The Kakariki

You've never seen a parrot move like this - the Kakariki doesn't fly to explore, it runs.

The Kakariki (Red-Crowned or Yellow-Crowned Parakeet) from New Zealand is one of the most uniquely active parrots you can keep. While most parrots sit on perches and fly between them, the Kakariki spends a remarkable amount of time on the ground - running, digging, foraging, and exploring every corner of its environment with tireless curiosity.

This ground-dwelling behavior is unique in the parrot world and requires a completely different approach to housing and enrichment.

Inside this guide, you'll discover:

The ground explorer: why Kakarikis spend so much time on the floor, how to create a safe ground-level play area, and the floor hazards you must eliminate

Boundless energy: the Kakariki is hyperactive compared to most parrots - daily enrichment routines, foraging activities, and play strategies that channel this energy

Messy eating: Kakarikis are notoriously messy with food - management strategies and feeding setup that reduces cleanup

Housing designed for a runner: wide cage bottoms vs. tall cages, substrate options, and why traditional parrot housing doesn't work for this species

Diet and nutrition: heavy emphasis on fresh vegetables, sprouts, and leafy greens - the Kakariki needs more fresh food than most parakeets

Social and curious personality: Kakarikis are friendly and inquisitive - how to bond with a bird that would rather explore than sit on your finger

Health and 10-15 year lifespan: common health concerns, the importance of a varied diet for immune health, and preventive care

The Kakariki will turn your floor into an adventure playground and your feeding area into a disaster zone. This book shows you how to love every chaotic minute of it.