Indian Ringneck- good for me?

[Frida975]

Hello! I am new here on bird forum and joined because I am interested in birds and am hoping to get one in the upcoming years. The bird I am most interested in is the Indian ringneck! I have found that there isn't much information on them from some initial surfing, and have decided that I should ask around here to jumpstart my research. I am also wanting to know if you Indian Ringneck keepers out there think that my household is a good fit for an Indian Ringneck!

So a little about me! I am 20 and live at home with my family. I am a college student, though all of my classes are online. I have a very flexible work schedule and am only at my workplace for about 6 hrs a week, usually 3 hours at a time. My house is almost never empty. We have 5 people (including me) living in my house. My mom, grandma, and two younger brothers. We also have company over a lot and often babysit my sister's kids. Their ages are newborn-5 years old. Obviously the only one of the younger kids that would be allowed to hold and closely interact with the bird is the 5 year old, who is very calm and gentle for her age. My younger brothers are 16 and 13. Everyone is onboard with the idea of getting a bird, but most of all is my 13 year old brother, who is expecting the option of 1 on 1 attention and time with the bird. We also have other pets in our household. We have 2 dogs (pitbull{1} and german shepherd{10}) and various other species of fish and reptiles. We also add small animals to our household about 2 times a year, and will soon have a whole room dedicated to them. So, in short, we have a full crazy household, but (in spite of what some may guess)our house is very quite almost all the time. No one would guess there are as many people living there as there is. I hope that gives you a good idea of my household and lifestyle! If after that you don't think a ringneck is right for me, please leave suggestions!! I was just very drawn to the species, but I want a species that is right for me and I'm sure you guys could help me figure that out.

Yes, this is my first bird, but I dont believe in "starters" of any animal. I think it isn't fair to the animal if you get it only so you can get another, especially with birds lifespans, that can become overwhelming very fast. I am looking forward to hear what you guys have to say!!!!!

 

[SilverSage]

I live Ringnecks and I think that they may be the ideal species for your CURRENT living situation, but what are your plans for after college? Work? Marriage? Moving?


Also, what draws you to this species exactly?


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[Frida975]

My plans for after college is probably to stay where I am. At least until my brothers are graduated. My grandma is very old and my mom is constantly traveling, so I am the main caretaker of my siblings. After that who knows?

As for what draws me to the species I don't really know, if that makes sense. It's just one of those things. I'd been researching overall life with parrots for a while, and then just somehow ended up researching them. I guess I was just drawn to them.

 

[noodles123]

Hey and welcome! Thank you for joining and researching!! You are more than welcome-with or without birds.

I am going to post(paste) something VERY important that I wish I had read before owning my first bird--please do read it all--it really is important:

also---because you are new to parrots:
Here is my "new to birds" post that I like to share with first-time bird owners. It is long and you probably know some of it already, but since there is a large learning-curve, I hope it is helpful!

I copied and pasted from another "new bird owner" post. Sorry it's so long!!!

When you have a bird, any sort of heated mechanism (anything that heats or is intended to be heated) and contains PTFE/PFOA/PFCs/Teflon will be out of the question (and most things that heat up or are intended to be heated DO contain these chemicals)--This includes things like pots, pans, cupcake trays, cookie sheets, cake pans etc, but it will also things like include hair-dryers, straighteners, curling irons, curlers, rice-cookers, SLOW COOKERS, popcorn poppers, air fryers, microwave meals (including certain types of microwave popcorn), steamers, irons, ironing board covers, electric skillets, griddles, George Foreman Grills, drip trays, toasters, toaster ovens, poaching pans, electric blankets, humidifiers, heat lamps, SPACE HEATERS, Scotch Guard etc etc...Here 2 links about it: https://www.ewg.org/research/canarie...on-kills-birds
To find out what contains PTFE/PFOA/PFCs/Teflon, you have to call and be a bit insistent about it over the phone (and in some cases, you won't get far--but sometimes it is a matter of how you ask). Almost always, it will take a few days (and numerous holds) for them to get back to you and you must provide the full chemical names, abbreviations and brand-names. Shopping when you have a bird is super annoying because cannot visually ID these chemical coatings, as they can be colored, transparent, or mixed into metal/fabric during the manufacturing process. Teflon and chemically similar products have killed birds on separate floors with the doors shut. Similarly, while DuPont claims that off-gassing only occurs at higher heats, there have been myriad bird deaths (even within academic circles) at temperatures well within the 300 degree F range! There is a reason they used canaries in coal-mines and it is because they die very easily due to even low levels of fumes of any sort. Some specific accounts: https://www.ewg.org/research/canarie...-death-diaries
Here are the abbreviations and full spellings of the chemicals you need to ask about when inquiring about a product (give the name, spelling and abbreviation of each):

