Western Australian (WA) Galahs
Description:
The Western Australian (WA) Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla assimilis) is the subspecies that is found in Western Australia. They are the largest of all the subspecies at approx. 35-40cm long) and have a bright dark pink and grey plumage with the largest and fullest bright pink medium length crest. Galahs are one of the most recognisable bird within Australia and are also known as a Pink and Grey cockatoo or Rose Breasted Cockatoo. Most Galah mutations are found in the WA Subspecies of Galahs. Mutations that can be found include Cinnamon, Lutino, Black Eye Clear, Blue and Pied
Diet:
Galahs naturally feed on grasses, herbs, seeds, nuts, berries, roots, green shoots and leaf buds. Sometimes eating insects and their larvae when additional protein is required such as when breeding.
Pet Galahs should be fed a mixed diet of seeds, fruits, vegetables, nuts and quality pellets. Our breeding pairs are fed a custom Impulse Parrots premium seed mix that includes a mix of large parrot and small parrot seeds, dried fruits, nuts and Vetafarm Parrot Essentials pellets along with a daily fruit and vegetable chop which is made from whatever is currently in season. Any young we hand raise are also introduced and weaned onto this diet. As Galahs are prone to getting Fatty Liver disease, always limit the amount of Sunflowers that are in their diets.
Breeding:
Galahs reach maturity when they are 3-4 years of age but males may become sexually mature earlier than females. In Australia, their breeding season typically begins in July and runs to October. There is always an exception to the rule as we have had pairs that have laid and hatched eggs as late as December/January. In the wild, Galahs will typically next in hollows found in Eucalyptus trees and line their nests with gum leaves. Galahs usually lay between 2-5 eggs and both sexes will take turns at incubating the eggs. The incubation period for galah eggs is 25-27 days on average and young will take 6-7 weeks to fledge (leave the nest and learn to fly) and are fully weaned and independent around 12-14 weeks old. In captivity, we recommend and use a large deep grandfather clock style nestbox that is at least 1m high and 45cm wide.
Galahs as Pets:
Galahs are one of the most popular pet birds in Australia and they certainly are the most popular bird search for and asked about for us here at Impulse Parrots. We would recommend a Galah as a pet to anyone who asks. They are affectionate, hands on, entertaining bird with a great speaking ability with a fairly clear voice. They will learn works and mimic sounds.
Galahs are known to bond to humans quickly so make sure everyone spends plenty of time with the bird if you want the bird to be friendly to everyone. They are typically noisiest in the morning and evening but can also have some excited screaming fits during the day. Galahs are very intelligent birds and as such can become bored rather quickly.
Always ensure that your birds have a range of safe bird toys available and rotate them through the cage weekly to ensure they always have something new to play with!
