Red-crowned Parakeet (kākāriki) as a pet
Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae
In short
This species may suit you if you have room for an enclosure in class ‘medium’ and can care for the bird for up to about 40 years [S35, S97]. Biggest trade-off: the EU Annex A paperwork, with a certificate and ring for each bird [S39, S40, S77]. The perfect parrot doesn’t exist: a species profile is no guarantee about your bird.
This information was compiled with AI from public sources and may contain errors. Always check legal rules with the competent authority. Not buying, veterinary or legal advice.
Talking
Unknown: WPT (S97) and Wikipedia (S103) do not mention speech.
Noise
WPT: a long, repetitive series of notes in flight or when alarmed; subdued when feeding; three-syllable or soft, musical calls when perched [S97]. No view on loudness, so the class is unknown; not a measurement.
Lifespan
WPT: ‘10+’ years in captivity, without an upper limit [S97]; Flemish parakeet group 10–30 years [S35]. The class follows the group source.
Space
Flemish parakeet guideline per pair: small species 100 × 80 × 50 cm, larger species 150 × 150 × 80 cm [S35]; the page does not explicitly classify this species, so the larger class is used here to be safe. WPT: walk-in aviary at least 3 m long [S97].
Suitable for beginners?
No statement about beginners read. Wikipedia (S103) calls the species ‘relatively easy to breed’; that is about breeding, not about experience as a keeper. WPT (S97) checked on 27/9/2026: nothing about experience.
Costs
From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.
Paperwork and rules in Belgium
EU Annex A (CITES I). An original European CITES certificate (yellow A4) for each bird, with a matching ring number; check box 20 for restrictions [S39, S40]. Captive-born and captive-bred Annex A birds must also wear a closed, seamless leg ring with a unique mark, except species on the list of commonly bred species (that list was not checked here) [S77]. In exceptional cases (physical or behavioural traits of the bird) a microchip may replace the closed ring; if a vet removes a closed ring for medical reasons, the replacement chip number must be on the vet’s certificate [S77]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 27 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].
Adoption and availability
Not seen on the rescue pages we read.
What you have to accept
- EU Annex A: an original EU certificate with a matching ring number for each bird, and as a rule a closed, seamless leg ring [S39, S40, S77].
- Still unknown in the sources: noise class and suitability for beginners. That is not a ‘yes’.
- Adoption: not seen on the rescue pages we read; availability changes.
Compare with
Red-rumped Parrot: less paperwork (EU Annex B versus EU Annex A), seen at a rescue [S39, S40, S70].
Red-rumped Parrot · Compare with Red-rumped ParrotEastern Rosella: less paperwork (EU Annex B versus EU Annex A) [S39, S40].
Eastern Rosella · Compare with Eastern RosellaPlum-headed Parakeet: less paperwork (EU Annex B versus EU Annex A) [S39, S40].
Plum-headed Parakeet · Compare with Plum-headed Parakeet
Source basis
Conservation organisation (WPT) + secondary source + Flemish parakeet group
Guideline sizes, costs and adoption listings come from Flemish sources; different rules may apply in Brussels and Wallonia. Foreign housing rules are not Belgian rules.
Sources
- S35 · Vlaanderen — Huisdierwijzer Parkieten · read 2026-09-19
- S36 · Vlaanderen — Huisdierwijzer Dwergpapegaai (Agapornis) · read 2026-09-19
- S39 · FOD Volksgezondheid — CITES-regels: Papegaaien · read 2026-09-24
- S40 · FOD Volksgezondheid — Beschermde soorten bezitten · read 2026-09-19
- S70 · adopteereendier.be (Vlaamse overheid) — asielpagina Nally's Papegaaien Opvang · read 2026-09-19
- S77 · FOD Volksgezondheid — Identificatie en markering (CITES) · read 2026-09-21
- S97 · World Parrot Trust — Parrot Encyclopedia: Red-fronted Parakeet · read 2026-09-27
- S103 · Wikipedia — Red-crowned parakeet · read 2026-09-27
Sources checked as of:
Frequently asked questions
Which papers do you need for the Red-crowned Parakeet (kākāriki) in Belgium?
EU Annex A (CITES I). An original European CITES certificate (yellow A4) for each bird, with a matching ring number; check box 20 for restrictions. Captive-born and captive-bred Annex A birds must also wear a closed, seamless leg ring with a unique mark, except species on the list of commonly bred species (that list was not checked here). In exceptional cases (physical or behavioural traits of the bird) a microchip may replace the closed ring; if a vet removes a closed ring for medical reasons, the replacement chip number must be on the vet’s certificate. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years. Status as of 27 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health.
How long does the Red-crowned Parakeet (kākāriki) live?
WPT: ‘10+’ years in captivity, without an upper limit; Flemish parakeet group 10–30 years. The class follows the group source.
How loud is the Red-crowned Parakeet (kākāriki)?
WPT: a long, repetitive series of notes in flight or when alarmed; subdued when feeding; three-syllable or soft, musical calls when perched. No view on loudness, so the class is unknown; not a measurement.
Can the Red-crowned Parakeet (kākāriki) learn to talk?
Unknown: WPT (S97) and Wikipedia (S103) do not mention speech.
How much space does the Red-crowned Parakeet (kākāriki) need?
Flemish parakeet guideline per pair: small species 100 × 80 × 50 cm, larger species 150 × 150 × 80 cm; the page does not explicitly classify this species, so the larger class is used here to be safe. WPT: walk-in aviary at least 3 m long.
What does the Red-crowned Parakeet (kākāriki) cost per year?
From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.