Teflon= common brand-name using the chemical types in question
PTFE= Polytetrafluoroethyline
PFOA= Perfluorooctanoic acid (sometimes known as C8)
PFCs= Perfluorinated chemicals

Sleep=essential to hormonal and immune function. Different species have different requirements, but 12 is pretty much the average. This means that someone must be there to cover and uncover the bird at the same time each night and that your home must be conducive to sleep.

Make sure you aren't using any unsafe products around the bird. This is pretty much everything with a scent (and some things without).
No perfume, carpet cleaner, flea shampoo, aerosols, solvents, air fresheners, paints, smoke of any kind, vaping, sunscreen, bugspray, candles of any kind (organic or non), insecticides, certain soaps/shampoos, fire-places, burning or heated oil/fat, self-cleaning ovens, gas and any household cleaners (e.g., bleach, windex, lysol, fabreeze, scrubbing bubbles, kaboom, pine-sol etc)...You will seriously have to re-think your entire home and your cleaning routine will change a ton.
NEVER use the self-cleaning oven function or try to season cast iron around birds.
The list goes on. Birds have VERY sensitive respiratory systems. Essential oils are also fairly unsafe due to their ability to be absorbed into the blood-stream and due to a bird's sensitive air sacs.
In terms of safe cleaning alternatives: White vinegar + water (as long as you don't heat it), grapefruit seed extract + water, baking soda (for scrubbing), some (but not all) natural cleaning products sold in pre-mixed formulas, and then avian-safe veterinary disinfectants, such as F10 SC (the yellow/clear concentrate has to be mixed with water but it is super safe and more effective than vinegar at killing bacteria etc).

Fumes make traveling with a bird complicated, as it is very unsafe to bring your bird with you into a location where teflon or chemical cleaners are being used. My bird does travel with me, but it is important to consider the safety of your final destination, as well as car temperature and any stops along the way (if you plan on bringing your bird inside).
I would recommend getting an air purifier (non-ozone producing/non-ionizing) to help with dust/mold etc (which can harm birds). Please note- a purifier will not protect birds from cigarette smoke, vaping fumes, teflon/ptfe/pfoa etc. It will only help increase the quality of the air to some extent. You cannot use unsafe chemicals around the bird just because you have a purifier.

Generally, you should only pet birds on the head/neck and you should not allow any shadowy spaces in the cage (boxes, bedding, crumbled paper, tents, blankets, low furniture, in clothing etc)...and so are tents/huts/hammocks etc. These things are hormonal triggers and they can cause health and behavior problems and snuggle huts can also entangle birds and cause blockages.

Birds hide illness like crazy, so there is nothing intuitive about their diseases. You have to be ready to study your birds poop and behavior daily, because even the slightest change can be a huge indicator. Blood work must be done yearly (at minimum) and should be done soon after you get a new bird. Birds can carry and spread deadly illnesses without showing any symptoms, so play-dates and exposure to boarding facilities etc come with risks of their own. PBFD, ABV and PDD are all very serious and very contagious diseases that can be spread by things like feather dust in the ventilation system. These diseases are also notorious for producing false negatives in infected but asymptomatic carriers (when tested).
Bottom line: make sure that you have a certified avian vet (CAV) near you. Exotics vets who see birds are not the same thing. If you don't have a CAV near you, your life will be much more anxiety-ridden than if you do (and the difference between a CAV and an exotics vet can mean the difference between life and death for your bird in certain instances).

