Considering Owning An Alexandrine Parakeet.

Hello! I’m currently considering taking on an Alexandrine Parakeet.

I have already done over a year’s worth of extensive research about Alexandrines, from dietary requirements, attention needs and training, to healthcare, toys and cage requirements.

I’ve always been passionate about birds and realise that they are some hard work, but the work must be extremely rewarding to have a loyal and affectionate companion. I have thought seriously and extensively about owning a bird, and I’d very much appreciate any advice!

We currently already own a Cat and Dog. I do realise that these animals could potentially harm the bird and will be extremely cautious when introducing them. I do not intend to let the bird roam freely around them.

I have heard that Alexandrines can be chewers as can any bird, but is there any severity to their chewing? Exactly how loud can they be, I am more than willing to work with the noise and would try my best to spot and discourage the beginning of any screaming and or plucking behaviour. How does screaming or plucking start?

I did decide to go and experience some Alexandrines at a walk in aviary, as to gain some more information on their behaviour and what they could be like, and I absolutely adored them! Whilst it was a two and a half hour drive, it was extremely worth it. I even managed to sneak in some scritches and kisses with them. They seemed very relaxed as they were even beginning to fall asleep on me, and they were talking to me.

I am aware though that each bird is an individual, and the bird that I receive could be extremely different from what I’ve experienced.

I realise that owning a bird has it’s downsides. There’s mess, expensiveness, and you have to be willing to be bitten sometimes. In fact I was bitten twice at the walk in aviary, but by another species. I think it was a conure. I think I reacted well as I knew that ripping my hand away too fast would only make the bird bite harder and cause the bird stress and fear. I winced before slowly removing my chewed finger.

I hope I’m not rambling, as if I do certainly decide to own an Alexandrine, I want to be an extremely affectionate and good owner. This will be the first bird that I’ve owned. I already have routines in mind (bedtimes, bathtimes, play routines, training etc.) I suffer from OCD but I’m able to give the bird all the attention that it needs.

I’ve also heard about Seperation Anxiety, how is this caused? Is it due to spending too much time with the bird? I’ve also heard that they can easily become screamers? And I’ve also heard that they’re independent? And I do know they’re not the cuddliest birds, but that’s okay for me.

I’ll be getting the bird from a very trusted store. They have excellent reviews and they’ll supply everything that I’ll need. I apologise if I’m rambling, but I would greatly appreciate any advice! I desperately want to be a great owner.

Thanks!

Coffee.

Welcome and come on in!

I'm not much use with your particular species of interest. However this group has a wealth of knowledge and someone I am sure will be along to help you.

Hello!

Thanks for the warm welcome! It’s great to be here, and I appreciate you taking interest in my post.

Kindest regards!

Coffee.

Hello, I have an Alexandrine I've had for 14 months, he's around 18 months old. They are beautiful birds! Congratulations on you choice.

I also have a cat and a dog and operate a none-contact policy. My dog or cat are NEVER in the room when my Alex is out of his (?) cage. Even though they show no interest in him, that's how it is and how it will stay.

Ok, to your questions...

They are ferocious chewers. They have large strong beaks and need to be given the opportunity to use it as much as possible. A toy that cost anything from £5-£15 can be destroyed in under 10 minutes. If they got their beaks on something they shouldn't it would be gone.

Because Alex's are one of the more chilled species they don't generally (there will always be exceptions) scream or pluck. I'm surprised you have read they easily become screamers, this isn't my experience or research at all. If yours did scream or pluck you'd have to rule out the causes (health, diet, learned behaviour) as you would with any other bird.

When they shout it is very loud, but it isn't shrill like IRNs or smaller parrots can be. You would hear it everywhere in a normal house or apartment and I can hear it from outside. I don't have neighbours, but if I did they would hear it, probably about as loud for them as a large dog barking. McCoy used to shout a couple of loud calls twice a day for about 5 seconds. This reduced, but he now has access to an outside flightcage and he'll often shout a bit when he's in there, but it's for seconds at most. I'm sure it's a contact call so I just call back and that's it!

Separation anxiety is probably a cross between parrot personality, previous experience and human contact. Again, I think it's less common in Alex's as they're more independent than some species. I work 10 hours a day and McCoy is at home, my husband is at home so he sees someone, but isn't let out of his cage so he pretty much entertains himself and is perfectly happy to do so.

