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Post by jimmyjones on Oct 12, 2010 22:19:19 GMT 10
Hi all,
I've almost decided to get an Alexandrine parrot as a pet, but I have some nagging doubts, and as their lifespan is so long, I really want to be sure that it's the right bird for me (and I'm the right person for it)
The last bird I owned was a Peachface lovebird (who recently passed away at 13 years old), and he was very affectionate, but very simple.
I think I'd like to "step up" from the lovebird to a more intelligent companion, but I have the following worries...
- One of the things I loved about my Peachface was his affectionate nature. (Tickles and cuddles, and sitting in my hand, etc.) Now I know the Alexandrines aren't known for their cuddliness, but in all the videos I've seen of them as pets (on Youtube, etc) they just seem VERY distant and aloof, as though they couldn't care less about you. Do they get close to their owners, or do they prefer to just go about their own business all the time? Do they hate being touched at all, or do they like the occasional tickle and kisses, etc?
- Will the Alexandrine be too demanding for me? I imagine it will require a lot more attention than the lovebird (who I could easily put back into his cage if he was being a nuisance), but is the level of attention required worlds apart? Will my life be completely taken over by this bird? It's not as though I intend to give it no attention - I just want to know if it's going to demand constant attention every minute of the day.
- There are two people in our household. Will this bird be sociable, or will two owners cause problems down the line?
- If the bird outlives me (which is possible, given their 30-40 yr lifespan) how would it fare being re-homed later in its life? Is it cruel to buy a bird which you know has a real chance of losing its owner somewhere down the line?
- Does the sex of the bird make any difference to any of these questions? Should I bother getting a DNA test before buying one?
- Is it possible to take these birds outside (tethered or not?) or are the risks too great?
A long list, so thanks if you can answer any or all of my concerns, or share any stories of your experiences with these birds; particularly about how friendly (or not!) they generally are.
A friend of mine is expecting to have weaned some Alexandrine chicks by the end of December, so I would be getting a lovingly hand-raised pet, if that helps. (I'd have asked him all this, but he hasn't actually owned an Alexandrine as a pet)
Thanks in advance!
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Post by vankarhi on Oct 13, 2010 7:41:37 GMT 10
Ok......I own and breed alexandrines and I LOVE them as pets and I highly recommend them as pets. In my own personal experience they are a good all round bird with not too many problems. "I think I'd like to "step up" from the lovebird to a more intelligent companion, but I have the following worries..." ok this question.......I think you might upset our Robert by this comment ;D he has a lovely lovebird named Precious who is a wonderful little birdie ;D lol Alexandrine's are not like cockatoos.......they are not touchy feely birds normally.........BUT ;D having said that they are wonderful pets and LOVE to sit on your shoulder and preen your hair and eyelashes and eye brows and Takoda (I lost him 4 weeks ago but still trying very hard to find him  ) would actually lick my face (so had to be careful I had no makeup on or no paint splashed on my face (I worked in a paint shop and have recently renovated our house) and Takoda would give me tongue kisses and even once I put him in the aviary with a mate........he still would come to me to give me his "lovin" ;D (I miss him very much). Alexandrines are more than happy to play in their cage too.....I have not found them to be demanding at all. Except when I was eating an iceblock.......lol Takoda DEMANDED he have a bit (or two or three) lol As for being social........Takoda loved me but he would step up for anyone and would go to anyone willingly that he knew. Shrekie (my female alexandrine who is paired off with a non tame male) also still comes to me in the aviary and sits on my shoulder and talks to me and tells me I am a girl.....yeah lol (that is what she says "you are a good girl .....yeah" ) and she gives kisses too but not the tongue kiss. When she was a house pet she would go to anyone ....... but seemed to prefer me......but would sit with anyone and loved to share tid bits too. Alex's I have been told live for around 25 to 30 years (a vet told me that) ....... I don't know your age......but I hope to outlive some of my birds and if not then I am pretty sure they will go to one of my kids. I guess you just have to make sure your guy is well socialised ......... but that is just a case of getting other people to handle him/her and not just the one person. In my house I do all the birdie stuff.......but my husband and the youngest boy (we have 6 kids but the older 5 have left home now) handle the birds too and the older kids used to handle the birds too. Plus some visitors like to handle the birds when they come over. The sex of the bird in Alexandrines anyway makes no difference to the pet quality. I have owned a few alex's but I have 4 (well I had 4 until 4 weeks ago).......2 are hens and 2 are males and both the hens will fly to me and sit on me and Takoda would too. Alex my aviary male and Shrekies partner is and always was an aviary bird ..... and that is how I like him. Both my hens talk and so does Takoda...........so for me it is honestly no difference between a male or a female. Except the males get their ring around their neck around the age of 2 to 3 years of age. Takoda started to get his ring around 2 years of age. If you teach him to be harnessed trained and there is no reason why you can't teach him.......all birds can be harnessed trained......then you can take him outside. If you choose to clip him you can take him outside......but you still run the risk of him being able to fly off if not clipped