Creature feature | PETS
http://www.facebook.com/petsmagazine August 89
easiest to train,” she says.
“Because these birds have been domesticated
since 400 years before Christ, they are the most
suited to fi t in with family life.”OWNING AN ALEXANDRINE
What does it take to care for an Alexandrine
on a day-to-day basis? Happily, both Dail and
Karin say that they are relatively low-maintenance
birds. “They are a very clever bird and while they
make a great pet, it is important for a future
owner to understand that it is far kinder to have a
pair rather than a single bird,” Dail explains.
“The reason for this is simple: humans usually
have a life around the bird — work, school, sport,
shopping and many other reasons the bird would
be left on its own. Parrots are fl ock creatures and
need company 24/7. It is fi ne to get a ‘companion
bird’ but when you are not around, who is the
parrot’s companion?”
In terms of food, Alexandrines love fruit and
veg, while Dail stresses the importance of always
giving the best-quality food. “If it is no good forhuman consumption, then it is no good for a
parrot,” she says. Avocado is also toxic to parrots
and should always be avoided.
A clean cage every day is also essential to
ensure a healthy bird. Water must be clean and
fresh, with Dail once again advising that if you
wouldn’t drink it, don’t ask your bird to.
Housing should be the largest you can aff ord,
at the very least a cage big enough for the bird
to fl ap its wings without touching the sides.
A good play gym with lots of toys and food
available is another must.
“One thing that is important to keep in mind
is an Alex is like a cross between a termite and
an angle grinder — this bird needs to chew to
keep its beak in shape, so give lots of chewable
toys but no metal,” Dail says.
With a life span of up to 30 years or more,
Alexandrines are relatively easy to maintain in
top health. As always, acquiring your bird from
a reputable breeder is the best way to ensure
that your new pet doesn’t suff er from any
health problems.
And most pleasing of all, these birds are known
to make great family pets. “I generally suggest that
if someone wants an Alex, fi rst buy one and train
it to fi t into the family. Once it is about a year old,
get it a partner. The fi rst bird will teach the second
all the rules. If children are going to be part of the
bird’s life, then get the children to understand they
will get along with the bird best if they are gentle
and move slowly initially,” Dail says.
As for Karin, she has one simple piece of advice
for someone thinking of adding an Alexandrine
to their family: go ahead. “You will never look
back once you have such a wonderful pet. It has
a super personality and is a very faithful bird.”ALEXANDRINE THE GREAT
Maintenance:^
Size: 55–60cm long
Weight: 250–300g
Lifespan: 30+ years
Cost: $350+At a Glance
Parrots in Paradise Parrots in Paradise
SanctuarySanctuary
Parrots in Paradise is a not-for-profi t
exotic bird sanctuary found in
Queensland’s Glasshouse Mountains.
It aims to educate people about the
intelligence of parrots, both physical
and mental, through entertainment
and interaction with the birds.
“As well as being a sanctuary for
surrendered and rescued birds, we are
a breeding, grooming and boarding
establishment. We also have vet
students and vet nurse students come
to spend a week or more here for their
extramural placement,” Dail says.
Parrots in Paradise is always on the
lookout for volunteers and donations
of useful items. Find out more at
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