Humphrey came to us some time after we lost little MiniMickyMoo. So we were still a little sad and a whole lot nervous. I lost our Indian Ringneck, MiniMickyMoo so suddenly I couldn't help but be wary of the fragility of our new feathered friend. It's not until you loss a pet bird that you are harshly reminded of their tiny little bodies, even the toughest looking parrot is so easily broken.
WHERE I LOOKED
I found Humphrey online, in an advert from a popular pet classified site. It is one of the largest and busiest sites in Australia. The birds on offer come from all over Australia and are mainly from breeders, both professional and novice. Many of the breeders hand rear their birds and individuals advertise also. I had been looking at the site to get an idea of the birds available, their cost and then I would do a search to find more information on caring for that particular breed of bird.
DECIDING ON THE BREED OF MY NEW BIRD
I had first wanted to find another Indian Ringneck but the season was over and the only birds left were over priced. I email a couple of ads from individuals looking for a new home for their pet Ringneck but these birds went really quickly. I came across a number of ads for Alexandrines "Psittacula eupatria" a relative of the Indian Ringneck. They are indigenous to India and are a larger parrot then the Indian Ringneck, up to around 6o cm but their tail makes up almost half its length.
WHAT THE ALEXANDRINE PARROT LOOKS LIKE.
They are primarily green like our MiniMickyMoo, and like the Indian Ringneck, the males develop a black neck ring, the Alexandrine also have a pink band beneath the black ring, usually not visible until after their first full molt, which can take almost two years. They also have a reddish brown patch on their shoulders and yellowish feathers in their tail. The females and juveniles look very similar to the male but don't have the black neck ring and the pink ring is much fainter.
PERSONALITY AND NATURE OF ALEXANDRINES.
I also found out that they have very similar personality types to the Ringneck. They are strong independent natures, and not as cuddly as other parrots. They seem to prefer to have the control of how much or how long the affection last. Obviously all parrots have their own personalities and some can have very unique and unusual natures and actions.
WINNING THE LOVE OF AN ALEXANDRINE.
You really have to work for your Alexandrines love. You can't expect devoted excitement when you have forgotten to spend the expected time and attention that they may have come to depend on. Alexandrines also go through a grumpy adolescent period. I read a number of stories about how a loving, attention seeking, hand reared babies, suddenly appears to turn into a rebellious, cantankerous, biting, antisocial sulk.
THE REBELLIOUS ADOLESCENT
This I found out was an important aspect of growing up, for a wild Alexandrine. In the wild when they reach this age, this new behaviour urges them to become independent, to leave home, searching new territories and ultimately ensure the diversity of their species.
WHAT TO PAY?
After researching the Alexandrine parrot, I knew I had found my new companion. What should I expect to pay? The price of an Alexandrine like any other pet bird, can vary drastically, depending on what you
expected from your new bird. If you want a hand reared baby or tame pet, the price is anywhere up to $500. Birds of breeding age are also expensive compared to a young aviary bird, priced from around $250.
BRINGING HOME MY ALEXANDRINE, HUMPHREY.
A two hour drive to Brisbane and back, and I finally had my little man home, safe and sound. He was stressed, his beak was dull and he was jumpy. I put him in the bedroom and covered his cage, nice and dark, and nice and quiet. He needed time to settle down, and get over the stress of leaving his only home and traveling hours in a car. His original family had named him Rex, but he didn’t look like Rex to us. Half way back home, he was named, Humphrey. This prestigious, old fashion name really seemed to suit him
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