Turquoisine Parakeet The Turquoisine parakeet seems similar to the Scarlet-chested in appearance but has a different temperament. It is rather shy and temperamental, but very hardy and easy to keep. Turquoisines are best housed by themselves, one pair for each flight. The males can be aggressive. The pair will also bicker a lot, though this in no way affects their reproductivity. These birds also mature slower than the other Neophemas. Although they can breed as one-year olds, they are better parents by the age of two years old. Fledglings need to be separated from their parents as soon as they eat on their own, as males may show aggression towards their sons. These birds can be sexed in the nest, as the male has the characteristic red wing bar. Turquoisines can have red markings on their belly, which varies from bird to bird. This is not a mutation, but rather a trait that can be enhanced through selective breeding. The yellow Turquoisine is considered by many breeders one of the most beautiful bird mutations in existence. The striking colors make it a worthy addition to any collection. This mutation is well established and quite hardy. It is recessive. Young yellow Turquoisines have a slight shade of green in their plumage. Mature, good quality yellows are a bright, sunny yellow color. Some males, like this one, have a red belly and what we call a red "necklace" on their upper chest. The "pied" Turquoisine is is more correctly an opaline mutation. Birds will have a varying amount of yellow across their backs and males may lack the red wing stripe. They are quite unique and somewhat of a rarity. Pied Turquoisines have a yellow "wash" across their backs. This coloration varies from bird to bird, with the nicer ones having almost completely yellow backs and wings (they are called golden pieds.) Welcome!  |  About Us  |  Grass Parakeets  |  Prices  |  Contact Us Scarlet Chested  |  Turquoisine  |  Elegant  |  Bourke  |  Lineolated  |  Books  |  Poster  |  Links Copyright © 2000 Visual Wings, Inc. The contents of this web page, including all text and photographs are copyrighted material. No part of this page may be reproduced, in whole or part, without the express permission of the author. Last updated: 5/6/00