properly or him jumping off your shoulder if he gets a fright and then he gets hurt. I think I have answered all your questions......if not then just remind me which one I forgot lol In my own personal experience and I own alexandrines and eclectus and have owned a few different types of pet birds not just breeding birds. I breed alexandrines but also have owned them as pets for about 5 or 6 years as well as owning and breeding eclectus and having some as pets for the past 6 years.......... Alexandrines are a wonderful non demanding easy to look after good all round bird. You get out of a bird what you put in. If you put in the time to train and spend time with your bird.......then you will have an awesome pet. The only downfall I can think of with an alex ........... and to me it is not an issue.........is they can chew everything and anything.......but it has never been an issue for me. I put natural branches in their cages or aviaries and replace them when needed and I now believe the saying "a chewed toy is a loved toy" ........ so be prepared to buy or make a lot of wooden toys Good luck with your new companion too. I LOVE the alex's ;D |
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Post by jimmyjones on Oct 13, 2010 10:15:03 GMT 10
Oh, I'm sorry to hear you recently lost your pal (how did you lose him?) "I think I'd like to "step up" from the lovebird to a more intelligent companion, but I have the following worries..." ok this question.......I think you might upset our Robert by this comment ;D he has a lovely lovebird named Precious who is a wonderful little birdie ;D lol Haha - don't get me wrong... my little Peachface was a delightful, feisty little chap with bags of personality, and was always up for a game or a tickle, but let's face it - he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer! Yes you have! Thanks heaps for your time. I think I just want a bird who is a bit more independent than my Peachface (who just couldn't sit still on my shoulder or anywhere without making a fuss - he was all over me seeking tickles whenever he left his cage), but one that is not so independant that it doesn't want to interact with me at all. It sounds like the Alex fits that description. For instance, if I were watching a movie or something, would an Alex be content to sit with me (or on me) doing his own thing? IMO the Alex's look absolutely gorgeous, and from what I've seen have a lot going for them. I was at the pet store last week checking out some different parrot varieties, and I noticed that the Alex they had there distinguished himself from all the other birds in that he came right up to the front of his cage, and cooly and calmly just kept an eye on me as I wandered around the place, while the rest of the birds either seemed totally disinterested, or just squawked and made a fuss when anyone came near them. He even came up to me and gave me a gentle little kiss when I stuck my finger in his cage. The chewing doesn't bother me - in fact one of the few things about the Peachface that I didn't like was his refusal to play with any toys we bought him! If I got a smarter parrot I imagine one of the pleasures would be buying toys for him and playing games with him. Thanks again for your advice! |
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Post by Robyn on Oct 13, 2010 10:31:03 GMT 10
I would also have to agree with Tracey Alex's are a good all rounder pet parrot. Hand reared correctly & trained from the beginning you should have a great time together. I always believe what you put into a companion parrot you get back a hundred times more.
The only time an Alex looks terrible is when they go through their yearly moult. But your right there is never a feather out of place & they always look well groomed.
Just my humble opinion.
Robyn.
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Post by vankarhi on Oct 13, 2010 10:35:48 GMT 10
oh i forgot about the "ugly" stage of moulting lol ........ yeah they aint pretty then ........ but it doesn't last long and they are back to their beautiful "regal" self.
As for you watching TV and your fella just chillin' with you?? I think it would be pure heaven for the guy ;D
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Post by vankarhi on Oct 13, 2010 10:37:16 GMT 10
Oh and I lost Takoda accidently when I was cleaning out their cage and I carry a big bucket with me and I had to open the door wide and Takoda flew out after me..........and I just couldn't shut the door in time and I don't have a safety door.........
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Post by jimmyjones on Oct 13, 2010 13:45:08 GMT 10
Oh thanks again for more replies... it really helps to make a decision, and I think I'm now 99% ready to go ahead and get an Alex. This really clinched it...  I'll be sure to report back when it's done and let you know how it's going! |
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Post by vankarhi on Oct 13, 2010 13:47:32 GMT 10
I look forward to seeing how you and new "friend" go together....I am sure you wont be dispointed....they are really nice birds ;D
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Post by jimmyjones on Oct 13, 2010 14:05:51 GMT 10
Oh one more thing...
With these bigger birds (well, bigger than a lovebird), do they get enough exercise just being able to fly back and forth inside a house, or do they need to fly for longer distances to be happy?
I'm a bit worried about the ethics of keeping a medium-sized bird cooped up indoors.
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Post by vankarhi on Oct 13, 2010 17:44:34 GMT 10
I had Takoda inside and he was more than happy with the flying he did inside the house and the playing on the playstands I have and the boing I have hanging from my ceiling. I have Erik who is bigger since he is an eclectus and he loves to fly around and for a bird with only one good eye he is getting pretty darn good at some awesome circle manouvers lol but I have a spare aviary downstairs too and sometimes I put him in there for something different too.
