Why Aren't Bourke's More Popular?

[30 Seconds to Bob]

I've had my bourke parakeet for 3 months now and I can honestly say that he's been an absolute joy to own. He's so mellow and low key throughout most of the day, that you hardly even notice he's there. When he does chirp and sing, it's a very pleasant, melodious little song. So pretty, too. I find it somewhat puzzling how English and American budgies have become so popular throught the world as pets, whereas the bourke is still at times difficult to find. Having trouble finding a mate for my little guy at the moment. What a great little bird! Bob

[Ginene]

He's a handsome boy, Bob. Glad you're enjoying him so much. I'm surprised that you are having difficulty finding a hen for him. It always seems as if birds are more readily available in Florida. Hopefully you will find one soon...

[cindy]

Bob, many of the breeder put their stock to breed mid to late fall...try the Hernando show in March. That is a big hookbill show.

They are out there...plenty of facebook groups showing bourkes. I will be putting mine to breed sometime this week or next.

[wellingtoncdm]

They are great birds. I prefer them to the parakeets and budgies. They love to fly and don't enjoy being handled quite as much as other hand fed birds but are very friendly. I love the blues and pinks combined and the rubinos are stunning. I wish they were more popular and more appreciated them. You will find a mate. What color are you going for?

[paul-inAZ]

I have had two opaline [rosey] bourke's for around 4 months. They are all the things I set out to get -colorful, calm, quiet and trouble free.
I since added a pair of scarlet chested parakeets that fit the same description. They get along fine together.

My guess as to why they are not more popular is because of their calm personalities. Some may find them not animated enough, too placid and not chattery like budgies. They do tend to be pretty inactive during the middle of the day.
And of course they do cost several times as much as a budgie or pet store "parakeet" so that limits appeal.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

Thanks Ginene!

Cindy, I'd already had my sights set on the Hernando show, If I haven't found one by then.

Charlie, Im looking for a rosie or rubino hen.

Paul, I paid about the same for this normal bourke as some pet shops charge for american budgies. Bob

[paul-inAZ]

Bob:
You got a good deal if they were priced at about the same as a common american parakeet.
Around here I've seen normal bourke juveniles privately listed as low as $45 [I didn't act quickly enough] and the few rosies listed go for $125. I got my two rosies from a friend at $100 each.
There don't seem to be many for sale here.
I've only seen bourkes in a pet shop once. The rosies were $150 as I recall.

[Nerien]

Around here budgies are routinely $20, often on sale for as low as $10. I don't think I've ever seen them, even when listed as "fancy, rare colors" for more than $29. If Bourkes were available in this price range, I bet they would be more popular.

If they were even available at all in this area, they'd probably be more popular, cockatiels are commonly in pet stores for around $129, and looking at how many are being given away/sold on craigslist, lots of people buy them. Rarely are there any anywhere near here, at any price.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

I paid $30.00 for Ray. Some pet stores sell American budgies for $29.99. Most sell them for around 20. I can find them on Craigslist or ebay classifeids for as little as 5 bucks! A couple of weeks ago someone was selling rosies for $60.00, but they were young and unsexed. I need a hen. Bob

[Colt]

I stumbled across a pair of Bourkes and their really big HQ flight for $100. Just trying to decide if I want to go that route or wait on a pair of Rosies. Although your male is very pretty Bob.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

I originally intended on a pair of rosies, but when I saw his picture online, I thought that he was an exceptionally colorful "normal". What sealed the deal for me is that his breeder told me that his parents have produced rosy babies in the past. And at least you can visually tell he is a male without having to DNA or surgically sex. I believe that paired with a rosy hen, he will produce some very nice looking offspring someday. Bob

[30 Seconds to Bob]

My quest continues. A bit of a letdown came today as I wen't to my areas' biggest show most noted for hookbills, without a bourke or a rosy bourke to be found. I did get to see Cindy again, with her beautiful scarlet chested parakeets and english budgies - so the trip wasn't a complete waste. Looks like I may need to travel a bit further. Bob

[cindy]

Bob, you are first on my list to call when have young...I will be putting mine to breed this week.

[lovezebs]

Sorry to hear that your quest failed. You know it's a matter of never having what you want at the right place and never being at the right place where what you want is available. I just happened to look on pet birds on calgary kijiji, and guess what's for sale around here? There are two rosie females about a year old for 120.00 each. There are also another two rosies available (ready this week) male and female, 150.00 each. And a normal male, can't recall the price. Sigh...
Your poor fellow will just have to wait some more. Don't know what made me think that you had a female and were looking for a male.

[limeslide]

Hey Bob, I agree, Bourke's are awesome... beautiful bird you have there, what a good looking fellow.