A friend for my Alex? Which breed?

[babyfae]

Hello
I WAS really considering an IRN but I just read some threads on how incredibly loud they are after maturity. Now I'm second guessing. I would love another pet bird, and I know it can be difficult to gauge, but have any of you added a different breed that gets along well with you Alex?

 

[psychocircus91]

There's no way of knowing what two birds will get along or not get along. Choose what you really want.
Do you have interest in another alex?

 

[babyfae]

No, while I enjoy the breed, I want to add another breed.

 

[babyfae]

I guess I'm looking for feedback from Alex owners that have another breed in the house.

 

[coral3]

I've come across quite a few people who have eclectus and alexandrine, makes me wonder if that's because theirs co-exist well? or if it's just because they happen to like those birds?...I have no idea, but I do wonder because I have an alex & if I ever got another bird I think I'd like a female eclectus.

 

[babyfae]

Interesting observation Coral3! I actually wanted a male eclectus for a long time before I decided on Alex. Hmmmmm......
I appreciate that feedback!! Oh and the females are gorgeous as well!!

 

[coral3]

Interesting observation Coral3! I actually wanted a male eclectus for a long time before I decided on Alex. Hmmmmm......
I appreciate that feedback!! Oh and the females are gorgeous as well!!

I'm not saying they do get along, you understand. I really don't know. It's just that I've noticed people keeping both, which makes me wonder. I would love to know if they do...

 

[psychocircus91]

Not owning an alexandrine, I can't tell you; I don't think you'll find a definitive answer, but it can definitely be helpful to get a bird of a similar size if you'd like them to interact. That way if things do go bad, it won't be as dangerous for either bird. Greys, mini macaws, larger conures, some amazons would all be options.

That being said, I've seen them playing with cockatiels and lovebirds.

Again I really recommend choosing what you want the most, and go into it expecting them to hate each other.

 

[MrSquak]

weve had an alexandrine and a 4 month old grey for about a month now and they seem to get on ok, although they don't really interact with each other.

Both of them seem to be scared of the other and they'll get a little defensive if they get too close to each other but they play in basically the same area with no issues.

However, the alex is flighted and the grey is not so when they get too close usually the more mobile alex just flies away.

I will say though, that the alex's behavior has improved since having some competition in the house...he's become much more cuddly and affectionate because he sees how my girlfriend goes crazy for the (extremely cuddly) baby african grey.

 

[babyfae]

I knew what you meant... Mr. Squaks, I have to be honest. When I was 15 my sister bought an african greymm, Benny. He stole my heart. My sis worked often and Benny and I formed a strong and loving bond. I bacame a very young mother at 17. When I had my daughter, I could not devote as much time to Benny. He became depressed and started pulling his feathers. It was heartbreaking. Then one day my baby was in her walker and she put her hand in the cage and bit her a good one. My sis decided tom rehome Benny to a trusted friend. This was 15 years ago, and my heart still longs for him. I decided last year to get another brid, and researched a wide range to decided which would be best for my family. I really wanted an eclectus, but decided on the Alexandrine. I love my Alex very much, but it really isn't the same for me. I my heart I want another grey terribly, but its costly for my right now. Its so interesting to hear how your Alex is reacting. Cute! Thanks Everyone!

 

[babyfae]

Mr Squaks is yours a congo?

 

[Camille]

I had a sulfur crested 2 as a child and have ALWAYS wanted another. They are very common in the wild where I live, but it's safe to say I still lose it every time I see one. And then I saw this on Instagram....

It's decided, Floyd (and me mostly) needs a cockatoo friend. Now just to talk my partner into it!

 

[psychocircus91]

thanks for sharing Camille.

That photo is priceless. I have a soft spot for toos as well.

 

[MrSquak]

babyfae, yes ours is a congo and hes freaking huge even at 4 months.

heres a cute pic of the two of them, first or second day we got the grey and tango doesn't really know what to make of him yet.

 

[Ian]

Hi

My male Alex fell in love with a (tiny by comparison) male IRN (don't ask me!) but neither my male or female alex liked a female grey and they were really aggressive towards lovebirds and budgies.

Mr Squaks post is really interesting - my alexs can be really uninterested in me sometimes but they get jealous really quickly - then I'm the most important person in the world