I agree entirely that the cost, as long as you can financially afford it in the first place, is well worth the loyalty and love. Just a note of caution about the "affection" side of things. My boy was parent raised and has been tamed by me and become bonded to me, however he isn't affectionate in the same way as a hand-reared bird could be. For me it isn't that crucial anyway, I'm not that interested in a bird I can cuddle and stroke, although I would like to harness train him in the future, which would require him to be very comfortable being touched, which he definitely isn't at the moment! Being parent raised though I think has made him more independent and confident, so for me, was the right choice.

See I can match your ramble and raise you even more!! Hope this is helpful!

Just thought... the most rewarding thing of all is the quiet bond we have, not the utter puppy-like devotion of a big macaw, not the lunatic love of a cockatoo, but a quiet, solid, unshakable love and trust. He likes to be near me, he likes to be on me and most powerfully, if he's scared he comes to me and if I show him something he's scared of he trusts me enough to explore it. You can't ask for a greater reward in my opinion! Obviously, I adore him!!! His species was the right choice for me, my family and my lifestyle and his particular personality is a perfect match too.

Thanks so much for the information Jottlebot!

Your bird seems like such a sweetie! About the toys, I’d be getting some Rope and Wooden Toys for the Alexandrine. Luckily my Dad bring bounties of unwanted wood home from his workplace (don’t worry, I’d make sure they’re sterilised and clean for the Alexandrine!)

As for Harness Training, I will certainly be introducing my bird to it, but only when he’s ready and comfortable. We will be getting his cage fully set up and stocked with fresh food/water and plenty of toys to chew on.

Do you think that I’d make a good owner from what you’ve heard from me? It’s the very first bird that I’ll own, and I want to make sure that everything is comfortable for him/her!

Also, do you have any advice on taming and bonding with your Alexandrine? I will be calmly introducing myself to him, and I will make sure to bond with him outside of the cage first for a couple of days, before gently introducing him to my hand and maybe luring him with some food. I’ll make sure to put my hand flatly at the bottom of the cage, and will wait for him to decide to investigate it!

About them being left alone. I had chosen this bird species as I know they are independent, I’m note so much into cuddles and kisses (although I do like them from time to time!) But I’m rather someone who would love him to fall asleep on me or just sit with me, whilst I’m studying or something. I intend to spend as much time as possible with the bird.

Since I’m currently residing with My Parents, I have stressed to them about the noise levels and pretty much all the information I’ve researched about Alexandrines. My Mum is also passionate about Birds and she is still on board with the idea. My Dad is also willing to welcome a new feathered family member.

I believe that once you take on an animal, they are solely your responsibility to give them a comfortable and joyful lifetime, until the fateful day in which they sadly pass.

Thanks so much for the information you’ve given!

Coffee.

I'm guessing you're quite young as you mention living with your parents and studying. I'll be honest with you, I don't really like the idea of a young person owning a bird on their own. I just think there are going to be so many changes and decisions and different priorities coming your way in the next few years - I imagine - I don't personally think it's the best time to get a companion bird. It's good that your mum is on board, so at least the care of your bird will be continued, but if you are able to spend as much time as you want to with your bird in the next few years how will he / she cope if you move away to study further or to work etc? That being said I don't know you and you sound very responsible and you certainly sound like you've done your research, but your current situation isn't ideal in my opinion, but that is just me. I had no pets when I was a child and DESPERATELY wanted one. I was told I could have whatever I wanted "when you're 23" (no idea why my mum said 23!). Anyway, I moved out at 18 and within a few years me and my partner had 2 snakes, 2 dogs, 3 cats and some years later an OWA, a Mynah bird and now an Alexandrine! I went away to Uni, but my partner looked after the animals, although I had to bring my snakes with me. We didn't have any birds at that time. So even being an adult and with a partner into pet ownership at least as much as me it was tricky.

I can see you've done lots of research, but rather than planning to put your hand on the bottom of the cage etc...and bonding outside the cage...it might be better to understand WHY those things were recommended and then take it from there. My guess is outside cage bonding is recommended so that the cage is a safe place for your bird, so then putting your hand at the bottom of the cage (where your bird will be lowest and feel least confident) doesn't really make much sense.

I bonded with my Alex while he was in his cage by sitting next to him and talking to him, I read to him and talked him though what was on the TV while we watched it! I would spend hours each day. Eventually he started to listen and come closer. Then I would put treats in his bowl and again eventually he would approach me for treats and I could feed him by hand. Out of the cage I didn't really try and interact with him until he was confident in his cage and I always allowed him to be higher than me when I offered him treats because I knew he'd feel safer. He has always been flighted so he could fly away if he was scared, but I tried very hard not to scare him of course. My bird had never been near people so if yours is hand reared this process shouldn't be so long.

