EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Cage Size: Rosellas are medium-sized parakeets and require a spacious cage to thrive. The minimum recommended cage size is 24 inches wide x 24 inches deep x 36 inches high, but larger is always better. Since Rosellas are active and enjoy flying, a larger cage will provide them with ample space for exercise.
• Bar Spacing: The spacing between the bars should be no wider than ¾ inch to prevent your Rosella from escaping. They are small enough to fit through wide spaces, so it’s important to ensure the bars are close enough to keep them safe.
• Cage Location: Place the cage in a well-lit area where your Rosella can observe activity. They enjoy interacting with their human family and other pets, but avoid placing the cage in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause overheating. Keep it away from drafts, heating vents, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Perches: Provide a variety of natural wood perches to encourage foot exercise. Choose perches made from non-toxic trees like eucalyptus, apple, or willow. Perches should be of various diameters to help prevent foot problems such as bumblefoot. Include a flat perch for resting, and place them at different heights to encourage movement.
• Nesting Box (For Breeding): If you plan to breed your Rosellas, provide a large nesting box (approximately 10 inches x 10 inches x 12 inches) made from wood. Line the box with soft bedding material like shredded paper or coconut fiber. For non-breeding Rosellas, remove nesting materials to prevent unnecessary egg-laying.

• Seeds:   A high-quality seed mix containing a variety of seeds like millet, canary seed, and safflower is appropriate. Limit sunflower seeds as they are high in fat and can contribute to obesity.
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Provide a variety of fresh, safe fruits and vegetables daily. Leafy greens (like kale, spinach, and dandelion greens), carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers are all excellent choices. Rosellas enjoy fruits like apples, berries, grapes, papaya, and pears. Avoid citrus fruits, avocados, and onions, as they can be toxic to birds.
• Egg Food: During molting or breeding seasons, offer egg food (a mixture of soft-boiled egg, grated vegetables, and seeds) to provide extra protein and nutrients. This will support their feather health and reproductive needs.
• Fresh Water: Always provide fresh, clean water for your Rosella. Change the water daily to ensure it remains free from bacteria or contaminants.
• Cuttlebone & Mineral Blocks: Supply a cuttlebone or mineral block to ensure adequate calcium intake, which is especially important for females during breeding and egg-laying.

• Companionship: Rosellas are social birds and do best when kept in pairs or small groups. They form strong bonds with their mate, and if kept alone, they may become lonely and stressed. If you're not planning to breed them, it’s still a good idea to house them with another Rosella or a compatible bird.
• Bonding with Humans: While Rosellas are more independent than some other parrots, they can bond with their human caretakers over time. They are affectionate and enjoy interacting with their owners, though they may not seek out as much physical contact as some other species. Speak to them regularly, and offer treats and toys to encourage interaction.
• Training: Rosellas are intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks or learn simple commands, but they are not as responsive to training as larger parrots like cockatoos or macaws. Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats and praise to train them. They may learn to step up, target, or even talk, although they aren’t known for being particularly vocal like parrots in the African Grey or Amazon families.
• Out-of-Cage Time: Rosellas are active and enjoy flying, so it’s important to give them regular out-of-cage time in a safe, bird-proofed area. Supervised flying sessions provide them with the opportunity to stretch their wings and explore their surroundings. Make sure the room is free of hazards, such as ceiling fans, open windows, or other pets that could harm them.

• Feather Care: Rosellas are excellent preeners, and they spend a significant amount of time maintaining their feathers. You can help encourage this behavior by providing a shallow dish of water or spraying them lightly with water (using a fine mist sprayer) to simulate a bath. Avoid using bird-safe bath sprays with added chemicals unless necessary.
• Nail & Beak Care: Most Rosellas naturally wear down their beaks and nails through daily activity, but if their nails become too long, you may need to trim them carefully using bird-safe clippers. Be cautious when trimming the beak, and only do so if necessary. If you’re unsure, it’s best to have a vet handle it.
• Health Monitoring: Rosellas are relatively hardy, but they can still develop health issues. Look out for signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, ruffled feathers, discharge from the eyes or nose, or breathing problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult an avian vet. Regular health check-ups are a good idea to ensure your bird’s well-being.
• Molting: Rosellas molt once or twice a year, shedding old feathers to make way for new ones. During molting, they may appear a bit ragged, and their activity level may decrease. Provide extra protein-rich foods like egg food to support healthy feather growth. Keep the cage clean and ensure that your Rosella has a safe, comfortable space to rest during this time.

• Breeding Setup: Rosellas are cavity nesters, so they require a spacious nesting box for breeding. The box should be about 10 inches x 10 inches x 12 inches and made from natural wood. Line the box with soft nesting material such as shredded paper or coconut fiber.
• Egg Laying: Female Rosellas typically lay 3 to 6 eggs per clutch. If you are breeding, it’s important to provide a calcium supplement, such as a cuttlebone, to help prevent egg binding—a condition in which the female is unable to lay her eggs. It’s also crucial to provide a diet rich in protein and nutrients to support both the female during egg-laying and the male in helping with the chick-rearing process.
• Chicks: Once the eggs hatch, both parents will take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. The chicks will stay in the nest for about 4 to 6 weeks before becoming independent. During this time, ensure that the parents have access to extra protein-rich foods to assist with feeding the growing chicks.

• Active & Playful: Rosellas are lively and curious birds that enjoy spending time flying, climbing, and exploring their environment. They are not as noisy or demanding as some other species of parrots, but they still require stimulation and engagement.
• Vocalization: While they are not known for their talking ability, Rosellas can produce a range of pleasant, melodic calls and whistles. They tend to be quieter than other parrots like macaws or African Greys, but their calls are still distinct and musical. Males may sing to attract females, particularly during breeding season.
• Affectionate: Rosellas are generally affectionate with their owners, though they are not as clingy or dependent as larger parrots. They enjoy human interaction but also appreciate their independence. If they feel secure and comfortable, they will likely approach you for attention, though they are typically not “lap birds.”
• Intelligent: These birds are quite intelligent and can be trained to perform basic tricks, though they may not be as eager to do so as larger parrots. They enjoy problem-solving and will benefit from toys and puzzles that keep them mentally stimulated.

• Toxic Plants & Materials: As with all pet birds, ensure the environment is free from toxic plants (like pothos, lilies, oleander) and materials. Avoid non-stick cookware (Teflon), as it can release deadly fumes when heated. Never use harsh chemicals or cleaning products around your bird.
• Other Pets: Always supervise interactions with other pets, especially larger animals like dogs or cats that could pose a threat to a small bird. Ensure your Rosella is housed in a safe area, and never leave them alone with pets that might harm them.

Rosellas are stunning, intelligent, and friendly birds that make excellent pets for experienced bird owners. By providing a spacious cage, a varied and nutritious diet, regular socialization, and plenty of stimulation, you can ensure your Rosella will thrive in your home. Whether kept as a single pet or in a pair or small flock, Rosellas offer beautiful companionship and delightful chirping, making them a rewarding addition to any bird lover’s home.