Alexandrine Parrakeet
Characteristics
Length: 45-50 cm (about 18-20 inches). Green. Clearly visible black collar; back of the neck pink. Innermost tail feathers bluish-green with yellow-white tips. Eyes gray encircled with red, beak deep red, legs grayish-brown. The females is very similar; however, she lacks the black neck ring. Very intelligent birds. Providing they have a good shelter (to prevent the danger of freezing toes), these birds can remain outdoors during the winter. Only when kept in a cage can a young bird be taught to speak.
Social Behavior
Prefers to be kept in pairs or colonies. Can be taught to talk if kept as pets and started young.
Diet
All parakeets and parrots need a large variety of fresh, healthy foods, whether on a pellet or a seed diet. Beneficial foods include dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli, dandelions, and chard, as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Healthy table foods like cooked eggs, corn, beans, pasta, and rice can also be offered. Remove perishable foods after a few hours and at bedtime. Grit, gravel, and oyster shells should never be given. A seed-only diet will result in malnutrition. Eventually, a parakeet or parrot should become acclimated to a diet containing specially formulated pellets. An AVIAN vet can help with more information.
Cleaning
Tray liners should be replaced every day and the cage bottom, fittings and dishes regularly washed with hot water and soap. Once a month, disinfect the cage with diluted bleach and rinse thoroughly. Line the tray with black and white newspaper or paper towels. It is unsafe to use pine/cedar shavings, corn cob or walnut bedding.
Fertility
The female lays 2-4 eggs. These birds can be quite easily led to breeding as long as they are housed in a roomy aviary by themselves. The nest box should be about 45 x 40 x 60 cm; entrance diameter 11-12 cm. Incubation time is about 28 days; after 6-7 weeks the young leave the nest. Females often suffer egg binding.
Health
All parakeets and parrots should be examined by a qualified AVIAN vet at least once a year or ASAP if any bleeding, injuries, or other signs are noted. It can be hard to tell when a bird is ill, and by the time you notice a problem, the sickness is usually well-advanced. Delaying a visit with an AVIAN vet or using over-the-counter or human medicines may be fatal.
Warnings
All parrakeets and parrots have very sensitive respiratory systems and should not be exposed to cigarette smoke, aerosols, harsh cleaning products, or other toxic fumes.
