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About Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott
Expertise
Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides. Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care. No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication. Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.

Experience
Certified Avian Specialist. For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.

Organizations
4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more

Publications
Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.

Education/Credentials
Doctorate, Ordained Minister

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Birds > Parrots > Alexandrines

Parrots - Alexandrines

Expert: Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott - 11/1/2009

Question
I have a 6 week and 9 week old alex. 6 weeks is a female amd 9 weeks is a male. they are not related and are being handraised. I want them to be tame pets. Is it wise to keep one of each sex or should i have 2 of the same sex? Can they be housed together or do they need separate cages? Is it better to have just one as a pet. I just love them both and finding it hard to part with one, but i dont want to keep both if they wont be as friendly towards me as i have heard that around breeding age the male could become quite aggressive towards me. Please help me make the best decision.   Syl

Answer
It won't matter what sex combination you have as long as you keep them separate. And it's quite easy to keep them both bonded to you this way.

So in the case of birds, you can have your cake and eat it too :)

   Provide the largest cage possible for each bird, complete with various perches in different widths and materials, cuttlebone and mineral block, food and water. You can keep the cages near each other so they can enjoy the company, but not encourage physical interaction.

As is always a suggestion, make sure you’re feeding the appropriate foods (ideas for nutritional needs can be seen here www.4AnimalCare.org/birds)

  When it comes time for interaction you can take them out at the same time, but have separate perch areas and only handle one at a time.   The birds in my home are not allowed to ever touch each other. They play on the floor and share toys there, usually one taking a toy that the other has just put down and they are very close, but no physical interaction is allowed.

They are best friends vocally. During the day I'll hear them interacting with one imitating an animal and the other naming it, or one will issue commands like "step up" and the other will laugh about it. I sort of feel that they're mocking me, but it's adorable.

See more about how the arrangement is set up, including night cages here
   www.4AnimalCare.org/birds

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