ALEXANDRINE THE GREAT

The gentle bird with the immense beak

THE AFRO-ASIAN Alexandrine's parrot (Psittacula eupatria) is a brightly colored, gentle, independent, medium-sized bird known to be hardy and relatively quiet compared to their ringneck cousins. This bird is a favorite among fanciers and is becoming more popular in the pet trade due to its growing popularity with breeders.

The Alexandrine's has green plumage and a large beak, but, as with many of the ringneck family, there are color mutations becoming more widely available to consumers, including the lutino (yellow) and the blue mutations. The Alexandrine's comes in five distinct subspecies, some slightly larger or smaller than one another.

The Alexandrine's is playful and can be talkative, able to amass an impressive vocabulary. This bird is a wonderful family pet. The Alexandrine's can be, as with any parrot, loud. If the bird is in a quiet environment, it most likely will be somewhat subdued. It can also be encouraged to be loud by imitating its teacher. The Alexandrine's talking ability is very good, but the owner is the teacher and the time-spent teaching is one's just reward.

The Alexandrine's Owner

The novice and the experienced bird owner alike will enjoy the Alexandrine's as a pet. This bird may not be for the very beginner, though someone who has kept a parakeet or another small bird healthy for a time may be ready for this easy-going bird. Alexandrine's are not known to be nippy, in spite of that huge beak, and are affectionate when given consistent attention.

Like all Asian parakeets, Alexandrine's are not cuddly like cockatoos. They do bond closely with their owners, but if the potential owner is looking for a. 'love sponge' then he or she should not choose a Psittacula. These birds are very loving if socialized and cared for properly. They give kisses, communicate and return love. They are perhaps some of the most magnificent birds in the world. Alexandrine's, when properly socialized, make excellent pets for busy people and quickly become part of the family.

Diet Essentials

Like any other bird in your stock, the Alexandrine's will need a good deal of specific care to keep it happy and healthy. Unfortunately there is no specific book published on the Alexandrine's, so you will want to sell your Alexandrine's customer a basic bird care book.

Quite obviously, Alexandrine's need fresh water and a nutritious diet. The breeder from whom you purchase your Alexandrine's may have already weaned the young bird on a specific diet, whether it is pellets, or seed and fresh foods. Instruct your customers to continue feeding their Alexandrine's the diet to which the birds are most accustomed. Alexandrine's are not picky eaters if they learn to eat a variety of foods when they are youngsters, so you should tell your customers to feed their birds a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables and safe table foods.

The diet should be a normal one for any parrot, a good blend of seed with fruits and vegetables mix-a good pelleted formula and healthy table food or a prepackaged to be cooked food for birds. Alexandrine's parrots are not fussy eaters.

Majestic Birds Need Majestic Cages

A well constructed cage with the dimensions of 36 inches long by 24 inches wide, and at least 24 inches high is the bare minimum for this bird.

Alexandrine's can develop very long tails upon maturity, up to 18 inches, so they need a tall cage to keep their tail feathers intact.

Make sure the width between bars is not wide enough for the Alexandrine's to stick its head through. This behavior can lead to serious injury. Purchase clips or locks for the cage doors, because the curious Alexandrine's may find a way to leave its cage behind. The Alexandrine's beak is giant and powerful-make sure that you sell your customer a cage with bars thick enough that this bird will not be able to break them.

Demand and Supply

A cage will usually come with two bowls or dishes, but you will want to have at least four additional bowls, two for food and water rotation, the others for fresh foods. Some bowls come with a covered top and are perfect for avoiding mess.

Alexandrine's, like all parrots, are chewing machines, and need lots of soft wood toys to keep them happy. Add on a few rope toys and a couple of indestructible acrylic toys, and the Alexandrine's is ready to play. Since the owner will not be with the bird 24 hours a day, the bird will need its own entertainment.

These birds love seed treat sticks that simulate their eating behaviors in the wild, and will benefit from a bird kabob on which the owner can string fresh foods. Toss in a mineral block, especially one that is shaped and colored like a specific fruit. Alexandrine's are curious creatures that will en-joy the stimulation that strange shapes and textures can provide.

Taking an Alexandrine's Home

People that live in apartments, condos or houses can enjoy this bird. It is not a very active bird, like the caique or lory, but a very regal bird that doesn't move around its cage a lot. A person who wants a bird larger than a cockatiel or quaker, but not as large as an amazon or macaw, will find this bird to be perfect.

The Alexandrine's is a lovable, intelligent animal that can live more than 30 years if cared for properly. With some attention and proper care, this popular bird makes a wonderful family pet.

ALEXANDRINE BASICS

Reprinted by Pretty Birds from Pet Product news by Nikki Moustaki

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