🌺 Plum Headed Parakeet for Sale — Complete Ownership & Buying Guide

If you’re searching for plum headed parakeet for sale, you’ve come to the right place. These beautiful Psittacula parrots are known for their deep violet-red plumage, expressive chatter, and engaging personality. Whether you’re an experienced aviculturist or a first-time exotic pet owner, this guide covers everything—from species info and pricing to care, training, and where to find a healthy bird ethically.

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1. About the Plum Headed Parakeet

Origin & Description

The Plum Headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala) is native to the Indian subcontinent—found across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Males have an intensely colored plum head ranging from red to bluish-purple, with a distinctive black chin stripe and neck collar. Females have softer bluish-gray heads and lack the male’s markings Singing-Wings-Aviary.comKey Pet CareWikipedia.

These medium-sized parakeets measure approximately 33 cm in length (about 13 inches), with a tail length up to 22 cm, and weigh between 55–80 g Singing-Wings-Aviary.com. Lifespan in captivity ranges from 15–30 years with proper care PetsGrailresources.pangovet.comWikipedia.

Temperament & Behavior

Plum Heads are social, intelligent, and affectionate—especially when hand-fed from a young age HepperKey Pet CarePetsGrail. They can be quieter than larger parrots, making them viable in close quarters or apartments Hepperbirdsaspets.com. During adolescence, they may enter a “bluffing” phase—showing aggression or defensiveness due to hormones. This usually passes with consistent, gentle interaction HepperKey Pet Care.

Many owners attest that these birds tolerate handling balanced with careful trust-building. One Reddit user described plum heads as “less likely to bite when offended and more likely to scream and shy away” compared to some Psittacula species Reddit. Another reported hormonal aggression post-bluffing phase that required patience and enriched environment to overcome Reddit.

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2. Talking Ability & Vocalizations

Though not the top-tier talkers, plum headed parakeets can mimic speech, whistles, and sounds with surprising clarity HepperKey Pet Care. They are also capable of diverse whistles, chirps, squawks, and tunes. Their ability to associate words with actions—such as saying “hello” when someone enters—makes them appealing to bird trainers HepperKey Pet Care.

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3. Why Buy a Plum Headed Parakeet?

👁️‍🗨️ Visual Appeal

These parakeets are prized for their vibrant plumage. Males especially show intense coloration and red shoulder patches. Color mutations like lutino, blue, albino, and green variants are also bred among enthusiasts Singing-Wings-Aviary.comKey Pet Care.

🎭 Personality & Compatibility

Though not cuddly, they bond well when socialized correctly—prefer around-the-ear attention, playful interaction, and regular mental enrichment masterparrot.comHepper.

🚫 Moderate Noise Levels

Ideal for multi-pet homes or sensitive neighbors, plum-headed parakeets are relatively quieter than parrots like Amazons or Greys, though they still vocalize regularly HepperPetsGrail.

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4. Cost & Where to Buy

Pricing Overview

Depending on breeder reputation, age, and color mutation, a plum headed parakeet for sale typically costs between $300 and $1,000 birdsaspets.comSinging-Wings-Aviary.comThe Spruce Pets. Set-up costs (cage, toys, food) may range $200–$500. Annual upkeep (fresh produce, toys, vet visits) can total $500–800 per year PetCuriousbirdsaspets.comThe Spruce Pets.

Where to Buy

Look for reputable breeders with transparency about health, incubation, and socialization. Red flags include wild-caught birds or sellers unwilling to provide proof of captive-breeding or health certificates Avian HQbirdsaspets.com. Rescues or adoption agencies may occasionally have plum heads available, but they’re less common than more typical conure or ringneck adoptions The Spruce Pets.

One Reddit buyer praised a breeder for honesty about behavioral traits and careful selection, resulting in a well-socialized bird despite initial shyness Reddit.

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5. Housing & Enrichment

Cage Requirements

A spacious cage is essential—ideally at least 24 × 24 × 36 inches or larger. Horizontal bar spacing of ½–¾ inch helps the bird climb and fly safely Dial A VetPetsGrail. Adequate space supports their active nature and prevents stress and plucking problems.

