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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 (RegentParrot), P. alexandrae (Princess Parrot), Apromictus erythropterus (Red-winged Parrot),Alisterus scapularis (Australian King Parrot) and Platycerus eximius eximius (EasternRosella Parrot).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
Animal Care Studies - Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmond10. BREEDING10.1 Mating SystemCompatibility of pairs is desirable but not always essential. Incompatible pairs of P.swainsonii often gradually accept each other and breed the next season. It is advisable toplace newly formed pairs together a few months prior to the normal commencement ofthe breeding season.During this lead up period new pairs should be monitored for any signs of aggression andchanges made where deemed necessary. Such actions may avoid considerable problemsat a later date. (Sindel and Gill 2003)10.2 Ease of BreedingP. swainsonii are established as domestic strains in Australian and as such are reliableparents. Colony breeding has been successful for this species including with several pairsof mixed Polytelis species when housed in a large enclosure (aviary) with plenty ofnesting facilities.P. swainsonii are also ideally suited to flock breeding due their tolerance of other birdsand the lack of aggression of breeding pairs.However the best breeding results for these species has been obtained by having onebreeding pair of birds per an aviary. (Sindel and Gill 2003)10.3 Reproductive ConditionGenerally the breeding season is pre-empted by the increased activity of both male andfemale by flying backwards and forwards in the aviary, increased vocalisation, feeding,courtship displays and interest in a chosen nest site. (Sindel and Gill 2003)10.3.1 FemalesFemales will solicit feeding by crouching submissively on the perch with the head raisedsometimes calling to the male. (Sindel and Gill 2003) (Wilson 1990)10.3.2 MalesMales will call fairly continuously either in flight or perching. The courtship displayincludes wing drooping, erection of crown feathers, sleeking feathers back while holdinghead high and standing upright, sometimes frantic running and flying around the female,flashing and dilating eyes and calling softly. (Sindel and Gill 2003) (Wilson 1990)Keith Naylor 28/3/2005 Version 3 61
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