what to feed my alexandrine parrot

• Varied Vegetables and Fruit. To replicate the diet Alexandrine parrots consume in the wild, feed a variety of vegetables and fruits in their diet.
• Pelleted Parrot Mix. Pellets are prepared from fresh fruits and vegetables and contain vital vitamins and minerals. Some brands are also colorful, to appeal to birds' natural curiosity.
• Wholesome Grains. Healthy, cooked grains can compose as much as 50 percent of an Alexandrine parrot's diet. Variety is important here, too.
• Limited Meat and Dairy. Alexandrine parrots should get a small amount of meat for protein. Chicken, beef, lamb, liver, turkey and fish are good choices.
• Seed and Nut Treats. Alexandrines will eat an all-seed and -nut diet if given the opportunity. ...
• Warnings and What to Avoid. Some foods can be toxic to parrots and should not be given, including avocado, raw beans, lettuce, cabbage, fruit pits, apple and pear seeds, and ...

Full Answer

What can I Feed my Alexandrine parakeet?

Care & Feeding. Alexandrine parakeets’ diet should consist of a pelleted base diet, as well as fruits and vegetables. Check out Lafeber’s Premium Daily Diet pellets, Nutri-Berries, and Avi-Cakes. The shape, textures, and ingredients encourage increased food interaction, which results in nutritious foraging that’s healthy for birds.

What is a good diet for a parrot?

Fresh vegetables are the cornerstone of a good diet for parrots. Offer your bird 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pellets and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fruits and vegetables daily. Increase or decrease the amount according to your bird's appetite. Remove the uneaten foods to prevent spoilage.

What fruits and vegetables can be given to parrots?

You can sprout seeds if you’re dealing with a stubborn little bird, but if they’re open for experimenting, you can give them kale, zucchini, cucumber, and radish. They can also have carrots, broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, cauliflower, beans, and lentils, but make sure that you cook them first as you would for yourself – again, avoid seasoning!

What kind of toys does an Alexandrine parrot need?

Alexandrines, like most parrots, are chewing machines and need lots of softwood toys to keep them happy. Add on a few rope toys and a couple of indestructible acrylic toys, and the Alexandrine is ready to play.

What do Alexandrine birds eat?

Alexandrine Parakeets are omnivorous, in other words they will eat almost anything, so can often be found on the ground eating insects as well as seeds and fruit. Diet consists mainly of a variety of wild and cultivated seeds, flowers and flower buds, nectar, grain, fruit and vegetables.

What vegetables can Alexandrine parrots eat?

General guidelines for ringnecks and alexandrine parrots can be found below: 40-70% premium commercial parrot pelleted diet • 10-35% vegetables (recommended vegetables include: capsicum, broccoli, chili, corn, carrot, zucchini, squash, spinach, pumpkin, sweet potato, beans and peas) and sprouted seed.

What meat can Alexandrine parrots eat?

Chicken, beef, lamb, liver, turkey and fish are good choices. Give them meats you eat, as long as it is thoroughly cooked. Salmon and tuna are best canned and water-packed. Although parrots are lactose-intolerant, a small amount of dairy adds calcium to their nutrition.

What should I feed my parrot daily?

Raw or steamed vegetables (preferably organic, when available) Cooked whole grains and/or pseudo-grains, such as rice (brown, wild or forbidden), oats, barley, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth and teff. Soaked and cooked or sprouted legumes. Raw, soaked or sprouted nuts and seeds.

Is banana good for Alexandrine parrot?

Tropical fruits, such as bananas, should be part of a parrot's diet. Bananas contain fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and various antioxidants. Consumption can improve a parrot's eyesight, strengthen its immune system, reduce the long-term effects of aging, and increase its energy levels.

Is milk good for Alexander parrot?

Milk is not typically good for parrots as it contains lactose, and most parrots are lactose-intolerant. Therefore, they will respond poorly to dairy milk. Milk isn't traditionally considered “toxic” like some other foods. It doesn't contain anything that will directly harm your bird.

Can Alexandrines eat onion?

What is this? Onions affect all parrots the same way. In fact, onions are toxic for many common pets, including dogs, cats, all kinds of birds and even horses. Regardless of what type of parrot you have, keeping onions away from your bird should be a priority.

