Alexandrine Parakeet

In addition to seed mix or pellets, suitable fruits and vegetables are also provided including: apples, pears, grapes and oranges; green leafy vegetables; corn on the cob, carrot and celery; pine nuts or peanuts can be feed on rare occasions as a treat. Sources of calcium such as cuttlefish or shell grit are also made available particularly prior and during breeding.

Breeding

Unlike smaller parrots Alexandrines tend to breed seasonally and only produce a single clutch. Birds begin to form pairs in the winter months during which they will begin selecting and defending nest sites. Like most parrots they naturally nest in tree hollows so in captivity nest boxes are provided. 

Alexandrine clutches contain 2-4 eggs which hatch after a 23-30 day incubation. The young fledge after a further 7-8 weeks and become fully independent at 13 weeks of age. Alexandrines are considered to be attentive parents and have lower rates of infanticide compared to other species of parrots kept as pets.

Typical Behaviour

Like most parrots Alexandrines are intelligent and require stimulation to avoid becoming bored and developing self-destructive behaviours. Alexandrines like to chew to maintain beak health so one simple method is to provide a range barked branches for them to shred. Plants native to the bird’s home range are used where possible but many other species are suitable including many trees native to New Zealand and Australia.

Alexandrines are highly visual animals using their colour vision to spot fruits and seeds at a distance. To encourage natural foraging behaviours, fruit and vegetables are ‘hidden’ around the enclosure for the birds to find. Artificial methods of foraging enrichment, such as the use of pine cones, are also used to keep birds entertained. 

Fun Facts

• Alexandrines are named after Alexander the Great who bought several birds to Europe from India.
• Alexandrines display sexual dimorphism. The males have a red and black collar around their neck, while the females do not.
• Differentiating Alexandrines and Indian ringnecks: The Alexandrine is larger than the ringneck measuring 600mm with a wingspan of 200mm. Alexandrines have a yellow green abdomen and bold maroon patch on the body which are absent from Indian ringnecks.