Birds are very sensitive to temperature changes and drafts. Any temperature change of 10 degrees or more puts significant stress on their systems. If you have to take your bird out in the cold, make sure you carefully cover the cage and pre-warm the car. Also, make sure you don't have any air-fresheners in the car or vents blowing directly on the bird. Extreme heat can also be harmful. Over time, birds can adjust to a wide ranger of temperatures, but this adjustment has to take place over a long period of time. Anything too quick is going to shock their systems.

Dowel perches that are smooth/even in texture lead to a disease called bumble-foot. Textured perches prevent this---look into dragonwood, manzanita and pummice perches. There are numerous guides to appropriate sizing online.

Birds move in slow motion and especially and establishing real trust can take many months.

A baby bird will generally be friendly to all (much like a baby human), but teen and adult birds experience significant hormonal changes which impact their personality and preferences. Puberty is particularly bad in many cases. Although it passes, an adult bird will never be as nice as a baby and it will come with a whole new set of preferences, desires and rules.
It is very important not to engage in behaviors that will eventually be inappropriate for the bird as an adult, as this sets an unsustainable precedent. You must teach independence, refrain from allowing the bird to graft itself to you all day, do not spend excessive time with your bird due to the fact that they are a new and exciting new pet (because you will be expected to keep it up long-term), pet on head/neck only and do not provide your bird with access to fleece huts, huts in general, tents, boxes, blankets, pillows, bedding etc, ignore screams for attention and attend to the sounds you will be able to tolerate long-term, ignore biting when it happens and do not scold/react (unless you are certain of the function/cause).

 

[SilverSage]

I see sooooooo many Ringnecks rehomed because they aren’t the right fit for 90% of bird owners.

As an aviculturist, I don’t let ANY of my Ringnecks go home with someone who can’t explain to me EXACTLY why they want a ringneck instead of a Conure. Most would do better with a Conure of some sort honestly.


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[Frida975]

Thank you noodles123 for the helpful information. I will definitely be more aware of things like that as I get ready for any future bird.

And SilverSage I completely understand! That makes total sense and I have thought more about it. I want an Indian Ringneck because they (apparently) tend to be quieter than conures. I also think they are very beautiful birds. I feel like most of all I'm looking for an animal that will challenge me, test me, and require more work than a dog or lizard. An animal with emotional depth. (not saying other animals don't have emotions ) From what I've watched on youtube ringnecks just seem unique, and challenging, and fun! I hope this answers your question.

 

[SilverSage]

Mine are a lot louder than my green cheeked conures and a lot quieter than sun conures etc.


They have depth, but they aren’t going to snuggle you or attach to you the way a Conure would.


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[chris-md]

I see sooooooo many Ringnecks rehomed because they aren’t the right fit for 90% of bird owners.

As an aviculturist, I don’t let ANY of my Ringnecks go home with someone who can’t explain to me EXACTLY why they want a ringneck instead of a Conure. Most would do better with a Conure of some sort honestly.


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I love this!! Though I wonder what would be a satisfactory answer for you, Dani. Surely something like “I think they are prettier” or “they talk better” wouldn’t pass muster.

 

[SilverSage]

I see sooooooo many Ringnecks rehomed because they aren’t the right fit for 90% of bird owners.



As an aviculturist, I don’t let ANY of my Ringnecks go home with someone who can’t explain to me EXACTLY why they want a ringneck instead of a Conure. Most would do better with a Conure of some sort honestly.





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I love this!! Though I wonder what would be a satisfactory answer for you, Dani. Surely something like “I think they are prettier” or “they talk better” wouldn’t pass muster.

You are correct! Those are two answers that turn me waaaaaay off lol. I’m looking for “independent” and “more of a playmate than a snuggle buddy” and “bond well with a family instead of just one person” things like that; things that highlight what makes them different. I’m also looking to hear that the person has spent time with Ringnecks before, knows they tend to do poorly when clipped, knows what they sound like, knows adult Ringnecks usually don’t like being petted NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU SNUGGLE THEM AS BABIES, and that they understand that the 18” tail means they need a HUGE cage, etc.


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