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Animal Care Studies - Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, RichmondObservations of colony breeding in groups of up to nine pairs have been recorded for P.swainsonii in the wild but solitary pair breeding is also common. Colony breeding incaptivity has been recorded for three pairs and four males and five females. A captivecolony of 80-90 P. swainsonii has been reported (Thompson, P. 2004 pers.communication 1 Nov). (Sindel and Gill 2003)9.10 Interspecific CompatibilityP. swainsonii is indicated as being a safe species to house and breed in a flock/mixeddisplay with pigeons, doves, softbills, most finches, all non-aggressive parrot species,pheasants and quail. Keeping P. swainsonii with aggressive parrot species such as theRosella group will almost certainly result in the persecution of P. swainsonii.Colonies of several pairs of mixed Polytelis species when housed in a large enclosure,with plenty of nesting facilities available, will usually work well. However it should benoted that P. swainsonii has been recorded as hybridising with P. anthopeplus (Regent<strong>Parrot</strong>), P. alexandrae (Princess <strong>Parrot</strong>), Apromictus erythropterus (Red-winged <strong>Parrot</strong>),Alisterus scapularis (Australian King <strong>Parrot</strong>) and Platycerus eximius eximius (EasternRosella <strong>Parrot</strong>).There is the potential for diseases to be passed between species within a flock/mixeddisplay such as Psittacosis (Ornithosis), Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, Hairworm(Capillaria) and Candidiasis. It is therefore important that quarantine procedures arefollowed and preventative treatments are maintained for each species. (Cannon 1996)(Sindel and Gill 2003) (Wilson 1990)9.11 Suitability to CaptivityP. swainsonii is considered to be a highly desirable aviary bird. It is hardy and indicatedas being well established in Australian aviaries. Furthermore, it has a pleasantdisposition, soon becoming trusting of its keeper, is not noisy and generally breeds freely.There are reports of breeding pairs producing young in captivity for more than 20 years.Due to the long-term success of this species as an aviary bird, both in Australia andoverseas, practical management techniques have been fairly well developed. It has beenestablished in aviculture since 1867. (Forshaw 2002) (Sindel and Gill 2003)Keith Naylor 28/3/2005 Version 3 60