Turquoise Parrot as a pet
Neophema pulchella
In short
This species may suit you if you want a bird with a relatively soft call, have room for an enclosure in class ‘medium’ and can care for the bird for up to about 40 years [S35, S93, S111]. Biggest trade-off: much is still unknown in the sources (suitability for beginners). 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: the World Parrot Trust does not mention speech [S93] and no other species source was read.
Noise
WPT: ‘soft, metallic notes’ in flight and ‘weaker, high-pitched twittering’ when feeding or resting [S93]. Relative, not a measurement.
Lifespan
Zoo-register record: 26.5 years; half of the birds that reached 4 years or more did not live beyond 6.7 years (data up to 2008) [S111]. WPT: 10–15 years in captivity [S93].
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 2–2.5 m long [S93].
Suitable for beginners?
No statement about beginners read. World Parrot Trust (S93) checked on 27/9/2026: no explicit statement 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 B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. 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
- Still unknown in the sources: suitability for beginners. That is not a ‘yes’.
- EU Annex B: ask the seller for proof of legal origin and keep it [S40].
- Adoption: not seen on the rescue pages we read; availability changes.
Compare with
Lineolated Parakeet: a similar profile on the known criteria.
Lineolated Parakeet · Compare with Lineolated ParakeetRed-rumped Parrot: seen at a rescue [S70].
Red-rumped Parrot · Compare with Red-rumped ParrotEastern Rosella: a similar profile on the known criteria.
Eastern Rosella · Compare with Eastern Rosella
Source basis
Conservation organisation (WPT) + 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
- S93 · World Parrot Trust — Parrot Encyclopedia: Turquoise Parrot · read 2026-09-27
- S111 · Young, Hobson, Lackey & Wright (2012) — Survival on the ark: life-history trends in captive parrots, Animal Conservation 15: 28–43, tabel 2 · read 2026-10-20
Sources checked as of:
Frequently asked questions
Which papers do you need for the Turquoise Parrot in Belgium?
EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it. 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 Turquoise Parrot live?
Zoo-register record: 26.5 years; half of the birds that reached 4 years or more did not live beyond 6.7 years (data up to 2008). WPT: 10–15 years in captivity.
How loud is the Turquoise Parrot?
WPT: ‘soft, metallic notes’ in flight and ‘weaker, high-pitched twittering’ when feeding or resting. Relative, not a measurement.
Can the Turquoise Parrot learn to talk?
Unknown: the World Parrot Trust does not mention speech and no other species source was read.
How much space does the Turquoise Parrot 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 2–2.5 m long.
What does the Turquoise Parrot 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.