Include:

• Multiple perches of varying diameters

• Foraging toys

• Swings and ropes

• Food and water bowls kept tidy and droppings removed regularly Dial A VetPetsGrail.

Environment & Placement

Keep the cage away from drafts, direct sunlight, and toxic fumes. A stable ambient temperature (65–80°F) is ideal. Choose a quiet corner with regular family presence—not isolated areas like garages or kitchens with Teflon fumes Singing-Wings-Aviary.comDial A Vet.

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6. Diet & Nutrition

A balanced, varied diet is vital for health and feather quality:

• Pellet base provides essential nutrients

• Fresh fruits & vegetables like apple, carrot, spinach, broccoli

• Small amounts of seeds and nuts as treats

• Occasional mildew-free wildflowers or blossoms reflecting their wild diet birdsaspets.comPetShunSinging-Wings-Aviary.com.

Avoid toxic foods like avocado, caffeine, chocolate, or very salty or sugary items. Fresh water daily is critical Dial A VetPetShun.

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7. Health & Common Issues

Plum-headed parakeets are reasonably hardy, but may face:

• Respiratory infections (e.g., Aspergillosis)

• Psittacosis (parrot fever)

• Feather plucking (from stress, inadequate stimulation, or poor hygiene)

• Polyomavirus and nutritional deficiencies in poorly fed birds The Spruce PetsPetCurious.

Preventive Care:

• Annual exams with an avian vet

• Clean environment

• Mental and physical stimulation

• Proper diet and safe grooming tools (perches for natural beak/nail wear) Dial A VetPetCurious.

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8. Training & Social Bonding

Bonding & Handling

Begin socialization early—hand-fed juveniles bond most easily. Respect bluffing phases by staying calm and consistent. Some birds may remain more reserved and require patience and respect for boundaries Heppermasterparrot.comAvian HQ.

Voice & Trick Training

Teach simple words, whistles, or phrases using repetition and positive reinforcement. Plum heads can learn to respond to prompts like “hello” or “step up” HepperKey Pet Care.

Enrichment Strategies

Offer “forest thicket” enrichment—hidden treats in leafy branches—and varied toys rotated weekly to reduce boredom. One owner reported their bird especially appreciated climbing through tangled branches to reach rewards Reddit.

Allow at least 3–4 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily in a bird-safe environment to support mental and physical health The Spruce PetsDial A Vet.

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9. Risks & Ownership Considerations

Behavioral Challenges

Bluffing phases may include biting, puffing feathers, or territorial displays that typically improve with time and consistency HepperReddit.

Space & Lifestyle Compatibility

These active birds need room to explore. Owners with small living spaces should provide supervised flight time or larger aviaries Reddit.

Legal Concerns

Always check local laws. Plum headed parakeets are not generally restricted, but local ordinances may vary—especially because escaped wild populations have been reported in areas like Florida and New York WikipediaSinging-Wings-Aviary.com.

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10. Looking for “Plum Headed Parakeet for Sale”? Steps to Choose Wisely

1. Research breeders or local aviculturist clubs, ask for captive-breeding proof and health records.

2. Visit in person or request photos and videos showing chick with parents and living conditions. Scams often ship birds with no hygiene or vet oversight RedditAvian HQ.

3. Ask for guarantees and vet documentation. Responsible breeders may require deposit and offer return if bird fails to meet temperament or health expectations Reddit.

4. Be patient—some birds may take weeks to warm up post-adoption but can flourish with time and trust.

5. Prepare your home—bird-proofing, sourcing toys, cage, perches, and vet arrangement.

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11. Summary Table

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12. Final Thoughts

A plum headed parakeet for sale offers a wonderful blend of color, charm, and personality. With thoughtful purchase decisions, proper setup, mental enrichment, and long-term care, these birds become affectionate and entertaining companions. By choosing ethically sourced, healthy, and socialized birds—and honoring their lifestyle needs—you can enjoy this species for decades.