Alexandrine Parakeets are renowned for their striking beauty, exceptional intelligence, and impressive vocal abilities, making them a cherished companion for bird enthusiasts. Named after Alexander the Great, who is believed to have kept these birds, they were once considered exotic pets by nobility and the elite. As the largest species among the Asiatic parakeets, they are medium-sized birds with a regal presence. Affectionate by nature, Alexandrines tend to form strong, one-on-one bonds with their primary human caregiver, making them particularly loyal and devoted pets.

Species Summary

Other Names: Alexandrine parrot, Alexandrine parakeet
Scientific Classification: Psittacula eupatria (includes five subspecies: P. e. eupatria, P. e. nipalensis, P. e. avensis, P. e. magnirostris, P. e. siamensis)
Adult Size: Reaches up to 25 inches in length
Lifespan: Can live up to 40 years

The Origin and History of the Alexandrine Parakeet

The Alexandrine parakeet hails from India and Sri Lanka, where it inhabits diverse environments such as forests, woodlands, agricultural lands, and mangrove areas, typically at elevations of up to 3,000 feet.

The species is named after Alexander the Great, who is believed to have introduced these birds from Punjab to regions across Europe and the Mediterranean. They were highly valued by monarchs and nobles. Today, wild populations of Alexandrine parakeets can be found in countries like Spain, England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey, Iran, the Arabian Peninsula, and Hong Kong.

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Alexandrine Parakeet Behavior and Personality

Temperament

Hand-raised Alexandrine parakeets can be affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners. However, they often prefer the company of one specific individual and may show less interest in others in the household.

Similar to other Asiatic parakeets, Alexandrines can go through a phase of hormonal aggression during their adolescent years (from around 4 months to 1 year), which may present challenges for inexperienced bird owners. This phase can last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of years.

With proper training and socialization, Alexandrine parakeets tend to acclimate well to their surroundings. These birds are highly intelligent and known for their excellent talking skills, making them a favorite among pet owners.

Vocal Skills and Communication Style

Alexandrine parakeets are known for their loud and frequent calls, so they may not be the best choice for those living in close quarters with neighbors. In their natural habitat, they use their strong voices to communicate over long distances, which means they can make quite a bit of noise indoors as well.

These birds are highly capable of imitating human speech, and they often do so with impressive clarity. Beyond talking, Alexandrines also produce a wide range of sounds, including sharp ringing calls, deep “klak” noises, and a bold “gr-aak” sound. Their voices are generally deeper than those of Indian ringneck parakeets, and their warning calls are particularly loud.

Alexandrine Parakeet Plumage and Coloration

The Alexandrine parakeet is a slender bird that can grow up to 25 inches long, with most of that length coming from its long, graceful tail feathers. Compared to Indian Ringnecks, they have a slightly sturdier build.

Their feathers are primarily a vibrant green, accented by blue-grey on the cheeks and back of the neck. The belly is a yellow-green, while a striking red patch sits on their shoulders. They also sport a large red beak with yellow tips. Their tail has yellow on the underside, with the top being a blend of green and blue, finishing with a yellow tip.

What makes these birds even more unique is their sexual dimorphism. Males are easily recognizable by the black and rose-colored ring around their neck, while females have no such ring, though their overall color pattern remains the same.

Caring for an Alexandrine Parakeet: A Complete Guide

The Alexandrine parakeet is a beautiful, intelligent, and highly interactive bird known for its impressive speaking abilities. These birds are a long-term commitment, requiring ample space, daily interaction, and plenty of supervised out-of-cage time to ensure they remain happy and healthy. As medium-sized parrots, they may seem manageable at first, but their care needs can span decades.

Housing Requirements for Your Alexandrine Parakeet

While Alexandrines are medium-sized parrots, they still need a spacious cage to accommodate their long, elegant tail feathers. A cage should ideally be at least 3 feet in height and 2 feet in width and length. These dimensions ensure the bird has enough space to stretch, climb, and move around comfortably.