If you get a hand-reared baby you can probably start harness training within a few weeks at most. The earlier the better really.

I'd recommend finding out about clicker and target training. I find it useful for bonding, "trick" training and safety too.

I'm sure you'll be a responsible and excellent bird owner, just have a good think about whether now is really the right time. I can't imagine you ever would, but never be worried about asking for help here.

Jottlebot said:

Hello, I have an Alexandrine I've had for 14 months, he's around 18 months old. They are beautiful birds! Congratulations on you choice.

I also have a cat and a dog and operate a none-contact policy. My dog or cat are NEVER in the room when my Alex is out of his (?) cage. Even though they show no interest in him, that's how it is and how it will stay!

Click to expand...

Everything in this reply is spot right on!
Dog, cat...NEVER introduce them to each other! You want the bird to fear them as it should be, and the predators should understand you will protect your baby at all costs.. but, the moment your back is turned... I have buried three wonderful, loved, companions because of carelessness! All different families!

Thanks so much for the information everyone!

And Jottlebot, I am indeed a young person (seventeen to be exact). I have thought seriously about owning a bird for years, and how it would impact the bird if something were to happen. If I do plan to eventually go to University, I would without a doubt be taking the bird and also my cat. The reason that I’d have to also bring along the cat, Tilly, is because she has chosen to bond only with me.

Tilly came from a bad home in which the house was filthy and littered with cats. She was on an extremely poor diet as a kitten, and her "owners" had no idea how to properly care for the mother cat or her litter, nor did it seem that they cared. I first visited her as I was looking to adopt two kittens, as we had recently lost an old family feline (old age was the cause of death, and she had a long and happy life.) We had heard from a family friend that this person was looking for homes for these kittens.

Anyways, Tilly and her brother Patch had been treated poorly, and I immediately wanted to rescue them from this situation. They were extremely fearful of people due to their poor treatment, and I was prepared to do anything and everything to help them.

We managed to lure them into Cat Carriers, before paying the "owners" their money (£20), taking them to the Veternarian for healthcare, and taking them home. We made sure to keep Tilly and Patch in a quiet room, and I decided that I would sit in the middle of the room, and let them come to me and be interested when they were ready. I’d sit there for hours on end, and it took a full week. I would eat with them, talk to them, do activities with them, and try to gently play with them. Eventually all of my hardwork paid off.

Once they had found trust in me, they couldn’t be away from me! They’d constantly follow me around the house, sleep with me and on me, and I’d always be sure to play with them for excersise and bonding. They’d always be sure to run to me and greet me happily whenever I arrived home.

But whenever someone else tried to even pet them, even if it was someone whom they were comfortable with and knew, they would bend their backs to avoid to touch of said person, before running to find me.

We unfortunately lost Patch some years later, due to him being hit by a car in the daytime. The Veternarians tried everything to save him, but he unfortunately passed away peacefully in the office, with myself and my mother by his side.

Anyways, even to this day, Tilly refuses to bond with another person. She’ll stay beside me apart from during the day, when she is roaming around and exploring. But she will come in whenever she wants to eat, sleep, or just have some attention from me. I’ve taught her the routine of keeping her inside at night, as to avoid any hazardous situations for her. She has adapted extremely well to the routine.

I know this is unrelated to the topic of Alexandrines, but I thought that it could give some more information on myself. I’m willing to do anything and everything for these animals. I realise that owning a bird is extremely different from owning that such as a Dog or Cat, as they require much more work and attention, but I’ll be more than willing to commit to him/her.

We are financially stable, and we are able to afford caring for this bird. I’ve even saved up the money from My Birthday, so that I’m able to pay for everything he/she needs. I do honestly doubt that I will study at University though, as I find that even if you own the highest degrees in whatever career you’ve chosen for yourself, Jobs Vacancies are difficult to find these days (or at least in my area.)

I do realise that I am young, and drastic changes may occur for myself, but I will always include my animals with these changes, and will make the situation work. I refuse to give them up for any reason, as they are my responsibility. (Apart from Ebony, the dog. She belongs to My Parents! But I ofcourse help to care for her.)

Whatever situation changes, I’ll always be sure to change whatever nessecary, so that my animals are happy and healthy. I do apologise for rambling, and as always your advice is very much appreciated!

Coffee.

Hey, I'm someone who both owns an Alexandrine and got my first bird when I was 15 (I'm 23 now, so, still very young!), so I thought you might appreciate my two cents!

