Crimson Rosella – Platycerus elegans elegans

 

The Pennant’s parakeet originates from Eastern,South Australia and Kangaroo Island. The normal colouration ( as seen right ) is a deep crimson body with violet-blue cheeks a black back with crimson edged feathers. The hen is of similar appearance but with a noticeably smaller head and beak. As you can see from the pictures on the left this is the blue series that has been mutated into silver loosing all crimson colouration.

 

In the UK i bred the blue series of Crimson Rosella’s these included the silver mutation as displayed to the left. As yet i am not sure what variety is available in New Zealand but over time these mutations will naturally progress from the standard crimson.

 

A Pair can be kept in an outside aviary together with small birds, but not with other parakeets. Crimson Rosellas are gorgeously coloured, and are always on the move, clambering on branches or amusing themselves busily foraging on the floor. Their voice is usually heard in the evening and they will whistle melodiously. They are also fairly reliable breeders, but a careful watch should be kept on the cock at that time as he can become savage and aggressive to his hen unless she readily accepts his advances.

 

All the Crimson Rosella’s i have are of the blue series of mutations. These include Silver, Cinnamon Blue and the Pastel blue series. These are one of the newer mutations however Orange mutations are now available on the European continent.

 

The Pennants Rosella or The Crimson Rosella are wonderful birds to keep and breed. With the newer colour mutations now available everyone is now looking at Pennants to see what the next mutation will be.

 

More information around some of the newer mutations like the orange ( below ) can be found in

 

“A Guide to Rosellas and Their Mutations” by Australian Birdkeeper .

 

Mutations that are now available in the UK and Europe

 

             Silver and Pastel Blue Crimson Rosella                                                                             Orange and Par Blue Crimson Rosella

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The potential for new colour variation and mutation from these birds are endless.