Additionally, these parrots are known for their love of water. It’s important to provide them with a water bath at least once a week, and they may also enjoy being misted on occasion.

Health Concerns and Preventive Care

Although Alexandrine parakeets are generally healthy, they are vulnerable to certain diseases. Here are some common health issues to be aware of:

1. Polyomavirus: This potentially fatal virus mainly affects younger birds, especially chicks and juveniles.
2. Psittacosis: Also referred to as “parrot fever,” this bacterial infection can be transmitted to humans, causing flu-like symptoms.
3. Aspergillosis: A fungal infection that affects the respiratory system, caused by inhaling spores from the Aspergillus fungus.

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for keeping your Alexandrine parakeet in good health. Preventing these illnesses starts with maintaining a clean environment, proper diet, and consistent care.

Diet and Nutrition for Alexandrine Parakeets

A well-balanced diet is crucial for your Alexandrine’s health. These birds thrive on fresh vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, seeds, and a formulated high-quality pellet diet. Fresh veggies are particularly important and should form the foundation of their daily meals.

Typically, you should offer your Alexandrine parakeet 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pellets, along with a similar amount of fruits and vegetables each day. Adjust portions based on your bird’s appetite, but always remove uneaten food to prevent spoilage.

While seeds can be offered occasionally as a treat, they should not form the main part of your bird’s diet. A balanced pellet-based diet is ideal, as it ensures that your bird gets the necessary nutrients to stay healthy.

Exercise and Playtime

Alexandrine parakeets are energetic and curious by nature, requiring a lot of physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy. These birds thrive when they have room to spread their wings, so a large flight cage is a must.

In addition to cage space, they need at least 3 to 4 hours of out-of-cage time each day for exercise. During this time, your bird can stretch, fly, and play. Ensure that the area is bird-proofed, as Alexandrines are highly curious and could get into trouble if left unsupervised.

To keep your bird entertained, provide a variety of chewable, bird-safe toys. These intelligent parakeets can get bored easily, so it’s important to keep their environment stimulating.

Pros and Cons of Keeping an Alexandrine Parakeet

Pros:

• Affectionate and Friendly: Alexandrine parakeets often bond closely with their human caregivers and can become very affectionate companions.
• Highly Intelligent: These birds are capable of learning to mimic speech and are known for their sharp minds.

Cons:

• Noise Level: Alexandrines can be quite loud, which makes them unsuitable for apartment living or places with close neighbors.
• Territorial and One-Person Birds: These parakeets may become overly attached to one person and may not get along well with others in the household, especially if they feel threatened.

Where to Find Alexandrine Parakeets

If you’re considering adopting or purchasing an Alexandrine parakeet, it’s a good idea to start by checking with local adoption centers, bird rescues, or breeders. Spend some time with the bird to assess its behavior and observe how it interacts with humans.

Prices for Alexandrine parakeets can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the breeder and the bird’s lineage. Some reputable breeders and rescues where you can find Alexandrine parakeets include:

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

When purchasing from a breeder, make sure they have a good reputation by asking about their experience with Alexandrines and checking the bird’s health. Look for signs of a healthy bird, including bright eyes, clean feathers, and a full crop.

FAQs About Alexandrine Parakeets

1. How long do Alexandrine parakeets live?
Alexandrine parakeets can live up to 30 years or longer with proper care, making them a long-term commitment.

2. Are Alexandrine parakeets good for beginners?
While they are intelligent and can be affectionate, Alexandrines may not be the best choice for first-time bird owners due to their size, noise level, and tendency to become territorial.

3. Do Alexandrine parakeets require a lot of attention?
Yes, these birds are very social and need daily interaction and stimulation. Without enough attention, they can become bored and stressed.

4. Can Alexandrine parakeets be kept with other birds?
They can, but they tend to bond closely with one person and may become territorial. Introducing them to other birds should be done carefully to prevent aggression.

5. How noisy are Alexandrine parakeets?
They can be quite loud, especially when calling or during playtime. It’s something to consider if you live in a shared space or apartment.