First Bird?

[Kelsih11]

Also, I found a cage locally that is an "out of box" which was nice because I saw it set up. It's 30x30x43" (overall height is 65" with stand and playtop and toyhook) plus seed guards with 1/2" bar spacing. Its like a brownish color. It's from Petco. Would this be a good size for either bird? I'm really eyeing it because they don't sell it online anymore and I will need it eventually. Looks like this
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct...0upzAwZf6FoDbara5q1eGnoA&ust=1444159905750235

 

[RavensGryf]

I just talked to one of my mom's friends and he's had IRNs before and his brother used to have a rock pebbler. He did say that rock pebblers can revert to their "wild ways" very easily and it is nearly impossible to tame them again. Anyone else have an experience with this? I read that this is true of IRNs but any additional info would be great!

As I said above in my last post about the related POW, and the other Australian parakeets I've had experience with over the decades, I believe yes... the Rock Pebbler will revert very easily, and not tame down in the first place to be as hands on or 'settled' as a parrot would. I have not only had first hand experience with 3 various 'parakeet' species (not counting budgies), plus many years of researching and hearing other people's experiences as well with the Aussie parakeets. I know how you feel. I went through this fascination with certain species before, several times in the past, where I HAD TO have them, and I learned a disappointing lesson the hard way. Good luck.

IRNs and family are like that to a lesser degree, and can tame down more successfully into what one would think of as a good pet species.

 

[itchyfeet]

Henry could stick his head out of the cage he came in so I ended up getting him a new one, with 1cm bar spacing (or 0.393701inches). So it 'should' be okay in terms of that.
Online Shopping | Bird Cages New Zealand - bird feeders, bird food, and bird supplies NZ This is his cage. We don't have a massive brand choice in NZ, but these are super functional and easy to clean. He's harness trained, and he has play gyms in the living room and office.The cage door is usually open during the day.

 

[Dinosrawr]

Have you tried looking on Amazon? They have excellent deals on birdcages and more often than not you can get 2 day Prime shipping on them. This is the cage I have for Shiko, but in grey:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000OP9M5U/ref=mp_s_a_1_36?qid=1444098640&sr=8-36&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=Prevue+Hendryx&dpPl=1&dpID=41ioTqJs1FL&ref=plSrch"]Amazon.com : Prevue Pet Products Wrought Iron Select Bird Cage 3154BLK, Black Hammertone, 36-Inch by 24-Inch by 66-Inch : Parrot Cages : Pet Supplies[/ame]

I don't use the playtop because the grate made the cage too dark as we don't have enough natural light in the basement for the birds, instead we have boings and orbits hanging from the ceiling that they love.

Annnddd as I struggle to type this with one hand, this is what Shiko is doing:



In regards to ringnecks going "wild", I honestly feel that it's a bit of an old wives tale with no backing. Any bird that you don't handle, don't let out of the cage, don't positively reinforce, or let be an aviary bird without interacting with them on a daily basis will revert to their "wild" nature. And some birds do that with that interaction, but I don't think ringnecks are predisposed to do so. Some even find their bluffing to be controversial. I personally do think ringnecks bluff, and that it's very notable in their species opposed to others. Shiko certainly seems "wild" as opposed to his general behaviour at the moment, but that's because he's going through a major moult right now and is very quite skittish and touchy (aannnddd he just got his first black feather today - YAY!).

What I recommend in regard to your bird being jumbled about you having more work time is to simply employ a schedule as soon as possible that will reflect your future lifestyle. Don't have your bird out 8 hours every day and then suddenly only have them out for 3-4 every day - it can really shake them up and lead to more problematic behaviours like screaming and plucking. If you know you're not going to be home until 5, then have your bird out in the morning before work, do a morning "ritual" if you will, and then have them out again once it hits around 5. Scheduling is pretty important for any animal, but I find parrots really need to have a general sense for when they should be awake, fed, interacted with, etc. Not to say having a dynamic schedule isn't good too, as it helps some parrots adjust to change much better, but drastic changes are never any fun for anyone.

 

[Betrisher]

I've never kept Regent Parrots (no one I know calls them 'Rock Pebblers' - maybe that's a regional name?). Having said that, though, I can agree with Julie wholeheartedly to say that Australian parakeets of the genus Polytelis are very, very hard to tame. It's as though they're still a step-and-a-half away from domestication when compared to other genera like Cacatua or Psittacula. Don't get me wrong: Regent Parrots are very popular aviary birds simply because they're so pretty. I'm just saying that if you want a close companion bird, you might to better to choose an IRN. I've seen hand-raised IRNs which are extremely affectionate and snuggly - never seen a Regent Parrot like that, though.

