New Alex owner

ben_sach

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Oct 6, 2021
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2 alexandrine
Hi thereā€¦Iā€™ve been hand rearing 2 baby alexā€™s from the same clutch.
I had them DNA sexed and I have 2 x females.
They are now 6 weeks oldā€¦

A couple of questions:

1. I have purchased a big cage. Will be ok to stay together as adults or will they become aggressive towards each other.
2. They are currently in a broading box. At what age should I transfer to the cage?
3. What age should I clip thier wings if I intend to allow them to climb out of the cage?
5. what age should I start to wean them of formula and introduce seed and fruit?
6. Will they learn to fly in the cage?

thanks so much for your helpā€¦.
 

Skarila

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Welcome Ben!

I have a really soft spot for Psittacula species in general, they are all so special.

I guess it will be kind of an russian roulette once they grow up, for girls I am not sure if they go after each other's neck, but they are very friendly birds in general, so it is possible they will continue being cage mates. Much easier rather than acquiring them separate as adults. Always keep in mind that one day they might decide that they are sworn enemies and that you might need another cage. Also, how big cage are we talking about?

I'm not sure why you were sold such young (which aren't weaned off yet) chicks, I cannot know if you're experienced in handfeeding or not, but I am also not sure why the breeder didn't tell you these things beforehand, Inexperienced handfeeding can wrong very, very fast, and ending up in a loss of a chick, even if it's supposed to be weaned off soon. This happens even with people who are experienced in it. (Information acquired from my acquaintance who is very much experienced in this, future avian vet)

They should start weaning at about 12-14 weeks, but it is different from each bird, some might start sooner, some later, more information could be given by more experienced members here regarding weaning.

I am personally against clipping. Clip them at very young age and your birds might never learn how to fly, of might have a deformed flight. Also you do not teach them to fly in a cage, but rather out of the cage (or a big aviary if that is what we are talking about). Since they're quite big parakeets, they will need a lot of space for that. I'm kind of confused why ask about clipping if you want them to learn to fly (every bird should be able to know how to fly!)

Even once you move them to the cage, they should be outside from time to time to socialize, learn about their surroundings, even if they do not fly well yet.

Good luck with your two new girls!
 

Zoruace

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Sep 21, 2021
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Welcome Ben!

I have a really soft spot for Psittacula species in general, they are all so special.

I guess it will be kind of an russian roulette once they grow up, for girls I am not sure if they go after each other's neck, but they are very friendly birds in general, so it is possible they will continue being cage mates. Much easier rather than acquiring them separate as adults. Always keep in mind that one day they might decide that they are sworn enemies and that you might need another cage. Also, how big cage are we talking about?

I'm not sure why you were sold such young (which aren't weaned off yet) chicks, I cannot know if you're experienced in handfeeding or not, but I am also not sure why the breeder didn't tell you these things beforehand, Inexperienced handfeeding can wrong very, very fast, and ending up in a loss of a chick, even if it's supposed to be weaned off soon. This happens even with people who are experienced in it. (Information acquired from my acquaintance who is very much experienced in this, future avian vet)

They should start weaning at about 12-14 weeks, but it is different from each bird, some might start sooner, some later, more information could be given by more experienced members here regarding weaning.

I am personally against clipping. Clip them at very young age and your birds might never learn how to fly, of might have a deformed flight. Also you do not teach them to fly in a cage, but rather out of the cage (or a big aviary if that is what we are talking about). Since they're quite big parakeets, they will need a lot of space for that. I'm kind of confused why ask about clipping if you want them to learn to fly (every bird should be able to know how to fly!)

Even once you move them to the cage, they should be outside from time to time to socialize, learn about their surroundings, even if they do not fly well yet.

Good luck with your two new girls!
said it much better then me
LoRd
 

LaManuka

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Aug 29, 2018
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Hi ben_sach and your two new babies!

You have been given very solid advice so far. Unfortunately, as Skarila has mentioned, it would appear that you have been sold these little ones at too early an age. It would be advantageous for you and your little ones to have contact details for a specialist avian vet should things take an unexpected turn. Understanding that there may be limitations on availability and not knowing your exact location, the following link may help you to find one in your area if you are not already familiar......


Thank you for joining, and i am wishing you all the very best of luck with your beautiful girls!
 

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