I agree with most of what's been said in this thread already. No contact with cats or dogs (if you do end up going to university and you bring both your cat and your bird, you'll probably have to get a part time job so you can afford at least a one bedroom apartment. Why? Because you need to be able to fully separate your bird and your cat), and, getting a bird at this young age isn't always the best choice... But! It does sound like you might have what it takes!

Now, I was unexpectedly thrown into bird ownership when I was a teenager, my mom got a lovebird from a friend of hers who couldn't keep it. She gave him to us because she knew my parents loved birds and used to have a parrot, so I of course expected my parents to take care of him!
...We had, since their last bird, gotten a whole bunch of dogs, though, so turns out my parents had no time for a bird, and, they couldn't take him out of his cage without the dogs trying to eat him. So... I eventually took him on myself. I knew nothing about birds and had to do all of my research after I already had him. ..And then I accidentally became a big ol' crazy bird lady with super extra views on bird enrichment who actually ended up going to school to study animal care and ethology because I wanted to learn more and perhaps even work with birds. Lol.

I am, however, still living with my parents, specifically because I have yet to find a place where I can fit all of my cages and aviaries AND be able to keep the birds separated from my cats. Ideally, I'd need a house of my own, which I'm saving up for... Which makes it hard to pay rent for a large enough apartment to accomodate me and all of my animals. So I'm still living at home at 23 and probably will for another couple of years.
I also regularly pass up on hanging out with friends because I have to, like, build an aviary, cut down a tree for the birds, go to the vet, or just because I generally feel bad for leaving the birds more than necessary ahahah. And I've passed up on multiple trips and adventures; I'm an impulsive person but I can't just go somewhere on a whim anymore, I have to put my birds first!


Now, as for Alexandrines... I've only had mine for a couple of months, but, out of all the birds I have and have had (Senegals, IRNs, 'tiels, lovebird and a blue-fronted Amazon), my Alexandrine Leia is hands down the most destructive one. She chews up EVERYTHING. Expensive toys with lots of hard wood? Gone in a day. Branches I've sweated my ass off cutting down and hauling into the shower to wash and then hauling into the aviaries for her to enjoy? Gone in a week. Your mom's favorite chair? Gone as soon as you turn your back It is UNBELIEVABLE! ..But kind of endearing, if you're up for getting new toys and branches and stuff all the fricking time! If you're able to actually collect branches and trees and twigs from nature, that's great and ideal, as that's very natural for them to chew on, provides lots of enrichment, works as both toys and perches, and, it's free!
My ringnecks and my Alexandrine have actually proven to be the most high maintenance bird I've owned (including Senegals and my Amazon - all generally regarded as pretty high maintenance.. but in my experience way easier in comparison!). They need lots of space to fly to keep healthy, not only physically but very much mentally too. They need CONSTANT enrichment. They always have to have something to do, something to throw around, something to chew on, someone to interact with... They really do need constant, constant stimulation.
In my opinion, they do a lot better in (platonic) pairs, ie, when having a bird friend of the same species or genus. Where I live (Sweden) it's actually pretty much illegal to own a single bird, because bird interaction is so, so important and healthy for them. Psittacula species (like alexandrines, ringnecks, derbyans etc) are especially bird-oriented birds in my experience and they appreciate the company of other birds sooo, so much. Having another bird to interact with will also slightly help out with their high maintenance-ness, as the other bird will be stimulation and enrichment that's available at all times. (they'll still need lots of attention and stuff to chew on, but, they won't have as much of an easy time getting bored and understimulated) I know everyone won't agree with me though, and I know keeping multiple birds sadly isn't everyone's cup of tea, which is totally fine, so I won't go on a tangent and preach about it more than this if you don't specifically want me to, ahahah. (I told you my views on bird enrichment are a bit extra...)

Anyway, they're independent but also very affectionate in their own way. It's rare to have an Alexandrine who's into cuddles, but, a lot of them will appreciate kisses, and my Leia will follow me wherever I go, just chilling on my shoulder. She also really likes to rub her face against my face. :')
She's a very quiet bird too. She'll scream in the morning and in the evening like every other bird, but during the day it's mostly just quietly whispered little beeps and squeaks. Her actual screaming is nothing like my IRN either, it's relatively tolerable.

