Alexandrines as pets ?

[Williamsong]

I was wondering just how alexandrine parakeets are as pets because I can't seem to find any reliable care sheets on line. I'm looking for are they nippy, male or female, can they be cuddly, just general pet and personality information, not like care and feeding and stuff just personality and different things like that.

Thanks~ Gage

 

[Bundiibird]

Our alex is a female. She is happy for my husband to touch her almost all over her body however I on the other hand have to pick my days. I trust her fully and she is allowed on our shoulders. I trust her 100% around my face even with that big red beak. This is something though tat must be decided based on the individual birdie.

I would not class our alex as cuddly at all but she has her moments. She is happy to spend all day with you or all day in/on her cage. Depends on what is happening at home. She is easily entertained with plenty of wooden toys, even if they are just popsicle sticks. She is definitely an independent bird. She loves to just hang

I would recommend an alex but my opinion might be a little bias.

 

[Betrisher]

Yes. What Amanda said. I have a pair of Alexes (the Beaks) and they are just perfect, IMHO. Definitely hands-off, but so, SO affectionate and funny, Alexes will win your heart if you give them half a chance. One thing Amanda didn't mention was their high intelligence. Alexes make excellent talkers and learn tricks super-quickly: mine have a few little party tricks and usually take about five minutes to learn something new.

The best thing about Alexandrines is the fact that they are vastly, incredibly and outstandingly GREEN!!!

 

[SilverSage]

I have limited experience, those I have interacted would not be classed as cuddly. In general, if you are looking for a cuddly bird avoid all Asiatics (Alexandrines, IRNs, etc), and Pionus, I think Greys are supposed to be on the less cuddly side but I couldnt vouch for it from personal experience. Eclectus are generally not cuddly either.

I have noticed a theme to your posts that you want a super snuggly bird, but not a small one. My first thought is, why does it matter so much what size package they come in? But that is for you to think about.

Ultimately though, I need to stress that no matter what species you choose, the cuddle levels have to do with personality of the bird, early socialization and conditioning, and how YOU TREAT THE BIRD. Yes, some species are known to be cuddlers (GCCs for example) but even with them there are some who do not cuddle. If your main concern is to get a snuggle buddy, perhaps a dog or cat would be a better option?

 

[Terry57]

Alexes are awesome! My guy loves to snuggle against our necks, but isn't that crazy about being petted. I completely agree with Amanda and Trish, they are just a fabulous bird
Our cuddliest bird would be our Blue Headed Pionus, he would snuggle with us all day if we let him.

 

[ParrotsAhoy]

Tachyon isnt remotely what you'd call cuddly, he sometimes puts his head against my husbands for a small moment of bonding but that about it. He dosnt like to be touched, or scratched, or patted, stepping up and tiny bits of touch during training are all hes keen on .. going to get him to step up when hes not interested just gets a huge grumpy indignant noise and he shuffles to the other end of the perch. All that said, he LOVES being with people, he loves chatting and nibbling on things im holding etc, he loves interacting with people, but not in a cuddly-way. From what ive heard, this is pretty normal for Alexes (obviously there will be cuddly ones out there, but I prob wouldnt buy an Alex if I was looking for parrots with the cuddle-gene).

ETA: forgot to mention that he has, personally, been a nippy bird, but I couldnt tell you if thats because he was mistreated by his previous owner or if its an Alex trait.

 

[khaiqha]

No bird you get might fit in with the species stereotypes. Alexandrines, and ringnecks in general, are usually known to be intelligent, independent, and not that cuddly (still highly affectionate though). My first two IRNs were like that, so I got an alexandrine expecting the same. Two years later my alex wants to be constantly petted, is extremely codependent, and is dumb as a rock.

 

[SilverSage]

Exactly, also what was said about Terry's BHP being the super snuggly; there will always be individuals who do not conform to species stereo-types, but in general Asiatics are not your best bet if snuggling is important to you.

 

[Delfin]

The bird's Personality is determined by how it's socialised through the interactions within it's environment. My Alexandrines Delfin and Mulawa don't mind being picked up and scratched on the head, petted or put on their backs and their bellies rubbed. Delfin is well socialised within the family. Yes, I have read that the Alexandrine is not a touchy feely bird and can become attached to one person.

This is not what I have experienced with Delfin, and Mulawa is starting to do the same. But I know that other species of birds are more inclined to human touch and others are not. Of course this all depends on being socialized properly and boundaries put in place and remember, each bird is different.

There is some things which are really important that you should be aware of. Birds can live for a very long time, require lots of your time and money. Please think very carefully about the responsibility you are looking to take on. It's very good that you are researching and asking questions. But you need to base it on everything from food, water, medical, training, mental and physical wellbeing, plus the social interactions.

If you feel that you can't commit to this responsibility, then seriously consider another type of pet. some Birds don't take to being re-homed well. Just ask the awesome people on this forum alone who have been involved in re-homing and socialising re-homed birds. But if you're up for the journey then you in for an unforgettable journey.

One way of finding a compatible bird is to visit pet shops and breeders and let the bird pick you. It couldn't hurt. A couple of years ago at our local pet shop one of the worker had a Galah at the shop and it was a very friendly bird. But when the Galah first met my wife it became very excited and would ignore everyone else including the owner. The Owner said he had never seen his bird react to anyone like that before. Every time the wife and I went into the pet shop the Galah would climb onto the side of the cage and call out to my wife. The Galah wasn't for sale, which was a shame.

Remember there are lots of people on this forum whom can help you.

 

[Deven]

I'm a little late to this talk but have had my boy for 22 years. He is very affectionate and will go to anyone willingly but just doesn't really like his feathers messed with. No ruffling of feathers, just stroking. He's kind of cute because he gently will take your hand/finger in his beak and move it away. It's just the way they are, lots of kissing, lots of talking and whispering.