Do Alexandrine parrots eat eggs?

Parrots can indeed eat eggs, and eggs have a handful of great nutrients and health benefits for your parrot too, including calcium, protein, and vitamin A. Eggs are also inexpensive and readily available and can be fed raw or cooked in your parrot's favorite way.

Can Alexandrine parrots eat tomatoes?

The truth is that tomatoes are generally unsafe for parrots. While tiny amounts from time to time will not cause any considerable harm to the health and well-being of your feathery little friend, it should only be given in moderation.

What is a parrot's favorite food?

The majority of parrot breeds enjoy vegetables such as kale, zucchini and shredded carrot, while their favourite fruits are papaya, banana and rockmelon. Never give your parrot chocolate, caffeine, avocados, fruit seeds, mushrooms, peanuts, onions or garlic. Your parrot's species will dictate how often they'll eat.

What is poisonous to parrots?

One of the most common poisons for pet birds are insecticides or pesticides. Don't use chemicals around your bird. Control Insecticideis safe for use around birds. Other poisons include ammonia, bleach, many glues, nail polish remover, oven cleaner, paint, perfumed candles, and heavy metals (e.g. lead and zinc).

What do parrots like to eat the most?

The best foods for your pet parrot to eat are fresh vegetables, fruit and pellets or seeds. In the wild, parrot's diet can vary considerably and they like to eat fruit and fruit seeds, nuts, flowers, and corn where they can find it. Your domesticated parrot is no different, with her diet needing to be varied.

Can Alexandrine parrots eat tomatoes?

The truth is that tomatoes are generally unsafe for parrots. While tiny amounts from time to time will not cause any considerable harm to the health and well-being of your feathery little friend, it should only be given in moderation.

Can Alexandrine parrots eat celery?

NUTRITIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL ENRICHMENT. A wide variety of seasonal fruits should be provided – apple, orange, banana, grapes, melons, strawberries, kiwi fruit, pawpaw, mango, lychee, stone fruit etc. Sweet corn, silver beet spinach, beans, peas, lettuce, celery, sprouted seeds (bean sprouts and alfalfa sprouts).

How many words can an Alexandrine parrot learn?

Talking or mimicking ability: (5-7) Very nice sweet girly voice and most of them learn an average of 10 to 20 different words. Destructive behavior: (4) They don't usually go out of their way to destroy things if you provide them with lots and lots of wood to chew on.

Why do Alexandrine parrots scream?

Screaming or loud vocalization is a natural way for wild parrots and other birds to communicate with each other in their flock environments. They will also scream if they are alarmed. Birds will squawk if frightened, bored, lonely, stressed, or not feeling well.

What is an Alexandrine parrot?

Image Credit: Warmlight/iStock/Getty Images. Alexandrine parrots, also known as Alexandrine parakeets, are named for Alexan der the Great, who enjoyed having them in his palace. Their diet is the same as for all small parrots. However, since they are larger than typical parakeets, their fresh food can be slightly larger.

How old do Alexandrine parrots live?

With a diet high in fresh foods and low in seeds and nuts, Alexandrine parrots can live to be 20 or 30 years old.

What is pelleted parrot mix?

Pelleted Parrot Mix. Pellets are prepared from fresh fruits and vegetables and contain vital vitamins and minerals. Some brands are also colorful, to appeal to birds' natural curiosity. An Alexandrine parakeet who eats a varied, healthy diet doesn't need supplemental pellet food.

What fruits are toxic to humans?

Try fruits such as apples, bananas, berries, citrus, plums, pomegranate, and dried fruits like raisins, currants and figs. Cut fruits and vegetables into bite-size pieces; remove seeds, pits and the flesh directly around pits, as these can be toxic.

What do savannas eat?

Feed raw cucumber, radishes, kale, corn, mustard greens, okra and zucchini. Cook asparagus, lentils, potatoes, yams, beans, pumpkin, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower.

Can parrots eat apples?

Some foods can be toxic to parrots and should not be given, including avocado, raw beans, lettuce, cabbage, fruit pits, apple and pear seeds, and chocolate. Don't give sweets of any kind, nor alcohol or foods containing caffeine. Advertisement. Spinach is healthy in limited amounts.

