Alexandrine vs. Indian Ringneck

[Monypooh12]

Hello! I currently own two cockatiels and am looking to add another parrot to the family. I think I have narrowed the search down to an Alexandrine or an Indian Ringneck, but don't know where to go from here. I don't really understand the differences between the two birds too well and was hoping to get some advice.
Some facts about me and what I am looking for in a parrot:
I am a student, with plenty of time to spare for my birdies.
I am looking for a medium sized parrot, I don't think I am ready for the large feet and beaks that come with larger parrots.
I would like a bird with talking abilities - but it doesn't matter if that never actually happens, because I mostly want a bird with a friendly loving demeanor.
I would love to have a bird that enjoyed being petted and cuddled.
I also would love recommendations for Alexandrine breeders. Alexandrines seem harder to find than the Indian Ringneck.

Also: Somebody please talking me out of a Hahns Macaw. They have caught my interest, but are a bit more expensive than I was looking to go!

 

[ACEPHONECHIC]

I hAve both a female ringneck and a male alexandrine who live in the same cage. In my experience I would always choose the alexandrine he is very sweet gentle natured. The ringnecks seem to be more fiesty. Worth the extra outlay to have the Alexandrine in my experience.

 

[UMARKHANMARDAN]

Its depends on your personal taste.If you want a tamed bird with beautiful appearance then Alexandrine is for you.
If you want a parakeet with excellent speaking power then Indian Ring neck is better choice.The demands for both are same as both come from same habitates.Alixandrine are also rear & bit expensive than IRN. I love both because both have their own qualities.
The red patch on the shoulders & big size gives the real grace to Alexandrine.

 

[Betrisher]

I'm biased, but I'd go with the Alexandrine. Barney and Madge give my whole family heaps of pleasure and they're so darned gorgeous! Mind you, they do have beaks and those are proportionally much larger than a ringneck's beak. You'll get bitten no matter what you choose, but an on-purpose bite from an Alex is pretty ouchy.

Having said that, though, it's insignificant compared to the rush of wings over your head as they strafe you during their exercise time. Barney and Madge have perfected their route from the bathroom, through the living room and up the passageway of my place. They swoop over my head with about half an inch to spare and seem to admire me for staying put. They're comedians, the pair of them!

 

[gemini84]

i have owned both alexandrines and IRN's. each and every one of them had/has totally different personalities.

Neither species is very well know for being cuddly and affectionate but no bird can be stereo typed, i guess it depends on the way they are raised, treated and socialised.
My first IRN was nasty, she was never handled or socialised with (before she came to live with me) she calmed a little whilst with me but was never even close to being tame. My 2nd IRN Bob was very socialble and would sit with you on your shoulder or follow you around all day. He would go to anybody, although you could never pat him unless you wanted to get bit, and the inly way to remove him from your shoukder was to lean against his cage or where ever it was that you wanted to put him. try get him to step up iff your shoukder would equate to a bite.
My first Alex was hand reared but never sold or socialused till i bought her at 18months. She was happy to sit with you on her own terms, but again not one to be cuddled or patted. My 2nd Alex, oxy has his days. i got him at 11weeks old as a gift from my bf and i finished his weaning process. I spend pretty much all day every day with him. He is very gentle and has his days of being a sooky cuddly bear or if he just wants to sit and play on a cage or playstand. My 3rd and 4th Alex's were rehomed from the same home. Prince 3.5yr Bruno 1.5yr. Prince is very cuddly and affectionate and loves getting pats and scratches. Bruno on the other hand is slowly coming around. He will sit and play with you, step up etc etc but would not allow you to even attempt to pat him (i can now pat his tail).

so as you can see every bird has a different personality, but what all of the above mentioned parrots had in common is:-
adventourous
inquisitive
intelligent
entertaining
messy
and above all DESTRUCTIVE, as i was typing this bruno chewed a snap button off of my good jacket that was hanging on the dining room chair. in my years i have gone thru countless phones, remotes, buttons abd not to mention the DIY repair jobs on any pretruding wooden structure in my homes, widow sills etc.
But i would not change it for the world.

Both species require alot of mental stimulation, chewing toys and attention but are quite happy to play independantly aswell if required.

I'm personally not to biased towards the Alex's although it may seem i am as i currently own 3. I find them more appealing because of their size, and colouration on shoulders.
But the variety of colours available in IRN's also appeals to me.
Spend some time with birds of both species and find a bird that chooses you, but if you are after a bird that will "definately" like cuddles and pats, id probably look into a different species. Remember you get what you put in, mine are beautifully calm content and mostly cuddly but i spend atleast 8hrs a day interacting with them outside of the cage.
Good lyck in your descision and sorry for the long post, just trying to help you make the most informed descision you can

 

[coltfire]

i two have owned both, but i think Gemini said it all, not much more can be said than already has, unless your looking for an eclectus then i can go into it. lol