I think as long as he gets exercise and company.....he doesn't have to be out 24/7 but he will need to be let out daily while you are home........and as long as he is fed a good healthy diet.......he will live a good and long healthy life........he or she that is ;D
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Post by madaussie on Oct 13, 2010 18:12:17 GMT 10
Well to me alexs are fantastic birds love to be cuddled etc it does all come down to the raising and time spent on them.
jjjj
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Post by jimmyjones on Oct 13, 2010 18:31:34 GMT 10
Good-o, thanks for that advice everyone! I expect to let him out daily (I tried to give the Peachface at least 2 hours outside his cage every day - usually a lot more) Oh, and I just found out I can get a DNA-tested bird for a reasonable price, so I'm thinking of choosing a boy. They do look a bit sad while molting (!), but I think we can live with that. Sorry to keep posting, but I'm getting quite excited now that I've really made up my mind. Can't wait to bring him home and start spoiling him! |
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Post by Robyn on Oct 13, 2010 19:07:20 GMT 10
Here you go something to drool over.  Sorry it so small just hatched yep it's an alex. |
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Post by jimmyjones on Oct 13, 2010 22:42:02 GMT 10
 Hideous and cute at the same time! ;D
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Post by vankarhi on Oct 13, 2010 22:59:17 GMT 10
Glad we could be of help ;D
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Post by jimmyjones on Jan 15, 2011 16:19:13 GMT 10
Hey everyone! So, I've just got my new little friend home a few hours ago. I haven't even thought of a name for him (her?) yet. haha He's been fed and watered, and now it seems all he wants to do now is have a little nap, so I've got him in his cage downstairs (near a window to the garden) to get acclimatised to his new surroundings. He's only 12 weeks old, I believe, and he lets me tickle him behind his head and under his wings, which I didn't expect at all! Even turning his head so he can get a scratch in just the right spot!! ;D He makes the most adorable little cooing sounds occasionally - not nearly as loud or shrill as the peachface I had before. I'll upload some photos when I work out how. One more question... how much time should I give him to himself at this point, or should I try to be with him as much as possible? I really don't know. Thanks again for all your advice about the alexandrines... seems like the right choice (so far!)  |
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Post by avinet on Jan 15, 2011 17:44:10 GMT 10
Congratulations at getting an Alexandrine - great birds, we have 11 of them living in our house.
I would get him out for short periods pretty well straight away - as long as he wants to come out. But make the time outs pretty short for a day or two - 10 to 15 minutes and then back to his cage. He is a young bird and has a lot to adjust to so smothering him in too much attention may stress him. Short periods every couple of hours for a day or two is the way to go. Having him accept scratches is a bonus - most Alexes are not touchy birds, only 2 of our Alexes like scratches, but all of them like to be with us. Keep up the scratches or else he will grow out of enjoying them - actually he may grow out of them anyway, but perhaps not if you continue with them.
Have the cage in a family room area so he feels that he is part of the family, not in an area where he is on his own. An Alex will want to identify with the humans around him so that he feels he is part of a flock - for a flock bird such as an Alex, to be separated from their flock (and you are his flock now) is going to be stressful. So by being where the humans are, even while in his cage, will help him to bond (form a flock) with you.
Be patient, and you will have a friend for many decades.
cheers,
Mike
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Post by vankarhi on Jan 18, 2011 13:49:20 GMT 10
exactly what Mike says....... ;D
I too love the alexandrines. they make wonderful pets no matter if it is a boy or girl ...... both sex's are great pets and can talk.
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Post by jimmyjones on Jan 19, 2011 23:20:54 GMT 10
Hey thanks again for the advice... he seems to be settling in now (looking less bewildered!), and he's decided his favourite treat is purple grapes... not green... only purple! haha.
I had no idea he'd be such a sweetie pie! He seems to love nothing more than being held and cuddled, and receiving kisses, smooches, and tickles behind his head.
I must say, though, that that ENORMOUS BEAK so close to my face still makes me rather nervous! He hasn't bitten yet deliberately, but he sometimes gets a bit carried away, I think, and chews harder than is comfortable on my nose and ears (ouch!)
Oh, and there's the claws... my arms are a mass of scratches now after having him walk up and down. He's not terribly dexterous on his feet yet, and his instinct seems to be to grab HARD to anything he's standing on to try to balance himself.
Overall, an absolutely adorable little fellow. I hope he stays that way! I understand they can change dramatically during their adolescence.
Oh, and I still haven't thought of a name... such a hard decision!
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Post by vankarhi on Jan 20, 2011 6:34:31 GMT 10
Alexandrines make fantastic all round companion birds. Not many problems with them..........to be honest I have not found them to really change much when they get older either. Rikki my little baby that I raised from 2 days is a bit bitey at the moment but i know he will grow out of that soon. They do usually grow out of that cuddly stage when they grow up.....usually.........but they still LOVE to just sit on your shoulder and kiss you, preen you, lick your face (Takoda did this to me) or just sit and chill with you........or share food (Takoda also went mental when i ate an iceblock without him lol)
names........I am sure one will just pop into your head eventually.........that is how the names I pick happen. ;D
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) would actually lick my face (so had to be careful I had no makeup on or no paint splashed on my face (I worked in a paint shop and have recently renovated our house) and Takoda would give me tongue kisses and even once I put him in the aviary with a mate........he still would come to me to give me his "lovin" ;D (I miss him very much).
Hideous and cute at the same time! ;D