Can Alexandrines eat nuts?

Seed and Nut Treats. Alexandrines will eat an all-seed and -nut diet if given the opportunity. However, seeds and nuts are high in fat and oil, and should therefore be given sparingly. Try giving sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and shelled nuts such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and peanuts as rewards during training.

What is an Alexandrine parrot?

The Alexandrine parakeet, also called the Alexandrine parrot, is a bright, gentle, independent, medium-sized bird known to be hardy and relatively quiet compared to their Indian ring-neck cousins. This bird is a favorite among fanciers and is becoming more popular in the pet trade than in past years due to its growing popularity ...

What color is an Alexandrine Parakeet?

Alexandrine parakeets are typically available from avian-specialty stores and bird breeders. The nominate Alexandrine parakeet has all-green plumage and an immense beak. As with many birds in the ringneck family, color mutations are becoming more widely available to consumers, including the lutino (yellow) and the blue mutations. The Alexandrine comes in five distinct subspecies, some slightly larger or smaller.

What is the name of the parakeet that can make a screech?

The Alexandrine parakeet can emit a powerful screech that is said to be deeper than that of its close cousin, the Indian ring-necked parakeet. Alexandrine parakeets have excellent mimicking abilities and can copy just about any sound.

How tall is an Alexandrine Parakeet cage?

Alexandrine parakeets need a cage tall enough to accommodate their long tail feathers, which can be up to 14 inches in length. Alexandrines, like most parrots, are chewing machines and need lots of softwood toys to keep them happy. Add on a few rope toys and a couple of indestructible acrylic toys, and the Alexandrine is ready to play. Puzzle toys that hide nuts or dried fruit can be especially entertaining for an Alexandrine parakeet, which is always ready for a challenge.

What do parakeets eat?

Alexandrine parakeets’ diet should consist of a pelleted base diet, as well as fruits and vegetables. Check out Lafeber’s Premium Daily Diet pellets, Nutri-Berries, and Avi-Cakes. The shape, textures, and ingredients encourage increased food interaction, which results in nutritious foraging that’s healthy for birds.

What is Alexandrine's life span?

Color. Green. Size. medium. Lifespan. Up to 30 years. Sounds. Vocal communicator.

Do parakeets have nippy beaks?

Alexandrine parakeets are not known to be nippy, in spite of their huge beak, and are extremely affectionate when given consistent attention. Because Alexandrines are highly affectionate and love their human “flock,” they need a person who is able to give them a great deal of time out of the cage.

What do Alexandrine Parakeets eat?

Alexandrine parakeets love to have a diet containing leady greens, tree nuts, fresh vegetables, grains, some premium-quality commercially available pelleted diet and healthy seeds.

What do parakeets eat?

Alexandrine parakeets love to have a diet containing leady greens, tree nuts, fresh vegetables, grains, some premium-quality commercially available pelleted diet and healthy seeds. alexandrine eating sunflower seeds. Fresh vegetables are the basic and essential diet ingredients for the birds.

How long does it take for an Alexandrine parakeet to bluff?

Bluffing happens between the ages of four months to one year and can last from a couple of weeks to a couple of months.

How big do Alexandrine Parakeets get?

Alexandrine parakeets can grow very large in comparison to other parakeet parrots, measuring up to 62cm in length, while their tail can grow up to 35cm. They are predominantly green, but they tend to have a bluish and/or greyish sheen on their back, nape, and tail.

What is the most sought after parrot?

Alexandrine parakeets are one of the most commonly sought parrots globally. Due to their affectionate nature, Alexandrine Parakeets can grow a very strong bond with humans. They eat a large variety of foods and can adapt to their surroundings easily.

Why are parakeets active?

Alexandrine parakeets are among the active birds as they require excessive exercise to sustain their emotional and physical health. Therefore, to provide the necessary daily exercise, a cage with sufficient space is ideal for these lovable birds.

Why do parrots wheeze?

This is a fungal disease of parrots that affect the lungs and the air sacs of the alexandrine parrots and usually happen due to the dirty environment. This disease usually causes breathing problems along with fluffed feathers and wheezing sounds in the parrots. Candidiasis.

