Alexandrine Parrot and cockatiel?

[finkypooh]

I have an opportunity to adopt an Alexandrine Parrot. However, I have a two year old femail cockatiel and I am wondering if these two birds can get along. I would keep them in separate cages of course... The lady who is willing to let me adopt this bird told me that this parrot is 2 years old and is a bit timid. She says she has several other larger birds and that her amazon beats up on her, so she wants to rehome the Alexandrine. Can you all please give me some advice on this issue? Should I adopt this bird? I am ready to give this bird everything she needs, but I do not want to get her if she and my cockatiel won't get along. thanks

[Eliza]

Alexandrines are BEAUTIFUL parrots -- one of my favorite of the psittacula genus. I don't know too much about their temperment, though re: other species of parrots. You may wish to read through the ringneck forum on this site to learn more.

As for getting along with your cockatiel... well, only time will tell. I wouldn't recommend housing them together (which you mentioned that you would not be doing). As far as interacting outside of their cages together? One never knows if they'll get along or not. There is never any guarantee. You could get another cockatiel and LuLu might to like him or her.

At the very least, why not meet the Alex?

If you can properly quarantine a new bird for at least 45 days and when that's up, offer enough time to interact with it (whether or not it gets along with LuLu), why not consider it?

If you are having doubts, listen to them: maybe now is not the time to get a second bird.

Best of luck,

-e-

[tielfan]

Whether two birds will get along or not depends entirely on the personalities of those two individual birds. So it's impossible to answer your question because no one can know the answer without putting the birds together. There's a considerable size difference between and Alexandrine and a cockatiel, which might make the cockatiel feel afraid of the Alexandrine. Or it might not. It all depends on the bird.

New birds need to be introduced slowly and carefully, whether the birds are the same species or not. Spending a few weeks looking at each other from across the room and a few more weeks with the cages moving gradually closer might help them accept each other. Or it might not.

Because of the size difference, you'd have to consider their attitude toward each other very very carefully before you decide whether to let them get within touching distance of each other. If a fight broke out the cockatiel would lose and you don't want to take a chance on that.

[BigBird]

At our local pet shop there is a store pet alexandrine and a green cheek conure. They love each other!

[finkypooh]

Thanks for the advice. After much thought I have decided to get the bird. I get to meet her on Friday and I am so excited! Should I quarantine for 45 days or longer? I have a bedroom that is downstairs and close to the living room that I could put her in. Lulu lives in the living room. Is this far apart enough?

[Eliza]

I'm a freak when it comes to quarantine but that's due to an issue that I had with a new hedgehogs and mites + scabies. Let's just leave it at that ;)

You'll often hear 30 days but quite frankly, I think that's too short in most cases. I prefer 90 days, with 45-60 usually being adequate. Make sure that you wash your hands and change shoes/clothes in between handling Lulu and the newbie, of course. Ideally, Q will be in a completely seperate air space but that is often impossible in the average home. I'd want them as far apart as possible as a precaution.

You'll want to make sure that Lulu (LOVE the name, BTW) in good health and get the new bird to a vet for an exam + bloodwork. Discuss Q with your avian vet; s/he will be able to help you make a decision that is best for your lifestyle.


HTH,

-e-

[Halo]

Our local pet store has a yellow lored amazon and an alexandrine in the same cage and they get along famously. They are just beautiful birds and I love their personalities!

Congrats!