|
|
        
|
Alexandrines!
Feeding Alexandrines differs little to feeding most other parrots. A good quality seed mix accompanied with a variety of fresh foods and extras is essentially to maintaining the birds health. A seed combination that comprises of a small parrot mix with oats and striped sunflower will provide a good base. With the addition of a supply of good quality fresh produce in the form of vegetables and fruits, sprouts, some chargrit, and pellets if need be, this diet should keep your birds in tip top health. Other additives like egg and biscuit mix, and supplements may also be given as extras.
Our Alexandrines are currently only being bred to provide handraised pets for those that are seeking a pet on a larger scale to cockatiels. We handraise these babies from a very young age and introduce them to all facets of everyday household life. By the time they are fully weaned and ready for their new homes they are very friendly and loving birds that have adapted well to living in close confines to humans.
These birds have endearing personalities and make great companions. The males and females alike have a great ability to talk and with time and patience can be trained to do tricks as well. As a pet they need continued handling and company and need to spend considerable amounts of time out of their cage to ensure they get enough exercise. If you are capable of these things then the Alexandrine may be the perfect new addition to your household.
George & Maureen Blair Phone: (07) 3344 2910 Email: maureen@sunnybankaviaries.com © Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved No part of this website may be reproduced without permission from Sunnybank Aviaries This page was last updated 10-Jul-2008
|
Alexandrine
Parrots (Psittacula eupatria) are one of the larger Parrot
species kept by aviculturalists in Australia. They are not a native
parrot but are in fact an Asiatic Parrot whose history dates back to
Alexander the Great who claimed to have been responsible for introducing
this species to Europe. These birds have a charming personality
and stunning visual appearance both of which attract many people. Its
large size however needs to be remembered when considering adding one of
these gorgeous specimens to the aviary or household as a pet. With an
average length of 22 - 24 inches and a considerable weight to match
these are by no means small birds. With a large beak to go with their
size and the ability to make themselves heard these birds need to be
considered thoroughly before prospective owners jump into purchasing. 
Sexing
Alexandrines is a
fairly simple matter when adult birds are being considered. However as
is the case with most parrot species, juvenile birds all look like
females and are virtually impossible to sex visually. The male
Alexandrine will start to show some colour at around 1 year old when it
starts to gain the characteristic black and pink neck ring. By 2 year
old this neck ring is usually fully developed. Hens do not get the neck
ring but do get the chestnut coloured patch on the shoulder area of the
wing as the males do. An ideal bird will have a large bright shoulder
patch. Birds with smaller duller patches are considered inferior quality
when looking at breeding stock. Other visual differences between the
sexes include a more rounded slightly smaller head on the female and
shorter length tail feathers.
Alexandrine
aviaries need to be as large as possible to allow plenty of
flight space. Do not overcrowd aviaries with branches and perches that
can block free flight. The more room the birds have the happier and
healthier they will be. One pair of birds per aviary is the ideal
situation especially if breeding is on the agenda. The wire or mesh used
on the aviary must be a heavy large guage to prevent them chewing holes
in it and thus providing an avenue of escape. Perches need to be quite
large and robust to support the weight of the bird and to withstand the
chewing habits that these birds are noted for.