 

[Anansi]

...What I recommend in regard to your bird being jumbled about you having more work time is to simply employ a schedule as soon as possible that will reflect your future lifestyle. Don't have your bird out 8 hours every day and then suddenly only have them out for 3-4 every day - it can really shake them up and lead to more problematic behaviours like screaming and plucking. If you know you're not going to be home until 5, then have your bird out in the morning before work, do a morning "ritual" if you will, and then have them out again once it hits around 5. Scheduling is pretty important for any animal, but I find parrots really need to have a general sense for when they should be awake, fed, interacted with, etc. Not to say having a dynamic schedule isn't good too, as it helps some parrots adjust to change much better, but drastic changes are never any fun for anyone.

AMEN! If we had a multiple "Thanks" button I'd be hitting it now! Repeatedly! This is so important, and so often overlooked.

I'm not a stickler for regimented schedules, as I work at making my birds very adaptable to change, but this is an approach that can only be embraced to a point. There has to be an overall framework. Out of cage time may vary in my home in terms of exactly what time it kicks off, but my flock can count on a certain average amount of time out. A massive ongoing change, such as going from an average of 8 hours a day to an average of maybe 1-3 would be pretty traumatic to most birds. And, as Chantal mentioned, could easily lead to behavioral issues like plucking.

Keep this in mind before making your decision, and have an honest conversation with yourself about your willingness to make the necessary life adjustments before going forward.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[AnnBrown]

I was recently going threw something similar to you. My family is bringing home a baby at the end of the week (Galah Cockatoo) . I have to say besides the advise on this forum (which was an AMAZING help) I got a lot of information from going sit down with my local Avian Vet. I also contacted several breeders and sat down with them. I was able to ask a lot of questions and handle several different types of birds.

As far as a rescue or rehomed bird... I am always an advocate of giving an animal a home that needs on, but be cautious, go sit down with the bird several times before bringing them home. Call local vets and the ASPCA, they may have rescues/rehomes that are gentle and have been well handled. And know your limits, dont get talked into taking on a bird that is too much for you to handle. you can always start small and add a larger bird to your "flock" once you have finished school and your life has settled down a little. Good luck!

 

[Kelsih11]

I have to say besides the advise on this forum (which was an AMAZING help) I got a lot of information from going sit down with my local Avian Vet. I also contacted several breeders and sat down with them. I was able to ask a lot of questions and handle several different types of birds.
Call local vets and the ASPCA, they may have rescues/rehomes that are gentle and have been well handled. And know your limits, dont get talked into taking on a bird that is too much for you to handle. you can always start small and add a larger bird to your "flock" once you have finished school and your life has settled down a little. Good luck!

That's such a good idea! I have already been in touch with one breeder who said she was open to answering questions but she never responded to my email, so maybe I'll find another one!

 

[Kelsih11]

Talked to a local breeder via email and she said
"RP are most known to be aviary birds. Aviary vs pet is that you can just about hand feed any bird and make it "tame", but will it be a good pet? Will it stay tame? And when it reaches sexual maturity will it stay tame? the answer is most likely not. Neither these birds (RP or IRN) would be a good choice for a first time bird owner."
I told her my educational background and such and She recommended GCC, Caique, Quaker (illegal in CA), Dusky Conure or Hahn's Macaw.
Thoughts?

 

[Kelsih11]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvsR0gRv-0Q"]Rock pebblers (Regent Parrot) for beginners - YouTube[/ame]

 

[itchyfeet]

Talked to a local breeder via email and she said
"RP are most known to be aviary birds. Aviary vs pet is that you can just about hand feed any bird and make it "tame", but will it be a good pet? Will it stay tame? And when it reaches sexual maturity will it stay tame? the answer is most likely not. Neither these birds (RP or IRN) would be a good choice for a first time bird owner."
I told her my educational background and such and She recommended GCC, Caique, Quaker (illegal in CA), Dusky Conure or Hahn's Macaw.
Thoughts?

Comes back to no such thing as a 'first bird'.
You go into ringnecks with your eyes wide open, and an understanding of their behavioural tendencies. If you've considered the foraging, engagement and stimulation needs of an african grey, you'll be fine with a ringneck. They're not 'first birds' for those who like the look of one listed on trade me (Craigslist?). You have to know what you are doing. And they'll give back a million times over.

My heart was broken in my hunt for a parrot, when I went to an aviary of every mutation under the sun. The idea was that I'd pay the breeder to finish weaning through handfeeding, and then the baby would come home with me. I found a gorgeous white/blue male and fell in love. The breeder then said "I really don't know why you'd bother. Ringneck's don't tame up well at all. They don't make good pets". It was enough to throw my confidence completely and I left without the bird.

I kept searching, either for a Grey or IRN - that was my breed shortlist. I found Henry. Since then, Henry has come with me to the aviaries, to show that breeder just what those birds of his could be capable of, it the right hands. He was happy to admit he was wrong, but did say it took a person with the right mindset to pull it off.

