Lineolated Parakeets

01-28-2007, 06:58 PM

The following species profile was sent to me by our own member, Denise for posting:

Lineolated Parakeets
By: Denise

Scientific Name: Bolborhynchus lineola
Sub species: Bolborhnychus I. lineola
Bolborhynchus I. tigrinus

Distribution: Native to Central America from southern Mexico to western Panama.

Discription: The Lineolated Parakeet also known as the Linnie’s are solid birds. Then generally weigh between 47 & 60 grams. They are about 6 ½ inches long including the 2” tail. . The males have a heavier line, primarily in the center of the tail. The female is usually somewhat smaller also with black markings but these are not a thick or heavy as the male. The tip of the tail feathers does not have as much black as the males.

Care and feeding: These birds are not distructive to their surroundings. They are easygoing and very calm. Linnies also walk with a foot over foot waddle and use their foot to handle food and objects like their larger cousins. Linnies are grounds feeders and spend much of their time on the ground. They eat a diet of cockatiel and budgie seed combined…they love all kinds of millet and need fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

Housing: Linnies are not known for their ability to fly. I would describe it more like a “controlled fall.” Attempts to navigate a room or cage most often end with an alarming “thunk” since they have a very dense body mass. In the wild they are ground feeders and are more inclined to walk than fly. For this reason the ideal cage for the linnie has more floor space than that of other cage birds. A common cage size is 30x18x18. Recommended is length rather then height.

Maintainance: The linnie’s nature is that of a tender, quiet and engaging spirit. They are not demanding or loud as other companion birds. They make a perfect choice for a small apartment setting, as they do not require much space. Their vocal chatter is described as sounding like laughter or giggling.

Social behavior: Linnies are peaceful and non-aggressive which makes them ideal for and aviary housed with other small exotics. When frightened Linnies often freeze and play dead. They sleep head down, tail up. Without question, the most endearing and engaging quality of these feathered gems is their winning and comic personality

Handling and Training: Linnies do have a vocal ability, males and females equally. They imitate sounds and love attention. They are very trainable and love attention, but are very forgiving, and do not become aggressive if you are unable to play with them a day or two.

Activities: Among more charming characteristics that distinguish the linnie is their love of hanging upside-down. Linnies also walk with a foot over foot in a slow and cautious pace. They also are known for “hiding.” That is, they feel most safe and secure when enclosed. Consequently, linnie owners soon learn to check first before sitting on a bed or sofa.

Breeding/Reproduction: Lineolated parakeets breed easily but to find good parents, is a feat in itself. They usually lay four to 6 eggs. Incubation time is about 21 days, breeders recommend banding at 12 days of age. The young are usually weaned by 7 to 8 weeks of age.

Availability: Linnie breeders, like linnies, are rare and difficult to locate. They are becoming more popular so they are harder to find. With the new color mutations, they are gaining popularity.