Also, please consider getting your Alexandrine from a rescue or from a family/owner who needs to rehome their bird! You'll be doing a good thing for a bird in need and you won't support the pet industry or the demand for baby parrots. I recommend watching the documentary Parrot Confidential: [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-KdxI6b1_8"]Parrot Confidential - YouTube[/ame]


In general, I think it sounds like you're coming from the right place, so just consider what you might have to give up for the benefit of your potential bird (time, space, money, major life choices, adventures, outings with friends, cheap studio apartments, future partners who don't like birds/animals... etc ) and if you're ready to do that!

Hello Mitchan! It sounds like you’ve had great experience with different species! It’s greatly appreciated and thankyou for such informative advice!

Aha, and I totally understand the pairing of birds discussion, but personally, having two birds may enrich the other bird’s lifetime, but it must be double the work for their human owner? Two birds to provide healthcare, food, water, toys and mental stimulation for. It could be extremely expensive and stressful, so I think that for a first time owner, I’ll stick to what I’m able to handle, which is one bird. (I applaude you greatly for being able to care for so many!)

I’m not a very impulsive person, and if someone asks me to go somewhere or do something, I have to be prepared and organised. I can’t just immediately go anywhere. Due to the fact that I do suffer from OCD, it’s difficult for me to leave the house (although I’ve greatly improved!).

As for having a social circle, I actually prefer being alone. I have only one friend, but that’s a perfect situation to me. I don’t enjoy being a social butterfly, and I’d much rather curl up into a blanket with some YouTube at night, instead of partying, aha.

I’m also currently avoiding involving myself in a Relationship, as I honestly don’t want one for personal reasons.

Eventually finding an ideally waged Job, is the top of my agenda. I want to be independent but also be able to provide for My Parents, as when they age further, they may require some extra income.

As stated in my first post, I visited a Walk In Aviary in Lincolnshire, as to have some further experience with not only Alexandrines, but to explore different species. I can certainly say that Indian Ring Necks whilst they are smaller in size, are earpiercingly loud! A Blue IRN squeaked and shrilled for some food from me, and I could’ve sworn it made my eardrum virbrate!

Whilst there I had three birds whom were obsessed with me. Two Male Alexandrines, and one species of Conure which I’m not exactly sure of, but I was able to distinguish that it was a Conure Species, due to the white framing on it’s eyes.

Anyways, I absolutely adored the Alexandrines. I was even able to talk to one of them (the phrases it said were Hello, Pretty Bird & Okay.) I was also able to kiss it’s beak multiple times, before he was comfortable enough to fall asleep on my shoulder. I was also able to experience their noise level, and the level of noise was hardly anything! But I do know what they’re capable of.

The other Alexandrine decided to play with the buttons on my shirt. Thankfully, none were ripped off, as I kept a close eye on him! But I must say, it wasn’t all fun and games. I was indeed bitten three times!

I was given a gentle warning bite from a Cockatiel (which didn’t hurt at all, but I respected the Cockatiel and left him/her be), then a bite from an unknown bird species, which actually drew a little blood! I had prepared to possibly be bitten and I reacted well. I didn’t immediately rip my finger away or make any sudden movement, as I knew this would cause the bird stress, and could’ve potentially made him chomp down harder.

I stayed calm and tolerated the pain, before gently pulling away my chewed finger. I acted like nothing had happened, but I did walk away from that bird, hah. And the last bite was given by the sweet Alexandrine, but I knew why, and I felt so sad about it!

It was time for us to leave, and the Alexandrine was extremely comfortable and sleepy on my shoulder. I asked for the sweetie to step up, but he just didn’t want to! So I gently pressed my finger against his belly to make him step up, to which he did, but he got a little moody about me moving him from his cosy little spot, and thus gave me somewhat of a harsher warning bite?

It didn’t bleed, and honestly it was hardly painful, but it did indeed leave a mark. I decided to remember it as a love bite, aha. And before anyone asks, no he wasn’t angry or agitated with me, as his eyes weren’t pinned and he was sleepily blinking sweetly! He was just unhappy about me leaving!

This was further confirmed, as when we were outside of the Aviary Cage, he immediately jumps off of his perch that I’d placed him on, and followed me along the bars to the very end of them! Augh, I wanted to rush back to him! But we had to leave for the day.

I do have videos of this sweetie, but I’m extremely embarrassed of my face, and unfortunately won’t be posting them. But I do have a picture with my face scribbled out! But I unfortunately have no idea on how to include it here!

Anyways, thankyou for the informative posts, and I’ll be looking forward to reading more of them!

Coffee.

Oh, Mitchan! I’d forgotten to answer one of your questions!

