Can't decide on which parrot!

[dialupslim]

I have the chance to choose out of either a Indian ring neck (turquoise) or a Mexican redhead amazon. Can you guys share some information and pros and cons of either? I would like whichever bird is more likely be able to go outside without leaving; like some macaws. as well as one that is friendly (both will be babies, but you know how some birds are). Thanks in advance. I was told both birds are pretty godo talkers and singers (whistle?)

 

[Kiwibird]

I haven't dealt much with IRNs, but from my understanding, they take a lot of work to be 'pet' quality birds. We do know a couple with one who is friendly toward the wife and has a sizable vocabulary, so they are smart and can be excellent pets if you work with them.

I did grow up with a GCA (aka a mexican redhead) and Barney is the *sweetest* bird you could ever meet. My parents have had him since before he was weaned, he's over 40 y/o now and is just a gentle soul. Doesn't make a lot of noise, has NEVER bitten, isn't destructive and is a general sweetheart. Keeping in mind EVERY bird is an individual and a lot depends on how you work with them, but the smaller amazons have a reputation for being really good birds

 

[Dinosrawr]

IRN are indeed very "wild" birds, so if you're looking for a cuddle bug I couldn't say I recommend them. It's not to say they won't tolerate touch, but they're well known for their hands-off mentality. They also take a lot of stimulation as they're incredibly intelligent... Shiko is my 3 month old IRN, and he immediately picks up any training we give him, so he needs constant stimulation and he also needs his cage reorganized to keep him entertained He's incredibly cute when he plays, and he'll grab a foot toy and hop around... it's so cute!

So, from my experience, IRNs are great birds for training due to their high food motivation and intelligence, but they take a lot of work and require lots and lots of attention to stay... "willing", for a lack of a better term. Of course, you'll never know until you have the bird. You also get a double dose of hormonal behaviour, as they bluff at a young age. Thankfully Shiko doesn't bite, but they are known to get incredibly aggressive for up to a month or longer during this experience, and during that time you must remain continually positive. And, for whatever reason, a lot of owners say you should take the bite from them through this stage. Shiko simply lunges and knocks you with his beak, but not all ring necks are so forgiving and gentle.

He's also VERY destructive, and I have to buy him new toys constantly because of it. He has to be chewing on something, so he's a poor shoulder bird, haha. That can be trained with stationing, though, but I can't imagine he'd sit long even after being fully trained. We do station training with him, but after about 5 minutes he couldn't care less and wants to hop along and play with his toys, haha! IRNs are excellent talkers, but Amazons have a clarity like no other and are known to mimic extraordinarily well. IRNs sound more like a child on helium when they speak, haha.

Any bird can be trained to not leave while going outside, but I can't say I'd recommend ever taking a bird out without being restrained, unless you've trained them for years for it with the proper restraints. You have to remember that they're prey animals, and are keen to quickly fly away should they feel threatened, even if they're well trained.

 

[witchbaby]

IRNs are excellent talkers, but Amazons have a clarity like no other and are known to mimic extraordinarily well.

The smaller amazons aren't really known for their talking ability. It does depend on the individual bird, of course, but it's something to keep in mind if that's what you're looking for specifically. That being said, the smaller amazons can be very sweet. If friendly is what you want, the mexican redheaded/green cheeked amazon is a great choice. They're a lot of fun too!

 

[SilverSage]

I just got my little Blue IRN, and am still waiting for Scout to be weaned and come home, making us a 2 IRN family. I called the breeder today, because I was confused and devastated because never in my life had I experienced a bird becoming less tame no matter how much she was handled. I kept wondering if I had broken her somehow! The answer? Bluffing! I had read about bluffing, but in everything I read they talked only about biting, now about frantically throwing themselves against the bars of the cage. The breeder (who has over 30 IRNs in her home, many of whom I interacted with, all of whom were sweet, and almost all of whom are recall trained and all but one of whom are fully flighted) told me that the reason Blue was reacting this way is because she is going through a natural developmental stage that should end on its own within a month, as long as I handle it right, and told me how to do that. The reason she didnt bite like the internet said is because she is fully flighted and her "flight" response has never been forced to change to "fight." she gave me some tips like that IRNs seem to have an excessive fear of fingers during this time, and to offer my wrist instead - Blue's attitude turned around instantly as soon as I hid my fingers, and I am confident we will come out of this phase with a better understanding of each other. I wouldnt trade her for any other type of bird and I love learning all of her differences. But to be fair, if you want a snuggle buddy, and IRN is most likely not for you.

 

[Dinosrawr]

IRNs are excellent talkers, but Amazons have a clarity like no other and are known to mimic extraordinarily well.

The smaller amazons aren't really known for their talking ability. It does depend on the individual bird, of course, but it's something to keep in mind if that's what you're looking for specifically. That being said, the smaller amazons can be very sweet. If friendly is what you want, the mexican redheaded/green cheeked amazon is a great choice. They're a lot of fun too!

Ah, sorry, I don't know much about the smaller amazons, just the bigger guys, haha. Thanks for clearing that up

 

[dialupslim]

Thank you so much for the replies.