Adopting new ringneck?

[jaixion]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and the bird world. I've had my current Indian Ringneck since November, 2011. I believe he is a girl, although I was told when I purchased him that he was a male. Being a softie when it comes to animals, I bought a completely untame, 6 month old ringneck.
In three weeks I'll be buying another ringneck, only this time hand - reared and only weeks old! But I've got a few questions. Actually, a lot of questions.
Firstly, what do I do as far as housing and feeding? The breeder told me they're 3 days off getting their feathers, and I can have it in another 3 weeks. How old would that make it when I get it? Also, can I put it in a cage with my current ringneck after they're (hopefully) acquainted? It's quite a big cage. How often should I handle the new bird? Should I clip it's wings? How often does it need to be fed?
Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[Amandastander]

Hi your current ringneck may be jealous and hurt the babe, time will tell there. You should handle your baby every day to ensure tameness. Your baby will also go through a nippy stage at abt 14 weeks or so, that can last for a few weeks, use positive reinforcement at that time, do not stop handling the babe then, as thgat will result in it biting constantly just because it can. If it bites, just put it on the perch for a few seconds and then take it again, this will show babe that you're not fazed by him/her. Clipping should be done by someone knowledgable untill such time as you feel comfortable to do it yourself, its easy to clip into a blood vein in. The wings or toe if you are not accustomed to clipping. I have a friend that does my birds wings. Make sure to provide baby lots of toys and love. As for your older ringneck, some males take up to 3 years before displaying the ring, best way is to have it dna sexed by a vet, though males tend to do a wing display if placed in front of a mirror. Males also have slightly larger beaks than females.

 

[jaixion]

Thanks for your advice. He does a sort of 'wing display' in front of his mirror. He can't talk, but he mumbles and chatters to it. He sort of spreads his wings (not out) but away from his body and leans in towards the mirror with his eyes pinning. This is what gave me the idea that he was male. Also, he has a very light blue ring around his neck and a dull beak. I'd love to take him to the vet to be DNA tested, the only problem is I can't get him out of his cage to get him there!

 

[wenz2712]

If he his starting to develop a ring around his neck, then it is Male.. The ring turns darker between 18 and 24 Months> The Female does not have the ring.

Also, welcome to the forum

 

[Amandastander]

Yup, definitely a male if the ring is starting to appear! Post pics when baby arrives please, would love to see the newbie!