Princess Parrot

The Princess Parrot is native to the arid and semi-arid interior of Australia, primarily the spinifex grasslands and mulga scrublands of central and northwestern Australia — spanning the inland regions of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia and southwestern Queensland. They are nomadic birds, following rainfall and the resulting seed and food resources, and are rarely encountered in the wild due to their remote habitat and nomadic habits.

In captivity, Princess Parrots have been kept for well over a century and are popular aviary birds known for their gentle temperament, elegant appearance and quiet, pleasant vocalisation. Hand-raised birds can be very tame and affectionate. They are native to Australia and curious, highly sociable birds that make great pets — Native to central Australia, Princess Parrots are particularly well suited to first-time bird owners stepping up from a smaller species.

As a native Australian bird, the Princess Parrot requires a fauna keeper licence in all states and territories. Source only from licensed, captive-bred stock.

Princess Parrots have long, elegant tails and benefit from an enclosure that provides adequate height. For an indoor cage, a minimum of 90cm W × 50cm D × 90cm H is recommended, with bar spacing of approximately 2cm. Taller enclosures prevent tail feather damage and allow natural high-perching behaviour.

Princess Parrots are outstanding aviary birds and thrive in a well-planted outdoor aviary — this is the ideal housing arrangement and the format in which the species is most commonly kept. An aviary of at least 2.4m L × 0.9m W × 1.8m H allows flight exercise and accommodates a pair or small group comfortably.

Provide multiple natural timber perches of varying diameter — eucalyptus, grevillea, bottlebrush and lilly pilly are ideal. Include food and water dishes, a cuttlebone, iodine bell and a selection of toys. A shallow bathing dish is appreciated. Cover indoor cages at night.

Princess Parrots should be fed a quality medium parrot pellet as the dietary foundation — approximately 50–60% of total diet. Supplement with a quality small parrot seed mix containing French white millet, plain canary, hulled oats, pannicum, Japanese millet and safflower. Avoid heavy reliance on sunflower seed, which is high in fat.

Supplement daily with fresh fruit and vegetables — apple (seeds removed), pear, carrot, corn, peas, broccoli, leafy greens, capsicum and sweet potato. Remove fresh food within two to three hours. Never feed lettuce, avocado, apple seeds or processed human food.

Vitamin supplements such as a quality bird vitamin supplement can be added to water two to three times per week. Cuttlebone and iodine bells should be available at all times. Fresh water must be changed daily. Worming every three months with a broad-spectrum bird wormer.

Princess Parrots respond well to gentle, patient handling and positive reinforcement. They tend to be more reserved than some other species but can become very relaxed and affectionate with consistent, patient handling. Their vocalisation is pleasant and relatively quiet — a series of melodic chirping calls rather than loud screeches. They are considered one of the more suitable parrot species for quieter households or those with close neighbours.Hand-raised birds generally step up readily but may be somewhat more cautious and independent than species like Galahs. Begin with short, calm handling sessions using food rewards, and build the relationship slowly and consistently. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises — Princess Parrots can startle easily and may panic-flight if frightened suddenly, so calm environments and careful room setup are important..

Many Princess Parrots do very well as aviary birds with companionship from another bird of the same species, rather than as intensively handled solo pets. For keepers who want a close companion relationship, daily gentle handling from a young age is important.

Princess Parrots benefit from a naturalistic, calm environment with varied perching, foraging opportunities and environmental interest. Provide fresh native branches from eucalyptus, grevillea and bottlebrush — these supply chewing, foraging and perching variety. Rotate foraging toys, food presented on skewers, and a selection of swings, bells and foot toys regularly.

A shallow bathing dish is appreciated and encourages natural preening and feather maintenance behaviour. In an aviary environment, live native plants, fresh branch rotations and seasonal natural light cycles provide enrichment that is difficult to replicate indoors. Quiet, consistent human interaction — visiting and talking near the aviary or cage regularly — builds confidence over time even without intensive handling.

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

PBFD (Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease): Source from reputable, tested breeders.

Respiratory infections: Often linked to vitamin A deficiency; a varied diet with pellets reduces risk.

Obesity: Can develop on seed-heavy, high-fat diets — ensure pellets form the dietary base.

Bacterial infections: Can occur under poor hygiene conditions.

Internal parasites: Annual faecal testing recommended for aviary birds.