Derbyan Parakeet General Info

The Lord Derby’s parakeet, better known as the Derbyan Parakeet, is a unique looking and wonderfully docile pet parrot. Once this lovely bird gets accustomed to you and relaxed in its new home, it will quickly become an affectionate and calm pet, with a more than a few tricks and mimics up its sleeve. With care, patience and plenty of attention, these parakeets will become healthy, long-lived and good natured pet parrots. Their positive traits make them an excellent choice for a loving family friend.

Derbyan Parakeets are cherished for their calm and fun nature. They will quickly become a loving friend.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

These parakeets have a natural preference for mountainous terrains, living in alpine-like forests in regions of India, Tibet, and parts of China – the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. Even though they nest in remote areas, they are still a threatened breed. The biggest threats to their survival are poaching illegal trade, and forest cutting, which disrupts their breeding habits.

Overall Description

Derbyan Parakeet is a relatively large breed, with adults reaching an average length of 20 inches (50 centimeters). Unlike the long tails of their close cousins, like the Alexandrine Parakeet, theirs are slightly shorter, but they still make up a significant portion of the overall body length. An important fact is that there are distinct and visible differences between males and females. These are mainly color based and help make a quick choice when buying a pet.

Speech and Sounds

While generally not noisy, Derbyan Parakeet is quite the capable talker. These parrots will develop a modest vocabulary and repeat words and phrases they hear most often. Another interesting fact is their ability to put these words in context. When they want to sleep, eat or play, they will use appropriate sentences to let you know. Once they aren’t shown a lot of attention and are generally neglected, they might become noisier than usual.

Colors

These parakeets are one of the most interesting when it comes to the coloration. The wings, neck, legs, and back are mostly green, while the belly, chest, and heads are colored in a distinct purplish grey. The unique feature of the Derbyan Parakeet are its black facial stripes. One band wraps their forehead in the eye level, while the more prominent, lower one spans the chin and neck area. One of the major differences between males and females are the beaks. Males have a rosy red beak, while the females have an all black one, giving them a slightly grumpy look.

Black stripes and unique color combinations make these parakeets one of the most interesting looking parrots out there.

Care and Feeding

In the wild, these parakeets enjoy a variety of seeds, berries, and fruits. Besides the usual seed mixes, make sure to add a balanced dose of fresh fruits and green vegetables. Another thing to remember is to regularly replace their fresh drinking water and provide occasional baths. A roomy, well-lit cage is a must, although the best option is to let them out of the cage. Playing around the house is a great way for them to exercise and socialize with you and your family. To prevent them from biting and chewing around the house, a cuttlebone is a good remedy.

Health and Common Conditions

Derbyan Parakeet can live up to 30 years. They’ll spend their life without many problems, thanks to their hardy and healthy nature, and their ability to adapt to different conditions. You must not neglect their need for space, for social interaction and a balanced, healthy diet. As a sign of precaution, take notice of these potential symptoms – apathy, crusted and runny eyes, or dirty vent. As always, good hygiene is a top priority and ensures no skin-borne diseases will affect your pet.

These parakeets have an evened out personality. They are calm and affectionate but also fun and very intelligent as well.

Personality & Behavior

These are one of the calmer, shyer parakeet breeds, but are still very intelligent and energetic. It might take them a little longer to adapt and socialize with their owner and the new environment, but when they do, you will get to know their lovely, fun side. It is, in general, a parrot with balanced traits – it’s energetic, inquisitive and loves to play, but it can also be affectionate, calm and surprisingly cuddly. With enough given attention and love, you’ll slowly get to know your pet, and fall in love much faster.

Photo credit: Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock; Jagodka/Shutterstock; David Dohnal/Shutterstock