Alexandrine Parakeet

Large noble parakeets like the Alexandrine Parakeet need a spacious aviary. The minimum recommended dimensions are 6m x 2m x 2.5m for a pair, provided that the agile birds receive daily flying time. Keeping these sociable birds alone is not an option.

For those hardy animals living in an outdoor aviary, a frost-free shelter must be provided. Alternatively, accommodation in a separate bird room is possible. In this case, a bird lamp with UV content should be used to replace the absent sunlight.

A room temperature between 18°C and 25°C and a relative humidity of at least 60% are ideal for these exotic birds.

Aviary setup

The aviary should not be made of wood, as the gnawing-prone birds can quickly destroy the material with their strong beaks. Instead, a metal enclosure should be chosen.

Multiple perches, ropes, swings, toys, and branches from untreated fruit trees provide variety and entertainment.

A bathhouse is also eagerly encouraged. Please note Alexandrine Parakeets can do without other bird species like budgerigars as roommates – they do not socialise well with other birds.

Alexandrine Parakeets can be fed with seed mixes for large parakeets. These contain various seeds like millet, oats, wheat, and sunflower seeds.

Additionally, these ornamental birds need daily fresh food in the form of fruits, vegetables, and/or wild or kitchen herbs. Sprouted seeds, like sprouted millet, and millet sprays are excellent as a healthy treat.

Moreover, these green parakeets require daily fresh drinking water. Bird grit, cuttlebone, or a mineral block provide the necessary mineral supply and support healthy digestion. During their moult, the birds should receive additional protein food in the form of cooked eggs, insects, or larvae.

A robust bird by nature, the Alexandrine Parakeet can live for 20 to 30 years when kept in species-appropriate conditions and, in exceptional cases, even longer.

The right diet is crucial for a long, healthy avian life. The seed mix should not contain too many fatty seeds and nuts, such as sunflower and peanut kernels, to prevent the large parakeets from becoming overweight.

Added weight weakens the immune system and can strain the joints.

Veterinary visits

If the parrot shows typical signs of illness such as loss of appetite or weight, apathetic behaviour, or changes in droppings, it should be taken to a knowledgeable veterinarian.

Sudden behavioural changes, such as unusual tameness or withdrawal from the group, is also a reason for a vet visit.

The Alexandrine Parakeet is native to South Asia. The various subspecies can be found in regions ranging from Afghanistan through India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand to Laos.

The nominate form or hybrids of the various subspecies are usually kept as pets. The animals inhabit moist forest areas, and cultivated landscapes such as fields and orchards.

There, the parakeets often cause significant damage, leading to farmers driving them away. The species is currently categorised as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN. Habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade have contributed to the decline in populations.

Named after Alexander the Great

The Alexandrine Parakeet was named after the Macedonian king Alexander the Great, who is thought to have brought the splendid bird back from his conquests around 326 BC from India to Europe.

Back in his homeland, the Alexandrine Parakeet became a status symbol among the nobility. Thus, this exotic bird has a venerable history of around 2,500 years as a domesticated pet in Europe, being the first parrot species introduced here.