Alexandrine behaviour question

Roosterboy

New member
Jan 7, 2018
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Hi all, I'm new to the forum and would like to ask a question re my Alexandrine "Hulk"

I bought Hulk about 3 weeks ago and he is about 17 weeks. It took him about a week to settle in as he was a bit shy and scared (He was hand raised but guessing the breeder didn't handle him much for a few weeks after he was weaned)

Hulk has come out of his shell a lot to the point where he will approach me if I go near his cage. I have been offering him treats here and there to help build our bond. I started training Hulk a few days ago to step up. He comes out of his cage quite happily now and stands on top of it. I put my arm out for him to step up and he checks with his beak first and then gets up. I the get him to step down to the cage. I have noticed when he is on top of the cage he comes right over to the edge as if to fly to me all the time. He did this yesterday and actually flew/jumped on me (his wings are clipped) My question is this normal? He seems very excited and over zealous now when on top of the cage that he leans right over it towards me all the time. I give him treats for positive behaviour. He also tends to bite or peck on my arm once he is on it continuously. IS there a way to stop this? I would like to get him to come onto my shoulder and just sit there, is there a good way of doing this?

Thanks
 

GaleriaGila

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Hello, and welcome, Roosterboy (that's what I call my parrot sometimes!).

I know you'll get some good direct and personal advice and support here. We have some Alexandrine parronts, for sure. Meanwhile, the SEARCH tab above will help you find somed previous Alexandrine (and related) threads that are sure to be of interest to you.

I'm glad you're here!
 

SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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What you are stating is common for a Parrot that has been handled right-up to the point you brought him home. His standing at the edge of the cage and 'begging' you to pick him up confirms that he has been handled per above. It also confirms a deep want to be with you.

The nipping at your arm can have different meanings from getting your attention to I'm not happy with the colour, etc, etc, etc... When he bits, state 'no' a normal voice and set him back on the cage. Return 30 or so seconds later and ask for a step-up.

Parrots on shoulders should only be allowed for a Parrot that has earned it. At this point, it is a bit soon in your relationship.

One of the common problems near everyone makes with Set-up is the Whats Next Question from the Parrot! Okay, I'm here, what's Next? IF your Parrot Steps-up, it should be followed by tons of praise at the very least, followed by a short trip around the room or at least something more that up and back down. This provides motivation.

Visit the Alex Forum and enjoy! And, keep coming back with more questions!
 
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AmyMyBlueFront

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Apr 14, 2015
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Jonesy a Goffins 'Too who had to be rehomed :-(

And a Normal Grey Cockatiel named BB who came home with me on 5/20/2016.
I agree with what Steven ('boat's) stated. Also your Hulk is a very young birdie.
With my experience with my BB (a cockatiel) he was also very young when he came home with me (4.5 months old). He is now two years old.
Even though the only time he didn't have short sleeves on his arms..(SORRY! I think of my birdies as KIDS,so those who don't know me don't know that "short sleeves on his arms" means clipped feathers on his wings :rolleyes:)
Was when I got him from the breeder.

BB is now has long sleeves and is fully flighted and just really started to fly.
He will also lean from the top of his rooftop toward me ( I think he is thinking "should I do this??") and is still uncertain of his own ability to fly.
With coaxing (c'mom BB you can do it!) he usually takes the leap and will come to me.

Like 'Boat's said...make sure you praise Hulk when he does something positive,and offer him his favorite treat.
Again,he is still a baby. YOU need to teach him what is permitted and what is not.

BTW..Welcome to you and Hulk to this great forum! Stick around! And ask as many questions that you want. REMEMBER!! The only DUMB question is a question not asked!


Jim
 
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Roosterboy

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Jan 7, 2018
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Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and advice. I will continue step up training and concentrate on that for now. I have noticed that when I do walk away from the cage with Hulk on my arm he will start to flutter or sometimes take off (attempt to fly) more so when he doesn't get or have a treat. I guess I will have to take him further away from his cage bit by bit and get him comfortable with the rest of the house.
 

Tia

New member
Apr 4, 2018
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I got a new Alexanderine and named it as Tia for my daughter. The shop keeper said it's a female and around 4-5 months old and hand tamed. The look of the parrot compared to IRN is quite big with big beak. Can you please help to identify roughly it's age by the photos? Besides, it sometimes males the head round and pins the eyes. Is it normal or something unusual? The owner said it's a female while the second opinion from other source said it's a male and should be around 6 months. Can anyone help.
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