food is now important instead of food variety, so that the birds get healthy and strong for the upcoming breeding season.

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Breeding male of the rare Golden-shouldered Parrot (c) Loro Parque Fundación

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During the rest period of the Amazons, many Australian budgies show themselves in its entire splendor while they are breeding or at least trying to breed, so long as the conditions are favorable. In this way, we have achieved a breeding success with the golden-shouldered parrot (Psephotus chrysopterygius). This is an endemic bird species that occurs in Cape York in Australia and is now one of the world´s rarest species in ornithology.

During the summer, we have offered our bird couples a mixture of small seeds and some insects, as well as green food. We have kept them in shape, encouraging them at the same time to visit the small nesting sites. The nests were prepared by our veterinarian, Pau Puigcerver with thermal blankets and equipped with a thermostat in case of temperature decrease during the winter season, and also because the parents use to leave its nestlings alone for a long time.

The former bird couple at the Loro Parque Fundación had not achieved any breeding success. All attempts were in vain, the female was too old and we did not manage to find the right way.

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Two healthy chicks (c) Loro Parque Fundación

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Now we have three new bird couples which came from a German breeder. Thanks to the advice and experience of this breeder and teamwork of our curators and technicians, we manage to get two offspring. The two chicks have welcomed the New Year by flying together with their parents.

Once finished a breeding season, the preparation for the next season begins. We look forward to it since it comes with new projects and plans that we gladly share with you. Get to know our animals with Loro Parque Fundación in order to help the animals in nature.

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author: Rafael Zamora Padrón, Biologist – specialisation Zoology

Title photo: (c) Loro Parque Fundación

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