I had a budgie and have a 'tiel who was here before Henry. I've had a little experience with the mother and MIL's too's. That is the extent of my bird know how. Google, pinterest and forums are my friends. Staying connected to those actually in the know helps.

I think it's a matter of taking the time to find the 'right' ringneck, not the first ringneck. And then soaking in the information. Just like any bird.

 

[Dinosrawr]

100% agree with Itchy! There's no such thing as a "beginner" bird. You could have 10 birds, and the 11th could throw you into a pile of confusion, make you question what you know about birds, and make you ponder your own sanity as well. Every bird is an individual - some are just so much easier than others while others make you pull out your own hair at times.

Heck, look at children! Me, my brother, and my sister couldn't be anymore different. My brother was a relatively easy child as my mom always knew what he was doing. I was a troublesome child - when I was quiet I was more than likely destroying her house. My sister was accident prone and for some reason couldn't avoid falling up stairs anymore than she could breathing. As we've grown up we've changed from there. So when someone tells you a bird isn't a good "first time bird", to me they're just saying, "hey, this is an emotionally intelligent animal that requires love, attention, and care in a way that most people don't expect". There are many who have macaws as first and only birds, some who progress literally from budgie to say a cockatoo. Others choose to stay within a certain size range. But every bird is so unique that it's just silly to say which would be "easier" - each bird is an individual. Regardless of species, every bird requires a LOT of love and investment both emotionally, physically, and financially.

So do I agree with that breeder? Not at all. But I do think she's simply trying to discourage individuals who can't properly commit from getting a bird that may be too much for them to handle. I would imagine that breeders deal with so many people who think they know what they're getting into but come back a few months later saying, "this bird is too much work, do you have something easier that will cuddle/talk/do tricks/(insert ridiculous expectations of a bird they're not willing to invest in)?". Which I can imagine is very, very frustrating.

 

[itchyfeet]

You only have to take Henry and Shiko to see how different two birds of the same species can be....both awesome pets. Behavioural tendencies are just that - tendencies. If only handreared IRN's were sold to people who knew what they were doing, chances are those tendencies might change over time. That probably stands generic among parrots.
I reckon, IRN's and RP's have made your shortlist. It's likely you'll end up with one or the other. Keep an eye on the rehomes, the rescues, and the breeders. When you feel confident and comfortable with the people/birds that you cross paths with, you'll have your new baby

Side note - when my mothers schedule picks up in various places throughout the year, her parrot watches disney movies, and the occasional screening of dirty dancing. My MIL's listens to the radio. It seems to help the engagement/noise thing.

 

[Kelsih11]

Thanks Itchy and Dinosrawr! That's such a good point, because even with domesticated species like dogs and cats vary from their "breed standard". I feel like its the same idea here. Same thing with people. Everyone is different. I have some more time to think about it obviously since it's not "baby season" and then I'll have PLENTY more questions Any more information on cage size, diet and other "tips" would be greatly appreciated!
BTW, I looked at the other flight cages and they are 32x19 but I feel like 19" deep is too small. I measured it out in my living room, and it seems very small. Thoughts?

 

[Dinosrawr]

Anytime [emoji4] We have awesome threads on diets, chop, and the like, so I recommend giving those a look under the Diet threads. Personally I think 19" is very small for a depth, especially considering both species you're interested in have quite long tail feathers. IRN's average around 15-17" for their entire body length including the tail, so 19" would be a bit of a pain for them to turn around in. Rock pebblers are a bit bigger in body size and their body length is nearly the same.

20" and up would be ideal, and imo 20" is kinda the bare minimum for depth. So I agree with you on that one.

 

[Kelsih11]

Sooooo this was from the Breeder I emailed

 

[Dinosrawr]

I wouldn't take too much offense. The breeder is just trying to protect her birds, albeit in an aggressive fashion. And honestly, all of those "beginner" birds she listed can be challenging to own as well.

I would look into a breeder that would guide you and teach you how to properly care for the bird you're interested in.

 

[itchyfeet]

She's right on one point - you might be overthinking it a little but we all do that!
Find another breeder. Don't let her put you off, but find someone else. Someone willing to teach and encourage as you go.

 

[Kelsih11]

It's a little disheartening to hear, but then again, as you all have said, every bird is different. I don't have a big pool of breeders to choose from for RPs, but I feel confident with the breeder I'm already on the waiting list with. Maybe I'll have to pay them another visit before babies are available to talk about RPs and IRNs.

 

[itchyfeet]

Don't feel restricted by these two species. By all means keep talking to the breeders etc...but if you see or hear of another bird needing a home that takes your fancy....you might be a parront earlier than you think!

Edited to add: the wait sucks - but you know what sizesh your bird will be - make toys! Heaps of cool ideas in the DIY threads