Alexandrine Parakeet: Species Characteristics & Care

 Identified for his or her magnificence, intelligence, and skill to speak, Alexandrine parakeets have been cherished pets for hundreds of years. Named after Alexander the Nice, who reportedly saved many, these unique parrots have been favored by the Aristocracy and elites. As the biggest of the Asiatic parakeets, these medium-sized birds are affectionate and sometimes type sturdy bonds with one particular person.

Origin and Historical past

This species originates from India and Sri Lanka. Alexandrine parakeets inhabit forests, woodlands, agricultural lands, and mangrove forests as much as 3,000 toes in elevation.

The parrot is known as after Alexander the Nice, who transported many birds from Punjab to Europe and the Mediterranean. Prized by royalty and nobles, feral populations now exist in Spain, England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, and Hong Kong.

Temperament

Tame, hand-fed Alexandrine parakeets make loving, affectionate pets however usually grow to be �one-person birds, strongly bonding with a favourite member of the family whereas shunning others within the family.

Like different Asiatic parakeets, many Alexandrine parakeets expertise a hormonal, aggressive bluffing part throughout adolescence (4 months to 1 yr), which will be difficult for inexperienced hen homeowners. This era can final from two weeks to 2 years, relying on the hen.

With correct socialization and the usage of bonding strategies, Alexandrine parakeets typically settle properly into their new house setting and totally take pleasure in interacting with their homeowners. These birds are very smart and are recognized to be glorious talkers, making them extremely popular pets.

Speech and Vocalizations

Alexandrine parakeets will be fairly noisy and loud, making them unsuitable for these residing near neighbors. Their highly effective vocalizations carry over lengthy distances within the wild, making residence or rental residing difficult.

This hen has a superb capability for imitating human speech clearly. The Alexandrine parakeet has quite a lot of calls, together with ringing sounds, loud and deep “klak” sounds, and a powerful “gr-aak” name. Its calls are deeper than the Indian ringneck parakeets, and it is alarm calls are louder, too.

Alexandrine Parakeet Colours and Markings

Slender Alexandrines can attain a size of 25 inches, with most of this size as a consequence of their lengthy, elegant tail feathers. They’re barely stockier than Indian Ringneck parakeets.

Their coloring is predominantly inexperienced, with blue-grey cheeks and again of the neck, a yellow-green stomach, and a purple patch on the shoulders. They’ve a big purple beak with yellow ideas. The underside of the tail is yellow, whereas the highest is inexperienced and blue with yellow on the tip.

Alexandrine parakeets are a sexually dimorphic species, that means women and men will be distinguished by look. Grownup males have a black and rose-colored ring round their necks, whereas females lack these neck rings.

Caring for an Alexandrine Parakeet

Alexandrine parakeets, recognized for his or her magnificence, intelligence, and skill to speak, require ample area, every day interplay, and supervised out-of-cage time. Caring for these birds could be a dedication lasting a long time.

Though a medium-sized parrot, Alexandrine parakeets require giant cages to accommodate their lengthy tail feathers. At a minimal, present a cage no less than 3 toes tall and a couple of toes lengthy and extensive.

These birds take pleasure in frequent bathing and taking part in in water. Present a big water bathtub no less than as soon as per week, and think about misting sometimes.

Frequent Well being Issues

Alexandrine parakeets are comparatively wholesome birds; nevertheless, they’re prone to a number of circumstances:

• Polyomavirus: A lethal virus; hatchlings and juveniles are most in danger
• Psittacosis: Also generally known as parrot fever, this illness in people brought on by the chlamydia micro organism
• Aspergillosis: A fungal respiratory an infection brought on by the aspergillus fungus

Weight loss plan and Diet

Most pet Alexandrine parakeets thrive on a weight loss plan of recent greens, leafy greens, grains, some wholesome seeds, tree nuts, and a high-quality, business pelleted weight loss plan. Recent greens are important for parrot weight loss plan.

Supply your hen 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pellets and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fruit and veggies every day, adjusting the quantity based mostly in your hen’s urge for food. Take away uneaten meals to stop spoilage.

Train

Alexandrine parakeets are very energetic and want loads of train to take care of their bodily and emotional well being. A big flight cage is preferable, permitting them to maneuver freely with out damaging their lengthy tail feathers.

Alexandrine parakeets want no less than 3 to 4 hours every day to stretch, play, and train exterior their cage in a secure, bird-proof space. These inquisitive birds can get into bother if left unattended, they usually get bored shortly, so present loads of chewable, bird-safe toys.

The place to Undertake or Purchase an Alexandrine Parakeet

Contact native adoption and rescue organizations to see if any parakeets can be found and spend time with the birds and their caregivers. Observe the birds interactions with caregivers and members of the family.

Alexandrine parakeets usually price between $500 and $1,500. Rescues, adoption organizations, and breeders the place you could find Alexandrine parakeets embrace:

• Northeast Avian Rescue
• Hen Breeders
• Companion Parrots Re-homed

Should you’re going the breeder route, be sure that the breeder is respected by asking them how lengthy they have been breeding and dealing with Alexandrine parakeets. Additionally, be sure that the hen you wish to take house is alert, energetic, and displays all of the indicators of a wholesome hen, resembling vivid eyes, clear feathers, and full crops.

Extra Pet Hen Species and Additional Analysis

If you’re excited by related species, take a look at:

• Indian Ringneck Parakeet Species Profile
• Quaker Parrot Species Profile
• Rainbow Lorikeet Species Profile

In any other case, discover all of our different medium hen species.