Alexandrine Parakeet

Merck Veterinary Manual says the Psittacula group (Indian ringneck and Alexandrine) is medium-sized, that its screams are piercing but fewer than in many parrots, and that many are good, quiet talkers; with enough attention and care they can be very affectionate. The World Parrot Trust adds that in the wild it usually occurs in small groups, that these gather into larger ones where food is plentiful and join communal roosts in big trees, that its calls are harsh and loud, and that it shrieks when mobbing predators.

It is the same at home: a social bird raises its voice when bored or alone. In a 2011 survey of avian veterinarians and parrot owners by Gaskins and Bergman, the most common behavior problems were aggression, screaming and feather picking; be prepared for these with big parrots.

The Alexandrine suits people who can set aside a large indoor space (an aviary or a separate room), are home most of the time, tolerate a lot of noise and accept a 20–30 year responsibility. RSPCA Australia reminds readers that birds can live 10 to 50 years, that noise levels vary greatly by species and that a bird vet can be hard to find. Per (2018) recommends banning the sale of the species as a cage bird in Türkiye; that is the author's view, not a legal rule.

According to the World Parrot Trust, the Alexandrine lives in South and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, with the range depending on the subspecies. It is rated Least Concern by the IUCN but is heavily trapped worldwide, and its numbers are falling in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indochina. In the wild it uses big trees for roosting and nesting and can damage crops.

The same source says the species has established populations in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, in Türkiye, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran, and in central Japan. Per (2018) notes that Alexandrine and ringneck parakeets have set up breeding populations in Türkiye, calls this undesirable and recommends banning their sale. Ważna and colleagues (2024) report that most parrots seen loose in Polish cities were escapees from amateur breeding. Door and window security is not optional.

A large green parrot with a long tail and a red-pink beak. The World Parrot Trust gives about 23 in (58 cm) and 8.75–9.1 oz (250–260 g). Much of its length is tail, so cage and flight space should be worked out from that size. What you can do: measure for yourself, before buying, whether the cage and flight room really fit that size; a tail rubbing on perches or wire can cause broken feathers and discomfort. Decide based on the bird's health and legal origin, not on looks.

• Flight: Free flight in a safe, large room every day. Window, door, fan and heater precautions; toxic plants removed.
• Mental work: Merck lists lack of mental stimulation among the causes of feather picking; give sturdy, chew-proof toys and swap them often.
• Regular attention: Merck recommends consistent, regular interaction; spend time at the same hours.
• Sleep: Merck notes the importance of a steady day-night rhythm and uninterrupted nights; RSPCA suggests a separate night cage instead of covering the cage.
• Bathing: A mister or shallow dish regularly; adjust the frequency to the bird.
• Back stroking: Merck notes this can stimulate sexual behavior in some birds.

Also see bonding with your bird and toys for birds.

RSPCA Australia's rule for a pair: the width at least three times the combined wingspan of the two birds, the height at least three times the head-to-tail length of the largest bird, and at least two wingbeats between perches. For a bird about 23 in (58 cm) long with the tail, that works out to a height of roughly 5.5 ft (1.7 m), so an ordinary home cage will not do. RSPCA writes that birds confined to cages risk obesity, arthritis, soft bones, boredom, feather picking, screaming and aggression; a large aviary or regular safe flight is essential.

• Material: For aviary wire, RSPCA suggests strong 1.6–1.8 mm wire for birds of 200–500 g; fine chicken-wire-style mesh can be chewed and swallowed. Poorly galvanized wire can poison with zinc; Merck prefers stainless steel.
• Perches: Natural, non-toxic branches in different thicknesses.
• Bowls: Stainless steel, glass or glazed ceramic; keep food and water apart.
• Floor: Newspaper or paper towel.
• Location: In a corner, away from traffic and noise. See the cage placement guide.
• Cleaning: At least weekly, ideally every 1–2 days.

According to Merck Veterinary Manual, a diet built around seeds and nuts is fatty, lacks many vitamins and minerals and is linked to liver, kidney, respiratory, bone and reproductive problems. The recommended base is a complete formulated pellet plus a smaller amount of fresh vegetables and fruit; work out the proportions with a vet who sees birds. Switch gradually.

• Vitamin A deficiency is common and often missed in seed-fed birds; Merck lists cantaloupe, papaya, sweet potato and dark leafy greens as vitamin A-rich examples.
• Do not mix powdered supplements into the water.
• For harmful foods, see foods that are harmful to birds.

Merck says birds hide illness, so by the time you notice signs the illness may be advanced. What follows is for information; for diagnosis and treatment, talk to a veterinarian who sees birds.

• Nutrition problems and obesity: Linked to seed-heavy diets.
• Feather picking: Merck says medical causes should be ruled out first, then psychological ones such as stress, boredom and sexual frustration be considered; according to Gaskins and Bergman it is the most common behavior problem avian vets see.
• Chlamydia (psittacosis): A disease that can spread through droppings, nasal discharge and feather dust and pass to people; Merck lists testing new birds, isolating sick birds, gloves and hand washing.
• Fume and gas poisoning: Overheated nonstick coatings, aerosol sprays and room fresheners can kill birds quickly.
• Heavy metals: Galvanized wire, metal toys and old paint are risky.

Merck says up to 20 years for the Psittacula group and the World Parrot Trust 25–30 years for the Alexandrine. A bird bought young will be with you for much of your life. The expert panel in Chalmers and colleagues (2024) lists the lack of a life plan for birds (moves, illness, rehoming) among the priority welfare issues for pet parrots.

• Legal status: The EU regulation (aligned with CITES) lists the Psittaciformes order generally under Appendix II ("II"), and the World Parrot Trust shows the Alexandrine in CITES Appendix II. When buying, ask for the exact species name and its paperwork. Confirm the details for Türkiye with the relevant official authorities.
• Avoid wild-caught birds: The World Parrot Trust writes that the species is a target of wild trapping. Buy from a documented, known breeding source.
• Rescues and shelters: Look for organizations that rehome birds.
• Assess the seller: Pick one who knows the species, gives health and diet information, and offers returns or support. RSPCA warns against impulse buying.
• Vet: First find out whether a bird vet is available near you; see one right after you bring the bird home.