A few questions/answers please :)

[julesellen]

Ok, I am thoroughly confused. New owner of an Alexandrine parrot.... first, is he a parrot or parakeet??? Awfully large compared to the parakeets I had as a child! What "group" should I be in on this forum?
Also, I have found two treats that Albee LOVES- and it's been difficult finding something he likes as treats! he adores those pine cones covered in ?? that you get in the bird food toy area. I am assuming I should be careful not going overboard on those, due to his stripping it raw as soon as I put it in his cage. How many a week?
Also, I feel quite ODD about this, but I have discovered he likes scrambled eggs. Seems a wee bit cannibalistic, ha, but again, how often should I limit?
He simply does NOT like nannas, orages, apples, etc.... carrots, a little, but mainly just to destroy in shreds.
One more: I was looking at larger cages on Ebay and found some that look super sturdy and are relatively inexpensive~! Around $125- 300 with free shipping. WOW. He definitely is gonna need a new larger cage soon so I was wondering if that's the best place to go, or if you have a recommended place that won't make me have to take out a second mortgage on the dang house just to buy my parrot one.
Thanks ya'll~! You have been so helpful in educating me and my new love muffin.

 

[HRH Di]

Welcome to the world of Alexandrines! They're technically parakeets, but the largest species of parakeet - so the parakeet section is good, but we aren't all that picky.

Are the pine cones covered in seeds? If so, be more worried about him pigging out on seed instead of shredding the cone itself. Seeds to parrots are like potato chips to people - a seed heavy diet will result in a fat, malnourished birdie. However, pine cones are great toys for shredded and safe as long as they aren't sprayed with a varnish or insecticide.

Eggs are actually a great source of protien for parrots. We give our birds scrambled eggs - sometimes with crushed up shell in it if we aren't eating them too - and unsalted chicken. I know it's weird but as long as it's a small part of their diet, it's good for parrots.

Max, my Alexandrine, would wash my car if I paid him with Cream of Wheat. His other favorite treats are walnuts, peas - preferably in the shell, grapes and pomegranate. Unfortunatley, it's kind of trial and error, but fresh fruits and veggies are very important to parrot nutrition so keep trying. There are some days that Max won't touch his bell pepper and devour his raddish, but the next day it's the other way arround.

As for cages, be sure the distance between the bars is appropriate. You'd hate for him to get his head stuck. Be sure that if it's a painted cage, that the paint isn't chipping and is non-toxic. Powder coating is usually prefered. If you can afford it, I love our stainless steel cage. But they can be pretty pricy, however, with some luck and diligence you may be able to find a used one at a reasonable price. Kings cages and Avian Adventures are the 2 brands that I like, but there are lots others out there that are as good, I just haven't had any experience with them.

BTW - my Maxi-Max has just started talking (he turned 2 in February) and he has the sweetest little squeeky voice. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[julesellen]

Thanks so much for your reply.
WOW... 2 and just started talking? Is that normal? I've heard different things about when they start.
Mine said "hola" back to my 10 year old twice and haven't heard a peep since! He's around 6-8 mos.
He did laugh hysterically with his squeaky voice today though. But again, first I've heard him do it. PLEASE tell me what your bird is saying. Very curious.
Also, I think Kings Cages is what I saw on ebay. hmmm.. gonna go back and look.
Well, I guess I will just keep trying new things. So, I can just collect some pine cones from outside and its ok??

 

[ellsiebird]

Hey

Parrots much like children will learn to get picky... if they get used to 'fatty human' foods,they will ignore fruit and veg as they prefer the latter much like we would....so i try to get mine to stay on fruit and veg on a rare treat of my kind of food, again can take a lot of trial and error, mines mad for spinich leaves and plain rivitas for treats!! Good luck

 

[MikeyTN]

The thing you have to worry about pine cones is parasites!!! I would bake it first to kill off any potential parasites....especially mites.....

 

[Spiritbird]

Pick up newly fallen pine cones and then bake them in the oven at about 225 for 30 min. Then turn the oven off and let them sit inside the oven until all is cool - about 2 hrs. If you do not do this your bird may become sick.

 

[dragonlady2]

Hi there,
You will love your Alex. My one Alex that I got as a baby started talking at about 7-8 months. He is just over a year now and says "Hi", "Hi BoBo" "Hi Oliver" "Oliver" "Give me kiss" "Are you a good boy?" "Hi Mookie" and chatters all day to the other birds. Unfortunately he also mimics all the screetches and squawks of the other birds as well. Gotta love em'!

 

[MikeyTN]

Smart little youngsters!!!!

 

[HRH Di]

Our Max said "Hello" the other day. We were very excited. We haven't really worked with any of our birdies as far as teaching them to talk. Although his English vocabulary isn't very extensive, he's very fluent in Yellow Labrador, expecially the "I'm bored" whine; and squeaky pantry door.

Basically, he mimicks just not words so much.

 

[MikeyTN]

They learn the darnest thing....LoL.

I just wish my macaw would stop saying "help help help..." I dunno what channel he got that from...lol

 

[julesellen]

I guess I need to read more on parrot treats! BAKING a pine cone? Now that's something I haven't heard of. lol

 

[julesellen]

Yes, he is definitely stealing my heart!
It's SO funny... he does this "Stevie Wonder" dance thing with his head! Cracks us up. Do yours do that? He swings it back and forth in a swooping motion just like the singer. He does it when he gets happy.

 

[julesellen]

LOLOL! That's great.
We had a friend who's parrot would call the cat's in the house: "Heeeeeere kitttttty, kitttttty, kittttty.....!"

 

[julesellen]

You must be watching too much Lifetime Television Movies! LOL
You know how it goes.... they can hear ONE thing, ONE time and then BOOM. I've heard several people say this.
Gotta watch what I say around him. I have 3 young girls!
Thanks for all your input. Truly!

 

[dragonlady2]

Yes, mine swing their heads around like the Stevie Wonder thing. They also will suddenly swing their head skyward and hold that pose. They truly are amazing birds. They have a look on their face when you are talking to them that is different than my other birds.

 

[julesellen]

I have no other birds, so I don't have much to compare to.
You mean that "statue still" tilt of the head thing? or is that just mine?
Hey, can I ask you something? When they quiver, is that fear? Sometimes, it seems so, other times, I'm not sure. (Depends on situation.) Also, when he fluffs up, sometimes it seems it's bc he's excited and other times, I'm not sure what he's "saying" by that..?

 

[dragonlady2]

That statue still pose is what I am talking about. I have mine clipped and they tend to quiver if they are feeling unsafe as in they know they can't get away. Fluffing makes them appear bigger and I am guessing they are telling me "I am real big and mean'. This is their body language and I respect it. I think their quivering can also be excitement because when they see a nutriberry, they get excited ! lol.