I had thought about rehoming an Alexandrine whom was in need of it, however I was made aware that some people tend to give away "Problem Birds". These advertisements don’t relatively have any information, apart from "He’s a sweet bird, the cage and things are included, but I just can’t make the time for him"

Then when you actually see the bird, they could be extremely aggressive, screamers, health issues, or the poor thing could be at the beginning stages of plucking! Basically, these people can’t handle these birds and intend to dump them on someone whom just wanted to give a "sweet bird" a second chance!

I’m very on edge about rehoming a bird, as I don’t know the personality of this bird or what they’ve previously been through. So for now I think that I will be sticking to the store in which I do trust. They have extremely positive reviews and provide happy and healthy birds.

But that doesn’t mean to say that I’m completely ruling out giving another bird a second chance. I just want to be sure that I know what I’m getting, rather than being tricked into dealing with a behaviour in which I’m not able to handle. It would be extremely stressful not only for the poor bird, but myself also.


Anyways, the advice is much appreciated!

Coffee.

In my experience, it's always been a LOT easier keeping multiple birds and a lot less work. They don't desperately crave attention like a single bird would and they need less enrichment seeing as they're always being stimulated by the presence of the other. That also leads to them not actually needing to play with toys as much either because frantically chewing toys can often be a kind of outlet for social energy they don't get to use, so I haven't noticed an increase in toys destroyed when adding birds, it's usually been pretty much the same with one as with two.
Providing an enriched life and environment for a single bird is a lot harder and a lot more stressful than it is for two birds of the same species I've found. I have never been more stressed than when owning only one bird!
But yeah, more food and more vet bills, sure. To me, it's definitely worth it for the good it does the birds though! But I get if not everyone is. And if you do decide to get a rescue or a re-home in the end (which I, again, highly recommend!) it can be a lot of hard work to introduce the adult bird to another bird, and they may never accept the other bird at all! So it's a whole science of its own and again, I get why not everyone's into it... But I do still encourage everyone to try when/if they have the chance and the time eheh!

You do remind me a lot of myself actually ahah. I like being alone, I only have two friends, and I'm likely never going to want to be in a relationship either. These all feel like pretty positive qualities when it comes to being a bird person haha :')

Hey Mitchen. I’ve just finished watching the documentary that you linked to me in one of your posts, named Parrot Confidential.

This documentary was extremely informative about the reality of Parrots being in the Pet Trade. I have the highest level of respect for the people in this documentary, whom were willing to take in these abandoned and given up Birds. I personally, wouldn’t be able to give up any animal, as I believe that it’s your duty as an owner to provide them with a joyful and comfortable life, not matter what challenges you may face with them.

I must indeed say that Parrot Confidential has greatly changed my point of view on rehoming a bird, and I will be greatly considering that option, as long as I’m informed of what that bird has been through, if I’m able to bond with the bird, and if I’m able to handle whatever habits and behaviours that they’ve previously picked up.

I greatly appreciate you linking the documenty to me. It had made me extremely aware of what to expect when considering ownership of a Bird, and now knowing all sides of the discussion, I’m still fully committed and willing to give one of these graceful creatures a home.

If they’re going to be given a home, I’d rather give them mine. I’m glad knowing that I’ll do whatever it takes for this animal to live a comfortable and joyful life with me, and whatever phases or challenges come with this animal, I’m more than willing to work through these issues. I refuse to even consider giving up on any animal.

They’re more than just birds or pets, they’re intelligent comapinions whom need the correct attention, health care, mental stimulation, freedom and diet. I will certainly be introducing my bird to a Harness, as I want them to be able to experience the outdoors in comfort and safety.

I’m prepared to be bitten, scarred, or whatever the bird needs to do. But I will never give him/her up for anything. I refuse. This animal is my responsibility.

I greatly appreciate any and all advice given, and I look forward to seeing more!

Coffee.

Hi Coffee

I come from the land of the Alexandrine Parakeet. They are a spectacular bird to see in the wild. Along with the Nicobar Parakeet , they are the longest of all true parakeets.

In my opinion the best way to house them is to house a small flock or a breeding pair in a large walk in aviary.

keeping them long term as single human bonded pets in a small cage or even a large one does not do justice to the majesty of this species.

In the wild they are declining in many parts of their range. But still you can see them with some effort and it is a delight to see them in the wild.

You may like this video from the hyderabad zoo that captures the beauty of this species :

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNiDb4ej9Cg"]Throes of Passion - Mating Alexandrine Parakeets @ Nehru Zoological Park - Hyderabad - YouTube[/ame]