Alexandrine Parrots and Lord Derby Parrots are intelligent, social, and playful birds that make fascinating companions. While they are smaller than large parrots, they still require dedicated care, proper housing, a nutritious diet, and mental stimulation to thrive. This guide provides detailed care information for these species.

Cage Size

• Alexandrine Parrots: Minimum 36" W x 24" D x 36" H for a single bird; larger is ideal.
• Lord Derby Parrots: Minimum 30" W x 24" D x 36" H for a single bird; larger preferred.
   

Bar Spacing

• ¾ inch to 1 inch to prevent escape or injury.
   

Location

• Bright room with indirect sunlight.
• Avoid drafts, kitchens (Teflon fumes), and high-traffic or noisy areas.
• Both species enjoy social interaction but also need quiet periods for rest.
   

Perches & Toys

• Variety of natural wooden perches of different diameters for foot health.
• Safe chewable toys, ropes, swings, and foraging toys to encourage activity.
• Provide enrichment to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.
   

Nesting or Retreat (Optional)

• For breeding, provide a secure wooden nesting box with soft bedding.
• Even non-breeding birds benefit from a hideaway or small retreat inside the cage.
   

Seed Mix.

• Seeds can be offered as treats or in moderation; avoid high-fat sunflower-heavy mixes.
   

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

• Leafy greens (kale, spinach, romaine), vegetables (carrot, broccoli, peas), and fruits (apple, pear, berries, melon).
• Avoid avocado, chocolate, onions, caffeine, and other toxic foods.
   

Protein & Supplements

• Boiled egg, egg food, or sprouted seeds during breeding or molting.
• Mineral blocks or cuttlebone for calcium and trace minerals.
   

Water

• Fresh, clean water daily; ensure dishes are cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
   

Companionship

• Both Alexandrine and Lord Derby parrots are social birds.
• Daily interaction is important to maintain trust and prevent loneliness.
• Can bond strongly with humans and benefit from attention, but also enjoy peer interaction if housed with compatible birds.
   

Bonding & Training

• Positive reinforcement training works well.
• Can learn tricks, mimic sounds, and enjoy interaction through play and social games.
   

Out-of-Cage Time

• Supervised flight and playtime several hours a week (or daily) are essential for mental and physical health.
   

Feather & Bathing

• Provide shallow baths or misting regularly.
• Monitor for feather plucking, over-preening, or dull feathers.
   

Nail & Beak Care

• Regular chewing on safe wood or toys helps maintain beak health.
• Nail trims may be necessary if natural wear is insufficient.
   

Health Monitoring

• Watch for signs of illness: fluffed feathers, lethargy, changes in droppings, loss of appetite.
• Maintain clean cages and fresh food to reduce risk of infections.
   

Molting

• Occurs once or twice a year; increase protein to support new feather growth.
   

Nesting Setup

• Provide species-appropriate wooden nesting boxes.
• Soft bedding like coconut fiber or shredded paper is ideal.
   

Eggs & Chicks

• Provide extra calcium and protein during breeding and chick-rearing.
• Parents typically feed and care for chicks; juveniles fledge after 6–8 weeks depending on species.
   

Activity Level

• Alexandrines: Playful, intelligent, enjoy climbing, chewing, and exploring.
• Lord Derby Parrots: Active, social, enjoy interaction, can be slightly shy initially.
   

Vocalization

• Alexandrines: Moderate vocalizations; can mimic human speech or environmental sounds.
• Lord Derby Parrots: Gentle calls; quieter than Alexandrines but still vocal when excited.
   

Bonding & Interaction

• Both species form strong bonds with owners and enjoy daily interaction.
• Mental stimulation through toys, puzzle feeders, and social games is crucial.
   

Toxins

• Avoid non-stick cookware fumes, aerosol sprays, scented candles, and toxic plants.
   

Other Pets

• Keep cages out of reach of cats, dogs, and predators.
• Never allow unsupervised interactions.
   

Daily

• Replace water, remove uneaten fresh food, spot-clean cage, wipe dishes.
   

Weekly

• Replace cage liner, wash perches and toys, clean cage bars and tray, rotate enrichment items.
   

Monthly

• Deep-clean cage, disinfect, inspect and replace worn perches or toys.
   

Alexandrine Parrots

• Adult males often have slightly brighter plumage and more pronounced red shoulder patch; DNA testing recommended for accuracy.
   

Lord Derby Parrots

• Subtle dimorphism; DNA testing usually required to reliably determine sex.
   

Alexandrine Parrots and Lord Derby Parrots are intelligent, active, and affectionate birds that bring energy and personality to your home. With proper housing, nutrition, socialization, mental stimulation, and regular health monitoring, these small parrots can thrive and provide years of enjoyment.