Grass Parrot

The Neophema genus comprises a group of small, ground-dwelling Australian parrots native to the southern half of the continent. They are among the most popular and beloved birds in Australian aviculture, and some species — particularly Bourke's Parrot and the Turquoise Parrot — are among the most commonly kept and bred of all Australian native parrots.

Bourke's Parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii) is found across the arid interior and semi-arid scrublands of inland Australia, from Western Australia through South Australia and Queensland into New South Wales, where it inhabits mulga, acacia and casuarina scrubland. It is unusual among parrots in being crepuscular — most active at dawn and dusk rather than throughout the day — and is known for its exceptionally gentle temperament.

The Turquoise Parrot is native to the southeastern inland slopes and tablelands of New South Wales and northeastern Victoria, inhabiting dry sclerophyll woodland and open forest with a grassy understorey. The Scarlet-chested Parrot is native to mallee scrub and spinifex grassland in South Australia, Western Australia and southwestern Queensland. The Elegant Parrot is found in southwestern Western Australia and the Eyre Peninsula region of South Australia.

Licensing: In NSW, Bourke's Parrot, Scarlet-chested Parrot, and Elegant Parrot are among the 41 exempt species — no keeper licence is required. The Turquoise Parrot requires a Class 1 Bird Keeper Licence in NSW. Licensing requirements vary between states — confirm with your state wildlife authority for all species before purchasing. All birds must be sourced from licensed captive breeders.

Neophema grass parrots are most appropriately and most happily kept in an outdoor aviary environment that allows natural behaviour, flight exercise and exposure to natural sunlight. The minimum recommended aviary size per pair is 1.8m L x 0.9m W x 1.8m H; a longer flight aviary of 2.4–3.6m is preferred and allows the grass-level foraging behaviour that characterises this group. All species are predominantly ground feeders and the aviary design should reflect this — provide a generous ground area with planted grass tussocks, leaf litter and low groundcover plants.

A sheltered, weatherproof section within the aviary allows the birds to retreat from wind, rain and extreme heat. Nest boxes appropriate for each species should be provided for breeding pairs — a standard small parrot nest box (approximately 15 x 15 x 25cm) mounted at a moderate height suits most species. Include natural timber perches at different heights from native species, and food and water at ground or low level to accommodate their natural feeding posture.

For indoor keeping, a minimum flight cage of 90cm L x 45cm W x 60cm H provides adequate space for a pair with supplementary out-of-cage time, but an outdoor aviary is strongly preferred for long-term welfare.

Neophema grass parrots are primarily seed eaters and should be provided with a quality small parrot or dedicated neophema seed mix containing French white millet, plain canary, hulled oats, pannicum, Japanese millet and safflower. Sunflower seeds should be minimal — they are high in fat and can cause obesity and fatty liver disease if overconsumed.

Seeding grasses are a critically important dietary supplement — branches of native seeding grasses, milk thistle, chickweed, dandelion, endive and silverbeet are readily consumed and provide natural nutrition, moisture and foraging enrichment. Fresh greens should be offered daily. Small amounts of egg and biscuit food during the breeding and moulting seasons support protein requirements for egg production and feather regrowth.

Shell grit and cuttlebone should always be available. Vitamin supplements can be added to water two to three times per week. Fresh, clean water must be changed daily. Worming with a broad-spectrum bird wormer every three months is recommended.

Most Neophema grass parrots are relatively undemanding of human interaction, and better suited to an aviary or flight cage observation relationship than to intensive handling. They do not screech or produce loud, sustained calls, and are considered some of the most aviary-compatible species available. Bourke's Parrots are the most naturally tame of the group and some individuals — particularly hand-raised birds — will step up readily and accept gentle handling. Turquoise and Scarlet-chested Parrots tend to be more nervous of handling and are best kept as aviary birds.

If handling is necessary for health checks or transfer, use a calm, gentle approach in a confined space. Minimise handling frequency for aviary birds. Pairs are best left to interact primarily with each other, allowing natural bonding and breeding behaviour to occur without excessive human intrusion.

A well-planted outdoor aviary is the most comprehensive form of enrichment for Neophema grass parrots. Native ground-cover plants, grass tussocks, leaf litter and varied low scrub replicate the natural habitat of these ground-foraging species and allow full expression of natural behaviour. Rotating fresh branches from native species (eucalyptus, grevillea, bottlebrush, lilly pilly) provides new surfaces for chewing, climbing and foraging.

Scattering seeding grasses, chickweed or millets on the aviary floor daily encourages natural ground-foraging behaviour — the most important form of environmental enrichment for this group. A shallow, clean bathing dish is important and eagerly used by most species. For indoor birds, varying the position of perches and food items, introducing novel safe objects, and providing out-of-cage time in a bird-safe room adds important environmental variety.

Psittacosis (Chlamydiosis): Annual vet checks and good hygiene are preventative.

PBFD (Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease): Source from reputable, tested breeders; Neophema species can be susceptible.

Respiratory infections: Often linked to vitamin A deficiency or damp housing conditions; supplement diet and maintain a dry, well-ventilated aviary.

Worms and internal parasites: Worming every three months is recommended for all aviary birds.

Coccidiosis: Can spread through contaminated ground substrate in wet conditions — maintain a dry, well-drained aviary floor.

Feather issues during moulting: Often linked to nutritional deficiency; ensure adequate protein through egg and biscuit food during moult.

Bacterial infections: Most common in overcrowded or poorly maintained aviaries — maintain appropriate densities and good hygiene.