Concerns on my Alexandrine

[vaishu]

Hi,

I need help to clarify some concerns on my Alexandrine...

I couldn't able to attach the image here, but by checking the below tag, can anyone tell what is the approx age of my Alex?

https://imgur.com/a/kXsQbhD

I have seen many images of Alexandrines on internet, and noticed the beak color is red, but the color of beak of my alex is not red. What may be the reason?

I was handfeeding the formula to Alex, he was good in eating formula, fruits etc. For last two three days he is avoiding formula as well as fruits. I also tried different foods, including pellets as he started weaning. What may be the reason?

He started flying from yesterday, and now he is getting angry keeping him inside his cage. I have limited space at my home and I don't want him to get injured hitting at wall or somewhere. Can I trim its flying feathers and nails at this stage? I met a vet and they told they will arrange to trim its feathers, nail and beak. Is it right time?

I have few experience with Indian Ringneck, but a newbie to alex. Expect help from the members

 

[dhraiden]

Welcome Vaishu: only blood-work done by an Avian Vet can precisely determine a bird's age.


As far as deviation of beak color from the norm: that may simply be a cosmetic mutation.


If he shows disinterest in consuming formula and fruits, experiment with other (bird-safe, of course) foods. Leave a variety of things for him to try in his cage at his own pace.


Beaks do not necessarily need trimming if he has enough wooden toys to chew on. The same is true for nails and perches, but nails do grow faster than beaks, generally.


Feathers do not need to be 'trimmed' - unless you desire him to be unable to fly. It is better that you have an area of your home you arrange for him to be able to safely fly within, while you are nearby to supervise.


Birds need to be able to fly for their overall physical and mental health. I would not recommend trimming his wings. Once we purchased our two parrots, we determined that when their wing feathers grew "back in", we would leave it that way.

 

[vaishu]

Dear Dhraiden,

Thanks for the quick response

Can I force feed him , his formula, since he is very hungry?

Also I don't feel, he will be safe flying inside the house. Is it will face any behavioral issues, if we cut its wings at this stage?

Thanks

 

[charmedbyekkie]

Regarding clipping now, short answer: yes, it will cause problems.

Longer answer: if you clip his wings before he learns how to fly, it will likely cause not just behavioural issues, but also physical issues. Using their wings is not just good for flying, it also good for their breathing/lungs/air sacs and their heart. If you clip before he can learn how to fly properly, then he might not develop his chest muscles properly. Behavioural issues alone can range from lack of confidence and fearfulness (which can lead to biting or timidness). Not to mention, you will have to teach him how to use his wings, so his heart and lungs can remain healthy and he can have a long life.

He must learn how to fly confidently first before you consider clipping his wings. If you decide to clip when the time comes, remember to clip both wings - clipping only one wing will result in serious injury (we have see broken bones).


As for food, I would let an experienced breeder answer that question.

 

[Betrisher]

Hello vaishu and welcome to the forums!

I agree with charmedbyekkie. It can cause a lot of big problems later on if you clip now. From the photo, it seems your bird has place of his own in your house. You should always keep him there and, if he flies off, simply bring him back, praise him and set him down in his own place again. He'll learn to stay there if you bring him back every time he moves away. Of course, he'll be much more likely to stay in his place if he has toys and something to chew.

I know that some people will tie a bird's leg to his perch to keep him safe. This is such a bad idea! A bird kept like that will never be truly tame and will almost certainly end up maimed with broken legs. Just be patient and start training him to stay on his station.

About his pale-coloured bill: I don't know why it's that colour, but I suspect something lacking in his diet. The vet will be able to tell you more. You can certainly get the vet to clip his nails, but you should know that all parrots have sharp claws and they'll still be sharp, even after clipping. The bill doesn't need clipping at all! From the photo, it's quite fine. You'll notice the edges will be flaky at different times of year, but that's normal beak growth and nothing to be worried about.

About feeding: I'm afraid I got my birds after their parents had weaned them, so I have no experience feeding babies. I'm sure other members will help, though. I do know that force-feeding is not good. You should ask your vet to show you how and what to feed your baby. A young bird like this can be badly hurt if you feed it too forcefully, so do ask the vet to show you. Why don't you try offering him his formula from a small spoon? My Alexes still love to eat cereal like that and quickly got used to feeding from a spoon.

Do let us know what the vet said, won't you? I'll be interested to hear what he thinks about the unsual beak colour (I've never seen one like it). Best of luck to you and your Alex!