Red belly parrots are part of the Poicephalus family, which includes senegals, meyers, brownheads, and cape parrots.  They are unique to the other poicephalus species in that they are sexual dimorphic.  This means that you can visually tell the difference between male red bellies and female red bellies.  As adults, a male red belly  has a bright orange stomach (hence, the name "red belly") while adult females have a green and grey stomach.  The difference in coloration between male and female red bellies is not apparent until after the first molt (at four to six months of age).  As babies, both males and females have orange-colored chests, although this orange color is not nearly as bright and vibrant as a mature male's.   It is very difficult to distinguish between male and female babies because their color is nearly identical.  During the first several molts, male babies will gain a brighter orange on their chests while female babies lose the majority of the orange that they have.  If you are searching specifically for a male or a female when chosing a baby red belly, it is best to make sure that the bird is DNA or surgically sexed to determine gender.  There have been quite a few surprised owners who have found their little boys to be little girls a year after they purchased their baby! Both male and female red belly parrots have a deep orange-red iris and a black pupil.  They both wear green "pants."  It is not uncommon to see orange shades in the grey head and neck feathers of the females, but some females are a pure dove grey in these areas.  The rump is the same grassy green as the underside.  Their beaks are black and their feet are a dark charcoal grey.

Mr. P Male Red Belly Parrot

Molly Female Red Belly Parrot

In the wild, red belly parrots are found in eastern Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Somalia, and Kenya.  They are approximately 9 - 10 inches long and weigh about 115 - 130 grams.  The males tend to be a little larger than the females, but not significantly so.   Breeding red bellies can be challenging, but as always, the reward outweighs any difficulties.  Red bellies reach sexual maturity at about 3 years old.  It is not uncommon for a pair to show no interest in breeding until they are closer to about 4 years old.  We have found that our red belly pairs prefer to breed during the winter months.  Red belly pairs usually lay between 2 and 4 eggs each clutch.  It takes approximately 24 days for a fertile egg to hatch.  During the breeding season, even docile males can become very territorial and protective of their cages, nestboxes, and mates.  Baby red bellies usually wean when they are about 12 weeks old.  Careful attention should be given to babies that are intended for the pet trade.  Baby red bellies can be shy and timid when their environment or routine changes.  Breeders and handfeeders need to take special steps to ensure that the babies will be adaptable to change.

        Historically, red belly parrots have not been popular pet birds.  Imported adult red bellies were nervous parents that produced nervous babies.  New red belly parents also are often nervous and teach their babies to be nervous.  As they have become more established in the country, successive generations have proven to be more acclimated to captivity.  This has allowed handfed babies to be more comfortable around humans.  Baby red bellies are still sometimes shy, and it is advisable for prospective new owners to visit with their baby several times before bringing it home to give the bird a chance to get to know the new owners before suddenly changing environments.
        As this species is becoming more popular for pet owners, many of the great characteristics of red belly parrots are being discovered.  Red bellies are rather quiet for their size, and not prone to screaming or squawking for attention.  Their natural noises are beeping and clicking sounds.  They do have the gift to learn how to speak human words, and of the poicephalus species, they seem to be the best at it.  Company will often get to experience this talent, as red bellies are show-offs, and will practice talking in front of strangers as well as owners.  Red belly parrots are playful birds, and love to swing from the tops of their cages and roll around on the floor with their toys.  Chewing is a favorite past-time, so it is necessary to keep lots of wooden chew toys in their cage for entertainment.  Although they are very energetic, a red belly will always take some time out for cuddling and head scratches.
        One unexplainable characteristic that is sometimes found in red belly parrots is a phobic stage.  Occasionally, one will find that a perfectly happy red belly parrot has become terrified of normal activities.  During this stage, owners must make the bird feel safe and secure.  It is important to keep the household calm during this period, so that the bird does not feel as though there is something it should be afraid of.  With patience, a red belly will exit this stage and act as though it never even happened -- returning to its happy, playful, energetic self.
        Many pet birds require a routine to feel comfortable.  While some sort of routine is always advisable, red belly parrots can become dependent on a daily routine, making it difficult for them to accept change when change is necessary.  Poicephalus owners should pay attention to purposefully changing normal routine in order to acclimate their pets.  This includes rotating toys on a somewhat consistent basis so that their bird does not become fearful of new toys or objects in the cage.  Red bellies should also continue to be socialized with numerous people when they are in their permanent homes.  Each member of the family should make the effort to interact with the baby on a daily basis so that the bird does not become fearful or resistant to a new person holding it or playing with it.

          Red belly parrots are definitely birds for pet owners who have carefully considered what type of bird they want and are willing to take the time and effort to take their personalities into consideration.  They are not always the easiest birds to please, but they are well worth the effort.  A conscientious red belly owner will sing the praises of their sweet, rambunctious, happy little bird.  These birds are not for a pet owner who expects immediate gratification from a bird -- red bellies are sensitive birds that often require that you prove your trustworthiness before they will whole-heartedly give you their love.  Once you have their love, however, it is yours for life!