Origin and History

Alexandrine parakeets are native to the Indian Peninsula, from the east coast of India down to Sri Lanka. They are named for Alexander the Great, who first brought these birds to Europe and the Middle East. The parakeets quickly became popular status symbols among the royals and nobles of the continent.

Caring for the Alexandrine Parakeet

Because of their long tail feathers, Alexandrine parakeets need a fairly large enclosure for their size. They should have a cage no smaller than 36 inches tall by 24 inches wide and deep. Enthusiastic chewers, these parakeets need plenty of wood and rope toys in their cage to satisfy their urge to chomp.

Common Health Problems

Alexandrine parakeets are generally healthy, active, adaptable birds. They arenʻt as inclined to develop behaviors like feather-picking or self-mutilation as some other species. Some diseases that may be noted in the Alexandrine parakeet include:

Diet and Nutrition

A good-quality pellet food should make up the majority of your Alexandrine parakeetʻs diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables also need to be included to mimic the variety of the parakeetʻs food sources in the wild. Leafy greens, carrots, zucchini, and peas are some vegetable options to consider.

Exercise

Alexandrine parakeets are extremely active birds who also need plenty of social interaction every day. Ideally, they should spend 3-4 hours out of their cage per day, exercising and spending quality time with their humans.

Where to Adopt or Buy an Alexandrine Parakeet

Because of their popularity, Alexandrine parakeets are usually easy to find for sale in pet stores or online from private breeders. Itʻs illegal to capture wild Alexandrine parakeets and sell them so be certain you are purchasing a captive-bred bird.

Conclusion

Birds can make unique and entertaining pets and Alexandrine parakeets are one of the best options for many reasons. Before bringing one home, keep in mind that they live up to four times as long as the average dog or cat. You and your parakeet could very well be growing old together.

What is Alexandrine Parakeet?

Known for their beauty, intelligence, and excellent talking abilities, Alexandrine parakeets have been popular as pets for centuries. Named for Alexander the Great, who is said to have had many of these birds, it was an exotic pet owned by nobility and the elite. This medium-sized parrot is the largest of the Asiatic parakeets.

How much does an Alexandrine parakeet cost?

Observe how the birds interact with their caregivers and other family members. Alexandrine parakeets can cost from $500 to $1,500. Rescues, adoption organizations, and breeders where you can find Alexandrine parakeets include: Northeast Avian Rescue.

How often do parakeets need to be out of cage?

Known for their beauty, intelligence, and excellent talking abilities, Alexandrine parakeets need a lot of space, hours of interaction, and supervised out-of-cage time every day. Care for this bird can be a decades-long commitment.

What color is the Alexandrine Parakeet's tail?

The underside of the tail is yellow; the top of the tail is green and blue with yellow at the tip. Alexandrine parakeets are a dimorphic bird species, meaning you can tell males apart from females. Adult males have a black and rose-colored ring around their necks. Females are the same color without the neck rings.

How long do parakeets live?

This period can last from two weeks to two years, depending on the bird. With proper socialization and the use of bonding techniques, Alexandrine parakeets generally settle nicely into their new home environment and thoroughly enjoy interacting with their owners.

What are the signs of a healthy bird?

Also, make sure that the bird you want to take home is alert, active, and exhibits all the signs of a healthy bird, such as bright eyes, clean feathers, and full crops. If you are interested in similar species, check out: Indian Ringneck Parakeet Species Profile. Quaker Parrot Species Profile.

Where did the Alexandrine Parakeet originate?

This species originated in India and Sri Lanka. The Alexandrine parakeet lives in forests, woodlands, agricultural lands, and mangrove forests of up to 3,000 feet in elevation. The parrot is named after Alexander the Great, who transported numerous birds from Punjab to European and Mediterranean regions.

Native Region / Natural Habitat

Care & Feeding

• Alexandrine parakeets need a cage tall enough to accommodate their long tail feathers, which can be up to 14 inches in length. Alexandrines, like most parrots, are chewing machines and need lots of softwood toys to keep them happy. Add on a few rope toys and a couple of indestructible acrylic toys, and the Alexandrine is ready to play. Puzzle toys ...

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Personality & Behavior

Speech & Sound

Health & Common Conditions

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